Post by Grace Field

Ahead of the obligatory graduation post, I thought I’d share something slightly less recent! It was an honour to be awarded Full College Colours on the 11th of June for my commitment and contribution to the University College JCR. After a great year as its Services Manager, working alongside the executive committee to represent over 1,300 undergraduates, and three years of involvement with this fantastic college, it was a privilege to have my work recognised. I’m exceptionally grateful to the entire executive committee for making this year run smoothly in the face of such significant university-wide changes. Despite the cuts to University catering provisions, I am proud of the 13 formals I was able to oversee in my role as Services Manager. Across 9 themed dinners, 4 musical performances, and more than 1,600 tickets distributed, formal dinners at Castle have remained a staple tradition of both the college and the University. It is especially exciting to see the refurbishment and opening of the new West Courtyard Bar. After new operational limitations rendered the Toastie Bar business unviable, I worked with Olivia Grace Smith, Duran Gun, and Jamie Short to help facilitate this repurposing of space and function, resulting in an area that expands one of the most enjoyed features of college life and revitalises an abandoned social space. Whether it was spending far too many hours working around e-commerce, repainting the beer-soaked walls of the JCR lounge, or bringing back one-off favourite events such as a Christmas Wine and Cheese Night, my time as Services Manager has been thoroughly rewarding. Outside my JCR role, I have taken on responsibilities with groups including University College Boat Club, the Ball Committee, Castle Charity Fashion Show, and as a Freshers’ Rep. I have enjoyed participating in college life through events such as volunteering for the CCA auction in 2024, and running the Gateshead 10k in support of Olivia Inspires. I’m grateful to be recognised for my contributions and am excited to keep up with what the 2026/2027 Junior Common Room will have in store!