Grey College Alumni Association

13/10/2026

We are sad to inform you of the death of The Rev'd Malcolm Peach, who was Chaplain of Grey College from 1961 to 1965, whilst also working as SCM Secretary for the North East of England. Father Malcolm had a long ministry in the Diocese of Durham, and served in several parishes, including S Nicholas, Bishopwearmouth, here in Sunderland, where he returned in his retirement, for many years one of active ministry. Latterly, he made his spiritual home at S Ignatius the Martyr, Hendon, and his funeral will take place there.

Father Malcolm's funeral will take place at S Ignatius the Martyr, Hendon and is open to all who may wish to attend -Father Malcolm’s body will be received into church at 4.00pm on Thursday, 22nd October, and his Funeral Mass will be offered at 1.00pm on Friday, 23rd October, before his committal at Sunderland Crematorium.

06/10/2026

Grey College Alumni Drinks Event
We’re having a casual alumni drinks in a private room at Chapel Market Tavern, London – on the 12th of November.

Guests are welcome any time after 7pm. If you sign up with us in advance – using this link:

https://lnkd.in/d-AarKJc

… then you will get a free drink upon entry. You can also email [email protected] to be added to the guest list.

You may have received an email with a direct booking link, as this was sent to all registered Grey alumni on RE.
…more
Blackbaud
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11/09/2026

18/08/2026

DURHAM MEMORIAL EVENT - Prof. J Martyn Chamberlain

Grey College and the Physics department are holding a celebration in honour of Prof. Martyn Chamberlain's, Master of Grey College 2003-2011, who passed away in May. This will recognise and celebrate Martyn’s contributions to the University, through Grey College, his Terahertz Physics work and the Biophysical Sciences Institute, and also some of the research collaborations he fostered.

On Monday 21st September, there will be a series of presentations in the College from 2 pm. The talks will be followed by a Chapel Service. All are welcome.

04/08/2026

Women of Grey: Reunion & Networking Evening

We are delighted to invite Grey alumnae from across the generations back to College for a special afternoon and evening of reconnection, conversation and celebration at Grey College!

The programme will include...

• An optional campus tour
• Tea, coffee and cake in College
• An informal discussion hosted by our Principal, Prof. Sonia Virdee: “What does it mean to be a Grey alumna?”
• A prosecco reception and buffet
• The opportunity to continue the evening in the Greyhound Bar

Guests are also encouraged to bring a photograph, object or memory from their time at Grey to help prompt conversation and reminiscence.

Whether you graduated recently or several decades ago, this will be a relaxed opportunity to revisit Grey, renew old friendships, make new connections and help shape the College’s future relationship with its women alumni.

📅 18th September, 2026
📍 Grey College, South Road, Durham
🎟️ Places are limited to 30 (with early bird price currently available)

Find out more and book your place here:

https://lnkd.in/e2H6NUfm

Please do share this post with Grey friends and contemporaries who might enjoy joining us!

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

01/07/2026

The first graduation ceremonies for Grey's class of 2026

05/06/2026

PRINCIPAL's DINNER
On 14 May, Grey College was delighted to host the second annual Principal's Dinner at the magnificent Reform Club in Pall Mall.

The evening brought together around 30 alumni and friends of the College for an enjoyable opportunity to reconnect, share memories, and hear about the exciting developments taking place at Grey today and in the near future. Guests enjoyed the beautiful surroundings of the Reform Club, one of London's most historic and elegant venues, providing a fitting backdrop for the occasion.

A particular highlight of the evening was collecting guests together in front of a portrait of Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey and namesake of Grey College - connecting almost 70 years of Grey College history with over 200 years of British history.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success. It was wonderful to see so many members of the Grey community together once again.

Prof. Sonia Virdee, Principal, greatly enjoyed meeting alumni and supporters of the College, and we are already looking forward to welcoming guests back for next year's dinner.

20/05/2026

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death on May 9th , after a short illness, of Prof. Martyn Chamberlain , Master of Grey College and Professor of Applied Physics at Durham between 2003 and 2011.
Martyn's funeral will be held at Wymondham Abbey, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 0PH at 12 noon on Thursday 4th June 2026.
If you wish to attend, please e-mail [email protected] , not later than Monday 25th May .
It is possible that the service may be streamed, and details will be provided when available

29/04/2026

Prof. W.G. Hale

It is with sadness that we have to report the death on 27th April of Professor W.G. (Bill) Hale at the age of 91 . Bill was one of the first students (the 'aboriginals' as they called themselves) to join Grey when it opened in 1959.In those days , students had to pass an interview with one of the College Officers, and Bill used to smile as he recalled his interview with Syd Holgate , the founding Master of Grey . They were both Hatfield alumni and keen cricketers, in fact the 'interview' took place over several bowling changeovers during a match in which Bill played with Syd as an umpire.
Bill duly joined Grey, completing his PhD in 1962 , playing lots of cricket and serving as the second Senior Man in 1960-61.
On his retirement from Liverpool University as Professor of Zoology, Bill became one of the first Trustees of Grey College (only standing down when he reached 80) and his contribution to Grey over the years was recognised when he was made an Honorary Fellow of Grey College.
We extend our condolences to Bill's family on behalf of all the Grey-men and -women who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Picture courtesy of Sacristry Press

07/02/2026

Family dilemma as County Durham rugby brothers play for club and country on same day.
Guy Pepper makes his Six Nations debut on Saturday as older brother Max starts as scrum half for Bristol Bears.