Advertise on podcast: Spirit of the Hall

In the first episode of Series Six hear Olly Belcher, Immediate Past President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Lord William Hague, the Chancellor of Oxford University, a role he describes as “the honour of his life”.   As well as the Chancellor, Lord Hague is a “Visitor” to Teddy Hall, a role that is great fun until there is trouble! Lord Hague is renowned for his 26 years in British politics and served as Leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition from 1997 to 2001.  He returned to frontline politics under David Cameron, serving as Foreign Secretary from 2010 to 2014, and subsequently as Leader of the House of Commons until stepping down from Parliament in 2015. 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.

In the final episode of Series Five, hear Olly Belcher, past President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with John Milloy who came up to the Hall in 1990 as an MCR student to do his Doctor of Philosophy in Modern History.  John absolutely loved his time at Teddy Hall and particularly enjoyed being the MCR Steward.  After Teddy Hall, John returned to Canada and immediately got involved in politics, ultimately working for the Prime Minister!  He then turned to the ballot box himself and was a Liberal Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, surviving three elections until he retired from politics in 2014.     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.

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, Past President of the St Edmund Hall Association in conversation with Robert Macaire, who came up to the Hall in 1984 to read Modern History.  Rob rowed in the first eight and was one of the founding members of the much loved Syndicate! After Teddy Hall, he joined the Ministry of Defence and then the Foreign Office where his first posting was to Romania.  Following postings to Washington DC and to Nairobi as British High Commissioner, Rob was appointed as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Iran.  He then spent time in the private sector before turning his hand to the third sector with his recent appointment as CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy meaning a return to Kenya.   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.

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, Past President of the St Edmund Hall Association in conversation with Dr Emma French, who came up to the Hall in 1993 to read History and English. Emma completed her PHD in Literary Theory from Southampton University before publishing her first book, Selling Shakespeare to Hollywood.  Emma has edited several plays and is the author of a number of bestselling true crime books including Inside Broadmoor and Inside Wakefield Prison, which was the biggest selling true crime book in the UK in 2024. Emma’s insights into the UK's high-security prison system are extraordinary and eye-opening.   She has seen first-hand the living conditions and daily lives of prisoners, officers and staff over sustained periods of time.   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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, Immediate Past President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Professor Jools Simner who came up to the Hall in 1990 to read Modern Languages.  Jools actually joined a year later than planned due to an incorrect A level result being entered into the system.  That one error changed the course of her life. Jools is now a professor of Neurophyschology at the University of Sussex specialising in multisensory processes and what they mean for people. 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.

In the first episode of Series Five hear Olly Belcher, Immediate Past President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with the British Comedian, Al Murray.   Al came up to the Hall in 1987 to read Modern History.   Since then he has become known as the “Pub Landlord” as well as appearing on TV, recording podcasts, writing history books, playing the drums with Queen and dabbling in Politics.   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.

In the final episode of series four, hear Olly Belcher, immediate part President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Andrew Vivian, Teddy Hall’s Director of Development.  Andrew is responsible for fundraising and alumni relations at the Hall and he touches on his day to day life in this role. He is also in charge of executing the £50 million Hallmarks Campaign and talks about how the College is doing against this ambitious target.  The biggest project at the moment is probably Norham St Edmund, necessary in order to house all second year students which is so important for the Hall.  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.

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, Immediate Past President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Jessica Milligan who came up to the Hall in 2023 to read Geography.  Jess is Teddy Hall's current Environment and Ethics Officer and feels that students really do care about the College’s green agenda being led so effectively by the Principal and her Senior Leadership Team.  Jess also plays a vital role in College offering other students peer support when needed. 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.

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, Immediate Past President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Alice Hart-Davis who came up to the Hall in 1982 to read Modern History.  Today, Alice is the Founder of the Tweakments Guide, a remarkable source of knowledge about beauty tweakments and great practitioners to go to.  In an evolving and often overwhelming world of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, laser skin treatments, dermal fillers, botox and wrinkle relaxing injections, this guide is all you need to know!   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.

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, Immediate Past President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation wit Senator Larry Pressler who came up to the Hall in 1964 as a Rhodes Scholar where he was awarded his Diploma in Social and Public Administration.   Senator Pressler loved his time at the Hall and after was sent to Vietnam in 1966 to fight in the war there.  He then entered American politics and describes himself as a “RINO”, a Republican in name only.  A pivotal moment in his career was when he turned down a bribe to let what he could “pretenders” come into the States.  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.