it's showtime as arena opens - university of worcester

Issue No.10 Autumn/Winter 2013 Alumni Magazine

UNIVERSITY of WORCESTER

It’s Showtime As Arena OpensPAGE 6

PAGE 18

Annual Alumni Reunion

PAGE 3

Graduation 2013

Further information about alumni news and benefits can be found at www.worcester.ac.uk/alumni

186

Graduation 2013 3

Developments

The University of Worcester Arena 6

Contents

Alumni Reunion 18

Visiting the University: Shane Tranter’s 30th Anniversary 19

Memory Lane 20

Caption Competition 21

In Memoriam 21

Alumni Memories

The Institute of Education 10

The Institute of Health & Society 11

The Institute of Humanities & Creative Arts 12

The Institute of Science & the Environment 13

The Institute of Sport & Exercise Science 14

Worcester Business School 15

The Hive: One Year On 16

Institute News

Alumni Benefits 22

Thank you for your support! 22

Alumni News

Graduate News

University of Worcester Among Britain’s Top Greenest Universities for Fifth Year 4

University Awarded EU Funding for Vital Dementia Research Project 5

Medical Museum Celebrates First Birthday 5

News In Brief

Welcome to the tenth issue of , and congratulations to our latest graduates! I hope those of you attending the forthcoming graduation ceremonies at the end of November enjoy your special day and take pride in what you have achieved.

Turn to page 22 to find out more about what being a part of the Alumni Association means.

This issue is packed with Institute news, alumni memories and new University developments – pages 6-9 feature the newly opened University of Worcester Arena, which is already making a positive impact on students and the community.

Thank you to all of you who joined us for this year’s summer Reunion. The 2014 Reunion will take place on Saturday 12th July – more information is on page 18.

Alumni President’s Welcome A very warm welcome to the graduates of 2013 – you will be the 66th year to join the alumni here! I hope that you will return many times to continue being a part of University life.

2013 has been a memorable year, with the celebration of The Hive’s first-year anniversary. Its achievements in gaining users and borrowers is worthy of its golden façade – read about its successes on page 16.

Our other golden-fronted building is the newly opened Arena. Having held its first international sporting event in the summer, we all look forward to the Arena becoming a major venue for sports and other events.

Last year’s Honorary Graduation inspired many of you to return again this year for our Alumni Reunion. I would encourage all of you, from the students who will be celebrating their 25th anniversary of Worcester, to the more recent graduates, and all those before, to use the 2014 Reunion to contact friends and make this the year you come back to campus together. Contact Sian Gould to discuss ideas and suggestions for the Reunion.

Looking ahead, 2015 will see Worcester celebrate its first decade as a university. Please think of ways in which alumni could and should mark this important milestone. With all best wishes,

David MorphyPresident of the Alumni Association

If there is anything you’d like to see in the magazine, or if you would like to feature in a future issue, please do let me know. You can contact me on 01905 542467 or via [email protected]

Best wishes,

Sian Gould Communications & Alumni Officer

2 spirit Autumn/Winter 2013 Further information about alumni news and benefits can be found at www.worcester.ac.uk/alumni

3

Graduation 2013

Around 3,000 students will take part in the atmospheric ceremonies during the week.

It is a sentimental time, as students move on to the next stage of their lives and leave their University years behind them with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

This year at our 2013 Graduation, the University of Worcester will be awarding fellowships to six people who have made a contribution to the University and will act as ambassadors to raise awareness of the University and its goals; and honorary doctorates to four individuals who are particularly eminent in their field and whose work is of regional, national or international significance.

University FellowshipsThe following Fellowships will be conferred during the November 2013 Award Ceremonies:

Keith Bate: Principal of Halesowen College

Lynda Bellingham: Actress, broadcaster, author and a committed spokesperson against domestic violence

Pat Finch: Former University’s Director of Finance, Pat retired in 2012 after 23 years of service

In November, the University of Worcester will be hosting its graduation ceremonies at Worcester Cathedral, welcoming the graduates of 2013.

Graduate News

Jonathan Godfrey: Principal of Hereford Sixth Form College, named as one of the top five ‘people-focused’ chief executives in the public sector by a leading professional publication HR magazine

Lt Col Patrick Holcroft LVO OBE: Lord Lieutenant for Worcestershire in 2013

Professor Tamar Thompson: A strong supporter of the University, retiring as Vice Chair from the Board of Governors in July 2013

Honorary DoctoratesThe following Honorary Doctorates will be conferred during the November 2013 Award Ceremonies:

Professor Sir John Beddington: Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government in 2008-2013, Professor of Applied Population Biology at ICL for nearly three decades, Fellow of the Royal Society and the recipient of the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George for services to fisheries science and management

Kevin Crossley-Holland: Award-winning children’s author, eminent medieval historian and President of the School Library Association

Sir Paul Nurse: President of the Royal Society, as well as Director and Chief Executive of the Francis Crick Institute. Sir Paul was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology (jointly) in 2011

Nick Owen: BBC journalist with a background in sports reporting, Nick provided coverage for the Olympics and the World Cup on a number of occasions

Jane Powell: Strategic Director for hockey in the UK, Jane contributed to the success of GB hockey teams at the Olympics

Graduate News


The league was published in the Guardian, and the University of Worcester is ranked fourth out of 143 institutions, for our environmental and ethical performance.

We are now generating our own electricity through photo-voltaic panels on the rooftops of some of our largest buildings and recycling rainwater. A number of initiatives have been carried out, including the installation of electric vehicle charging points on campus as well as the planting of a small orchard.

Katy Boom, Director of Environmental Sustainability at the University of Worcester, said: “It is a fantastic achievement to be ranked, once again, among the best institutions in the country.

“The volunteering work of the students, the enthusiasm and innovations from staff-led initiatives, along with our commitment to making a sustainability elective available to all students, are reasons why the University has climbed again in this year’s green league.”

University of Worcester Among Britain’s Top Greenest Universities for Fifth Year

It is a fantastic achievement to be ranked, once again, among the best institutions in the country.

The University has been awarded ‘First Class Honours’ in the People & Planet’s Green League this year.

News in Brief

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Please contact Carol Bowsher on 01905 542540 or via [email protected] for more information about the museum.

University Awarded EU Funding for Vital Dementia Research Project The University of Worcester’s Association for Dementia Studies has been awarded a significant European Union (EU) research grant in order to carry out potentially vital work in helping people and families living with dementia.

The project, known as MEETINGDEM, is supported through the EU Joint Programme – Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND), and will aim to implement and evaluate the Meeting Centres Support Programme (MCSP) which has achieved great success in the Netherlands.

The MCSP provides an innovative way of supporting people with mild to moderate dementia and their families through an evidence-based, person-centred approach. The research grant will trial the approach in three other countries – the UK, Italy and Poland – with the University of Worcester’s Professor Dawn Brooker leading the project in the UK.

Professor Brooker said: “The MCSP is a promising, innovative example of good practice as to how health and social care organisations and volunteers can collaborate to provide comprehensive,integrated and cost-effective easy accesssupport to people with dementia and theirfamilies, enabling them to live longerindependently with a better quality of life.

“For the Association for Dementia Studies, it is a great achievement to have been part of such a prestigious award in just the fourth year since becoming established. We will be working on a pan-European project involving academic colleagues in a number of EU countries.”

The 36-month project will be split into two phases – phase one will see the University of Worcester team evaluate and develop UK-specific plans, while the second phase will include the implementation and analysis of the MCSP in one region of each country.

Professor Brooker will be working alongside Dr Simon Evans, Senior Research Fellow, Dr Karan Jutlla, Senior Lecturer, and Mike Watts, Senior Administrator.

Professor Brooker added: “In the UK we are partnering with Professor Martin Orrell from UCL and we will lead the work on the evaluation methodology for the whole programme. I’d like to thank everyone for their part in this but particularly Dr Simon Evans, who worked very hard on the preparation of this bid.”

We will be working on a pan-European project involving academic colleagues in a number of EU countries.

News in Brief

Medical Museum Celebrates First BirthdayThe Infirmary, the medical museum based at the University of Worcester’s City Campus, celebrated its first birthday in August with a special event delivered as part of the Worcester Festival.

The venue, which was one of England’s oldest infirmaries, reopened as an interactive museum last year. The

‘Birthdays and Memories’ event had a diverse range of activities, including a ‘My Book of Memories’ project, where visitors created their own mini memory book or family tree. Worcestershire League of Nurses, along with nursing and midwifery students from the University of Worcester, gave people a taster of midwifery skills past and present.

Midwifery artefacts ranging from feeding bottles to breast pumps from the George Marshall Medical Museum were on show during the event. Craft activities and historical hospital tours were also on offer, allowing people to view artefacts and exhibitions which chronicle the building’s history.

The Infirmary Museum is open Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm (excluding Bank Holidays) and admission is free.


When urban regeneration works well, it is something of a phenomenon. A derelict or disused site is cocooned by builders’ boards for a year or two. Just as you’re becoming used to the boards, and have forgotten that they’re not in themselves the purpose of the site, a brand new building emerges, all shiny windowed and eager to please. The University of Worcester has developed a habit of getting these projects right in recent years, whether with the sensitive restoration of the Worcester Royal Infirmary to form the new City Campus, or the innovative development of the award-winning Hive library.

What really marks these projects out as a success, however, is not what they bring to the skyline architecturally, but rather what they bring to the communities in which they make their home. The latest name on this particular team sheet is that of the University of Worcester Arena – a two thousand seat sports facility that has risen from the rubble of an abandoned fruit and veg market to sit proudly on the banks of the River Severn. It’s an impressive venue, and one that promises to bring much to both the University and the city.

Several elite level sports teams have already made the Arena their ‘home from home’. England Netball have hosted key international matches and the Superleague grand final at the venue. There have also been several elite disability sports events, including a men’s wheelchair basketball clash between Paralympic medallists Great Britain and the Paralympic champions Canada.

The Arena has been chosen as the training base for the GB Wheelchair Basketball team ahead of Rio 2016. The Worcester Wolves Basketball Club have made the Arena their base, bringing with them top flight BBL basketball action for all to enjoy.

The University of Worcester Arena

It’s an impressive venue, and one that promises to bring much to both the University and the city.

Will Norman, Paralympic champion and England Blind Football team member, gives his view on the new University of Worcester Arena, which opened in the spring.

Developments

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For students at the University, the Arena is more than just a big hall for practicals.

The facilities provide an excellent training base for the entire range of sporting pathways. Sports therapists can plunge real athletes into the freezing ice baths; aspiring strength and conditioning coaches can put clients through their paces in the Power Suite; and Sport Business Management students can gain invaluable experience working on some of the Arena’s major events.

But it’s not all about elite sport and the University. The Arena has grass roots and community use baked in. The Paralympic Schools Games give local youngsters a chance to try a range of disability sports. Grass roots coaching workshops take place in the Arena alongside national-level training sessions, allowing the stars of tomorrow to train alongside the heroes of today.

April White, Project Coordinator for the Arena, said: “I’m really pleased with how we’ve started. We have University students working alongside elite athletes, and community groups training alongside national teams.

“We want this to be a place where everyone feels welcome, from school groups to elite athletes.”

Mick Donovan, Head of the Institute of Sport & Exercise Science, added:

“Having a venue like this in Worcester is very exciting. It’s state-of-the-art, and has already brought international sport and live TV coverage to the city.

“With the Arena, we can really put Worcester on the map, and we want to make sure it’s a facility that everyone can enjoy.”

Developments

Having a venue like this in Worcester is very exciting. It’s state-of-the art, and has already brought international sport and live TV coverage to the city.

The Arena can seat 2,000 spectators


Six of the best key facts

41 May 2013:Arena opened

32 Seating capacity:

2,000 people

Changing rooms:3 sets, which can be divided to make 6 changing rooms. Designed to fit 16 wheelchair athletes in either side

Facilities: With its size, exceptional accessibility and high-tech facilities, the University of Worcester Arena is a venue that attracts a great range of top-class regional, national and international spectator events to the city. It serves as the home ground for the Worcester Wolves basketball team and the training base for GB Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team, and as a venue for a wide range of memorable sporting events

9 Developments 9

Tickets for all Worcester Wolves British Basketball League games can be purchased online via Ticketline. For all other events, please visit www.universityarena.co.uk

6 Event hosting history: – Netball Superleague

Grand Final 2013 – Great Britain

Wheelchair Basketball Association Continental Clash 2

– Hereford & Worcester

Chamber of Commerce HR Professionals Conference

– England Basketball 3on3 Tournament

– GB performance Paralympic Tri Nations Championship (including Canada and Spain)

– Lithuanian Basketball Federation training camp

5 Press suites: – Media Balcony – can be

used for performance analysis and filming

– Media Suite – soundproof suite, used for TV interviews

– Designed to enable live TV broadcasting

Unique Study Heralds New Era for Religious Education

Researchers at the University of Worcester are looking into how the history of religious education broadcasting may help inform the way in which the subject is taught in schools.

The study will chart the history of RE broadcasting from its inception on the radio in the 1920s to the contemporary documentaries on different religious traditions and online resources and examine how these programmes are used by schools.

Dr Stephen Parker, whose acclaimed PhD thesis was on Faith and the Home Front, is leading the study. He said:

“Though RE has been compulsory since the 1944 Education Act, its place in the future of education has been made insecure so the time for the review and an in-depth study of the history of RE broadcasting is very opportune.”

He cites the fact that RE is not to be included in the new EBacc qualification, and that GCSE RE short courses are not counted in the proposed

‘performance 8’ measure for schools, as examples of RE’s exclusion from the national curriculum review.

Graduate Spotlight: Jim Archer Jim Archer, who originally studied Archaeology at Bournemouth University, decided to step out of his comfort zone for a career-change in 2009 and applied to the University of Worcester’s PGCE History course.

Jim had previously worked with an archaeological contractor but realised teaching was where his future lay. After graduating, Jim secured a permanent post at Shireland Collegiate Academy in November 2011 and is now Subject Leader for History there, overseeing the subject throughout Keystages 3, 4 & 5.

The excellent support I received from my tutors, coupled with good placements at local high schools, gave me every opportunity to succeed.

10 Further information about alumni news and benefits can be found at www.worcester.ac.uk/alumni

Roxandra at one of her fundraiser cake sales

The Institute of Education

Budding Teacher Awarded Scholarship to Volunteer in Peru

Roxandra-Maria Crisan, a third-year Education Studies student at the University, spent four weeks in the summer volunteering for the Peru-Cusco English programme, run by International Volunteering HQ.

During her time in Peru, the 20-year-old Romanian taught English in two orphanages for children aged from six to teenagers.

Roxandra used her experience and knowledge from the teaching course to teach the children, and also passed on advice and teaching materials to the teachers at the orphanages.

“The children I met in Peru were desperate to learn English, as they hope that knowledge of the language will help them to become tourist guides there,” Roxandra said.

She added: “I am really grateful to everyone at the University who supported me in my trip. I couldn’t have taken part in the scheme without the £750 scholarship I received from the University, or without the help from my fellow students in my fundraising events.”

Institute News

spirit Autumn/Winter 2013

The time for a review and in-depth study of the history of RE broadcasting is very opportune.

Professor Peel said: “I am delighted that our textbook has been shortlisted for the BPS Book Award. We wrote the book because we were all teaching sexualities courses and there was no textbook in the area.

“It is designed to support courses in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans psychology and Sexualities and Gender, whilst ‘adding in’ the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (LGBTQ) perspective to different areas of psychology – developmental psychology or the psychology of ageing, for example.”

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University of Worcester Professor Shortlisted for Prestigious Award

Professor Elizabeth Peel has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2013 British Psychological Society (BPS) Book Award after co-authoring ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer Psychology: An Introduction’, which is a student textbook.

Recently appointed here as Professor of Psychology and Social Change, her research interests include challenging psychology as a discipline, focusing on marginalised groups and trying to affect positive social change for marginalised and vulnerable groups.

Graduate Spotlight: Jean White

Jean White qualified as a midwife in 2004 after completing her Midwifery degree at the University of Worcester.

Jean, a mother of two from Bromsgrove, studied as a mature student here and took an access course as her route of entry onto the University degree course.

“My Midwifery course at Worcester prepared me well for my career and I really enjoyed being around like-minded individuals who were also hoping to become midwives,” said Jean.

Since graduating, Jean has progressed in her role and has recently been promoted to Labour Ward Co-ordinator.

When the opportunity for a band 7 developmental role in the hospital I’ve been working in came up in June, I felt it was time for me to take things to the next stage and applied for the job.

National Recognition for University of Worcester Student

Michael Anslow, a second-year Paramedic Science FdSc student, has earned national recognition after picking up a prestigious National Union of Students award.

He was nominated in the category of ‘Course Representative of the Year’ after displaying outstanding commitment to his course and colleagues, and was shortlisted along with another two Course Representatives before being named as the overall winner at the award ceremony in Manchester.

Michael said: “Given the standard of the competition, I was so surprised to actually win the award, but absolutely delighted. The other nominees were very worthy candidates – I believe another nominee actually stopped her course from being shut down, which is an amazing thing.”

Michael has also scooped three other awards in recent months: the Student Academic Representative (StAR) of the Year for the Institute of Health & Society; the Worcester Award from the University; and the ‘100 Hours Exceptional Attainment in Volunteering’ award from the Students’ Union.

Professor Peel will find out later this autumn whether her book won the award

Professor David Green presenting Michael (right) with his NUS award

The Institute of Health & Society

Institute News

I am delighted that our textbook has been shortlisted for the BPS Book Award.

12 spirit Autumn/Winter 2013

GraduArt Show Displays Final-Year Students’ Work

Final-year students studying Graphic Design & Multimedia, Animation, Creative Digital Media, Illustration, Digital Film Production, Fine Art and Art & Design subjects presented their work to members of the public at the end of May.

The students showcased their final year artwork and also created the website for the event.

Graduate Spotlight: Rob Brittain, Vicki Stokes, Richard Wishart and Samantha Franklin

Four University of Worcester graduates performed their interactive show, Limbo, to large international audiences at the world’s biggest arts festival, The Edinburgh Fringe, earlier this year.

Rob Brittain, Vicki Stokes, Richard Wishart and Samantha Franklin, all Contemporary Theatre Performance MA graduates, were each granted a £500 scholarship to stage their work at the Festival.

They performed their 12-hour production, Limbo, to thousands of spectators who took part in the interactive show.

Rob, Vicki, Richard and Samantha portrayed ‘occupants’ trapped inside a large box competing for the audience’s love and attention to become an

‘overnight’ celebrity. During this time they were challenged by a series of tasks dictated by audience members.

Rob said: “Exposure is an extremely important aspect for a career in theatre, so we are incredibly grateful to the University for awarding us the scholarship.”

Limbo was also performed at the Kidderminster Arts Festival in the summer.

Graphic Design & Multimedia students’ book cover


The Institute of Humanities & Creative Arts

Students Aim to Spark Interest in the Natural World

Graphic Design & Multimedia students from the University of Worcester have been working alongside children’s author Gyles Morris and John Cook – of rural studies centre Naturebase – on a project designed to encourage children’s engagement with nature.

The students researched and developed graphical solutions to help create an activity book that would appeal to schoolchildren. The concept for the book came about in response to growing discussion linked to ‘nature deficit disorder’, a condition associated with British children losing touch with the natural world.

The collaboration has been an exciting and informative one.

Gyles explained: “Growing numbers of children are missing out on the real experiences of the natural world. All of the recent research into children’s lifestyles point to the remarkable collapse of their engagement with nature and the huge reductions in time and growing restrictions on playing outdoors.”

He added: “The collaboration between our rural studies centre and the Graphic Design & Multimedia course has been an exciting and informative one, with the project now ready to go to the next stage.”

If you’d like to see the students’ work, please visit www.worcester degreeshows.co.uk

The four students met on their Contemporary Theatre Performance MA course

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University of Worcester Team Undertakes Malvern Hills Reptile Research

A team of researchers from the University’s Institute of Science & the Environment are undertaking potentially vital research looking at the future of the county’s reptiles.

The numbers of adders, grass snakes and slow worms on the Malvern Hills are already in decline due to habitat loss, and recent anecdotal evidence suggests that pheasants released on nearby shooting estates are contributing to the problem.

Rory Dimond, who is studying BSc Conservation Ecology, is working under the supervision of Dr Duncan Westbury and Dr Mike Wheeler to determine whether there is a direct link between the pheasants and the decreasing number of reptiles.

Rory said: “As someone with a keen interest in reptile conservation, it’s exciting to be able to contribute to a real-life investigation into the impacts on their populations.

“The molecular ecology techniques I have been learning are fascinating and a great addition to what I have already gained from my course.”

Dr Wheeler, Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry and Genetics, explained:

“The University’s facilities enable us to undertake molecular studies of samples from the environment. Using similar techniques to those used in DNA fingerprinting, we can identify potential prey species of pheasants which will make an important contribution to understanding their ecology.”

Institute News

Graduate Spotlight: Martin Wilkes

Martin Wilkes is currently undertaking a PhD at Worcester after graduating from his BSc in Environmental Management degree here in 2009. His PhD focuses on strengthening the scientific basis for river habitat assessment and the design of environmental flows and river restoration projects.

Martin completed a laboratory experiment that aimed to improve the management of river habitats for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), a key conservation species. He constructed artificial river habitats in the laboratory, examining the response of juvenile salmon to the turbulent flow conditions created. Using video cameras, infra-red lighting and tracking technology, he was able to follow the movements of individual fish.

Earlier this year, Martin travelled to Chile to test the results of the laboratory work in different river environments with a variety of fish species, including in the San Pedro River.

Martin said: “Staff and graduate students at Worcester have been building a strong, coherent river research programme for years. Their enthusiasm, experience and expertise in this area is something that I think students here really appreciate.”

Worcester Lecturer Scoops Top Award for Postgraduate Research

Dr Tory Milner, a Physical Geography lecturer at the University, has been awarded the highly regarded Dick Chorley Medal by the British Society of Geomorphology (BSG) for her research into river restoration.

The medal recognises the most significant original contribution to geomorphology by a current or recently graduated postgraduate student and Dr Milner won the award for her paper entitled

‘Characterisation of hydraulic habitat and retention across different channel types: introducing a new field-based technique.’

Dr Milner said: “I am deeply honoured and very happy to be awarded the Dick Chorley Medal for my paper, and it’s fantastic to be at a university which supports early career researchers.”

Dr Milner used the findings from her research to create a new method for assessing the differences in the variety of habitat pre and post river restoration activities.

“River habitats, such as aquatic plants, along with insects and fish are a strong indication of good water quality. It is important to have the tools to characterise the variety and volumes of habitat so that other academic research institutions, fellow river scientists and environmental consultancies can successfully measure and improve the richness of species in rivers,” said Dr Milner.

Student Rory undertaking research on the Malvern Hills

The Institute of Science & the Environment

Learning Through Sport

Hundreds of schoolchildren from Worcestershire enjoyed a range of educational sporting activities at the annual Learning Through Sport Day at the University of Worcester Arena during June.

More than 200 pupils from schools across the county took part in an action-packed day of sport and education, including rugby, basketball and, for the first time, rhythmic gymnastics.

The children’s activities were led by University of Worcester lecturers and students together with coaches and players from the Worcester Warriors Rugby and Worcester Wolves Basketball Clubs.

University of Worcester Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green, said: “The University’s Learning Through Sport Programme helps children improve their Maths and English whilst participating in sport.

“Sport teaches skills of teamwork and self-discipline as well as promoting health, sociability and all the benefits which come from joining in.”

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Graduate Spotlight: Sergiu Margarit

Sergiu Margarit, from Romania, came to Worcester to study Sport Business Management here after his own experience in the world of sports, and is now continuing with the University through his work as Sport & Exercise Supervisor at the University of Worcester Arena.

The twenty-two-year-old used to play tennis at elite level as well as being a qualified Tennis Instructor, and wanted to remain involved in the sports industry so chose to study the Sport Business Management course here.

Whilst on his course, Sergiu managed to build up an impressive portfolio of extra-curricular and volunteering activities, such as coaching children at schools, volunteering for the London Olympics and going to the Netherlands as a Sports Tourism exchange student.

He was also an Ambassador for the World Congress of Performance Analysis of Sport IX, helping international students at the University as one of the SU International Committee Officers.

Sergiu said: ‘’After three years, I’d gained a vast amount of experience alongside my course. Such experiences were available through the University and have helped me to develop my skills and abilities.”

With the friendly and

forward-moving atmosphere around the University, it wasn’t a hard decision choosing to remain in Worcester to work within the University.

The Institute of Sport & Exercise Science

Student Secures Job At Worcestershire FA

A University of Worcester graduate from Kidderminster has recently joined Worcestershire FA as a new football development officer.

Ollie Williams, who has recently finished his degree in Sports Development and Coaching, is working with clubs, coaches and the community providing

support and advice to help increase the number of people of all ages and abilities playing football.

Whilst studying, the twenty-one-year-old was among the first to receive University funding to become a qualified coach. Ollie completed his FA Level 2 at the University of Worcester and coached goalkeepers at the Kidderminster Academy during a coaching placement.

Pleased with his new position, Ollie said: “My role will help there to be a constant source of contact for clubs, coaches and anyone within the county working towards the common goal of developing football and making it accessible for anybody.”

Local schoolchildren at this year’s Learning Through Sport event

Sergiu Margarit

spirit Autumn/Winter 2013 Further information about alumni news and benefits can be found at www.worcester.ac.uk/alumni

15

PR Student Scoops £1,000 Scholarship from Federation of Small Businesses

Lauren Griffiths, who is studying Marketing, Advertising and PR at Worcester, has landed a £1,000 scholarship by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to help establish her own PR firm.

“This money will help me to set up and start running my own business and the chance to work with the FSB over the next year will also give me a real boost in terms of making contacts and learning from the business community,” said the twenty-year-old.

The FSB scholarship is aimed at second and third year business students from Worcestershire with a good academic record, who are looking for investment in a business idea.

Judi Brazkiewicz, Chairman of FSB Worcestershire, said: “Yet again, the University of Worcester has shown us how good our young entrepreneurs are. Lauren is a fantastic example to us and we are looking forward to working with her in the future.

“She will write a blog which will feature on the FSB website, www.fsb.org.uk/092, allowing us to keep up-to-date with her academic and business developments.”

Graduate Spotlight: Rajeev

Rajeev, an entrepreneur from India, joined the University of Worcester to learn more about business systems, strategies and techniques in an international environment by studying a Masters degree in Management here.

Rajeev graduated in 2004 and he now runs his own IT services company, Bizzon Info Solutions, which is headquartered in India and has business centres across Asia, the USA, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Rajeev said: “The course at Worcester taught me how to apply my knowledge through interesting multi-media materials presented by friendly and knowledgeable instructors.”

Worcester Business School

Institute News

Lauren (middle) receiving her scholarship award

Students Mike Wright and Dominique O’Brian (front row) with Mark Richardson (back row, second from right) and others at the Jail ‘n’ Bail event

Students Help Raise Vital Funds for Local Charity

Two University of Worcester students have been praised after organising a fundraising ‘Jail ‘n’ Bail’ event which made £2,000 – four times the initial target – for a local charity.

Mike Wright and Dominique O’Brian planned the event, which saw Mark Richardson, Head of the Worcester Business School, and Andy Smart, member of the Worcester Business School Advisory Board, become mock arrested, fingerprinted, handcuffed and jailed in front of the Guildhall. They were only released upon raising a ‘bail’, which went towards Sight Concern Worcestershire.

The pair, along with fellow ‘culprits’ and business representatives Jenni Henderson of Chrysalis Business Support and Stephan Spartley of King’s Head Bar and Grill, had aimed to raise £500 from family, friends and passers-by, but the

event attracted the attention and curiosity of locals, who contributed to the eventual £2,000 total. The money will now go towards helping the county’s blind and partially sighted people to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Keith Hoare, fundraising officer at Sight Concern Worcestershire, said:

“Mike and Dominique gave an enormous amount of time and effort, with real commitment to the organisation of this event.”


Since opening its doors, The Hive has been recognised for 44 awards, winning a number of these including Best Contribution to the Local Community by a University in The Guardian University Awards; Outstanding Library Team in the Times Higher Leadership and Management Awards; and three awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), including their prestigious National Award.

The facility was developed and financed jointly by the University of Worcester and Worcestershire County Council, and continues to run as a partnership project.Students have benefited from The Hive’s space, extra facilities and long opening hours and borrowed more books than ever before, with University borrowing up nearly 10% on previous years. It’s not just our students who are making the most out of the facility – public library membership has grown dramatically, with over 18,000 new members joining during The Hive’s first year.

The children’s library has proved a magnet for younger readers, parents and grandparents alike with borrowing of junior picture books up by the most of any single category – a whopping 321%. Former children’s laureates and authors Jacqueline Wilson and Michael Rosen have both visited and complimented The Hive’s host of activities for children and young people.

The Hive. 1 million books, 1 million visitors, 1 year old.The Hive has recently celebrated its first year anniversary as Britain’s unique public and university library and history centre, and has reached some impressive milestones during this time.

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The Hive welcomed its millionth visitor as well as lending the millionth book during July. The millionth book, titled ‘Why Love Matters: How Affection Shapes a Baby’s Brain’, was borrowed by a University of Worcester student and long-time Worcestershire resident. Grandmother Alison Barrett, studying for a degree in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, borrowed the book and hit the million mark.

Books, of course, are the tip of the iceberg as members also utilise the extensive collection of journals, CDs, DVDs and the twelve miles of archive collections available.

Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor of the University of Worcester, said: “The Hive is a stunning success. Britain’s first University and public library is brilliant for our students whilst attracting and inspiring people throughout Worcestershire.

“Above all it is encouraging new generations to learn, to read and to engage with the great treasury of human knowledge, understanding and culture. It is marvellous to be part of such a triumph of human imagination and teamwork.”

To enquire about how you can get involved in volunteering opportunities, please contact hiveadminteam@ worcestershire.gov.uk or call 01905 765576

The Hive is a stunning success. Britain’s first University and public library is brilliant for our students whilst attracting and inspiring people throughout Worcestershire.

17 Institute News

The 2014 Reunion will take place on the afternoon of Saturday 12 July 2014, and we hope to see many of you join us there.

More information will be

circulated in the Spring online edition of Spirit. However, if you would like to receive details and a booking form through the post, please contact Sian Gould on 01905 542467 or via [email protected] to ensure you are included on the Reunion mailing list.

The afternoon was complemented by live music from jazz pianist Sam Scrivens, sparkling wine and afternoon cream teas.

Here are a selection of the photographs taken at the event. You can also view more online at www.worcester.ac.uk/alumni

Thank you to all those who attended our annual Alumni Reunion on 13th July. Over 100 former students gathered at the St John’s Campus for an afternoon of reminiscing and chatting. Many of you enjoyed touring The Hive, the Arena, St John’s Campus and City Campus during the reunion.

Alumni Reunion Alumni Memories


Former students enjoying the reunion on a hot summer’s day in July


19

You are always welcome back to campus! Shane Tranter and friends recently came back to St John’s Campus. Read Shane’s take on it below:

“Walking into the reception of the University of Worcester on 7th September, the first person I saw was Steve Gordon. A very déjà vu moment as the very first time I ever walked into this building 30 years ago, he was the first person I met as he too waited for a grilling before we were both accepted onto the 1983 B.Ed intake.

This time we were here for a reunion footy game and a night out in a few old haunts followed by an overnight stay in the halls. 27 old boys and 4 girls made it for the weekend. We get together every FA Cup Final day to play a game, usually around the Cheltenham area.

This year, we decided to return to campus to recognise the 30 years since many of us started at Worcester.

Then and Now:1986 Worcester 1st and 2nd football teams: Back Row, L-R – Roger Gordon, Nick Josling, Colin Fenn (Lecturer, Geography), Nige Dudley, Nige Rourke, Si Barr, Geoff Hannah.Middle Row, L-R – Alan O’Neill, Mike Cooke, Chris Lees, David Lawson, Alan Pibworth, Chris Chappell, Carl Hamilton, Stu Beattie. Front Row (main), L-R – Pete Wickham, Mark Woodcock, John Evans, Simon Davies, Shane Tranter, Steve Harrison, Steve Murray. Front, L-R – Andy Dellar, Al Harries

2013 Football Match: Back Row, L-R – Jon Abbott, Andy Ford, Simon Richardson, Chris, Huw Myers, Dave Hewitt, Geoff Hannah, Shane Tranter, Steve Murray, Nige Dudley, John Evans, Steve Harrison, Nige Williams, James Rippin. Front Row, L-R – Pete Wickham, Paul Shopland, Simon Davies, Chris Chappell, Nige Rourke, Ade French, John McKinlay, Simon Barr, Rupert Banks, Nick Josling, Ian Broad.

If you are planning a trip to Worcester, please contact Sian on 01905 542467 or via [email protected]

We can arrange for a campus tour, book accommodation on-campus for your stay if it’s between June and September, and help out with hiring other University facilities.

First port of call was the Pear Tree (known to us as The Dive, a much better name!) for a carb-loading session before the match kicked off at 4.30pm. At half time the score was delicately poised at 1-0 to the yellows. The second half was full of incident, but a further goal was scored to leave the final score at a very diplomatic 1-1.

One of our group, Steve Harrison, has been fighting a very tough battle with cancer so this year the game was also to show support for him and to fundraise for Macmillan Cancer Support as a thank you for the marvellous work they have done for Steve. We presented Steve with a cheque for £1,000 for Macmillan, and he managed to play for a substantial part of the game, which meant of course there could only be one winner of our ‘Man of the Match’ trophy.

7pm saw us in the Crown and Anchor and, after a few verses of ‘The Big Black Bull’, ‘Father Abraham’ and other classics, we moved on to the Severn View, the Swan with two Nicks and finally Drummonds (or the Green Room as we knew it).

We ended our reunion on the Sunday morning with a gentle stroll through Bredon and Clee, which brought back far too many good memories before we all reluctantly departed for home. A massive thank you to Sian and Debbie at the Uni for making it so easy to organise and stay on campus. I am sure we will return!”

Alumni Memories

January 1972 – Rag week

Outside Hines – 1972

Science group members 1971

January 1972 – Rag week


Memory LaneThank you to Doug and Jan Smith (née Newman) for sending in photos of their time here between 1969 and 1972. Here are a selection of snapshots from their student days, along with a few words from Doug:

L-R: Elaine Wilkes (not a Worcester graduate), Marion Church (née Cass), Tom Wilkes, Jan Smith (née Newman), Nic Church and Douglas Smith.

For me, Worcester will always be a magical place because I met my wife, Jan, on that first week’s teaching practice in October 1969 when I was just over 18.

The brew group was made up of people who I may not have met otherwise, as we were all doing different subjects, but they were my friends and lifeline.

Our recent mini reunion has renewed these friendships.

Doug and Jan would love to hear from anyone who can help them make contact again with Ian, Charles, Sue and Sue, so please get in touch via Sian if you can help!


Spring 1972

Front: Sue La

ngley, D

ilwyn H

unt,

Ian Roger

s, Sue J

ones. Back:

Ken

Webber, om

Wilkes,

Doug Smith,

Charles

(Lawrenc

e) Hemmings

,

Nic Church,

Janice N

ewman

21

Last issue’s winner was…“When you said we were going to

see Steps, I thought you meant something else!” Clive Williams (1970-73)

Thanks to everyone else who entered too.

Gillian Anne Bremner (née Davis)Teaching student, 1955-1957

Gillian studied at Worcester Teacher Training College between 1955 and 1957, and it was here that she met her husband-to-be, Alan Bremner. They were part of the same personal group in College, where they met regularly with other students and a member of staff to discuss personal and academic issues. They were both involved in sporting teams whilst students.

Gillian returned to her native Hampshire to teach upon finishing her course, followed a year later by Alan. They married in 1959, and have had four children together.

Over the years, Gillian had many talents including music, needlework, cooking and gardening, as well as being an invaluable volunteer for Mencap. She was admired for both her work as a teacher and her modest and friendly nature in her local community.

Gillian passed away on 12th January 2013, after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for eight years.

Entries will be judged on their originality and their humour. The chosen winner will have their comical caption published in the next issue of Spirit.

To enter, email [email protected] putting

‘Caption Competition’ as the subject or send your caption to:

Caption Competition Alumni Office University of Worcester Henwick Grove Worcester

WR2 6AJ

Caption Competition

In Memoriam

Match the photo below with a witty one-liner!

Alumni Memories


Alumni Benefits Welcome to our new graduates of 2013, and congratulations on completing your studies here at Worcester or one of our partner colleges. Graduates of the University of Worcester automatically earn a free lifelong membership into the Worcester Alumni Association entitling you to benefits such as:

Use of the University’s Career Service for up to three years after graduation. Visit www.worcester.ac.uk/careers or call 01905 855166

Summer Accommodation 10% discount Visit www.worcester.ac.uk /conferencing or call 01905 542121

Extended borrowing at The Hive library Borrow up to twelve 3-week loans and three University high demand books. Simply join The Hive, show your ID (with your name and address on) and mention that you are a graduate of the University

Sports Centre 10% discount Discount applies to membership at our sports centre and the hire of sporting facilities. Visit www.worcester.ac.uk/conferencing or call 01905 542121

Students’ UnionEnjoy life membership at the Students’ Union where you are always welcome to come back and get involved in supporting your old clubs. Visit www.worcsu.com

Free subscription to the Spirit biannual magazine Keeping you up-to-date with alumni news, forthcoming events and what’s happening at Worcester. The Spring edition is an online-only edition, and the Autumn edition is posted

Postgraduate study 10% discountCurrent or former University of Worcester students going on to Masters programmes can be eligible for a 10% discount in fees.To find out more, please contact the Finance Department on 01905 855115

In order to benefit from the above services and find out the latest news and opportunities at the University, please ensure we are kept up-to-date with your contact details, including postal address, email addresses, phone numbers and name changes.

Thank you for your support! This spring, a group of current students spoke to over 800 of you on the telephone to find out about your experiences here at Worcester and to explain about the University’s 2013 Appeal, which is raising money for important projects throughout the University.

There has been a fantastic response to the Appeal and the warmth and generosity of the University of Worcester community to our first telephone campaign has been overwhelmingly positive. Of the hundreds of people we spoke to, almost everybody had memories and stories to share, and a great many have chosen to support our goals by making a donation, totalling nearly £30,000 to date.

The University’s students and the wider community will benefit from the money raised during this Appeal, including through:

n Increasing the University’s Access to Learning Fund, which helps students who face real financial hardship during their time here – often because family circumstances change adversely.

n Contributing to the development of the University’s Disability Sports Programme, which is the most inclusive disability sports education programme in the UK. We are helping hundreds of children as well as students to participate every year with very positive results.

n Contributing to the University’s Research Programmes, including research into helping those living with dementia. The University is engaged in training and educating dementia carers all over the UK and researching matters ranging from the design of care homes to the potential of music and other therapies.

We are extremely grateful to all those who supported us during this appeal

– thank you from the University and our students.

If you weren’t contacted during the campaign but would like to make a donation, please complete the form opposite or download it at: www.worcester.ac.uk/community/how-to-donate

To discuss making a donation, contact Sian Gould on 01905 542467 or via [email protected]

The calling team with alumnus Muff Murfin (third row, fourth from left)

it's showtime as arena opens - university of worcester

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