Image: George Ezra and friends, courtesy of Lorton Distribution
George Ezra’s film End-to-End premiered in UK cinemas this August bank holiday. Swathes of music fans sat down to watch the uplifting documentary which captures Ezra’s walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The filmmakers – Adam Scarborough (BSc(Hons) Human Biology) and Christy Tattershall (BA(Hons) Filmmaking and Creative Media) – met George during their time in Bristol. Christy tells us more…
Tell us about End-to-End
The film is about friendship, adventure and music. We walked 1,200 miles over 95 days, doing between 20 and 30 miles a day. We reconnected with each other and the country after months of isolation, and met amazing musicians along the way.
George Ezra and friends on walk, image courtesy of Lorton Distribution
How did you meet George?
Adam and I grew up in Dorset together. Adam left to study and met George at a house party, then they started living together.
I was visiting Adam every weekend and we all just got on really well. We would go to open mic nights around Bristol, watching George play. The crowds got bigger and bigger until one day he got signed, leaving Bristol but always staying in touch.
During that time, I was commuting to work everyday hearing George’s song Budapest being played on the radio. It was hearing and seeing George achieve this success that inspired me to quit my job and study Filmmaking.
What inspired you and Adam to team up as filmmakers?
Adam has always been obsessed with cameras and will rarely be found without one on his side. Although he was studying Human Biology, he was also making money as a photographer around the city whilst studying.
We started our first film company, Paint Studios, in my first year of university with a couple of pieces of kit and a computer. In my second year, I won a National Royal Television Society award for a documentary I directed. I fell in love with the process of documentary-making.
Then, during a summer break, we decided to walk to a film convention that was taking place in Amsterdam – recommended to me by my lecturer Dave Neal. We had no money whatsoever (also, no prior hiking experience) but fancied an adventure. We walked the 500-mile journey from Bristol, camping and filming ourselves every day. We didn’t know at the time, but this would later open the door for us to make George’s film.
Did you experience peaks and troughs when making End-to-End?
There were two distinct low points. One was at the very start in Cornwall. We fully underestimated how hard it would be to get our mileage done each day on that terrain whilst trying to make a film. It was baking hot, we were carrying filming gear and supplies and genuinely wondering (with 1,200 miles in front of us) what we had got ourselves into.
George Ezra and friends on walk, image courtesy of Lorton Distribution
The second low point was walking across the Highlands when there was no real path – we were walking through wet bogs and mountains for up to 30 miles a day, whilst being eaten alive by midges. Then we’d step out of our tent the next morning, put on soaking wet socks and do it all again. Luckily that was at the end of the journey and not the start, because I’m not sure how long our morale would have lasted the other way around.
But after lockdown, just being with our mates, walking, talking and having a laugh together for 3 months meant there were so many highpoints. We went from camping in the field in front of the Pyramid stage on the empty Glastonbury site, to then filming an amazing Scottish folk band called Kinnaris Quintet at the foot of a mountain.
We had walked all that way and were listening to this incredible music, in a mind-blowing setting. That was a moment that stood out. It was overwhelming, but life-affirming.
George Ezra and friends on walk, image courtesy of Lorton Distribution
Kevin Millwood featured in our 1998 prospectus. We came across his profile whilst looking through our archives and wondered what he did next. This is what we found out.
UWE Bristol 1998 Undergraduate prospectus, Kevin Millwood profile
Kevin has been a DJ, a night club organiser and owner and a Kung Fu practitioner. Now he’s Head of Information Security at Hargreaves Lansdown, an award-winning financial services company based in Bristol.
It’s clear Kevin’s a man with wide ranging skills and interests. So, what’s his true passion? His dedication to give back to the community of his hometown, Bristol.
Humble beginnings
Born and bred in Bristol, Kevin was an incredibly hardworking and promising student, however he lacked the funds to move out of home to attend university. He decided he would stay living at home, attend university and work at the same time to keep himself afloat. The first in his family to go to university, Kevin had no blueprint to follow. But that didn’t set him back. Kevin notes,
“University was easily the best time of my life”.
For the love of music
During his time at UWE Bristol he realised his love of DJing. Starting at the university winter ball his success spiralled and with a team of students he created a promotion company.
Friday night at Student’s Union, 1998 prospectus
In 2001 Kevin hosted a UK Press Club night for a record label, where he performed to a packed-out crowd. The night was hailed as best UK club event by the national press. He was asked to become promotions manager of a group of clubs, later running one, and even performing on Radio One Live.
Kevin DJing at event in Bristol in 2014
Head hunted
But he knew he couldn’t work in that industry forever. Kevin wanted to use the skills he gained in his degree and gradually gained more experience, moving up the ranks in IT roles, becoming a manager.
He applied to Hargreaves Lansdown but was turned down. This lit a fire within Kevin who worked harder than ever. Later they headhunted him for a job, and now he is their Head of Information Security.
Supporting young people to achieve
A trip to South America was Kevin’s epiphany moment, seeing poverty first-hand made him want to give back. He began by working to rehabilitate young people in the prison system, but felt he could do more.
Now Kevin is chair and mentor of ‘Stepping Up’, a Bristol based company that aims for fair representation, supporting people to reach where they want to be in their careers. He’s also chair of Bristol Reggae Orchestra and non-executive director of Lockleaze Sports Club, both local organisations close to his heart.
“I have mentored a lot of people and have learnt from them all. You get something back out of it too”.
He gives talks in schools about cyber security, helping to demystify the topic and encourage people to take an interest.
“I wouldn’t have gotten where I am without help. There are lots of underprivileged people who want to better themselves and they deserve help”.
Kevin states.
After a varied career, what Kevin values most is making Bristol a fairer place to be.
Tell us your story
What journey have you been on since studying with UWE Bristol? What are you passionate about?
We’d love to hear your story. Tell us what you’re doing now, share an old photo.
You can get in touch through our memories form or post on social media – tag us and use #30yearsofUWE
Play our 30th anniversary prize draw for your chance to win one of 30 fantastic prizes, kindly donated from alumni and the wider UWE Bristol community.
100% of funds raised from ticket sales will go to the UWE Bristol Fund to support Student Hardship Grants.
Buy a ticket and find out more about other ways we’re celebrating 30 years of being a University.
Growing up on a dairy farm in rural Wales, special days out for Marian were spent at Llansteffan Castle. Steeped in history and bound up with her heritage, it captured her heart. Years later, the same castle and estate is now her home and the base for her executive coaching business.
We talked to Marian and found out why the drive that won her such success has now brought her home again.
From farm-hand to top entrepreneur
Marian has never been scared of hard work. Mucking out cows on the farm is perhaps what gave her grit and determination. Coming from a family of ’home birds’ she was first to fly the nest and ’escape’ to university in England.
She arrived at UWE Bristol and soon settled in to her new home. She wasn’t sure where her course in Geography and Environmental Management would take her, or what her future held. But she took every opportunity.
“I think the biggest lesson I learnt at UWE was that if you work hard at anything and take every opportunity, you’ll progress and move in the right direction. You’ve got to learn resilience and how you work best. My time at UWE definitely set me up for the future.”
Marian says.
Not one to sit back, Marian began her property portfolio at 18 years old and had her first job before university results were out. She soon launched an impressive sales career, quickly making a reputation as an Expert Risk Manager.
To her surprise, in 2019 Marian was named Women in Business’ Inspirational Woman of the Decade. Now she runs her own company Elevate BC, coaching and mentoring business leaders.
Supporting women in business
Despite her clear success’ Marian admits to struggling with imposter syndrome. She finds it uncomfortable talking about her achievements. But her time at UWE Bristol taught her to be comfortable in her own skin and understand what her strengths are. And that’s the lesson she’s passionate to pass on to other women in business.
Marian pictured in Cardiff
Marian works with Women on Boards, who aim to help women achieve higher positions in male dominated areas, just as she did.
“I feel duty bound to share my story, give back and say, you can do this too! There are so few women pushing through to those higher levels in business, we’re not giving them the support to crack on to the next level.”
she explains.
And what of the castle?
Llansteffan Castle, on the river Tywi estuary in Carmarthen Bay
Despite her high-flying career, Marian’s attachment to Wales never left her. Perhaps it’s the same passion that led her to study Geography – a love of the natural environment, her heritage and her home land.
Marian and her Welsh husband quietly took a leap of faith when they saw that their beloved castle was for sale. They’ve since made the Llansteffan Castle Estate their family home and a base for business.
The castle is in safe hands – keen for it to remain at the heart of the local community, and be used for events, they’ve set about the restoration. It’s rich history and beauty will be protected and shared for future generations.
Tell us your story
What journey have you been on since studying with UWE Bristol? What are you passionate about?
We’d love to hear your story. Tell us what you’re doing now, share an old photo.
You can get in touch through our memories form or post on social media – tag us and use #30yearsofUWE
Play our 30th anniversary prize draw for your chance to win one of 30 fantastic prizes, kindly donated from alumni and the wider UWE Bristol community.
100% of funds raised from ticket sales will go to the UWE Bristol Fund to support Student Hardship Grants.
Buy a ticket and find out more about other ways we’re celebrating 30 years of being a University.
University life is about the people as much as the studying. A time for creating memories and making lifelong relationships whether romantic or platonic.
Here are 10 stories from people who met a soulmate at UWE Bristol, told in their own words.
1. Kathryn and Matt Colledge
Kathryn Colledge (neé Williams) BA(Hons) Business Studies (1996) and Matthew Colledge BA(Hons) Business Studies (1996)
“I started at UWE in Sept 1992, making many new friends. I featured in the 1994 prospectus, alongside friends Sam and Matt. The three of us and three others then all lived together in our 2nd year.
I started going out with Matt in January 1994. Another friend Mark started going out with Vanessa and another friend David starting going out with Danielle. The six of us had an amazing time at UWE; we all graduated in 1996.
We’re all now happily married, with six children between us. We meet up regularly and always have a laugh. I cannot believe that our eldest son is now about to embark on his University life – time flies!”
Kathryn Colledge
Kathryn and Matt outside 2B025 on Frenchay Campus 1992 and at a reunion in October 2022Kathryn and Matt revisit 2B025, the lecture theatre where they first metKathryn and Matt in 1994 prospectus (Matt pretending to be a lecturer)
2. Clare and Dave Melton
Clare Melton (neé Lee), BA(Hons) History (1999) and Dave Melton BA(Hons) English (1999)
Clare and Dave end of 1997 summer term, at the 1997 ball and in 2022 with their twins
“My husband and I met at UWE. We started in 1996 and were both in Bishop Monk Halls of residence on St Matthias Campus. We married in 2009 and had twins in 2015. We now live in North Somerset. Still in touch with others from our very happy years at UWE.”
Clare Melton
3. Fatema Deere and Nicole Jefferies
Fatema Deere, BSc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences (2005) and MSc Medical Microbiology (2010) and Nicole Jefferies (neé Dempster) BSc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences (2005) and MSc Medical Microbiology (2010)
Fatema and Nicole at UWE in 2003, at Fatema’s wedding in 2009 and Nicole’s wedding in 2017
“I studied here for both my BSc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences (2005) and my MSc Medical Microbiology (2010). I remember both times fondly – the great food, the great bar and great fun on campus on a Friday night!
I made great friends during my time at Frenchay Campus, one of whom, Nicole, is still a ‘bestie’. We were bridesmaids at each other’s weddings.
I achieved so much here and I’m still studying. I’m currently training to be a Consultant Clinical Scientist. Thank you UWE for setting me up both academically and personally”.
Fatema Deere
4. Dija and Hammed Ayodele
Dija Ayodele (neé Akpata) BA(Hons) Business Administration (2005) and PG Cert Personnel Studies (2006) and Hammed Ayodele BSc(Hons) Computer Science (2008)
Dija and Hammed at their graduation in and again in 2021
‘In 2002, our eyes locked in P block, travelled the world, got married and two children later and we’re still best friends. The vast majority of our friends are alumni too!”
Dija Ayodele
5. Clare Melton and Sara Macbeth
Clare Melton (neé Lee), BA(Hons) History (1999) and Sara Macbeth (neé Peters) BSc(Hons) Psychology with Health Science(1999)
Clare and Sara pictured in shared kitchen in halls in 1996, and in September 2022
“I met Sara when we both lived in Bishop Monk Halls of residence at St Matthias Campus. A great and enduring friendship was made between us and many others in Bishop Monk. Old friends are definitely the best!”
Clare Melton
6. Jamie and Natasha Warwick
Jamie Warwick, BSc(Hons) Forensic Computing and Security (2014)and Natasha Warwick (neé Winter), – BA(Hons) Education in Professional Practice (2014)
Jamie and Natasha at graduation in 2014, and with their daughter in 2022
“I met the wonderful Natasha while we were both working as Student Ambassadors in our final year in 2014. Nearly 8 years later, we have just celebrated one year of marriage and have also welcomed our daughter into the world!”
Jamie Warwick
7. Laura Corry and Kim Barnard
Laura Corry, BA(Hons) Marketing (2006) and Kim Barnard, BA(Hons) Marketing (2006)
Laura and Kim pictured at graduation in 2006, Laura’s wedding in 2011, and still friends in 2021
“I’m lucky that my two best friends are the friends I made on my course and in my first year house. I also met my husband on the patio outside Traders (now Starbucks)!
Kim and I were on the same course and met through mutual friends on a night out. Everyone else wanted an early night, but we both wanted to go dancing, so stayed out together. We ended up in Chicago Rocks on the waterfront (just to age us). The night ended with us swapping shoes, we have been best friends ever since.
We lived together in our final year, have travelled together, were bridesmaids for each other and are god parents for each other’s children. This year marks 20 years since we met! We might even go dancing and swap shoes to celebrate!”
Laura Corry
8.Toni- Marie and James Bonser
Toni-Marie Bonser (neé Jarvis), BA(Hons) Philosophy and Criminology (2012) James Bonser, BA(Hons) Media and Cultural Studies and Philosophy (2012)
Toni-Marie and James Bonser pictured in 2012 and 2022
“I met my Husband at UWE. We were on the same course but mostly got to know each other through the centre for performing arts. We were both in the Showstoppers choir and did singing lessons. We met in our second week and finally got together right before graduation 3 years later.
We celebrated 10 years together in April 2022 and were married in September 2021 after postponing twice due to Covid. I have no idea where my life would have gone without UWE and I couldn’t be more grateful for my time and opportunities there.”
“My wife and I met at UWE Redland campus in 2002 while both in the third year of a four year Qualified Teacher Status course. We both were in teacher training and were on final placement together in 2003. We have been married 20 years this year!
Charlotte is currently Acting Head of a primary school in Greenwich and I am CEO of a Multi Academy Trust of 6 schools in Bexley and Bromley.”
Peter Rhodes
10. Lizzie Fear and Adam Jenkins
Lizzie Fear, BSc(Hons) Psychology (2021)
Lizzie and her partner
“For my third year at UWE I had the option to go on a year abroad with Erasmus to Radboud University in The Netherlands. So I took that opportunity and had the best year of my life!
I learnt so much about the culture and myself and made some great friends with people of all different nationalities. I also met my soulmate on the front steps of our student accommodation there, and we’ve been in a relationship together since.
We now live together in a flat in Sheffield and I’ve never been happier. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to go on a year abroad with UWE and would definitely recommend it to anyone else!”
Lizzie Fear
Tell us your story
Did you find a soulmate during your time studying with UWE Bristol? We’d love to hear your story. Tell us what you’re doing now. Share an old photo, share a new photo!
You can get in touch through our memories form or post on social media – tag us and use #30yearsofUWE
Play our 30th anniversary prize draw for your chance to win one of 30 fantastic prizes, kindly donated from alumni and the wider UWE Bristol community.
100% of funds raised from ticket sales will go to the UWE Bristol Fund to support Student Hardship Grants.
Buy a ticket and find out more about other ways we’re celebrating 30 years of being a University.
