38 | FOREVER Keele
Elizabeth Margaret Standen
MEDICAL SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY , CLASS OF 1997
Liz was a pharmacist and , just after she retired , she set off on a Master ’ s degree from Keele University in Medical Social Anthropology . It was a very different subject to pharmacy and she found that instead of black and white rules , she was now dealing with opinions . She briefly held pre-eminence over both her children and husband with the most senior Academic Qualification . Undertaking a Master ’ s degree when most others are retiring was typical of Liz ’ s disregard for convention and she and all her family were extremely proud when Claus Moser , who had been the Warden at her son , Richard ’ s , College , awarded her a degree .
Alan Mather
APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES / SOCIAL WORK , CLASS OF 1988
Written by Paul Chopin
A native of Horwich , Bolton , Alan spent the majority of his career as a social worker serving the Greater Manchester area , working with the courts and justice department in both protecting the community and ensuring those in need were provided with appropriate care , particularly with respect to patients suffering from mental health issues .
Alan was recently recognised by the Greater Manchester Police with a Chief Superintendent ’ s Commendation Certificate , following his work as Manager for the Health and Criminal Justice Team , and Bolton Regional Manager for Approved Mental Health Practitioners .
In 2004 , in parallel with his social work career , Alan became a magistrate for the Greater Manchester Courts serving until 2020 , when his health no longer permitted .
An extensive world traveller and sports enthusiast , Alan was a black belt in karate , which he continued to train in while at Keele , and more latterly , challenging long distance events , including the Slateman Triathlon , the Manchester Marathon , and the Great North Swim . He also completed the UK Ironman in his hometown of Bolton .
Alan had fond memories of Keele as somewhere he made lifelong friends , who in turn , remember him for his dry wit , quiet thoughtfulness and raw enthusiasm for life .
Alan passed away in May , aged 55 , following a six-month battle with cancer . He will be greatly missed by all who knew him , in particular , wife Helen , and their two grown sons , Ben and Tom .