Spirit of the Hall

Hugh McManners

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, Past President of the St Edmund Hall Association in conversation with Hugh McManners, who came up to the Hall in 1975 to read Geography.  Hugh was actually born at Teddy Hall as his Father was the Chaplain and then the Dean.  Hugh returned to study at Teddy Hall after Sandhurst which he went to to avoid any more education!  After Teddy Hall, Hugh returned to the army and during the Falklands War, he fought with the Special Boat Service and worked with the SAS, after which he was awarded a “Mention in Despatches”.  After Hugh left the Army, he was diagnosed as having PTSD and so began campaigning for greater awareness of the psychological effects of combat on military people.  He founded the Scars of War Foundation for PTSD which was chaired by a fellow Aularian, Jeremy Charles. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Andrew Peach

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, Immediate Past President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Andrew Peach who came up to the Hall in 1991 to read Modern History. Andrew loved his time at Teddy Hall and started his career in radio whilst there by getting a job at the BBC in his first term.  He now has over 30 years experience in presenting news programmes and is a well known voice on BBC Radio.  Andrew's covered both local news in Berkshire as well as major events such as the fall of Tripoli and the death of our late Queen, receiving many awards in broadcasting along the way.  Andrew is someone who has always been passionate about his job and the importance of radio in our daily lives.  Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Bob Gaffey

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, Immediate Past President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Bob Gaffey, who came up to the Hall in 1975 to read Jurisprudence.  Bob threw himself into everything he could at Oxford.  He became the JCR Steward, played in the jazz band OxCentrics and coxed the First V111 boat despite having never rowed before.   After Oxford, Bob moved back to the States to be with his now wife Deb and he set on his career as a lawyer.   Despite being in the US, Bob remained very much in touch with the Hall throughout. He sits on the St Edmund Hall Association Committee and organises the New York Dinner each year with great enthusiasm.  Bob recently became an Honorary Fellow of the Hall which meant the world to him.  Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Robin Osterley

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, Immediate Past President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Robin Osterley, who came up to the Hall in 1981 to read PPE.  After Robin’s first year, he changed to Human Sciences, even though the Hall didn’t actually teach it!  Robin spent much of his time at Oxford playing in orchestras and bands as well as acting in plays and musicals. After Oxford, Robin started his career by selling photocopiers. He then joined the world of marketing and computers before pivoting back to his love of the Arts.  He is now in the charity world where he is CEO of the Charity Retail Association, alongside conducting orchestras and singing in choirs.  Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Sir Mel Stride

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, Immediate Past President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Sir Melvyn Stride, the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, who came up to the Hall in 1981 to read Chemistry but quickly changed to Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE).  During Mel’s time at Oxford he embraced the Oxford Union, enjoyed being the President and meeting dignitaries from around the world.  Mel has now been in politics for almost 20 years and managed to hang onto his seat at the 2024 General Election when the Conservatives suffered their major blow, losing 251 seats.  Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.