Diana Lawer
Diana initially worked in the library at Marjon before studying a BA (Hons) History and English course with the college. Diana then worked for 11 years as the Learning Resources Manager at Cornwall College (Saltash) before retiring. Diana lives in Plymouth, has five grandchildren and enjoys holidays in Europe exploring major cities such as Paris, Lisbon and Palma, Mallorca, where her daughter lives.
Why did you go on to higher education?
I had worked in Marjons Library from February 1974 until July 1984. In 1983 I was press-ganged(!) into joining the Certificate in Women’s Studies group, an extra-mural course run at Marjons in conjunction with Exeter University. Three of us were awarded the Certificate which gave me the necessary qualification to apply to do a BA.
Why did you choose your degree subject?
I had worked in the Local Studies Dept. of Plymouth City Library so History was a natural choice together with English.
Best and worse things about university
Best: interesting lectures and seminars; interacting with younger students as I was the oldest on the course; seeing college life as a student rather than as a staff member.
Worst: taking too long to write essays – and in long hand as I could not use a Word Processor; getting too many B grades – until my final year when I managed a few ‘A’s.
When did you graduate?
July 1987 – then I went straight to Birmingham Poly to do my Post Grad year in Librarianship & Information Studies. I then did a Masters Degree in Librarianship and also gained a Cert Ed. at Plymouth University.
Describe your role.
During my time at Saltash I taught a GCSE evening class in Local History and also run 10-week sessions at Swarthmore, Mutley Plain, on Local History topics.
How did your time at Marjon help your career?
It taught me research skills which I could then pass on to students at Saltash, especially to the Access students – many of whom went on to study at Marjon.
What’s the professional achievement you’ve been most proud of since graduating?
My MA in Librarianship
What personal achievement are you most proud of?
Founding the Plymouth Postcard Collectors Club in 1999 with 25 members. The Club is now the largest Postcard Club in the UK with 220 members. I have also recently published a local history book: ‘Get Your Skates On: the History of Plymouth’s Roller Skating Rinks 1874-1989’.
What are your main hobbies or interests?
I am a regular contributor to the national collectors magazine ‘Picture Postcard Monthly’ and write three articles a year on social history topics on postcards. I suppose I am a ‘postcard anorak’!
What are your plans for the next few years (career-wise and other if relevant)?
To continue writing and seeing the Postcard Club go from strength to strength.
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