Meet the graduate whose journey to Newcastle University was shaped by her Grandfather's inspiring memories
Recent graduate Hebe Foulsham (Economics and Management, 2024) followed in the footsteps of her late grandfather, Peter Foulsham, who studied Agriculture at King’s College, Newcastle, in 1948 and graduated with a BSc Honours in 1952. Both Hebe and Peter cherished their time at Newcastle University, creating lasting memories that spanned generations.
11 September 2024
Recent graduate Hebe Foulsham (Economics and Business Management, 2024) followed in the footsteps of her late grandfather, Peter Foulsham, who studied Agriculture at King’s College, Newcastle, in 1948 and graduated with a BSc Honours in 1952. Both Hebe and Peter cherished their time at Newcastle University, creating lasting memories that spanned generations.
A family legacy
When it comes to choosing a university, family ties can play a significant role. For recent graduate Hebe Foulsham (Economics and Management, 2024) it was her late grandfather, Peter Foulsham, who influenced her decision to attend Newcastle University. Peter studied Agriculture at King’s College, which later became Newcastle University, in 1948 and graduated in 1952 with a BSc Honours. Hebe shared with us how her grandfather’s experiences at Newcastle shaped her own journey.
We spoke with Hebe and Peter’s son Rick (Hebe’s father) to find out more.
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Peter grew up during World War II, expecting to join the army as soon as he left school. At 17, he applied to become a pilot, but his application was declined, and instead, he was drafted into the Parachute Regiment. His service took him to the Middle East in 1948 as part of the transitional forces during national service. Despite the challenges, Peter valued his time in the army, which made him appreciate the freedom of university life even more.
After his service, Peter applied to several veterinary colleges but was turned down. Undeterred, he applied to Newcastle University to study Agriculture—a field he had some experience in, having worked on family farms. Peter thrived at Newcastle, embracing both the academic and social opportunities. He was a key member of the Rag Committee, he also played hockey and worked as a potato inspector in Scotland during term breaks.
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Peter’s son Rick told us:
“Going to University was the time of my dad’s life and he participated in a few societies/groups including being a Rag Committee Stunt Coordinator and would help to organise Freshers Week events. Fresher’s events were more interactive in those days and students would go around the city annoying locals with ‘stunts’ which could be likened to modern-day ‘flash mobs’."
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Peter was 25 when he graduated in 1952 after completing an extra honours year and went on to have a successful career at ICI Agrochemicals. He eventually became the Head of UK Business and later Head of ICI Garden Products. One of Peter's most memorable experiences was advising Queen Elizabeth II on transforming golf courses at Windsor Castle into paddocks for her horses—a testament to the significant impact his Newcastle education had on his life.
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Hebe's Decision to Study at Newcastle
Hebe initially wanted to study close to home, however, after hearing her grandfather’s stories about Newcastle, she decided to visit the city. Peter had fond memories of his time there and would often talk about living by the coast and taking the metro to university. The combination of Newcastle’s reputation as a Russell Group university and its vibrant city life convinced Hebe that this was the right place for her.
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Hebe’s visit to Newcastle sealed the deal. She fell in love with the city’s friendly atmosphere, the iconic Arches her grandfather had photographed, and the rich history of the university.
“I just loved the feel of the city and everyone was so friendly. I loved the buildings, especially the Arches. My grandad used to show me a picture he took of the Arches and I took a picture of myself in front of them on open day to show him. Later, I took another photo in front of the Arches after graduating which he sadly never saw, having passed away in December 2022. It was 75 years after he had taken the original photo.”
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Life as a Newcastle Student
Hebe’s time at Newcastle was marked by a mix of academic rigour and extracurricular activities.
“My first year was during COVID, but I still managed to have some fun. In my second year, I got more involved in societies, including the Economics Society and intramural netball. One other thing I really enjoyed was the amazing ski trips.”
Hebe moved to Jesmond in her second year and completed a placement with CIL Management Consultants in her third year. She plans to start working with them full-time in February 2025 after a four-month trip around South America with her best friend from university.
Reflecting on Newcastle
When asked to describe her experience at Newcastle University in three words, Hebe chose: “Fun, character-building, and independent.” Her grandfather’s stories and her own experiences have made Newcastle a special place for Hebe, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Like her grandfather, Hebe has been profoundly impacted by her time at Newcastle, carrying forward a legacy that spans generations.
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