Dan Clarke returned to education as a mature student, first completing his Access to HE Humanities and Social Science with Eastern Education Group. From there, he progressed onto an English and history degree with us. Dan is now one of the curators of Moyse’s Hall Museum and the knowledge and skills he learned here have enabled him to inspire others. He is also an active partner of EEG, welcoming groups (including his old Access group), giving talks and even holding an Edmund’s open lecture.
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
I completed an Access to Humanities course around 15 years ago and then progressed to a BA Hons English Literature & History at the same campus. I’d initially left education after A-Levels in 1999/2000 and worked a series of factory jobs but felt unfulfilled. The need to study and being a keen videographer led me to creating a mini-film company to find a new path in life. By my mid-twenties, I was co-running a local film company making documentaries of regional interest, amongst other community projects, but it wasn’t enough to satisfy the need to study history. However, I never felt that academia was a route for me, coming from a council estate in Sudbury and after the rollercoaster ride which was school. I only ended up applying for Access as my older brother was already on the course and he explained that it gave him confidence to move on in further education. I sold up my filming equipment and took the plunge.
Access was a revelatory year. You’re given space to develop from non-academic writing to ready for the first year of a degree and it proved invaluable. The lecturers I met still hold an important part in my life as a bridge from the fear of the unknown to my enriching degree.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
From Access, I remember Mary Clements (lecturer) beautifully handling the subject of WWI poetry and letters, which was something I hadn’t studied before, nor since. It showed her strengths as a lecturer as she made an area of history that doesn’t necessarily appeal resonate on a powerful level. Elsewhere, at the University Campus, I remember the subject of The Spanish Civil War being handled perfectly. It is such a complex subject, yet totally engaging, and both lecturers, Dr Radojka Startup and Mary Clements, were on top form.
What did you go onto to do after your time with us?
I’m a curator at Moyse’s Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds, and try to link up with the campus as much as possible. We see both University and Access students most years for tours and chats. I work closely with Daniel Connor, Derek Johnson, Rachel Sodey, and Glenn Pickering from the history and art departments, and these partnerships have added an energy to the museum that was lacking when I arrived. I’m now a stakeholder for one of the art and design courses at the college.
At Moyse’s Hall, I set myself the goal of driving footfall into the building. I curated both Banksy exhibitions, co-wrote a book for the museum with Horrible Histories author Terry Deary and finally, this summer, brought dinosaurs to Bury St Edmunds. My heart, however, will always be set on the medieval abbey and post-medieval crime, execution, and witchcraft.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
Congratulations. EEG is a wonderful part of our community that has enriched the lives of thousands over the years. Thank you for helping me progress and find employment that excites every day.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
Enjoy the company of those around you. Both fellow students and the lecturers that taught us remain friends and contacts over a decade later.
If you’re interested in following in Dan’s footsteps and studying the Access to HE Humanities and Social Science course, learn more about it here: Access to Higher Education Diploma (Humanities and Social Sciences) English, History and Psychology – Bury St Edmunds
