MySRP
Grade: MSRP
I'm retired. I left university in October 1970 and started working for the Central Electricity Generating Board at Oldbury Nuclear Power Station as a health physics assistant and afterwards on the health physics commissioning team at Hinkley Point B Nuclear Power Station. Later I moved to the Nuclear Training Centre as a tutor.
I enjoyed training staff and helping them to understand the importance of health physics and compliance with rules and regulations.
Professional, supportive, encouraging.
The 50th Anniversary (1963-2013) conference at Harrogate - a great location! At that time I was not working in the nuclear industry and radiation protection, so the conference was an opportunity to update my knowledge and undertake some CPD.
The World Nuclear News online and webinars by the SRP and Nuclear Institute. Also, websites such as ONR’s.
My wife Susan.
A tortoise called Sunshine.
Sunshine enjoying a snack.
I enjoy keeping fit, family activities and holidays, reading and writing. I've written three books. The first was an update of my PhD research; and the second on nuclear power called Let There Be Light! Nuclear Energy: A Christian Case (2017). Most recently I have completed my autobiography.
I've also had over a hundred book reviews published in the Journal for the Study of the New Testament Booklist (an annual publication) and last year I had a peer-reviewed article published in the Christians in Science journal Science & Christian Belief, called A Christian perspective on the place of nuclear energy in achieving net zero and national security.
It was released in November last year and was summarised in the advertising flyer as:
Robert Dutch's memoirs take us back to a working-class Liverpool in the aftermath of the Second World War, where children's paths were meant to be set out for them based on the results of the 11-plus exam. Robert, however, refused to accept the outcome of the 11-plus, which had him at a secondary modern school, with an expectation that he would leave education at the age of fifteen, and start earning a living. With support from his family, his schools and particular teachers, combined with a lot of drive and determination, he went all the way to university, and has never stopped studying since!
The front cover of Robert's autobiography.
The Weightlifting (Powerlifting) medal I won as a student in 1967, in the UK’s Universities Athletic Union championships.
I'm happy just being me!
I had always wanted to be a policeman when growing up. At the police college interview, I was invited to return if I grew taller, but the interviewer wisely said I should focus on my studies. I never grew tall enough! But my studies led me through some educational challenges to obtain A-levels in maths, physics and chemistry.
While I was at school, I enjoyed modern physics and radiation measurements and so took a physics degree followed by an MSc in Radiological Health & Safety. This interesting course took me straight into my health physics career.
Ferry Cross the Mersey by Gerry and the Pacemakers (the 1960s group from Liverpool, where I grew up).
The Liverpool waterfront, a stone's throw from the ferry terminal.
I have studied New Testament Greek, Biblical Hebrew, and Latin. In 1993, I took voluntary severance to complete postgraduate degrees in theology (MA and PhD), which included learning these languages. I'd previously taken a theology degree as an external student with London University while I was working as a tutor.
Robert visiting the ancient site of Delphi in Greece, during a classical study tour - the columns behind him are part of the temple of Apollo.
I visited Burundi (in Africa) with a friend and Bible teacher. We taught at a Christian leaders’ conference and in churches. It was during the civil war so we could not travel outside the capital Bujumbura. The leaders, who had suffered so much, were grateful for our visit; we showed them they had not been forgotten.
Douglas Murray, The War on the West: How to Prevail in the Age of Unreason (2022).
Robert and Susan enjoy walking sections of the South West Coast Path - this photo was taken when on holiday at Lee Abbey in North Devon.
What did I do after I completed my PhD and before retirement?
After finishing my PhD, I became a consultant, initially developing and delivering training, mainly in radiation protection. Later, I worked on various projects including training staff, writing reports (eg on radioactive waste), and safety cases.
Prior to retirement, I worked as a course administrator and tutor in New Testament Greek at Bristol Baptist College.
Two films stand out. I remember, as a youngster, seeing Charles Heston as Moses in The Ten Commandments. More recently, I enjoyed Hidden Figures (I've also read the book).
In my first day at school, I quickly decided I wanted to go home. So, when the teacher lined up the class at the door by the corridor to leave, I went in the opposite direction and jumped through an open window (it was on the ground floor) and ran for home! But Mum caught me of course and I was returned to class!
I would choose from the New Testament John’s Gospel: John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
Studying, learning, and teaching. In addition to my work, I have enjoyed being a volunteer tutor for pupils struggling with maths from primary level up to A-level.
If you would like to be featured in our weekly SRPeople column (or would like to recommend someone) please email sara.harrington@srp-uk.org