Who's Who

Master, Professor Ann MacLarnon, MA, PhD

Tel: +44 (0)191 334 2611 or Email: ann.m.maclarnon@durham.ac.uk.

Ann MacLarnon became Master of Hatfield College in September 2017, as well as Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology in the Anthropology Department at Durham. As Master, Ann is responsible for leading all aspects of college life, including ensuring an excellent student experience and academic engagement. Ann grew up in Leicestershire and went to Newnham College, Cambridge University, where, after one year studying Natural Sciences (Physical), she switched to Physical Anthropology (now known as Biological Anthropology) for the second and third years of her BA. Following this, Ann went to University College London, where she worked as a research assistant in the Anthropology Department, whilst studying for a PhD part-time. After a couple of years teaching at UCL, Ann moved to Roehampton University in London where she worked from 1989-2017, holding various roles, including Head of the School of Life Sciences, Head of the Graduate School and Deputy Provost Research, becoming Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology in 2003. Ann's research interests include physiological adaptations of primates and the evolution of human speech. She is active in her subject nationally including serving a period as President of the Primate Society of Great Britain, and two periods on the Anthropology panel for national assessments of research in UK universities (RAE and REF). She is currently Vice President (Biological) for the Royal Anthropological Institute. Aside from academic interests, Ann is a keen amateur violinist.  

Vice Master, James Armitage, BSc, MSc, PGCE

Tel: +44 (0)191 334 2636 or Email: hatfield.vicemaster@durham.ac.uk

James Armitage joined Hatfield College in June 2021 as Vice Master. James is responsible for Wider Student Experience, discipline, and the college mentor system, as well as contributing to student support. James originally studied Mathematics at Durham (St John’s College) before qualifying as a Maths teacher and working in a variety of schools and colleges around the North East, undertaking both pastoral and curricular management roles alongside contributing to a wide range of extra-curricular enterprises. Whilst an undergraduate, he represented Durham University at Cross-Country and Athletics as well as being a violinist in DUOS, and he still tries to keep up with both of these pursuits when time allows. More recently, James has been carrying out part-time doctoral research in music cognition at Durham, studying how psychoacoustic and emotional properties of music influence language perception.

 Assistant Master, Heather Bell, NPQICL

Tel: +44 (0)191 334 2642 or Email: hatfield.asstmaster@durham.ac.uk

Heather joined Hatfield as Assistant Master in October 2021 after a 36-year career working for Newcastle City Council in a wide variety of roles – most recently as an Early Help Advisor, leading a team of family support and outreach workers to provide services and support to families living in disadvantaged communities with complex needs. Previously Heather has led on a number of Community Development projects in partnership with agencies and charities such as Children North East, Barnardo’s, Action for Children and large organisations such as the NHS, Police, Housing, Newcastle University, Northumbria University and Newcastle College.

While at the Council, Heather mentored and supported a number of University students as part of work placement schemes, supporting Student Social Workers, Medical Students, Health Visitor and Dentistry undergraduates to build their experience in a workplace environment. Heather remains committed to developing the skills and confidence of students to help them to reach their full potential, supporting students through the highs and lows of student life to ensure their Durham student experience is safe, enjoyable and memorable.

Heather has a broad range of interests from theatre and music to environmental issues and horticulture and enjoys engaging in the wide range of activities and events offered by Hatfield College as well as using her experience from previous roles to support a variety of volunteering projects that link with communities in Durham.

Chaplain, Julia Candy, BA, PhD

Email: hatfield.chaplain@durham.ac.uk

Julia Candy joined Hatfield College in January 2022 as Chaplain to Hatfield College and St Cuthbert’s Society. As Chaplain Julia’s role involves providing pastoral, spiritual and religious support for all Hatfield students and staff, regardless of whether they have a faith commitment or not.  Julia also leads services in Hatfield Chapel working alongside the chapel choir. Julia grew up in the North East of England and went to King’s College, Cambridge where she studied Psychology. Following this, Julia studied for a PhD in Psychology at Queen’s University of Belfast, exploring the impact political conflict and socio-economic status has upon children’s development of national identity and sectarian attitudes. After a couple of years teaching and researching at QUB, Durham University and Teesside University, Julia began training in the Church of England for Ordination to the Priesthood. During her training she studied Theology and Religious Studies at Jesus College, Cambridge. Julia was ordained in Durham Cathedral in 2010 and served her curacy in Durham. Subsequently Julia worked in London as a parish priest in Hendon and Cricklewood, and as a hospital chaplain at University College Chaplain. 

College Staff