Spotlight on Staff: Derry-Anne Hammond and Doro Fabers-Gumpert

We caught up with two long serving staff members who have recently moved on from the College, to hear their memories of Queen's and learn more about their exciting adventures since leaving. 

Derry Anne-Hammond

How long did you work at Queen’s, and what was your role?

I worked at Queen’s for sixteen years. For the first fourteen, I was Head of Careers. I then took on the role of College Support Officer, a portfolio role that included being Assistant Nurse and Assistant Examinations Officer. I also ran the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme from 2011 until I left earlier this year.

How did the College change over your time at Queen’s?

There were many changes during my time at Queen’s, partly due to the fact that I worked under three Principals. One of the most visible changes was the introduction of uniform, and then more recently the launch of electronic devices for all pupils. The building also changed greatly, literally from top to bottom, with the development of the Senior College Centre in the former attics to the opening of the Neuro-Diversity Department in the former caretaker’s basement flat. On a personal level, I saw many members of staff come and go, although I am fortunate to have stayed in contact with many of my former colleagues.

Do you have any favourite memories?

Too many to list here, but as with many former Queen’s staff and students the trips were incredibly memorable. As an Advanced First Aider, I was fortunate to be invited on many day and residential trips. I attended eleven Class 3 Northumberland weeks, ten Class 1 Battlefield trips, an amazing Geography trip to Iceland, a wonderful week in Greece with the Classics Department, and six European Art History weekends with A-level students. Having never been a big lover of art, I had an epiphany on the first of these weekends to Antwerp in 2013, which resulted in me taking an A-level (with much support from then Head of Department Dr Gray), and then onto my Covid lockdown project – an MA in History of Art!

What are you up to now?

I am now working full time as a Blue Badge Tourist Guide. Having rediscovered my love of studying, I applied to take the London course in 2017. This is a very intensive (and expensive) two-year course, and having successfully completed the qualification I decided to combine guiding with my part-time role at Queen’s. Last year I took the South East England Blue Badge course and on qualification decided it was time to be a full-time Guide. I am absolutely loving it; meeting a variety of interesting people and visiting some of my favourite sites both in London (eg the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and the Churchill War Rooms), and longer days from London such as Bath and Stonehenge, and Dover Castle. I have not yet had time to miss Queen’s but I do pop in occasionally and plan to support the College for many years to come.

Doro Fabers-Gumpert

How long did you work at Queen’s, and what was your role?

I arrived in January 1991 as a classroom teacher of Religious Studies. After a year I became head of department. I left twice for several years first to bring up my children and then to move to Arusha, Tanzania. Both times I came back as a part-time teacher of RS and then from 2009 to 2024 I became head of department again and build up a consistent Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics curriculum from year 7-13. So, I worked at Queen's off and on over 33 years.

How did the College change over your time at Queen’s?

 The building itself has changed hugely: classrooms are in different places; new ones have appeared on top and beneath the original building; the new hall was built. Uniform was introduced, and each of the four principals I have worked under has introduced a different focus, ranging from prioritising academic achievement to pastoral care and building projects. The College has become much more professional. When I arrived, there was no formal induction program, there were no SOWs, no teaching and learning programme, no senior management team; and we had only two school rules: do not chew gum and do not run in the corridors.

Do you have any favourite memories?

I have so many memories that it is impossible to choose a favourite one. But what comes to my mind right now is my first lesson with yr 7. My pupils wore all manner of eccentric outfits, best of all were the angel wings and a headband with blinking stars. It was magical and really easy to remember pupils' names.

What are you up to now?

I have joined the ranks of volunteers without whom I think this country would not function. I have finished a training as reading coach with the Adult Literacy Trust and am looking forward to starting with my first adult learners. I also support seven reluctant readers in a local primary school. Most exciting of all is the gardening course I have signed up for. I have to do fortnightly plant identification tests and learning the Latin plant names is rather stressful, but I love the lectures on botany and the practical work, even turning compost and digging the soil in the driving rain. In the summer I am going to do an intensive French course and will move for a few months to my little house in the Pyrenees at the foot of Mt Canigou (which you can see in the photo I have attached). I also spend a lot of time at my local Buddhist centre where I support classes and have joined a group studying Buddhist texts. So basically, I am rediscovering the joys of learning new things.