Over a busy summer at Sarum College, one notable occasion in July was when we gathered to say a fond farewell and thank you to Jayne Downey on her retirement. Jayne has been at the Library at Sarum College for 17 years, latterly as Director of Learning Resources and Librarian, and has gained a well-earned reputation amongst students for her unstinting helpfulness in accessing resources and books when needed. She has also worked hard at bringing online resources to Sarum College, and making sure our linking to the Church of England resources has been right up to date so our student can access all the latest material.
We gathered for tea to say goodbye, and Academic Dean Paul Burden gave a farewell comparing Jayne in three ways to the best books in the library. She has been full of new learning and knowledge, and has kept learning; she has created a one to one experience for anyone asking for her help in the library, staff and students alive; and she has done this with style, gentleness and the right amount of ‘spine’. We will miss Jayne, and we were able to present her with vouchers for the Everyman Cinema in Salisbury and Cook vouchers from donations from staff and students.
Jayne had gathered a number of volunteers to help in the library, and we were also thanking a number who have taken this opportunity to now stand aside. We thanked Anne, Jan, Janie, and Peter for all they have given the library, and also thanked Jill, Bethan, Lawrence and Bryan who are taying on as volunteers.
Jayne says: “It has been a joy to work at Sarum College for the last 17 years. I have been privileged to work with such kind, supportive and inspiring colleagues and I will always cherish the friendships, memories and experiences I have gained.” She continues: “Thank you also to all the students and library members for making my farewell so special and for being such an important part of my time in the library.”
Our new librarian is Heather Davey, who comes with a huge amount of library experience in a school setting. We were grateful to Jayne for the handover she was able to do with Heather at the end of July, and Heather is settling in fast to all that the Sarum College Library involves.