SPace
Bath Spa University’s monthly magazine MARCH 2014
TIME TO CHANGE PLEDGE
CAN CREATIVE WRITING BE TAUGHT? MINISTERIAL VISIT
FEATURES 12
Spotlight on... Josh Skinner, BA (Hons) Business and Management, and Head of Bath Spa Enterprise Society
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My student experience... Rachel Cox BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
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Benjamin Callery runner- up in Fashion Awareness Direct 2014
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Student observation project at Bath magistrates
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Student led UK/USA research project
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Michael Pennie’s Box Of Memories
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NEWS 6
Update from the Vice-Chancellor
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In the News
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Ministerial visit to Newton Park
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Michael Pennie’s Box Of Memories
10 Newton Park campus development update
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Benjamin Callery runner-up in Fashion Awareness Direct 2014
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Heritage Forum 2014
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Local school pupils inspired by student- led theatre performances
Spotlight on…Josh Skinner, BA (Hons) Business and Management
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Talking Point… Creative Writing can’t be taught
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My student experience…Rachel Cox, BSc (Hons), Environmental Science
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30 Students’ observation project at Bath Magistrates 32
Student led UK/USA research project
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SPACE magazine is published every month and is aimed at staff and students of Bath Spa University. SPACE welcomes contributions from all members of the Bath Spa community. Want to get involved? Contact Jane Wakefield – j.wakefield@bathspa.ac.uk Editor Jane Wakefield
Features Writer Rob Breckon
Design and Layout Lorna Leigh Harrington
Contributors Rachel Cox Amy Lamborn Kate James Rachel Edwards David Bailey (photography) Betty Bhandari (photography)
Front cover Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts in Commons at Newton Park.
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34 Alumni news
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Archive update
36 Reviews
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Staff News
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Enterprise and Local Partnerships update
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Environmental Focus
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Student’s Union
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What’s on SPACE FEBRUARY 2014
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Professor Christina Slade, Vice-Chancellor
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Update from the Vice-Chancellor A lot has happened since the last issue of SPACE and we have some great stories to share this month.
The Rt Hon David Willetts MP visited Newton Park at the end of February. Following a short meeting with senior staff he toured Commons and met with staff and students. He particularly enjoyed hearing the musical performance and the excellent questions posed by students in attendance at the event. During his visit he praised the University for its bold vision. The media department have created a short video of the visit which can be found here I gave a keynote talk as part of Swansea University’s International Women’s Day celebration on Friday 7 March. Back at Bath Spa University I also joined Cathy Leng and other members of staff for our own celebrations in The Refectory. We celebrate being one of 49 UK universities that have demonstrated a continuing commitment to researcher development, by retaining the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award at the two year stage. The Award demonstrates the University’s commitment to improving the working conditions and career development of research staff, which will in turn improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy. We welcomed a number of international visitors this month including a delegation of Chinese digital media universities and companies through a project run by the British Council. The School of Education also hosted the Principal of Mufulira College of Education in Zambia. Finally, I have re-launched the Vice-Chancellor’s suggestions box and to encourage more staff and students to use it, I am going to be awarding £20 Amazon or iTunes vouchers. I am looking for great ideas which can make a real difference to the University. Practical ideas which are possible to implement are what I hope to see although please do share your more aspirational ideas too! Click here to submit your suggestion today.
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The Vice-Chancellor and David Willetts outside Commons.
Ministerial visit to Newton Park Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts visited the University on 25 February. He met with the Vice-Chancellor and other senior staff to talk about the University’s vision and plans for the future.
During the day the Minister visited the new academic building Commons and met with more staff and students. He was treated to a recital by students from the music department and spoke to creative media practice students while looking around the new digital studio. Commenting on his visit he said: “Bath Spa University has a bold vision for its future and is successfully mixing creativity and technology to develop graduates with unique skills to meet the current and future needs of the UK economy. It was fantastic to see the investment being made in 88
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The Minister speaking with Amy Dawson, President of the Students’ Union and students.
the facilities and I’m pleased that the University will benefit from the Government lifting the cap on student numbers.” Over lunch students and sabbatical officers from the Students’ Union spoke to the Minister and asked him a variety of questions about higher education in the UK. The Vice-Chancellor Professor Christina Slade hosted the visit and said: “We are in the process of implementing exciting plans over the next few years. The current building project is a good illustration of how we are constantly improving what we offer to students. I was delighted to welcome the Minister to our Newton Park campus so that he could see this for himself.” David Willetts gives a speech to staff and students in Commons.
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Newton park campus development update
Commons.
Commons: All staff and students are invited to come along and take a look around
Commons before it opens on 14 April. There is no need to book, simply enter the building via the main front entrance during the following times: • Friday 4 April, 12 noon to 4:00pm • Monday 7 April, 10:00am to 2:00pm The interior fit-out of the building is continuing along with extensive landscaping work around the outside of the building. The amphitheatre has now been clad with stone and the footpath that goes down to the lake has been realigned. Project Decant is working with staff who will be moving into Commons and other buildings at Newton Park. If you have any questions about the moves, please get in touch with Rachel Heywood via decant@bathspa.ac.uk
Residential development: As the weather has improved work has
picked up pace on the residential accommodation. Windows have been fitted to more of the blocks and works to the roofs have continued on others. Work to expand the water supply to the new accommodation has continued in the field alongside the driveway. This work was delayed due to the wet weather, but is now progressing well. You can follow progress of both developments via the webcams which are available here If you have any questions or queries about the developments, please email the team npdevelopment@bathspa.ac.uk 10 10
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HR Excellence in Research Award This month it was announced that Bath Spa is one of 49 UK universities to have retained the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award.
The Award demonstrates the University’s commitment to improving the working conditions and career development of research staff, which will in turn improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy. The UK process to gain the Award is managed by Vitae and was first given to Bath Spa in January 2012. The two year review required the University to highlight the key achievements and progress we have made since first gaining the Award and to outline the focus of our strategy, success measures and next steps for the following two years. Ellen Pearce, Director of Vitae said: “There is strong evidence from right across Europe that the HR Excellence in Research Award process has a significant role in improving human resource management for researchers. In the UK this is a crucial part of the implementation of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers which is referenced in the Research Excellence Framework and by research funders and employers.”
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day on 8 March was ‘Inspiring Change’. Equality for women has long been championed and campaigned for and yet the world is still unequal. International Women’s Day calls for people to challenge the status quo for women’s equality and inspire positive change.
Thousands of events were held across the world and our own Vice-Chancellor spoke at an event at Swansea University. Cathy Leng, Head of Department of Business and Management organised at event for University staff to come together and discuss issues surrounding women’s equality.
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spotlight ON... Josh Skinner, BA (Hons) Business and Management, and Head of Bath Spa Enterprise Society Malvern-born Josh Skinner is currently in
the second year of his three year Business and Management degree. This highly popular course attracts large numbers of applicants so what attracted Josh to study it?
spotlight on...
“My interest in business started when I was a teenager and wanted to earn some more money. I bought buckets, sponges and washing up liquid, rounded up my friends and washed cars for people who lived on our estate,” he explains. “Despite being turned down many times we quickly made a profit and this motivated me to learn more about business and entrepreneurship.” Bath Spa University isn’t unique in offering this degree, so what was it about Bath Spa that attracted Josh? He said: “I chose to study at Bath Spa because of the excellent extra-curricular opportunities such as sports clubs, societies and volunteering. These opportunities have greatly increased my employability and also helped me make friends and get the most out 12
of university life. “Furthermore, the city of Bath is a vibrant and exciting place to live and there is always something going on. It has strong links with Bristol and London which is excellent for business events and networking.” The student experience at Bath Spa is special, as Josh describes: “Bath Spa has a really friendly and ‘closeknit’ community of students due to its small population and beautiful open grounds. This makes it an enjoyable place to study, socialise and achieve big things. I really enjoy studying here because there are so many opportunities to develop my business skills and boost my entrepreneurial experience.” Although only half way through his degree Josh is already thinking ahead to life after he graduates.
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“My dream job is to be an entrepreneur. Particularly a founder and CEO of a tech start-up in Silicon Valley, USA which is home to thousands of start-ups and large tech companies, would be ideal,” he said. “Achieving this level of success will be a challenge. However, I believe my perseverance and enthusiasm will allow me to achieve my goals. I am fascinated by companies such as Dropbox which has achieved so much through continual innovation and this inspires me to create my own business within the technology industry. However, I love to travel and I can’t wait to explore new parts of the world such as Australia, New Zealand and the USA when I graduate.” Josh is keen to take every opportunity to hone his business skills and along with some fellow students, recently took part in the IBM Universities Business Challenge. He said: “As soon as the opportunity arose, my close friend Massimo Shayegan and I immediately put ourselves forward as we both love competitive challenges. We then created a team with our friends who also study Business and Management: Shelley Wilson, Tim Broadhurst and Rebecca Robb. “We did really well in round one, competing against 312 teams from other universities via an online business simulator over six weeks. We met on a weekly basis analysing financial data and making key decisions which would directly affect the success of our virtual business. We did very well and progressed to the second
round having come first in our group of eight competitors. “Round two was held at the Royal Bank of Scotland’s London headquarters. The format was the same, but this time the challenge was live meaning we had only a limited time to make our decisions. Innovation-based challenges were also set throughout the day in between decision periods which gave us the opportunity to demonstrate our creativity.” There are a number of non-academic opportunities at Bath Spa via the various clubs, societies and social events and Josh is making the most of them. He said: “I am currently President of Bath Spa Enterprise Society, Captain of Bath Spa Men’s Dodge Ball Team, Vice-President of the Surf Society and member of the Snow Sports Society. “I really enjoy having an active involvement in these societies by organising events, trips and competitions. I am also working with the Enterprise Society committee to offer business start-up workshops which will soon be available to members as well as funding for student business ideas. I recently organised a Surf Trip to Woolacombe in March and the Dodge Ball team are eager to compete in matches through affiliation with the UK Dodge Ball Association next academic year. “One of my highlights so far has been the University ski trip to Tignes, France with the Snow Sports Society. It was an amazing experience and something I will never forget.”
Josh (second from right) with his IBM Universities Business Challenge Team.
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talking point Creative writing can’t be taught! This is a statement that sparked some fierce
Maggie Gee wrote a letter to The Independent
debate. It was made by Hanif Kureishi at the
newspaper (who first reported the story) to give
Bath Literature Festival on 2 March and while
her view of teaching creative writing:
it may have been taken out of context by the journalist who reported it, the response from
“It’s fair enough to debate the value of creative
those who teach creative writing was swift.
writing courses (‘Creative courses a waste of time, says Kureishi’, March 4, 2013). However,
Hanif Kureishi is a well-respected and
our experience at Bath Spa University is not like
successful author who also teaches creative
his.
writing at Kingston University. He was invited to speak at the Bath Literature Festival to
The students on our creative writing MA are
talk about his new novel and the event was
talented and focussed. Our courses have close
supported by Bath Spa. In taking questions from
links with the publishing industry and many
the audience Kureishi suggested that creative
graduates find agents and publishing deals.
talking point
writing courses were a waste of time for the majority of people who studied them. He stated
Only last month, one of our graduates who now
that creativity and talent cannot be taught.
lectures at the University won the Costa Book of the Year Award. Nathan Filer is just one of the
The creative writing course at Bath Spa is
gifted people who choose to do creative writing
incredibly successful, so many of our academic
courses every year.
professors and students were keen to put their point of view across in response to these
Quite apart from the commercial aspect,
comments. Professor of Creative Writing
creative writing students are being encouraged
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to tell stories that matter to them, sometimes stories they have long wanted to tell – and that means no-one is wasting their time.”
This story was followed by a number of media outlets including The Guardian and Today programme on BBC Radio 4. Bath Spa Lecturer in Creative Writing and Costa Book Award winner Nathan Filer spoke on Radio 4 to give his point of view and explain how is own degree in creative writing gave him the skills and the focus to write his award-winning debut novel.
The Creative Writing course at Bath Spa has produced many successful graduates during its 20 year history. Course tutors are themselves respected writers and their links with the publishing industry are invaluable to graduates.
Another of our Professors of Creative Writing, Fay Weldon, wrote an article on this topic for Times Higher Education last year. In it she said: “You can teach the craft, if not the art. You can’t teach
students what to think, but you can help them to use words effectively and persuasively. You can even teach writers how to write novels, so long as they have something to say. If they haven’t it’s an uphill and very lengthy struggle for them, their teachers and their readers.”
“Creative writing is a degree in the effective management of words and emotion and an understanding of how they relate, and yes, it can be taught. And if I might add, should be.”
Hanif Kureishi may have been taken out of context, but his statements provoked debate about the nature of creativity and whether it can be taught. Here at Bath Spa University we have a vibrant and varied creative community of students who benefit from experienced and successful academics who help hone their skills and mentor their talents.
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my student experience... Rachel Cox, BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
As a third year student, currently writing my dissertation and job hunting, my university life
seems to be coming to an end all too quickly. Graduation and the thought of what to do with my life looms. However what was once my biggest fear and a cause of much procrastination is now my biggest passion shaping my future career before it is even finished.
my student experience
It started when at the end of a biology lecture, the lecturers mentioned the dreaded word itself . . . dissertation. Suddenly there was an elephant in the room that I could no longer ignore. Thousands of ideas and questions whirled around my head, but mainly all I could think was ‘what would you do if you could do anything?’ This was effectively what we had been told. Armed with a list of suggestions and the interests and areas of expertise of our lecturers I began to think about my career goals and how my dissertation could set me on the path to achieving them. Being a second year student meant assignments began to mount and my ideas slowly dwindled. Everything I thought of seemed too ‘simplistic’, was this really what a third year student would do?
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Talks with my friends threw me, they all seemed to have a direction, and inwardly I was beginning to panic. After numerous talks with home, I decided to have a meeting with ‘my potential supervisors’, what was the worst that could happen? From these meetings I came away with more questions, but one goal. Bats! I wanted to study bats. From there I chose my supervisor and began to brain storm ideas. I immersed myself in the subject joining the local Avon Bat Group and conversing with the Wildlife Trust to see what information they would be interested in. With their guidance in mind, I began my study by compiling a notebook of decisions, plans, methods and sketches. As bats hibernate my study was now seasonal and it had to take place in July without fail. During exam week I held a pilot study and continued to meet my supervisor. Term finished and I returned home with a folder full of research and all too quickly the time came for me to independently gather data. I returned to Bath during the summer break to meet my supervisor and the technicians. I placed sensors and bat detectors in the Italian Garden at Newton Park. This was it, the start of my study! The first night I arrived on campus I was nervous, cautiously standing away from the roost emergence point so as not to disturb the bats. Armed with a bat detector, a clicker and a watch, I waited. Soon all my anxieties faded as I caught my first glimpse of a Lesser Horseshoe bat gliding from the Gatehouse. Frantically noting times and observations, the dock bat box continued Stuart moored at the at camp after an to warble in my hands. I began to relax and enjoy what was to become a poignant university afternoon water-skiing instructing. 16 16
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memory. However, after 32 minutes all activity at the roost ceased, it seemed all too short after months of planning. I then looked forward to the nights ahead.
made me proud, as it would any other student, to think that I had planned and undertaken my own research project, especially considering the panic I had felt only a few months before.
Observations continued, with counts beginning to stabilise, when mid-way through my study I encountered the emergence of pups each a few days old. Mesmerised I watched as up to 30 tiny bats flew from the emergence point, fluttering like butterflies centimetres from me, landing on the Gatehouse walls, doors and even on the camping chair I bought with me each night. It was a breathtaking experience and I could not have imagined it when I began planning my study three months previously.
Looking back, I would have told myself to slow down and relax and I offer this advice to those of you currently planning your dissertations. Having been so flustered, my idea came in a moment of clarity reading a wildlife magazine, for my friends it came from inspirations in lectures about microbiology and water quality. Inspiration truly comes when you least expect it.
All too soon the end of my study came and with it the bats began to leave. As well as having a fantastic hands-on experience studying a prominent symbol of British wildlife, I had collected all my data. When that fact sunk in it
Without a doubt in my mind I will remember my dissertation as the pinnacle, the starting point of what will be great things to come. I was once told ‘if you enjoy what you study, your enthusiasm and passion will weather the storm and calm waters ahead’ this could not be any truer.
Rachel with a bat detector.
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IN THE news Aminatta Forna wins Windham Campbell Prize
Professor of Creative Writing Aminatta Forna has been awarded the prestigious Windham Campbell Literature Prize by Yale University. The eight winners each received £90,000 and had no idea their work was even being considered by a closed panel of judges.
Professor Forna was shocked to hear she has won and said: “When the email with news of the award arrived I showed it to my husband, I said: ‘It’s a hoax, surely?’ Well, it wasn’t a hoax; rather it was just the best news.” She was praised by the judging panel for revealing: “the ongoing aftershocks of living through violence and war.” Professor Forna was born in Scotland and raised in Sierra Leone and Britain and spent various periods of her life in Iran, Thailand and Zambia. She has personally experienced the impact of war on its victims and this is a theme that appears in much of her work including the novels The Hired Hand, The Memory of Love and the memoir The Devil That Danced on Water.
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(L-R) Professor Christina Slade, Vice-Chancellor; James Wooldridge, Time to Change and Emma Weskin, Vice-President Welfare Students’ Union.
Time to Change pledge signing
On Monday 10 March the University and the Students’ Union signed the Time to Change pledge
confirming their commitment to ending mental health discrimination. The aim of the pledge is to end the discrimination and stigma often associated with mental health. One in four people will experience a mental health problem, so it is important not to ignore these issues, but talk about them. Time to Change is England’s biggest anti-stigma programme led by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. Set up to create a positive shift in public attitudes towards mental health problems, Time to Change promotes better understanding to combat discrimination towards people who experience mental health problems. Sue Baker, Director of Time to Change, said: “It is fantastic that more and more organisations are showing their support in tackling the stigma experienced by people with mental health problems. Employers and their staff can all play a part in helping to stamp out stigma and organisations like Bath Spa University are taking a lead.” The Vice-Chancellor signed the pledge on behalf of the University and Emma Weskin, VicePresident Welfare, signed on behalf of the Students’ Union. They are both pictured with James Wooldridge from Time to Change. More information about Time to Change is available at www.time-to-change.org.uk
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Joe Duddell performs alongside Iggy Pop at U.S Benefit concert Professor of Music Joe Duddell
performed as part of a star-studded line up of musicians and performers at the 24th annual Tibet House U.S. Benefit Concert on Tuesday 11 March at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Professor Duddell performed with one of the UK’s leading performance poets Mike Garry. They were invited to perform as special guests by curator of the concert, Philip Glass. Joe has set Garry’s celebrated eulogy to Factory Records owner, Anthony H. Wilson, to music. The musical version of ‘Saint Anthony’ is inspired by the song ‘Your Silent Face’ by synth-pop band New Order. New Order’s lead vocalist and guitarist Bernard Sumner also performed at this extraordinary event. Professor Duddell said: “It is a huge honour to be invited to be part of this event with such a wide-ranging array of talent all of whom I have much admiration for, particularly New Order who have been so inspirational to me since my teenage years.” Proceeds from the evening benefit the Tibet House U.S. This is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving the Tibetan civilization with a cultural centre, gallery and library. It was founded in 1987 at the request of the Dalai Lama.
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Pilot sitcom episodes by Acting students In preparation for the opening of the new TV studio in Commons later this year a group of BA
(Hons) Acting students have produced three pilot sitcoms as part of a new production project. ‘Stand Up Comedy’ has been successfully developed by Pat Welsh, Senior Lecturer in Drama and this move into scripted TV comedy has been led by Pat and recorded media specialist Chris Jury. The sitcoms were all written, directed, produced and performed by the students and the sets were built by Theatre Production students. The sitcoms were recorded in front of live audiences at the Bath Road Studios in Bristol and then edited in Adobe Premiere under the guidance of Rich Wood, Technical Demonstrator for ArtsWork media. They were screened to friends and family in an event at the Michael Tippett Centre supported by Bath Spa Live. A production project of this scale is an extremely ambitious undertaking, but the rewards for student learning and staff development are immense. The three pilot episodes are all available to watch online: Dead Serious Sweaty Goals Wingin’ It
Sweaty goals Dead Serious.
Wingin’ it
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Michael Pennie’s Box of Memories
Michael Pennie.
Sculpture: Making and Teaching (or how I became such a peculiar person) by Michael Pennie is a
unique reflection on the life of this much loved sculptor and Bath Spa tutor. The memoir takes the reader on a journey through Michael’s life, in no particular order, as he reflects on his experiences as a child, student, artist, teacher, and friend. This lifetime of memories is contained within a striking Buckram box of contrasting red and blue. Each of the 46 illustrated chapters is printed separately rather than bound together like a traditional book. Each box also contains an original and unique signed drawing, a limited edition lino print, photographs of great artists, a DVD of four slideshows with music and a video interview with Michael, as well as a blue and red postman’s pencil. Michael has been a significant part of the University for over 50 years. His association with Bath Spa began in the 1960s when he accepted an offer to teach sculpture and life-drawing part-time at Bath Academy of Art. He was at that time a man in demand, having turned down offers from renowned art schools including Leeds, Wolverhampton and Wimbledon.
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He describes his first visit to Bath Academy of Art, as it was then called: “For my first 26 years I mumbled and stumbled along, subjected to lots of ups and downs prior to my arrival, a young man with a northern accent, at Corsham Station in June 1962. I had travelled by train from Paddington, for an interview with Clifford Ellis, Principal and Founder of Bath Academy of Art. “I was amazed to come upon such a beautiful country house sitting behind the High Street and the Flemish Weavers’ cottages, and so close to the church.” Michael’s primary dedication was to his career as a sculptor and the memoir includes details of his artistic residencies, such as Forma Viva 80; scholarships, including one to Rome whilst a student at the Royal College of Art; and various solo and group exhibitions in London and elsewhere. Other memories shared in the box include his childhood in Wallasey, Cheshire during the Second World War and in Belfast in the early 1940s, where he first started drawing; his days as an art student in Sunderland and London; as well as his family, friends, two marriages, children and travels. In 1986 Bath Academy of Art left Corsham Court, moved to into the centre of Bath and became part of Bath College of Higher Education. The art school was based at Sion Hill and Michael became head of sculpture. Today he is back at Corsham Court where he provides mentoring for postgraduate art and design students.
Michael’s box of memories and contents.
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Benjamin with models wearing his designs.
Benjamin Callery runnerup in Fashion Awareness Direct 2014 Congratulations to final year BA (Hons) Fashion Design student Benjamin Callery who took
second place in the final of the 2014 Fashion Awareness Direct (FAD) competition. Benjamin was awarded the runner-up prize for his highly wearable menswear designs. His sporty, oversized jackets with geometric inserts were paired with chunky, crochet knits inspired by those worn by traditional fisherman in Guernsey. His success follows in the footsteps of Bath Spa graduate Stephanie Kitchen who was named the winner of the 2013 FAD competition and the Textiles Institute ‘Design Means Business’ Exhibition. Stephanie who is currently Junior Designer at Berghaus was also a member of the judging panel. All the finalists were given the opportunity to showcase their work on the catwalk at Vauxhall Fashion Scout at the start of London Fashion Week on Tuesday 17 February. Fashion Scout is one of the UK’s largest showcases for emerging design talent. 24 24
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Commenting on being runner-up, Benjamin said: “I am ecstatic that I have come runner up in the FAD 2014 competition. This really solidifies fashion as something I enjoy and will continue to put my all into. Now it is time to focus on the last leg of my education journey.” Shortlisted from over 100 student entries nationwide, the 2014 FAD winners and finalists represent the freshest talent set to graduate from UK universities this summer. With the introduction of a separate men’s fashion week, industry is shifting towards greater creativity in menswear design and as a direct result FAD received an unprecedented number of menswear entries this year.
Benjamin’s award winning designs on the catwalk.
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Heritage Forum 2014
(L-R) Adrian Tinniswood, Fellow in Heritage at Bath Spa; Sir Laurie Magnus, Chair English Heritage; Patricia Lankester, Advisor on Learning, Culture and Heritage; Stephen Greenberg, Creative Director Metaphor; and Dr Kristin Doern, Heritage Subject Leader at Bath Spa.
The Bath Spa Heritage Forum is an annual
event hosted by Heritage at Bath Spa and the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries. Launched in 2009 as a networking event for the local and regional heritage sector to facilitate debate within the sector in general, and foster collaboration and partnerships between the sector and higher education, it is now a high profile event attracting national speakers from across the major UK heritage organisations, and practitioners involved in international projects and heritage developments. Past events have included speakers from the South West Federation of Museums, Wessex Archaeology, the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, the Heritage Alliance, Churches Conservation Trust, the National Trust and the Museums Association. This year the Heritage Forum took place on Thursday 27 February at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, and was attended by over 70 local and regional heritage practitioners including colleagues in senior strategic roles, those responsible for delivering 26
services on the ground, and volunteers. Bath Spa students on the MA Heritage Management attended the Forum as part of their course, and it was supported on the day by undergraduate Heritage students and History PhD students. The 2014 Heritage Forum was opened with welcome remarks by Dr Kristin Doern, Heritage Subject Leader and Professor Tim Middleton, Vice-Provost Research, Enterprise, and Graduate Affairs. Professor Middleton introduced Bath Spa’s involvement in the South West and Wales AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership (SWW AHRC DTP). The alliance with eight leading regional universities creates a centre of excellence supporting and supervising PhD and doctoral students across the humanities, languages and creative arts, and Professor Middleton highlighted how this partnership could prove particularly valuable to the regional heritage sector, noting how national heritage organisations were already key partners in the SWW AHRC DTP (English Heritage, the National Trust, CADW, ENGAGE). Chaired by Bath Spa Visiting Fellow in Heritage (and recent OBE for services to heritage)
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National Heritage Protection Service, which will be responsible for listed buildings and advise on planning and heritage preservation). He emphasised how the four key themes for the UK heritage sector going forward into the future are: measuring the impact of heritage on the economy, heritage and well-being, and cultural heritage tourism in term of development; funding; education, learning and participation; and heritage protection. Richard Sermon, B&NES Archaeologist putting a question to the panel. Seated next to Susan Fox, Curator of the Roman Baths and David Metcalf, Cultural Forum Bath area.
Adrian Tinniswood, the speakers this year were Sir Laurie Magnus who became Chair, English Heritage; Patricia Lankester, Adviser on Learning, Culture and Heritage; and Stephen Greenberg Creative Director, Metaphor. Speaking first was Sir Laurie Magnus who became Chairman of English Heritage in September 2013, having been Deputy Chairman of the National Trust since 2005. He spoke about the immediate future of English Heritage as it moves forward into being two separate, but linked organisations (English Heritage, which will have charitable status and be responsible for the National Heritage Collection; and the
Patricia Lankester is a leading advocate and consultant on learning, culture and heritage. Coming from a background in teaching, she ran the education department at the National Trust for eight years was then the Director of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation from 1997 to 2004. She is currently a Trustee of the Clore Social Leadership Programme, and a board member of Tate galleries and the National Gallery, the Sage Music Centre in Gateshead, the Foundling Museum, and the Hanover Foundation. Patricia’s talk was an inspiring and crossdisciplinary journey through a life-time of heritage beginning with how ‘history and heritage are in her bones’, emphasising the importance and power of participatory arts projects, and questioning the relationship
Dr Kristin Doern and Professor Tim Middleton of Bath Spa University.
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between learning and ‘change through experience’ on the one hand, and a more formal traditional approach to education and the arts on the other – she commented that heritage sites are not educational institutions, but are ‘the most wonderful places for learning and exploring’. The final speaker was Stephen Greenberg, Creative Director of Metaphor, the UK’s leading company master planning and designing cultural projects worldwide, including the recent redevelopments of the Holburne Museum, the Ashmolean Museum, the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, and recently working with the British Council and UNESCO in South Sudan. Stephen’s message to the Heritage Forum was that museums, exhibitions, heritage sites, etc., should give people an experience they can get nowhere else. Working on a project that initially set out to create a new national museum for South Sudan, he realised that the path to reconciliation, sharing cultural identity and capacity building was better served through the performing arts. An example of how very large communities can co-develop cultural projects together, the resulting Juba ‘Globe’ is a place for the community to ‘build, and share, and store memories’. Stephen also emphasised how important it is to tell stories, to ‘get the script right’ and commented that perhaps what museums, and cultural heritage organisations and events all need is ‘a little bit of Danny Boyle’. For Dr Kristin Doern, Heritage Subject Leader and co-ordinator of the Heritage Forum since it began, this year’s event clearly demonstrated the success of Bath Spa’s approach of working in partnership to integrate practical and professional experience in the heritage sector with an intellectually challenging engagement with heritage as a subject. The Heritage Forum is being recognised as key event for debate and discussion about heritage and public history in the South West and now nationally. Kristin was delighted to be able to conclude this year’s Forum by noting how several of the heritage sector guests now in paid employment at regional museums and major heritage organisations like the National Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund were former Heritage students at Bath Spa who had themselves helped out at those first Forum events.
Neil Butters, Chairman of Bath and North East Somerset Council speaking with Sir Laurie Magnus.
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A scene from The Bloody Square.
Local school pupils inspired by student-led theatre performances Pupils in four local schools have been treated to a new theatre performance by Bath Spa
students. A group of third year BA (Hons) Acting students have recently visited the schools as part of their Theatre in Education module. The aspiring actors performed The Bloody Square - a play loosely based on the story of Malala, a Pakistani girl who was shot for standing up for her right to receive an education. It was devised by Concadia Theatre Company of which the Bath Spa acting students are members. The students worked closely with the University’s Widening Participation Team to develop the play which aims to help raise school pupils’ educational aspirations and remind them not all children around the world are fortunate enough to receive an education. Stephanie Hoddinott, Widening Participation Outreach Officer said: “The Widening Participation team works with several schools and colleges in Bath & North East Somerset. We aim to raise the aspirations of those that have the ability, but may not think that university is an option for them. We commissioned the acting students to showcase some of the creative and fulfilling opportunities that the University can provide.” Neil Cousins, a teacher at Merchant’s Academy added: “The performance was excellent and all of our pupils were gripped throughout the entire production! A really powerful story and extremely well told.” Bath Spa University’s Widening Participation team works with over 30 schools and colleges in the local area to deliver a variety of projects and events aimed at promoting equal access to Higher Education. The projects are designed for young people who typically experience barriers in progression to university and are therefore currently under-represented across the sector. The purpose of these projects is to support and raise awareness, aspirations and attainment, and to provide the information, advice and guidance that young people need to make informed decisions regarding higher education. SPACE MARCH 2014
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Students’ observation project at Bath Magistrates’ Criminology and Criminal Justice is a
second year sociology module about the social dimensions of crime and laws, institutions and policy relating to crime and punishment. This year’s students went on a field trip to the law courts to see how criminal justice works in practice. Each year in Britain, police record some four million offences and they make around one million arrests annually. If a case goes to court, it heads first of all to the Magistrates’ Courts, where some 1.5 million defendants are proceeded against annually. Magistrates deal with summary offences (less serious crimes such as theft, criminal damage, motoring offences and some assaults). More serious (indictable) offences such as rape, arson and murder are heard at Crown Court and a person will be sent there by magistrates.
Dr Cath Morgan, Senior Lecturer School of Society, Enterprise and Environment.
Magistrates’ Courts hold trials when someone pleads not guilty and if a defendant is found or pleads guilty they pass sentence. They commit cases to sentencing at Crown Court (if it merits more severe punishment) and make decisions about bail and remand as well as dealing with breaches of bail conditions and probation orders. This set of multiple functions and the volume of cases mean that Magistrates’ Courts are very much the engine room of the British criminal justice system and as such an excellent place for the criminology students to get a sense of justice in action. Bath Spa students sat in on two morning sessions at Bath courts, observing Magistrates supported by the court Legal Advisor and the court Usher. Members of the Crown Prosecution Service and National Probation Service were also in attendance, along with defence solicitors. Hearings involved a range of offending from non-payment of utility bills, speeding, drink-driving and other motoring offences to drug possession and supply, assault, affray and domestic violence. Students saw people sentenced, committed for trial at other courts and breach hearings. In one of the more positive cases, a community order was revoked because of good progress by the offender concerned. In contrast, in another case, a defendant in breach of bail conditions was remanded in custody and taken down to the court cells to await transfer to prison. 30 30
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Students witnessed the tough job that Magistrates have to do – balancing punishment against such factors as a person’s ability to pay fines or their need to support a family. Whilst being sensitive to defendants’ circumstances, Magistrates in Bath also robustly applied and enforced the law. As one of the students, Victoria Conway, noted, Magistrates adopted “a personalised approach, handling each case and person differently”. For many students, the visit confounded their expectations about what happens at court. Gemma Dummett said:”I thought it was completely different than it was going to be” an observation also made by Lucy Tanner. Gemma along with other students including Chelsea Hopson, commented on the speed of the court, with hearings being “fast paced and direct”. This is typical of the kind of summary justice dispensed at Magistrates’ Courts, where cases do not always require witness evidence or adjournment. Students also commented on how useful it was for them to hear about the defendants’ backgrounds. “It made me feel sympathy for the offender”, said Gemma, whilst Chelsea added “it was interesting to hear their stories” which often “fitted in with what we had learned in lectures” about the social dimensions of crime. For Victoria, it was interesting to “observe the individual being prosecuted to see if they matched stereotypes shown in the media”. The experience also inspired some students to think about a career in criminal justice. Overall the students who went on the court observation found it to be an invaluable adjunct to their studies and Dr Cath Morgan who arranged the visit, is looking forward to repeating this visit with next year’s criminology students.
Stephanie Rhodes and Lucy Tanner, two of the students taking the criminology module who visited court.
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Student-led UK/USA research project A Comparative Study of English Language Support for Ethnic Minorities in Southern England (UK) and Eastern Virginia (US) is being conducted by Amy Lamborn, a second year Education Studies with Media Communications student and others. She explains what the project entails. My fellow research team and I are conducting research into policy and practice with regard to support for ethnic minorities and will shortly be going to Richmond, Eastern Virginia in April during our Easter break to observe and collect data from one elementary school and one High school. The team consists of me, Amy Lamborn, Ben Crushcov, a first year studying Education and Creative Writing; Lauren Hogg, a second year also studying Education; Lydia Maley, a third year Studying Sociology and Ghazala Bhatti, a senior lecturer in Education Studies who is our mentor throughout the process and who gave us this amazing opportunity. As a team we each have brought our own ideas, experiences and knowledge and together have been working incredibly hard on this study looking at previous research, finding statistics, case studies and policies. To be given this unique opportunity to research at postgraduate level is a huge honour for us and we are all so excited about the prospect of learning and experiencing something new. We look forward to meeting the ‘other half’ of the team; four students from the College of William and Mary, Virginia who will be hosting us on our trip. The College of William and Mary was founded in 1693 which makes it the second oldest institution 32
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in the US behind Harvard. William and Mary have educated notable key figures, such as Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. The team are very much looking forward to visiting the campus and experiencing their culture and history. After we leave Virginia and come back to the UK, we will be hosting the research team from America who will be coming here on 14 May to conduct their half of the research in two Bristol schools. The team at Bath Spa is currently preparing a presentation for the American students for when we visit them. To give it a trial run we plan to first present to staff and students at Bath Spa and everyone is welcome! The presentation will take place on Thursday 3 April 1:00pm to 2:00pm in Main House room G10 at Newton Park and we hope to see as many people there as possible. The purpose of this presentation is to be able to get some feedback and constructive criticism to enable us to practice and prepare for our ‘real’ presentation in America and would really appreciate your attendance.
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Alumni news Here is a small selection of recent alumni successes. We welcome alumni stories from all Schools. If you have a story to share, contact Ruth Russell at alumni@bathspa.ac.uk.
Fred Vahrman and Josh Jackson (BA Hons Creative Music Technology 2012) As Drum and Bass duo Fred V and Grafix, Fred and Josh have taken the scene by storm with an impressive string of hit releases. Signed by respected label Hospital Records, they are preparing to release their first debut album Recognise. Read their recent interview with Kmag here
ALUMNI NEWS
Julie Bainbridge (MA Scriptwriting 2013) Julie’s play Guilt has been chosen by the Writers Guild of Great Britain as a ‘Play of Promise’. Another of her plays Cages will be performed at the Bierkeller Theatre in Bristol from 21 to 24 April and has also been shortlisted for the Theatre 24:7 Festival, Manchester, in July. Follow Julie’s blog: http://juliejotter.wordpress.com/
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Anthony Gregory (BA Hons Music and Textile Design Studies 2006) Anthony has been signed up as one of the English National Opera’s (ENO) Harewood Artists, a scheme to develop exceptionally talented UK-trained singers. During February and March 2014, Anthony appeared as Borsa in the ENO’s production of Verdi’s Rigoletto. Read The Telegraph’s recent profile of Anthony here
Fiona Cassidy (BA Hons Fine Art 2010), Anna Gahlin (BA Hons Fine Art 2009, MFA 2010), Lydia Halcrow (MFA 2010), Dawn Lippiatt (BA Hons Fine Art 2009), Mike Newton (BA Hons Fine Art 2004, MFA 2006), Emily West (MFA 2010), Michele Whiting (BA Hons Fine Art 2003, MFA 2004, PhD 2011) Studio xyz, a collective of Bath Spa PhD, MFA and BA Fine Art alumni opened its first London show in March. The show, Freud’s House, brings together painting, sculpture and photography, all individual responses to the shared theme of Freud’s ideas, and his collection of artefacts and objects at the nearby Freud Museum. The group was formed in 2010 by ten Bath Spa University graduates and postgraduates with a desire to exhibit together and support each other’s practice by meeting regularly.
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REVIEWS My dearest Tussy: Family, Navy and Nation in the Fremantle Papers 18011814. A lecture by Professor Elaine Chalus 5 March 2014. Review by Kate James
As part of the Professorial Lecture Series/
Professor Elaine Chalus.
Centre for History and Culture lecture series, a packed audience heard Professor Elaine Chalus talking about her research into the fascinating life of Betsey Fremantle, wife of Lord Nelson’s own naval comrade, her husband Vice-Admiral Thomas Fremantle. The lecture took place at the Holburne Museum, and was introduced by ViceChancellor Christina Slade. The audience also featured two Fremantle descendants, the lively and fascinating Charles and Sydney Fremantle. This personal angle, and in particular the brothers’ enjoyment of Professor Chalus’ work, was a joy to witness. The family are most touched that this powerful story is being brought alive once more, two centuries after the events. A chance discovery of a 50p secondhand book led Professor Chalus to the extensive letters, diaries and accountbooks of Betsey and Thomas. This vast array of highly personal papers uncovers a vivid picture of a naval family, at a period of British history when the fortunes of the navy governed many aspects of national, regional and personal life. The period of the Napoleonic Wars conjures up a variety of images for us, but this lecture went so far above and beyond all of those, taking us past the great sea battles to the personal lives of those who were there.
REVIEW
Betsey and Thomas Fremantle conducted much of their married lives away from one other, with brief sojourns of family life which they would then bring vividly to life through their letters. Their words describe intimate portraits of fond scenes of home, with which they sustained one another. Betsey writes to bring the home ‘before his reading eyes, painting pictures of domesticity, love, comfort and family life.’
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The letters are also full of practical themes, with warnings not to mollycoddle the children and news of family spending. This is all itemised to demonstrate household economy, and as Elaine delightedly reported, these are all reconciled in account books over the years - and add up. These matters were important, and give us evidence of a family rising in society as a result of wise connections, intelligent spending and attention to detail. They also show us the ways in which gender roles played out in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Betsey was a manager, in charge of the home and farm estate in her husband’s absence; she performed the role admirably over many years. Thomas Fremantle, meanwhile, reported on the highly domestic aspects of his job at sea; caring for his men, performing domestic chores, and giving his considered advice on the rearing and education of his children at home. Professor Chalus’ lecture was both engaging and enlightening, and yet another occasion at which the research of our very own academics could be appreciated and shared by students, tutors, friends and public in equal measure.
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Seeing Sound: a history of the influence of musical thinking on the arts and sciences. A lecture by Professor Joseph Hyde. 6 February 2014. Review by Rachel Edwards
Have you ever wondered what sound the colours purple, red, or blue would make if they had a sound?
Bath Spa’s own Joseph Hyde, composer, sound and media artist, gives a thought provoking lecture on the history of the influence of musical thinking on the arts and sciences from 1704 to 1973. Hyde has worked with people from all professions, from dancers to computer scientists and completed research into the inventor of abstract musical animations, Oskar Fischinger. Hyde begins the lecture by telling the audience anecdotes from his university life. He describes his ‘eureka’ moment that he had which was shattered when he later discovered that someone else had already thought of it three hundred years earlier. This moment acted as a catalyst on his journey to uncover the history that surrounds sound and colour in an attempt to understand the complexities of visual music. He first guided us through the concept of colour theory using Isaac Newton’s experiment of prisms which proved the colours of the rainbow are within white light itself. Through this experiment Newton concluded that there are seven colours in the rainbow, just as there are seven notes of a diatonic scale in music, therefore we can easily relate each note to a colour and view them both as a wheel spectrum. The earliest example of visual music is found in an image from 1734 wherein Louis Bertrand Castel is playing what he called ‘the keyboard of the eyes’. This instrument can also be seen in later images from the 19th century with Alfred Rimington’s colour organ. These images allowed the audience to gain a clear understanding of what exactly is meant by the term visual sound. Hyde uses Kandinsky to express the progression in the study of visual sound by highlighting his interpretation of colour as vibrations which led him to create paintings such as composition 4 in 1911 which he thought of as ‘frozen music’. Furthermore, he goes on to show the audience footage of how sound was first incorporated with film in the early days of its production and how the sound waves correspond with light.
REVIEW
Joseph Hyde has an incredible ability to keep the audience engaged with his material right until the last second. Being unfamiliar with musical and visual theory prior to attending the lecture might seem intimidating to some, however Hyde addressed each theory with such clarity that it was easy for anyone to absorb. He managed to deliver a truly inspiring and stimulating lecture in which the audience were captivated and left with a sense they had learnt something highly worthwhile.
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Enterprise and Local Partnerships Business Plan Competition 2014 Now in its seventh year, the 2014 Business Plan Competition received 48 entries, showcasing the emerging enterprise talent from Bath Spa University.
About the competition
Enterprise & Local Partnerships
The annual competition forms part of a programme of activities to develop the culture of enterprise at Bath Spa University. Students have access to a range of workshops on business start-up and enterprise to help them develop their business ideas and equip them for successful trading after graduation – whether that’s running a small business, being a sole trader or arts practitioner, or freelancing. All applications are assessed against a matrix of business-related criteria and feedback is given to each applicant on the strengths of their plan and areas to work on. Shortlisted finalists get the opportunity to showcase their business idea in a ten minute pitch and receive valuable feedback from the judges, which they can use to improve and develop their venture. At the same time, the judging panel of local business leaders sees the talent at the university and potential ventures to invest in or support with mentoring or practical assistance.
This year’s finalists This year’s judging panel took place on Wednesday 19 March 2014. The six finalists below were selected to present to the judging panel in a bid to win the top prize of £1,000. There were also awards for Highly Commended (£500) and Commended (£250). •
Rowena Deswert, Alcohol Reduction Resource Packs – a tool for public health authorities (BSc Food and Nutrition).
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Elizabeth Warriner and Harriet Pimm, Piano Pets – an app for music education (BA Commercial Music).
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Tim Baker, Jamie Cooke, James Doherty, Pengu - SMS marketing for businesses (BA Business and Management).
• Oscar Liddiard and Tom Hutchinson, Axon - guitar sample pack (BA Commercial Music). •
Rosie Jones and Luke Taylor, Old Trunk Media - sharing stories through film, documentary and video (BA Film Studies and BA Creative Media Practice).
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Carl Godfrey, Vintage Bluetooth Speakers - modern technology in vintage radios (BA Graphic Communication).
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The winners Best Business Enterprise: Pengu – an online text messaging marketing service for SMEs.
“Fantastic to win, really overwhelmed to have won – especially amongst such good groups that were here tonight.” Tim Baker, Pengu Highly Commended: Axon: Synapse – guitar sample pack. Commended: Newman Radios – modern Bluetooth technology in vintage radios.
2014 Business Plan Competition Winners ‘Pengu’, Tim Baker, Jamie Cooke and James Doherty, BA (Hons) Business and Management.
Judges from industry Each year a different panel of judges is drawn from local businesses and entrepreneurs, who volunteer their time to consider the merits of each entry and pass on the benefits of their expertise to the finalists.
“Hugely impressed with the quality of presentations and the innovation on display from all the finalists. The standard of both written and verbal presentations was very high, showing great business awareness. We’ve been bowled over by their dedication, hard work and creativity. The future of British business is clearly in good hands!” Paul Clarkson, Chair of Judging Panel The judges for 2014 included: •
Paul Clarkson, Managing Director, PA2C Ltd: Paul is also an industry mentor to students and a visiting lecturer for the MA Business. His extensive senior management career has included working in divisions of RHM, Thorn EMI, P&O, Compass Group and owner-managed enterprises in the UK and Eire.
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Tom Lewis, Operator, Coworking Bath CIC: Tom has had a successful career in sales, run a digital marketing business, started a networking group for tech people called BathSPARK, and developed The Guild Coworking Hub in Bath.
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Richard Jones, Operations Director/Owner, The Real Olive Company: Richard is also Food Manufacturing and Health and Safety Consultant at West Mede Business Services. He has held senior positions in both small and large manufacturing and logistics companies.
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Susan Hammond, Student Experience and Enterprise Manager, Bath Spa Students’ Union: Susan has a background in environmental management and volunteering and currently develops opportunities that help students add skills to their CVs and gain great life experiences. She is also the environmental champion, leading work around Green Impact and Student Switch Off campaigns. SPACE MARCH 2014
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History of success From ceramics to education studies, music to business, textiles to technology – and a diversity of other subjects – students have enjoyed the experience of articulating and developing their enterprising concepts through the competition process. Former winners have gone on to run their own studio practice, franchise their business, work for Disney, win the Taste of Somerset Innovation award, employ and mentor Bath Spa students.
“The business plan competition has been an excellent experience. The prize is a fantastic support and the judges came up with several different ideas that I hadn’t previously considered”. Sam Dixon, BA Commercial Music, GoGoGuitar. “I’m still on cloud nine, really happy about winning! The prize money is an investment that will enable me to purchase professional marketing products and instruments.” Rosanna Campbell, BA Music, Musica. “We will be investing the prize money in the business in order to continually evolve and broaden our prospects as a technology company.” Ben Kelly, BA Creative Music Technology, Appeal Software Ltd.
Previous winners of the Bath Spa Business Plan Competition.
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Environmental Focus
Green Week 2014 Green Week is coming to Bath Spa University between the 7 and 11 April. There will be a series of themed days at the Newton Park Campus and a Green Day at Sion Hill, on Thursday 10 April. The Students’ Union and the Sustainability Team have put together a fun programme of events, a full calendar of events can be found here
On Monday evening there will be a screening of the Local Food Roots film with a question and answer panel. Participants will include Joy Carey, Sophie Kirk and others from the sustainable food movement locally. The panel will also explore wider issues on film commissioning, as well as careers in sustainable food policy. We’re also holding a Waste Free Fair, launching the Student Move Out project, Love Food, Hate Waste, and a clothes swap. Alongside this there are repair and upcycling workshops at Sion Hill and Newton Park and a tour of the recycling processing plant in Avonmouth. There will be travel awareness events at both campuses; including a sustainable travel roadshow, encouraging more people to sign up to Car2Spa, Bikers Breakfast’s and Dr Bike will be on campus to service student and staff bicycles. At Newton Park we’ll be leading a lunchtime Heritage, Health and Habitat Hike. Throughout the week we’ll also be running competitions with prizes kindly donated from Acorn Restaurant and Demuths Vegetarian Cookery School. We’re looking for staff and student volunteer helpers to help, so if you’d like to find out more please contact environment@bathspa.ac.uk
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ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS
During Green Week there will be a focus on local and sustainable food including meat-free Monday, stalls from local community food growing projects in Bath and the launch of a Student Food Growing Society (also open to staff), to expand the student food growing project in the Walled Garden at Newton Park.
Student Move Out Project During Green Week (7-11 April) we’ll be launching the new Student Move Out Campaign; a joint initiative between Bath and North East Somerset Council, University of Bath and Bath Spa University in conjunction with the Students’ Union’s, Unite and the Student Community Partnership.
Building on previous work carried out over the last four years by the various organisations this year’s campaign targets all students living in Bath (on or off campus) as they move out of their rented accommodation. As students move out at the end of the academic year a considerable amount of waste is generated. Previously, this has caused issues in communities with a high proportion of student accommodation. It also presents issues, within University administered accommodation, with large volumes of materials having to be disposed of. Student Move Out will highlight to students how to clear their properties and rooms and help them to retain their deposits and prevent fines. Students will be encouraged to donate items such as non-perishable food, textiles, kitchen equipment and working electrical items to local charities. To make it easy for students collection points are being set up in the Oldfield Park area and in halls of residence.
ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS
Alongside the Student Move Out we are exploring a possible ‘Re-sale’ event during the movingin period at the start of next academic year where kitchen equipment and kitchen electrical items are re-furbished and tested by a local charity before being re-sold to new students at a low-cost; benefiting both the local charity and students. You’ll find the Student Move Out Stand at Bankside and Waterside Court on Monday 7 April early evening, Newton Park on Wednesday 9 April and Sion Hill on Thursday 10 April. More details in next month’s edition of SPACE.
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Sustainability news round-up New Waste and Recycling Scheme Following an on-campus waste audit in November 2013 which uncovered a high percentage of recyclables still going to landfill, we’ve developed a new system for making recycling easier.
Trials are being run at Sydney halls of residence at Newton Park and Corsham Court where a simplified system of three bins to capture landfill waste, food and mixed recycling are being used. Our new green bins are for mixed recycling. This is all plastic packaging, plastic bottles, tetra packs, cans, card and paper. This new scheme will also be in operation when Commons at Newton Park opens. We’ve been working closely with the student residents in Sydney and have already seen a substantial improvement in the amount of materials captured for recycling and food waste for anaerobic digestion. Following feedback we will adapt the system and make improvements when it is rolled out across the University at the start of academic year 2014/15. The new scheme will help us reach our aspiration of recycling at least 80 per cent by 2015/16. If any students are interested in what happens to our mixed recycling a tour of the SITA plant in Avonmouth is scheduled during Green Week. Places are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis, transport is included. To book pleased visit the Student’s Union website in early April.
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ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS
Environmental Steering Group Bath Spa University’s Environmental Policy has recently been updated and approved by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Christina Slade. It can be found online here
Fairtrade Working Group Thanks to all those that supported Fairtrade Fortnight between the 24 February and 9 March. Lots of people signed the petition to investigate the unsustainable pricing practices of supermarket bananas. Special thanks go to the companies that kindly donated a wide range of samples for staff and students to try. These where Cafédirect, Tropical Wholefoods, Scheckter’s Organic Energy, The Co-operative Group and Sainsburys. We’d also like to thank Bath Spa Catering and the Students’ Union for their support in running events.
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We are in the process of renewing our Fairtrade University status. If you are interested in becoming involved please email Sara Cundy at s.cundy@bathspa.ac.uk
Bath Spa Sustainability Online Website: http://www2.bathspa.ac.uk/services/environment Twitter: twitter.com/BSU_Green_Focus Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/BSU-Green-Focus Email: environment@bathspa.ac.uk
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Students’ Union And your new Sabs are … SU President Amy Dawson announces the results of the vote
Thanks to all the candidates and voters
in the Students’ Union Elections 2014. We received 1890 votes, which is 29 per cent of students – our highest ever turnout! Congratulations to all who won and a great campaign to those who missed out!
STUDENtS’ UNION
Your Students’ Union team for 2014/15 will be: Students’ Union President: Bruce Galliver Vice-President Activities: Nick Cox Vice-President Welfare: Robert Gould Environment and Ethics Officer: Luke Harrison Equal Opportunities Officer: Sam Neal Media and Events Officer: Ben Eva Volunteering and Fundraising: Emma Hildesley
Education School Rep: Amy Lamborn Humanities and Cultural Industries School Rep: Emily Goddard Music and Performing Arts School Rep: Matt Chalmers Society, Environment and Enterprise School Rep: Chelsea Hopson Disability and Mental Health Rep: Kathryn Jeanes LGBTQ Rep: Elena Andersen Mature Students’ Rep: Rebecca Price and Helen Strong Racial Equality Rep: Natalie Jordan Women’s Rep: Joanna Tompkins NUS Conference Delegate: Emma Weskin and Holly Jenkins SpaLife Radio Producer: Matthew Anson
Bath School of Art and Design School Rep: Julia Feeney
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What’s on Professorial Lecture Series 2014 Without Fear or Favour: religious literacy and the global citizen Professor Denise Cush, Wed 2 Apr, 5:00pm, NE G.02, Newton Park. FREE First reading of a new short story and Q&A Professor Tessa Hadley, Wed 14 May, 5:00pm, Commons CM107/8, Newton Park. FREE Mortality and Memoir: Recalling what matters. Professor Gavin Cologne-Brookes, Wed 24 Jun, 5:00pm, Commons CM107/8, Newton Park. FREE More information about the Professorial Lecture Series is available here
Bath Spa Live The Beggar’s Opera Thurs 10 & Fri 11 Apr, 7:30pm, Burdall’s Yard Irreverent, morally corrupt and criminally funny, The Beggar’s Opera is one of the most important works of British theatre, and arguably the world’s first musical. Join in the madness, as a company of 18th century actors premiere a work written by a Beggar, using borrowed tunes and every theatrical convention he can lay his hands on. This production features live music and is presented by final-year Acting, Music and Theatre Production students from Bath Spa University. Tickets: Full price: £8, Concessions: £6, Students and U16s: £5. Free for Bath Spa Live members. BSU Wind Band, Chamber Choir and Symphony Orchestra Fri 11 Apr, 7:30pm, St Swithuns Church We return to the beautiful St. Swithin’s Church for an Easter-time performance of Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms and Symphonies of Wind instruments, performed by students from the Department of Music. Tickets: Full price: £10, Concessions: £8, Bath Spa students: £5. Free for Bath Spa Live members.
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Archive update As the brighter spring weather beckons, the beauty of Newton Park begins to emerge in all its
glory. A student recently described it as ‘an enchanted place’; many generations have appreciated it over the years. The main house and landscape were created in the early 1760s, as an expression of the growing wealth and ambition of Joseph Langton. Langton was part of a Bristol family with connections to the Merchant Venturers. It is known that in the 17th century, the Langtons had a house on Welsh Back, and that their ships traded across the channel to Wales, bringing goods to the port of Bristol for trading further afield. Langton’s fortune is displayed in the fact that he simultaneously developed his house and his estate. He filled his house with the latest consumer goods, and commissioned two full length portraits from the up and coming artist Thomas Gainsborough, then resident in the city of Bath. At that time Bath itself was in the midst of change, with new building taking place in the Royal Crescent and Circus. Gainsborough moved into the Circus whilst the builders were still finishing their work. As evidence of those busy years in Bath’s Georgian heyday, we have copies of letters in the archive (transcribed in the 1950s by Professor Darlow W Humphries, who was researching the house history at the time) from George Lucy (of Charlecote Park, Warwickshire). As a visitor to this most fashionable city, Lucy wrote frequent and gossipy letters home, describing everything that he did: “I went to see Mr Langton, whose house is now covered in, and will be a most sweet place, provided Mr Brown, may have his way, which I much doubt, tho’ the Squire tells me he hath given him an unlimited commission.” (21 March 1762) A few days later, he writes that: “Mr Brown, who everyone wants… is much wanted by Mr Langton, who you heard us speak of, and who will have in a short time a most magnificent place, a new house by Mr Ledbeter.” (29 March 1761). Capability Brown was the fashionable gardener of choice, and was in high demand by the great and the good of the day. However, it seems that Langton may have been rather demanding himself, since the gossip chain had already declared that: “Mr Langton’s place will be good for nothing, owing to the obstinacy of the owner.” (12 April 18th century wall paintings in the 1761). There is very little historical evidence about the building of the house, so these tantalising snippets are all the more important. A recent and growing interest in the 18th century from the media, heritage bodies and the public highlights the importance of the era. It is the century which gave birth to the modern world, and Newton Park is the 18th century in microcosm. Follow the BSU Archive blog at http://bsuarchive. blogspot.co.uk/ Or on Twitter @BSUArchive 50
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Octagon Room, Main House at Newton Park. Taken c1946.
STAFF NEWS Starters and Leavers
In March we welcomed‌ Louise Pickworth, Admin Assistant, Student Services Joy Cleveland, Subject Librarian, Library and Learning Services Claire Edwards, Widening Participation Outreach Officer, Marketing and Communications Emma McGuinness, Careers Consultant, Enterprise and Local Partnerships Karolina Lenda, Cleaner, Domestic and Portering Services Mariana Lopes Abrantes, Cleaner, Domestic and Portering Services Kate Coe, Research Publications Librarian, Library and Learning Services Iain Mitchell, Project Development Officer, School of Education Denise Cavill, Cleaner, Domestic and Portering Services
We also said farewell to‌ Ellie Hartup, HR Business Partner, Human Resources Richard Grafton, Developer, Planning Support Jon Brady, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Operations, Chancelry Dariusz Sufczynski, Cleaner, Domestic and Portering Services Ellie Russell, Student Support Coordinator, Student Services Jonathan Prestidge, Projects Co-ordinator, Student Services
SPACE MARCH 2014 SPACE NOVEMBER 2013
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