I was Registrar of Churchill College, University of Cambridge, from 1988 to 2014, when I took early retirement from my full-time role. I am a By-Fellow of Churchill College and now work part-time in the Churchill Archives Centre where I run the College’s oral history project.

I travelled to Australia and France in 2001 to explore ways of extending the support provided to academic visitors from overseas, to broaden my understanding of administrative procedures in other universities, and to think more strategically in my role in central administration. I also undertook some personal research in France.

The Fellowship proved to be a turning point for me, both professionally and personally. Not only did I achieve my initial objectives, but I was also able to extend my professional interests through writing. In 2012, I published a book Flying Roast Ducks on the mathematician and scientist Sir Hermann Bondi, and in 2019 I wrote a guide to the grounds and gardens of Churchill College. A third book Portrait of a Landscape: the grounds and gardens of Churchill College, was published in 2021.

I have also carried out original research on a little-known landscape architect, Sheila Haywood (1911-1993), who was a former Assistant to Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe. Forgotten but respected, she played an important role in developing the profession of landscape architecture in the mid-twentieth century. Examples of her work can still be seen at Bracknell New Town (1950-74), Churchill College, Cambridge (1959-1974), and Hope Cement Works in Derbyshire (1942-78). My book, Sheila Haywood: pioneering landscape architect, the first major study of her work, was published by Windgather Press in October 2026.