Geoff Coles 1967-70 

It’s hard to believe it’s over 50 years since I left Durham, very fond memories of both Castle and of the Geography Dept back then. It was run by Prof William Fisher and Prof Howard Bowen-Jones, and Prof Clarke.... the Africa specialist and then one of the largest faculties at Durham. Living at Durham Castle, and Lumley Castle in my first year, was just terrific. Walking to the Science site along the River Wear from Castle.

After university I studied to be a Chartered Accountant in London (Deloitte and Co back then) and in Jan 1974 moved on transfer to the Copperbelt. Two years there and onto Johannesburg, still briefly in Auditing, before going into Commerce (Plessey), based in Cape Town. I was one year near Toronto, back in 1980.... but the weather!!  I remained in Cape Town until retirement 14 years ago, mostly working at the Financial Director of SA’s largest food manufacturer, Tiger Brands. Now, I live in Gordon’s Bay, a small town within the Cape Town Metro across False Bay.

I have been back to Durham on a few occasions, the last time 2014..... the place has changed, the memories hardly at all. I continue to follow various University sites, Castellum too, better it’s electronic. I wished I had remained in contact with my old friends back then... John Dagg, Mike Maunder, Peter Liver and Dave Hollington among others.

Geoff Coles 1967-70