| Description | Track 1 [01.07.01] [Session One: 08 November 2017] Jane Simm [JS], born Neath, 1954. JS describes family moving to Sheffield at a young age. Comments upon her Yorkshire accent. Mentions father’s company, Simm Engineering Group. JS describes strong familial links to South Wales, her father was born in Skewen and her mother in Neath. Mentions attending physical education teaching college in Liverpool for 3 months prior to Swansea University. Highlights relatives in south Wales as a key reason for selecting Swansea University. [00.03.13] JS describes A-levels. [00.04.07] JS describes failing the 11 plus. Mentions how, as a woman, teacher training was presented as her top prospect. [00.05.06] JS describes a cousin and former miner who attended a mature educational access programme at Coleg Harlech. Comments upon friendships with mature students during her time at Swansea University. Considers the motivations of mature students. [00.07.40] JS describes previous jobs involving careers advice for mature students. Mentions working with miner’s wives during the 1890s strikes and conducting redundancy counselling for British Steel. [00.08.30] JS describes attending Swansea University in 1974 and describes the structure of the course. Describes enjoyment of studying Art History during first year. JS describes degree structure. Mentions some key academics including Dr Neville Masterman, Barry Sherman and Professor Greenleaf. Comments on graduating with a BA Political Theory and Government. Mentions joining Friends of the Earth and an interest in environmental conservation. Mentions Dr Graham Evans as inspirational in her dissertation regarding George F. Kennan. [00.13.50] JS comments on the small size of the course and individual attention given to students. Mentions extra effort needed in lectures without PowerPoint. Comments on changes made to the campus since the 1970s. [00.16.41] JS describes positive impact of studying Art History. Mentions father’s impact on her choice of Swansea University. [00.18.40] JS describes living in Beck Hall. Comments upon warden as matronly with strict rules Describes conflict of Welsh identity and lack of Welsh language. Mentions university experiences being wasted on the young. Describes sneaking a boyfriend into Beck Hall by dressing him up as a woman. JS and interviewer discuss same-sex accommodation. [00.26.10] JS mentions the large proportion of Welsh students at Swansea University. Contrasts rural nature of south Wales to upbringing in Sheffield. Describes women not being permitted to purchase pints, being kicked out of pub for ordering two half pints. [00.27.49] JS comments on social restraint of Swansea compared to Sheffield. Mentions mature student friend standing as local counsellor for Plaid Cymru. [00.29.28] JS describes a choice to remain apolitical. Describes careers journey following graduation. Describes completing a Postgraduate degree in Careers Guidance at Nottingham Trent. [00.32.38] JS describes involvement in women’s movement, attending pro-abortion marches. Describes involvement in philosophy department sit-ins. Mentions attending guest lectures and taking advantage of academic opportunities. Comments on the lack of female lecturers. [00.35.05] JS describes political scene. Reflects upon becoming more political in later late. Describes the gay scene in Swansea University at this time, mentions a Gay society and attending a gay disco. JS and interviewer discuss the experience of gay individuals at this time. Mention of homosexuality within sport. Mentions attending rugby and football matches during time at Swansea University. [00.39.54] JS mentions the European Economic Community (EEC) 1974 vote, embarrassment in voting conservative. Describes political engagement at University, mentions voting Plaid Cymru in local election. JS comments and is critical of student politics. [00.42.54] JS elaborates on the philosophy department sit-ins. Describes experience and excitement of youth politics. Mentions post-Vietnam war youth culture and youth rebellion. Comments on women’s movement. Mentions knowing Nick Clegg. [00.48.26] JS mentions home sickness while at university. Describes joining many university societies. Describes drinking and partly culture, The Cricketers was her local pub. Mentions joining Politics Society committee and describes organising events and talks. JS comments on the drugs culture at the time. [00.54.14] JS mentions a divide between the town and students. Describes going to clubs in Swansea city centre with her cousin. Mentions cousin meeting an Iraqi boyfriend. JS and interviewer discuss international student experiences. Mentions knowing international students. Comments on strong drinking culture among Middle Eastern students which changed suddenly as a result of political changes in Iraq. [00.57.55] JS elaborates on the relationship between Swansea University and the wider Swansea area. Describes student housing experiences. [01.02.38] JS describes graduation in Brangwyn hall. Mentions visits by parents throughout university. Mentions visiting Gower beaches in the summer of 1976. [01.05.01] JS reflects on her time at Swansea University, biggest impact was making lifelong friends. Considers what her experience would have been if she studied as a mature student. Enriched love of South Wales. |