News for Durham University Staff & Students
Jan | Feb 2017
MEET THE NEW MEMBERS OF OUR SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
RESEARCH INSIGHTS How research uses the wisdom and funding of the crowd
STUDENT AND STAFF VOLUNTEERING
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welcome
Welcome to a new issue of Dialogue, the first of 2017. I wish you all a happy New Year and hope that you enjoyed a restful break over the holiday period. The New Year marks a new phase in the progress of our University Strategy 20172027. Council approved the new Strategy in December 2016 and I am grateful to everyone in the University for their hard work in getting us there. Work will now be focused on strategy implementation, around which there will be further consultation and dialogue. 2017 has also brought the arrival of two new members of the senior leadership team to DU: Professor Alan Houston as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) and Owen Adams OBE as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Colleges and Student Experience). I’m sure you will join me in welcoming Alan and Owen to Durham and I know you will enjoy meeting them as they start to say Hello across the University. They, along with the rest of the senior leadership team, will be key in driving the University Strategy forward, and you can read more from them, and Professor Antony Long, our new Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, on pages 6 and 7. This issue of Dialogue also carries the exciting news that we have been offered an opportunity to join the Laidlaw
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@Durham_Uni
Undergraduate Internship Programme in Research and Leadership. This is generously supported by Lord Laidlaw of Rothiemay and is recognition of the quality of the research opportunities available here at Durham and at a small group of peer universities. Another example of generosity is featured on page 5, where we thank Mark Hillery for making the largest gift ever to Durham from an alumnus. This gift – of £4 million – has been made to Collingwood College for new arts, fitness and social facilities. We are deeply grateful to Mark for this extraordinary and transformative gift. Finally, 2017 is sure to be an exciting year for Music Durham, with more events taking place in collaboration with external partners than ever before. Without wishing away the coming months, some of us are already looking forward to an end-of-term concert in the Gala Theatre with our Chancellor, Sir Thomas Allen.
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Tell your story.
Have a wonderful Term! With all best wishes
Professor Stuart Corbridge Vice-Chancellor and Warden
Please continue to send your contributions and feedback to dialogue@durham.ac.uk News for Durham University Staff & Students
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Editor Ulrike Klaerig-Jackson Communications Co-ordinator Assistant Editor Mark Tallentire Communications Co-ordinator Contributors Harriet Williamson, HR&OD; Sharon Battersby, CIS; Steph Dawson, Library; Yvonne Flynn, Greenspace; Daryl Dowding, Event Durham; Melinda Polidario-Maddock, Karen Frost & Nicky Sawicki, Marketing & Communications; Julie Pullman, Scholarships and Student Funding; Neha Tarabadkar, Student Community Action President; Durham Student Theatre and Music Durham; Dr Peter Phillips, CODEC; Lesley Bainbridge, Procurement; Bruno van Dyk, DARO; Adam Rennison, Durham University Business School
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Jan | Feb 2017
4 GET SOCIAL
15 HR & OD NEWS
5 LARGEST EVER GIFT
16 GREENSPACE
6 WELCOME TO.... 8 UNIVERSITY STRATEGY UPDATE
18 STUDENT COMMUNITY ACTION
9 LIBRARY NEWS
19 DURHAM STUDENT THEATRE
10 RESEARCH INSIGHTS HOW RESEARCH USES THE WISDOM AND FUNDING OF THE CROWD
20 SPOTLIGHT ON...
12 EVENT DURHAM, CATERING AND RETAIL
22 CIS NEWS
13 SO MUCH MORE
23 AN INSIGHT INTO
14 LAIDLAW INTERNSHIP
24 WHAT'S ON
& MUSIC DURHAM
21 BUY IN
Durham University and Durham University logo are registered Trade Marks of the University of Durham. Unless otherwise stated, all material in this publication is copyright of the University of Durham. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained here is accurate. Please note that the University’s website is the most up to date source of information and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
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social
YOUR VIEW
Our favourite posts, tweets and videos over the past 2 months to show you what has been happening around the University!
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The extra visitors we bring to the North East are worth £8m to the region's economy #DUsomuchmore @VCDBusiness http://bit.ly/2fQzdFY
Find out why Entrepreneurs Durham's Durham Game makes serious business sense in this blog from Isabella Ferrier http:// bit.ly/2gbJcDD
Find out what it is like being an international student @durham_ uni - read Alan's blog-http:// community.dur.ac.uk/blogs/beingan-international-student-studyingat-durham-university/ … #DUmakeithappen
We are ranked in the world top 25 by @nresearchnews index for our global science partnerships #DurhamResearch http://bit. ly/2fIgppN
Research involving @DurUniEarthSci published by @theAGU explores what happens inside an avalanche http://bit.ly/2fyfoTv
COLLEGE LIFE
VIDEO OF THE MONTH
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=SNSgCTPV-TQ Find out more about undergraduate life within a Durham college by hearing the experiences of two Junior Common Room Presidents.
AUTUMN INSPIRATION This image is from Sophie's blog http://community.dur. ac.uk/blogs/what-to-do-in-durham-in-the-autumn/, which is filled with great ideas of things to do in Durham in the autumn.
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@Durham_Uni
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News for Durham University Staff & Students
Largest ever gift received from an alumnus
NEWS
The Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO) is excited to announce that Collingwood College has received a gift of £4,000,000 (£5,000,000 including Gift Aid) to establish a new 200-seater arts centre, a gym extension, a Yoga/Pilates studio, an enlarged Junior Common Room (JCR) and a bar conservatory. This transformational gift has been generously donated by Collingwood alumnus Mark Hillery (1985-88). This is a truly outstanding example of philanthropy from a very loyal alumnus! This gift follows Mark’s recent donation of £300,000 towards the College’s new multi-use games area. Mark’s involvement has extended beyond his generous giving. He is also working closely with the Principal of Collingwood College, Professor Joe Elliot, and colleagues in DARO on ensuring that the design and function of these new developments are outstanding, and is also assisting in the launch of the major 1972 alumni fundraising campaign at Collingwood. Bruno van Dyk, Director of DARO, commented: “Mark Hillery’s commitment and contributions are exceptional and his support for Collingwood College unprecedented; Professor Joe Elliott’s collaboration with DARO in securing this investment is inspirational: the example that has been provided by a remarkable philanthropist and an aspirational Head of College serves as a shining example of what is possible if we work together to achieve Durham’s objectives in the pursuit of excellence in research, education and the wider student experience. A bright future beckons!”
Mark Hillery’s commitment and contributions are exceptional and his support for Collingwood College unprecedented Artist's impressions of the multi-use games area, the bar conservatory with outdoor decking, and the arts centre/JCR
Jan | Feb 2017
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A warm welcome to
WELCOME TO
thought – I have served as Director of Graduate Studies in Political Science, Provost of Eleanor Roosevelt College, Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs, and Director of Academic Strategic Initiatives. In each of these roles I have worked with faculty and students to strengthen education both inside and outside the classroom. What are your ambitions for the role here?
Professor Alan Houston Tell us a bit about yourself. I’m married, with two children and one very big dog. My wife, Barbara Edwards, has spent 25 years building bridges between UC San Diego and public school teachers in the region. Kelsey HoustonEdwards, 27, graduated from Reed College and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in mathematics at Cornell University. Benjamin HoustonEdwards, 23, is a musician and mathematician who recently graduated from Yale University and is now pursuing a career in data science in San Francisco. Kiera is a rambunctious sevenyear-old Newfoundland. I’m an avid cyclist, a devoted cook, and a loyal Monty Python fan. You’ve joined us from the University of California, San Diego, what was your role there? I have been at UC San Diego for 26 years. Alongside teaching and research – I’m a Professor of Political Science, specialising in early-modern British and American political
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Durham has just completed the development of an ambitious and forward-thinking University Strategy. My mission is to help implement the Education Strategy. We want to widen participation, advancing the University’s commitment to diversity and equality; we want to ensure that our research-led education is among the very best in the sector, producing engaged graduates who are able to successfully navigate an increasingly complex and challenging globe; we want to take full advantage of the extraordinary educational opportunities provided by the wider student experience; and we want to partner with our alumni to ensure that “the Durham difference” lasts a lifetime.
What place would you most like to visit in the UK?
This is an impossible question! There are too many answers. Here’s a start. I am eager to visit Wales and hike in the Peak District. I want to cycle across Ireland. I never exhaust of time spent in London. And I very much look forward to getting to know the people and places of the North East. My research focuses on early-modern Britain and America, and I’ve spent quite a lot of time in libraries and archives throughout the UK. My favourite is the British Library, where I made an important discovery in 2007. My wife and I honeymooned in the Yorkshire Dales and celebrated our 10th anniversary in Cornwall; over the years, our family has travelled throughout the south of England. n
Who has influenced and/or inspired you most in your life? Two mentors at Oberlin College. I matriculated as a physicist, and I completed a major in mathematics. But in my freshman year I encountered two extraordinary teachers. Harlan Wilson, a Professor of Political Science, introduced me to the themes and texts of political theory, and started me down a research path I still follow. Mike Michalson, a Professor of Religion, taught me to think and write with clarity, rigour and creativity. Both were also skilled administrators who understood the complex and important mission of higher education. Nearly four decades later, each is a trusted friend and colleague.
Owen Adams OBE Tell us a bit about yourself. I have spent the past 30 years in the Army (Royal Artillery); which has been a huge honour and thoroughly rewarding. I have
News for Durham University Staff & Students
WELCOME TO
Professor Alan Houston, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), Owen Adams OBE, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Colleges and Student Experience) and Professor Antony Long, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost who have recently joined our Senior Leadership Team. lived all over the UK (15 places) and travelled to 50 countries across the world on operations, training events, exchanges and visits. I loved the opportunity to explore so many parts of the globe, often visiting less accessible places whilst living is austere or challenging environments alongside the local community. I have served on operations in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, Cyprus and Northern Ireland, which have all been exceptionally rewarding. I love a challenge and have passed the arduous Parachute, Commando and Arctic Warfare selections. The Army thrives on getting the most from its people so I have spent a huge amount of my career in leadership, training and personal development appointments; it is so rewarding to watch people transform over time. My academic studies and fellowship programmes have helped me so much in these roles. Outside the Army I love to explore the outdoors – usually with the family dog - or read a good book. I have been happily married to Sonja for 25 years who is a nurse and have two children who are both studying A-levels this year – so sweating on university offers right now.
experience through academic success combined with wider development – enabled in the Colleges and Experience Durham; something we must all champion. Who has influenced and / or inspired you most in life? It has been a real privilege to work with some exceptional leaders who are visionary, motivate you to meet a challenge, yet are wholly and supportive with it. Those individuals who can eloquently define challenging goals through uncertainty or complexity whilst making you feel connected, involved and very special at the same time. These individuals also act through deeds and not words; I think leadership by example is critical. n
What are you ambitions for the role here? I aim to ensure Durham University delivers the best student experience in Europe. I was instantly attracted to this role as it drew so much from my experience and passion for investing in the next generation. The University is unique in the way it enhances the student
Jan | Feb 2017
What are your ambitions for your new role? I am thrilled and honoured to be taking on this post. These are exciting times as the University embarks on a ground-breaking new strategy that aims to deliver world-class excellence in research, education and the wider student experience. I am looking forward to working closely with Durham's outstanding staff and students to help take Durham forward in the next stage of its development. Who has influenced and/or inspired you most in your life?
You have just joined from the Royal School of Artillery – what was your role there? I led 800 staff who delivered courses for 3000 officers and soldiers across 150 separate programmes every year. These courses ranged from Masters level residential programmes through to short skills qualifications and apprenticeships delivered in the UK or overseas. It was a privilege to be the head of an organisation that invested so much time and resource (£80M pa) in the next generation. Critical to this delivery was the quality of the staff, most of whom had been trained at the School themselves. I also ensured we invested significantly in wider student experience, offering huge opportunities in social events, sport and many other clubs or societies.
In November 2016 I was appointed to the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost. This job involves leading in the area of academic planning and faculty (academic staff) matters, and in delivering the University’s new Academic Strategy. I am also working to deliver a much-needed step change in the University’s performance in the areas of equity and inclusion. As Deputy Vice-Chancellor, I deputise as required for the Vice-Chancellor and Warden.
Professor Antony Long Tell us a bit about yourself. I am a Geographer, with 25 years of experience studying and publishing on climate change, ice sheet behaviour and sea-level change. I’ve spent many field seasons working in the Arctic, often in remote and spectacular field settings and sometimes not quite believing I was being paid to do so! I’ve been at Durham for much of my career as an undergraduate, postgraduate, and then as an academic. I've had two hugely enjoyable terms as head of the Department of Geography, and played a range of other roles across the University and its Colleges.
I’ve been fortunate to work with a wide range of inspirational individuals, at Durham and elsewhere. My PhD supervisor (Professor Michael Tooley) fuelled my initial intellectual curiosity in climate and sea-level change, whilst my fascination in the Arctic stemmed from a long-standing interest in polar exploration. I’ve always been inspired by the pioneering Norwegian explorer and scientist Roald Amundsen. Amundsen challenged existing methods and approaches to polar science and exploration, and his expedition diaries are a continual source of inspiration. What place would you most like to visit? I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively with my work – from trekking across ice sheets to diving on coral reefs. That said, I definitely have a leaning towards cold places, and I would love to see the Axel Heiberg glacier in the Transantarctic Mountains, the incredibly steep, short routeway followed by Amundsen as he hauled himself to and from the South Pole in 1911. His decision to take this short route was a bold one, contrasting the longer and slower route up the mighty Beadmore Glacier that was followed by Scott and other early explorers. n
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STRATEGY UPDATE
University Strategy approved: implementation underway Since the last issue of Dialogue, University Council has approved the full University Strategy 2017-27 and focus has moved from Strategy planning to implementation. The Vice-Chancellor is chairing a new Strategy Delivery Board and a number of Critical Initiatives have been identified, including work around the Faculty, Durham DOES and Equality and Diversity. Estate Masterplan Work is ongoing to develop large-scale estate projects at St Mary's Field, for a large student-facing building to host our Education Laboratory and new teaching spaces; Lower Mountjoy, for new build for Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science; and Maiden Castle. Plans are in place to remodel academic facilities on the Peninsula to create extra space for Arts and Humanities departments and also to build two new colleges at Mount Oswald. But it is important to remember that while the Estate Masterplan has been approved, business cases for each major project will be considered by Finance Committee and any development is subject to the appropriate statutory and planning consent. Council will consider a new home for Durham University Business School (DUBS) and other potential projects once we have greater clarity on the recruitment of non-UK students. Durham DOES Progress continues on our service excellence programme, with the Operations Strategy having been approved by Council and the new Durham DOES team having started work together at the beginning of January.
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Further small-group workshops for staff and students will be held shortly and regular updates are posted at www.durham.ac.uk/about/local/ unistrategy/durhamdoes A new email address for confidential comments and feedback is now available: durham.does@durham.ac.uk Queen’s Campus Good progress is being made on transition plans for staff and students relocating from Queen’s Campus. Business and Management and Marketing programmes will relocate to Durham City for October, with the remaining DUBS programmes, the Foundation Centre, Education and Psychology (Applied) following in 2018. The Wolfson Institute will also relocate and a wider commission is reviewing our strategy for health research. In December we signed a contract to work with Study Group, to deliver an International Study Centre at Queen’s Campus. Study Group is a highly respected education provider with global experience in preparing international students for university study. The first students will arrive this September.
The Vice-Chancellor will host Town Hall meetings in Durham City on Monday 30 January and Queen’s Campus on Thursday 2 February. To find out more, visit www.durham.ac.uk/about/ local/unistrategy News for Durham University Staff & Students
LIBRARY NEWS
Library 24/7 returns in Epiphany Term
DO YOU NEED MORE BOOKS?
During Epiphany Term, the Bill Bryson Library and Queen’s Campus Library will be open 24/7 for the following dates:
MORE BOOKS gives all staff and students an easy and direct way to tell the Library which resources you can’t get hold of so we can purchase more books and e-books to meet your needs. Fill in our online form to let us know which resources you think are missing from our collections and we’ll do the rest. Find out more: www.durham.ac.uk/library/morebooks
Bill Bryson Library Monday 6 February until Friday 24 March Queen’s Campus Library Monday 27 February until Saturday 18 March We hope that the Library 24/7 opening hours will have a positive impact on students in the lead up to exams in the final term. It is important to remember to use your time wisely, pace yourself, and plan assignments and exam revision effectively. 24/7 opening will also operate during the run up to exams in the Easter term. Find out more about Library 24/7 here: www.durham.ac.uk/library/247 Jan | Feb 2017
SUBJECT SUPPORT POINT Our Academic Liaison Librarians are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Bill Bryson Library, from 10am to 4pm. Drop in, or Tweet #AskDULIB, to speak to us or ask about how to find and access the resources you need for your assignments and exams!
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RESEARCH INSIGHTS Billions of people across the world are now connected by the internet and this online crowd is regularly used to provide information and funding to projects both big and small. Crowdfunding raises finance for a product by using the internet to ask large numbers of people for small amounts of money. Similarly, crowdsourcing or citizen science, is used to get individuals to provide information to help solve problems and inform research. These methods of support have long been used by commercial ventures, but recently a number of Durham’s academics have successfully used both methods to inform and fund their research projects.
How research uses the wisdom – and funding – of the crowd
CROWDFUNDING TO FIND EVIDENCE OF AN EARLY ANGLO-SAXON MONASTERY In June 2016, Dr David Petts and a team of experts from the Department of Archaeology discovered a rare Anglo-Saxon grave marker which may be evidence of the first monastery on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland. The discovery was made during a two-week dig on the island, which had been crowdfunded by members of the public. Dr Petts worked in collaboration with DigVentures, an archaeological social enterprise, who have developed a crowdfunding platform specifically for archaeological projects. The initial target was £18,000 but
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they raised nearly £25,000 from a wide range of online funders in just over a week. The progress of the attempt to locate the monastery was shared online including live video-streams and regularly updated blog posts. Some of the backers were given the chance to be directly involved by paying £525 to join the archaeologists in the trenches for a week. Dr Petts said: “This dig not only resulted in a stunning find, of exactly the period we were looking for, but also provided opportunities for the public to fund and participate in the project. You couldn’t get a better example of public engagement.”
News for Durham University Staff & Students
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
SURVEYING THE PUBLIC TO INFORM RESEARCH An international collective of experts and researchers from different disciplines, called Hubbub, has been investigating the busyness of modern life including the different ways people choose to rest. Led by Professor Felicity Callard, of the Department of Geography, Hubbub designed an online survey called the Rest Test in collaboration with BBC Radio 4, to investigate the public’s resting habits and their attitudes towards relaxation and busyness.
Professor Callard said: “We had no idea how many people would take part and we were delighted that more than 18,000 people from 134 different countries took the time to complete the survey. It gave us a fantastic global picture of the way people rest, which would have been impossible without crowdsourcing responses.” The results revealed that the top five most restful activities are those often done alone and over two thirds (68 per cent) of the public would like more rest.
The study was only made possible by the dedication of thousands of volunteers who survey birds on the same survey plots using the same rigorous methods every year.
CITIZEN SCIENCE SHOWS EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON BIRDS Dr Stephen Willis and Dr Philip Stephens, from the Department of Biosciences collaborated with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) on a research project in April 2016. The results showed for the first time that common bird populations are responding to climate change in a similar pronounced way in both Europe and the USA. Dr Stephens said: “The study was only made possible by the dedication of thousands of volunteers who survey birds on the same survey plots using the same rigorous methods every year. This huge effort was co-ordinated by the European Bird Census Council (EBCC) in Europe and by USGS in the USA.” Dr Willis added: "These findings represent a new climate impact indicator for biodiversity. The volunteers from the UK and the States have helped
Jan | Feb 2017
us to understand where climate change is affecting populations, and to understand the causes of population changes of common birds that might also be affected by factors such as habitat loss and agricultural intensification. “The same approach could also be applied to species such as bees, butterflies and dragonflies, which are well monitored and highly susceptible to changes in climate.” Professor Claire Warwick, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, said: “By utilising a variety of digital resources to crowdfund and crowdsource their research, our academics are connecting with a wide variety of people in a very meaningful way. Because their projects are successfully capturing the public’s interest, the resulting scale of participation is extremely impressive.”
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Retail
Having congratulated our Graduates at Winter Congregation, we’re into a new academic term – and already looking ahead to doing it all over again in the summer. Our convenience store at Queen’s Campus is now back in business after the Christmas break, selling a wide range of drinks, confectionary and University merchandise. Keep your eyes open for the Easter clothing sale this March. Sign up to our newsletter at https://shop.dur.ac.uk to get all of the latest offers. Palace Green Library is getting ready to host a new DLI exhibition which will launch in March. The exhibition will be free of charge and plenty of merchandise will be on offer in the gift shop.
Follow us on social media for news and offers. Durham University Retail Office @DurhamUniRetail durham_uni_merchandise
Event Durham has been supporting one of our colleagues whose grand-daughter Caitlin, aged 10, was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a rare type of head and neck cancer, on New Year’s Eve 2015. The three-month treatment required was only available in the USA at a specialist proton centre. The costs were high and Event Durham, gratefully supported by other departments and colleges throughout the University, came together to organise bake sales, silent auctions, raffles, tombolas and dress down days, and raised over £3,000.
Malia, from BBC Look North, and Josef Craig, a British Paralympic Swimmer. We would like to say a massive thank you to all who helped.
We are delighted to report the treatment was successful, and in November Caitlin received a Braveheart Award. These awards are given to children who have shown incredible courage battling to overcome illness, handicap or other adversities. The award was presented by Carol
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Event Durham, Durham University
Catering A new year brings an opportunity for a fresh start, new commitments and resolutions to make changes in our lives. Here at YUM we want to help! We are launching for the FIRST time in Durham a tasty, warming VEGAN Panini. This toasted ciabatta will appeal to all, a lightly spiced baked onion pakora, red onion, fresh coriander and a hint of sweet mango chutney. Let us know what you think at: www.yumfood.org.uk or Durham University Catering
CAMPAIGN
Working together We also work with businesses, charities and other organisations in the North East, both big and small. Here are some examples.
Our Economic Contribution In the last issue of Dialogue, we reported on the launch of the So Much More campaign, which showcases the positive contribution the University makes to North East England. In this issue, we focus on our economic contribution.
The numbers An independent study by BIGGAR Economics has shown that we boost the economy of North East England by almost £650 million a year – and support more than 10,000 jobs in the region. This happens both directly, through our employing around 8,000 people and educating 17,200 students a year, and indirectly – for every one person we employ, we support 3.57 jobs in the UK economy, and for every £1 we generate, we support £4.56 in total benefits. Additionally, our graduates add an extra £290 million to the UK economy just because they studied here.
We’re proud to host the Institute for Local Governance (ILG), which helps the public sector access research capacity from North East universities in addressing issues of public policy and local governance. Since its foundation in 2009, the ILG has secured the delivery of some 90 projects worth £2 million. Our contributions have included studies for Northumberland County Council on social enterprise in service delivery; for Durham County Council developing the employability and aspirations of young people from deprived areas; for Redcar and Cleveland Council helping those made redundant generate new enterprises; for the Association of North East Councils a strategy to secure North East benefit from a devolved Scotland; and for the Tees Valley Combined Authority a study of comparative economic development authorities in the North of England.
Above, Professor Stuart Corbridge, ViceChancellor of Durham University and Nigel J Perry, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Process Innovation. Recently, we signed an agreement with the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), one of the UK’s leading technology innovation centres, which could transform the way research is developed into marketable products in industries including health and personal care, electronics, food and drink, aerospace, automotive, materials and energy. The agreement means together the University and CPI will provide the knowledge, knowhow and facilities to enable research to be developed and translated into marketready products, helping companies to accelerate product development, supporting new innovative companies to grow and attracting investment from national and international sources.
For more information on how the University is So Much More than the sum of its parts, visit www.durham.ac.uk/about/somuchmore or follow us via #DUsomuchmore
The University is an anchor for established business activity in the North East, and a magnet for attracting new investment. In a region which has such a powerful exporting record and is so successful at building strong international ties it is extremely important to have a university such as Durham which has such a world class reputation.
James Ramsbotham, Chief Executive, North East England Chamber of Commerce
Jan | Feb 2017
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DURHAM UNIVERSITY LAIDLAW SCHOLARSHIP IN RESEARCH AND LEADERSHIP UP TO 25 PLACEMENTS FOR SUMMER 2017 Are you an undergraduate in year 1 of a three year programme or year 2 of a four year programme? Could you design and undertake a research project in a Durham Academic Department whilst developing your leadership potential? This programme will provide up to 25 successful applicants with generous funding for a research project to be undertaken in six weeks over two summer holidays, together with leadership training.
If you are interested, we encourage you to view the full details which are available on our website. Closing date for applications is Friday 17 March 2017.
The Future’s Bright… Throughout 2017, we’re focussing on getting to know our staff better so we can understand their diverse and changing needs. We’re working on ways to creatively enhance our employment packages and our review of terms and conditions is almost complete. We are close to agreeing a great new range of staff benefits to give all our staff access to discounts and more salary sacrifice opportunities. We’ll be finding out how Durham staff feel about working at Durham through direct engagement and a comprehensive staff survey. The results of our survey will be shared with staff and followed by discussions, feedback and action planning. This means you’ll also see a change in many of the areas which affect your work at Durham University: we’re reviewing our approach to leadership and development to meet the needs of individuals and the University; ensuring that our leadership programmes will support the new University strategy and embedding our AUA recognised Realising Your Potential Approach www.durham.ac.uk/hr/realisingpotential across all areas of Professional Support Services.
Welcoming Families We hold staff network events throughout the year to help our new and existing staff become a part of Durham’s community. Our next family event takes place on Sunday 12 February from 1-3pm at the Palace Green Library. There will be fun family activities making badges and new friends. For more information, please contact Stina Maynard stina.maynard@durham.ac.uk. We have a Facebook page for our staff network to keep in touch with future events.
HR & OD NEWS
Annual Reviews We have updated our Annual Review process, it’s now called the ADR or Annual Development Review. Our new approach streamlines the process and recognises the different needs of our staff groups. Following a pilot with departments last year, the new process will be rolled out during 2017. Every member of staff will have the opportunity to discuss their development with their manager or supervisor. Your ADR is an opportunity to reflect on your contribution and consider goals and priorities for the future. It is also to discuss the support, learning and development you need to reach your full potential. It’s not just an annual event though, but a cycle of opportunities throughout the year to meet regularly and discuss progress towards objectives and revisit any plans. The new ADR will be rolled-out during 2017 and a new website will be launched soon.
Brexit – the impact on staff To support our non-UK colleagues, we’re working with law firm Halliday Reeves to deliver advice on the effects of Brexit on non-UK EU nationals’ immigration status, both now and as Brexit progresses. Halliday Reeves recently delivered staff seminars to talk through the implications, what can be done now and how. The seminar can be viewed at www.durham.ac.uk/about/password/eu/staff/events We also have a steering group to consider the implications that leaving the EU may have on the University. Students, staff and all our stakeholders are encouraged to keep up to date via the dedicated webpage www.durham.ac.uk/about/eu
Recognising loyal staff Recognising our loyal staff – December’s Long Service Dinner at the Castle, welcomed 26 members of staff who celebrated 25 years’ service. Together they mark 650 years of service to Durham University. They were hosted by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stuart Corbridge and the Director of HR and OD, Clare Curran.
Jan | Feb 2017
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GREENSPACE
Energy Awareness Week
Green Move Out Scheme
Energy Awareness Week will run from Monday 30 January to Sunday 5 February. During this week, we will be promoting and encouraging good energy saving behaviours among staff and students. Colleges will also take part in an inter-collegiate energy competition. Get some energy saving tips, along with other environment tips, at: www.durham.ac.uk/resources/greenspace/ local/50EnvironmentalTipsforStaff.pdf
The 2015/16 Green Move Out scheme saw 3,937 bags filled, both by students in college and those living out across 50 streets in Durham City. Over 20 tonnes of waste were diverted from general waste and local charities benefitted too.
Earth Hour
In the Green Move Out Awards, which recognise the colleges that collect the most bags, Collingwood College won Best Undergraduate Performance, St Mary’s College won Best Postgraduate Performance and St Cuthbert’s Society and John Snow College were jointly awarded Most Improved.
Earth Hour (www.earthhour.org) takes place on Saturday 25 March from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. This is a global campaign and we are asking people to switch off their non-essential lights for an hour in order to show support for tackling climate change and protecting the planet.
Thank you to all who were involved or took part in this initiative including our partners County Durham Furniture Help Scheme, Durham County Council and Durham Constabulary. Full results and further details of the scheme are available on the Greenspace website: www.durham.ac.uk/greenspace/greenmoveout
CO2 Savings The Carbon Management Plan, up to July 2016, shows total cumulative savings against Business As Usual (i.e. if we had no plan in place) of £12,371,000 and 28,114 tonnes of CO2 since our baseline year 2005/06. This equates to a total CO2 reduction of five per cent. Over the last four years the University has saved 1,248 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to £245,568 in energy costs, as a result of monitoring and analysing energy and water consumption data. To achieve this, the University’s Energy Team and the BMS Engineer have reacted quickly to anomalous consumption patterns by enacting change to building services’ control systems where appropriate.
University ‘Highly Commended’ for its New Data Centre The University’s New Data Centre was Highly Commended at the recent 2016 County Durham Environment Awards, www.countydurhampartnership.co.uk/article/8530/EnvironmentAwards-2016 The awards recognise great design, environmental guardianship and community spirit in County Durham and the New Data Centre project was praised for its challenging environmental targets and innovative use of technologies to optimise performance and minimise impact. The awards, which the Vice-Chancellor attended and addressed, are made possible through the Altogether Greener County Durham Environment Partnership and the University is delighted to be involved and contribute to sponsoring the awards.
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Every small step leads to big change News for Durham University Staff & Students
GREENSPACE
Waste (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Awareness Week Slim Your Bin, Pumpkin of the Year and Love Food Hate Waste competitions were among the highlights of the recent Waste Awareness Week, staged at the University in November. Thank you to all who made a pledge to reduce the volume of waste they produce, as part of the Slim Your Bin contest. Twentyfive winners were picked at random and each received a £10 Waterstones voucher, kindly sponsored by Biffa. The Pumpkin of the Year competition attracted 40 hugely creative entries, ranging from spooky silhouettes of Durham Cathedral to a pumpkin Pythagoras carved equation; from a Donald Trump caricature to a set of environmental symbols. Catering teams helped squash food waste at Halloween by using the seeds and some pulp for several seasonal menu items, including pumpkin pie, pumpkin risotto and a variety of delicious pumpkin soups. The overall winner was Amy Howlett from Hatfield College, whose entry ‘C Stairs’ was a moving tribute to the homeliness of living in at Hatfield College. Amy won a three-course meal for four people at the Palatine Restaurant.
A huge thank you to everyone who supported Durham University Catering’s Pumpkin of the Year competition. The standard of entry was truly frightening, making the cursed role of the judges dead hard! The Love Food Hate Waste competition, which took place over the week, saw a total reduction of plate waste across all participating colleges of 312kg – a 10% reduction overall. Congratulations to University College, which won the John Turner Trophy for the biggest reduction – a fantastic 36.5%. Trevelyan College finished second on 27%, with Hatfield on 21.5% and Grey on 18%. For full results and further details, please visit: www.durham.ac.uk/greenspace/waste-management/ wastecampaign/lfhw
New Recycling Station on Lower Mountjoy A new recycling station has been installed outside the Bill Bryson Library on Lower Mountjoy. This is another Greenspace initiative, working closely with Estates and Buildings. The University is committed to reducing, reusing and recycling our items and this new recycling station allows us all to continue to recycle our waste while we’re out and about. Further details on what can be recycled and other initiatives which are in place can be found at: www.durham.ac.uk/greenspace/waste-management
E-Christmas Cards Individual college and café winners received an official certificate and a chocolate cake. Photos of the runners-up can be seen at: www.durham.ac.uk/greenspace/waste-management/ wastecampaign/pumpkin
Jan | Feb 2017
During December 2016, 2,719 e-Christmas cards were sent, a rise of 401 on the previous year, contributing to savings on the production and transport costs associated with sending paper cards.
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STUDENT AND STAFF VOLUNTEERING
Student Community Action
The start of the New Year is often accompanied by a gripping determination to better yourself and what better way than getting involved in volunteering? The University has an integrated Staff and Student volunteering offer, making it easy to get involved. Student Community Action (SCA Volunteering) is a student-led organisation of around 2,000 individuals working across over 60 different outreach projects including activities working with children, animals, adults and the elderly. Staff Volunteering and Outreach support up to 300 staff members annually to engage in volunteering, mainly through more than 50 organised Team Challenges each year but also as individual opportunities. Our resolution as leaders in staff and student volunteering is to integrate our activities more and offer more opportunities for our volunteers to work
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together. We also have a joint black-tie awards ceremony at the end of the year as a thank you for all your hard work. Volunteering for one of our projects is a great way to meet new people and give back to the community. So before you re-list that rowing machine on eBay or vow to never eat cake again, why not try something new and get involved with an incredibly rewarding resolution?
To find out more or get involved as a student, please email community.action@durham.ac.uk or visit our website at www.scadurham.org.uk. For more information on Staff Volunteering contact community.engagement@durham.ac.uk or visit our website www.durham.ac.uk/volunteer
We would really welcome your help! News for Durham University Staff & Students
DURHAM STUDENT THEATRE AND MUSIC DURHAM Durham Student Theatre has an exciting programme of music, comedy and drama planned for this term. These are just a few of the student theatre productions taking place in and around Durham, and with over 60 different shows performed throughout the year, there is always something theatrical to enjoy!
A Musical Start to the Year
MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Friday 17 February Saturday 18 February, 7.30pm
THE DURHAM REVUE PRESENTS COMEDY FEST
Gala Theatre DURHAM OPERA ENSEMBLE PRESENTS
BENJAMIN BRITTEN’S
A
MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Sunday 19 February, 8pm Gala Theatre The Cambridge Footlights and The Oxford Revue team up with Durham Review. For one night only, the three biggest names in student comedy are coming together! Join the Durham Revue and friends, for an evening of sketch comedy brought to you by the finest student comedians in the country!
DURHAM DRAMA FESTIVAL
1 7 TH- 1 8 TH FEBRUARY
GALA THEATRE, DURHAM
www.galadurham.co.uk S upported
by
Durham Opera Ensemble is proud to present Benjamin Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This is a brilliant adaptation of the Shakespearian comic classic. Britten’s beguiling composition is the perfect accompaniment to the tumultuous text. Allow yourself to step into this spellbinding tale of lovers. In the depths of the enchanted forest, watch as their worlds collide on a mystical midsummer night, swarmed by mischievous fairies and rustics. As they venture into the unknown they are faced with an array of trials and tribulations. Will their love conquer evil?
Thursday 9 February Saturday 11 February The 42nd Durham Drama Festival is back for 2017, showcasing some of the best of student writing. Durham Drama Festival is the University’s only new writing festival, performing nine brand new shows in the Assembly Rooms Theatre, The Vane Tempest Black Box Theatre and sitespecific venues around the historic city. The nine shows will be performed each evening from Thursday to Saturday and range from farce comedy to powerful verbatim stories. Tickets can be purchased as either a festival pass or individual evening tickets.
For further information and to book tickets visit www.durham.ac.uk/dst
Jan | Feb 2017
2017 is set to be an exciting year for Music Durham, with more events taking place in collaboration with external partners than ever before, on top of the usual plethora of concerts throughout the term. We are especially looking forward to being involved with the Durham Vocal Festival which runs from 28 January – 4 February. The Defiant Requiem in the Cathedral on 28 January and Northern Lights in the Gala Theatre on 31 January are two that will certainly be outstanding events not to miss! The Northern Lights are a mixed a cappella group made up of Durham University students from a wide variety of subjects and backgrounds. Performing a cappella takes on RnB, indie and dance hits to name but a few, they are an extremely talented and passionate group who seek to thrill their audiences solely through the power of the human voice. In addition, at the end of term on 10 March, we are excited to be working with the Chancellor, Sir Thomas Allen, in an incredible concert in the Gala Theatre. This is a one-off opportunity to see the world-famous baritone ditch his operatic persona and delve into the world of Cole Porter and Frank Sinatra, accompanied by the award-winning Durham University Big Band and the string section of the Durham University Orchestral Society.
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SPOTLIGHT ON...
CODEC Describe your centre in one sentence.
CODEC researches the interfaces between theology and digital culture – we’re a place to reconfigure, re-code and re-engineer theological research for a digital age. What are the three main things people should know about CODEC? We focus on both theoretical and applied research. With good relationships with many of the UK’s denominational organisations and church agencies, CODEC researches the impact of digital culture and digital artefacts on contemporary Christian practice across the UK and beyond. We are closely involved in Durham’s Digital Humanities (DH) research initiative and the Creative Fuse North East project. We see ourselves as a DH research centre – exploring DH through the use of data, digital research methodologies and native digital artefacts. We are based within St John’s College, an independent college within Durham University, with its own training centre for Anglican priests, Cranmer Hall. Although we work closely with the Church of England, we also work with people of all faiths and none.
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What three words do you most associate with CODEC? Digital, Theology, Research. How can staff and/or students engage with you and your work? CODEC staff are happy to engage with research projects and supervision across the University. We run a number of practical projects, as well as occasional seminars and training opportunities. In June each year, we run a course called “MediaLit” which is aimed at providing training in digital/media literacy for those involved in Christian ministry both through Cranmer Hall and across the country. University staff and students would be welcome to attend all or some of the course. In 2017, CODEC will launch the world’s first postgraduate degree in Digital Theology. What is your main objective as a centre/what do you want to achieve? CODEC’s main objectives are to produce world-class research on Digital Theology, and to transform the conversation about digital culture and its impact on theology and about theology’s input into our thinking about digital culture.
What would you say is your main challenge? CODEC is funded by a number of charitable trusts, rather than through core funding. As such, finances are a constant issue in regards to staff retention and sustainability. What does the future look like for CODEC? CODEC works in quinquennia! Our first was from 2008-2013, our second from 20132018. We are now looking at what a third quinquennium of research would look like for CODEC from 2018-2023.
“Did you know…?” CODEC is currently working with the polling company ComRes to determine what Digital Millenials across the UK think about the Bible. Do you use social media? If so, how? CODEC is on Twitter (@codecuk) and Facebook www.facebook.com/CodecDurham. Many of our staff have individual accounts on both sites as well.
News for Durham University Staff & Students
PROCUREMENT SERVICE
Buy in Barclaycard Security – keep it locked up! New Contract A new multi supplier Minor Works Framework has been awarded, in conjunction with Newcastle University. This framework will cover works such as new builds, extensions, alterations and refurbishments and has been set up under two value lots: up to £1 million and between £500,000 and £4 million. The lots overlap in value as the contract terms differ and the level of complexity and risk will determine which lot is used for works valued between £500,000 and £1 million. For further details on this contract, please visit www.durham.ac.uk/ procurement/local/buyers_guide or call Chris Slade on x44532.
Procurement Training Places on our purchasing card reconciliation course, insurance travel cover workshop and acquire training can be booked via the HR training website. For further details, please visit www.durham.ac.uk/training.course/procurement
Charity Dress Down Fridays are a great fundraising opportunity. Between July and December, the Procurement Service team supported the charity Cancer Research by paying £1 for the privilege of wearing casual clothes on a Friday. Our chosen charity for the first six months of 2017 is Carers UK. www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/practical-support/getting-care-andsupport/young-carers-and-carers-of-children-under-18
Jan | Feb 2017
It’s the time of year when we often see a rise in the volume of fraudulent transactions recorded on purchasing cards. We saw over ten cards cancelled and replaced during September and October alone. To help us reduce this risk, we would ask you to be extra vigilant when using your card. If you lose, misplace or notice an unusual transaction on your card, please call Barclays Customer Service team direct on 0800 008 008 or alternatively Steven Carter on x44553.
Travel on University Business Do you have research meetings or conferences to attend abroad, or are you planning a fieldwork trip? Don’t forget to seek authorisation to travel and make a note to submit your VIATOR form online at least three weeks before departure. Students must also submit a Viator request for travel within the UK on University business if the trip involves either an overnight stay or a flight. If you travel on University business without University travel cover being confirmed then not only are you travelling without the authorisation of the University, but you also risk personally incurring costs for medical treatment, hospitalisation and other costs such as damaged or lost possessions. Medical costs for treatment abroad can be very expensive and are an added personal stress in an already stressful situation. This can be avoided by having University travel cover in place prior to your departure. For more information on the University travel cover and the Viator system please go to www.durham.ac.uk/procurement/local/insuranceservice/travelcover
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CIS NEWS
New World Programme Network project: making good progress! Since the Network project started in early 2016, good progress has been made in updating and expanding the University’s IT network infrastructure with modern, efficient and resilient technology. As 2016 drew to a close, a number of departments were already benefitting from an improved IT network with the capacity and protection to support the University’s ambitions for growth. The network required to carry IT services and data around an estate as varied as the University’s is large and complex. Updating it is a major undertaking, requiring civil engineering works, internal building and repurposing activities and network engineering. Planning, managing and delivering the project around the day-to-day activities of a busy working University has combined the expertise of Computing and Information Services, Estates and Buildings and external contractors, along with the active participation and patience of colleagues and students who have been affected by the work.
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By the end of 2016, we had:
• Engineering
Updated and expanded the underground cabling that transports University data and IT services across the whole Mountjoy site, Queen’s Campus and Hill Colleges East (Ustinov, Josephine Butler, Collingwood and Grey).
• Materials Chemistry • Geography • Calman Learning Centre • Palatine Centre • Dawson Building
This involved:
• The Bill Bryson Library
• Digging 15km of ductwork across the Durham City and Queen’s Campus sites
Users in these buildings are now benefitting from increased network bandwidth, sufficient to support future expansion. Resilience has been improved thanks to additional connections and routes which will reduce the impacts of future network disruption.
• Installing approximately 35km of fibre optic cable Updated switch equipment and power supply connections to ensure they have the capacity to meet the increased throughput of bandwidth and electricity. Started to “cut over” (connect) buildings to the new network. This has so far involved:
There is still a lot to do and our focus will now be on completing the equipment and power upgrades in Queen’s Campus and the Hill Colleges East and planning the next set of civil engineering works and cut over activities for Hill Colleges West.
• Upgrading 337 network switches • Cutting over 76 wiring centres to the new IT network • Removing 33 single points of failure in the network Connected colleagues in the following departments and buildings to the updated IT network: • Chemistry
More information about this work, along with the latest schedule of activity can be found at www.durham.ac.uk/nwp/ infrastructure/network
News for Durham University Staff & Students
When was the last time you laughed and why? Yesterday doing the conga in a Christmas jumper at the Business School Christmas lunch. The least said about that the better. What did you want to be when you were a child? I don’t recall ever being a child who said ‘I want to be a….’. That said I was sports mad as a child, so I would have taken being tiddledywinks world champion if premier league footballer didn’t work out. Safe to say I achieved neither.
NAME: Adam Rennison JOB TITLE: International Student Recruitment Manager DEPARTMENT: Durham University Business School
Have you got any pets? Just a two year old son who is animal-enough. Although his incessant cries for a cat for Christmas suggests I’ll be the proud owner of an animal at some stage, however I think I’ll start with a goldfish and go from there… What are you reading at the moment? I’m more of a non-fiction reader and tend to steer towards biographies or the type written by Dale Carnegie. Recently however it’s been more about management textbooks for my masters. What would you like you epitaph to be? “He chose his life, he didn’t settle for it.” What was the first record you bought? SNAP! Rhythm is a Dancer – Still standing the test of time I might suggest… What was your best subject? Maths.
Jan | Feb 2017
Where will you be going for your next holiday? I have the pleasure of seeing all corners of the world in international recruitment, albeit in a working capacity. As such I have many plans for holidays to far flung places but in reality I think it might be Portugal with the family in the summer. What skill or talent would you most like to acquire? It’s a little dull, however I have developed properties over the last few years and acquired a whole host of largely irrelevant skills. I would like however to make furniture for my next house having made a few things in the past, so perfecting the necessary skills to do that would be next on the list. Give me a picture of your ideal day: Driving to some rural setting in Northumberland early on a crisp autumnal day and cycling with little plan, other than where to find lunch and a local ale. On a scale of 1-10, how much do you care what other people think of you? I care, predominantly because everything I do is for someone else’s benefit (I think that’s the case for most people). People’s opinion of my work, colleagues or students, is vital to me. Likewise outside of work I hope friends and
family have a positive view of me also. That said, I’m aware of what’s important and I don’t worry about people’s opinions too much. I do my best, where I can, and let the rest take care of itself. So I’m going with an 8. What’s your greatest vice? Red wine. Although I see that as more of a cultural experience than a bad habit…
What’s the worst job you’ve ever done? A 6am paper round, 7 days per week for 2 years, paying £14 per week. It may have been 1998 but even so… What’s your favourite film? Probably a classic male response, but I could watch Gladiator on repeat. Any nicknames? A couple. Renno, Rennovator, York, Yorkshire, Andy, big ears, International Man of Mystery (more because people wonder why I’m in Hanoi one day and then Mexico City the next). What’s your favourite place in the world? New Zealand. It’s just unbelievable. What luxury item would you take to a desert island? Spotify and Sonos. I guess I’d also need electricity and wireless internet connection if you could oblige. What’s your greatest indulgence? The advert couldn’t be more annoying, or accurate, however it would have to be Haribo. You can keep your Galaxy and Dairy Milk and pass me a family bag of Haribo to accompany the red wine. ☺ Pass the buck: Finally, who would you like to see in the hot-seat? Andy Harston, Deputy Director for Development, Development and Alumni Relations Office.
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what’s on at the University
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LITTLE BOOKWORMS DATE: Every Monday from 23 January TIME: 10.30am – 11.30am VENUE: Palace Green Library
Little Bookworms returns. Through fun crafts, interactive stories, messy play, singing, games and role play, toddlers and pre-school children will discover new skills and interests and have lots of fun.
SPAMALOT DATE: 24 - 28 January TIME: 7.30pm
DURHAM DRAMA FESTIVAL 2017 DATE: 6 – 12 February VENUE: Various venues across Durham City Enjoy the latest in student writing and theatre, comedy, drama and tragedy as Durham students stage the 42nd Durham Drama Festival.
VENUE: The Gala Theatre DULOG present their largest show of the year, Monty Python’s Spamalot. Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a thoroughly silly retelling of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.
DEFIANT REQUIEM - VERDI AT TEREZIN DATE: 28 January TIME: 7.30pm VENUE: Durham Cathedral This is the UK Premiere of Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín which tells the story of courageous Jewish prisoners in the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp during World War II who learned Verdi’s Requiem Mass and then performed this compelling work 16 times as a statement of defiance and resistance, answering the worst of mankind with the best of mankind. Durham University Orchestral Society and Durham University Chamber Choir are part of this performance.
LUNAR NEW YEAR LANTERN FESTIVAL SPECIAL LATE NIGHT OPENING DATE: 11 February TIME: 6pm – 8pm VENUE: Oriental Museum For one night only you can see the Museum lit only by lanterns. Enjoy a gallery hunt, craft activities, dance with the dragon and take part in the traditional Lantern Parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Rooster. First 100 children receive a free lantern!
THE STATE OF THE PLANET: OUR COURSE TOWARDS A RESILIENT FUTURE DATE: 15 February TIME: 7.45pm VENUE: Great Hall, Durham Castle We are delighted to welcome Yolanda Kakabadse, President of World Wildlife Fund International to deliver this lecture as part of the 2016/17 Durham Castle Lecture Series.
For more information on University events go to www.durham.ac.uk/whatson