In recent months the topic of energy has been at the forefront of many people’s minds, both here in College and in the wider world. For some this has been related to the cost of living crisis, while for others it has been an inherent theme in the aspiration for a more sustainable future.
This issue of Johnian is bookended by this subject; I spoke to Cathy McClay about some of the challenges that working with energy presents and about her hopes for the sector in our interview, while Nigel Topping closes the publication talking about his belief that, with the right action, net zero could be closer than we think. The idea of working in harmony with nature is also built into the work of Becca Jevons who leads adventurous expeditions with a conservational twist.
Closer to home, Rahat Uddin tells us about his hopes that teaching in his old sixth form will help to encourage the responsible citizens of the future. Supporting future generations is also an intrinsic reason that Nicola Horton and Tiffany Evans decided to set up bequests to St John’s. They tell us more about their experiences as members of the Beaufort Society.
As well as looking forward, we also take a look back into the College’s history, and you can find out about some of the changes that were taking place at St John’s in the mid-1960s and which songs alumni from that era consider to make up the soundtrack to their time in College. Graham Harding continues the historical theme and his article gives a potted history of champagne. And we take a look at some of the Johnian women who have been making history themselves.
It is only with one eye on the future and one on the past that we might hope to make that sustainable ambition a reality.
PS Please email me your thoughts on the magazine and look out for more College updates and Johnian stories on our news pages and in our monthly alumni enewsletter.
The opinions expressed in Johnian magazines are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of St John’s College and the University of Cambridge.
Written by
Ellie is the Publications and Project Manager at St John’s. As Editor of Johnian magazine and The Eagle and manager of the alumni blog, she project manages print and digital publications as well as commissioning, writing and editing their content. Ellie has previously worked in the Development Office at Darwin College and for a Heritage Lottery funded landscape partnership scheme in the Brecks. She holds a BA in History from Cardiff University and an MPhil in Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic Studies from the University of Cambridge (Clare College).
