Durham First Careers: Durham alumni on their career paths
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Durham University Strategy 2010–2020
Changes afoot at Palace Green Library
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Issue 28 Spring/Summer 2010
Career tips from the top: Lorraine Heggessey, the First Lady of British Media. p03
The magazine for alumni and friends of Durham University
Durham First 28 Spring/Summer 2010
Notes from the Chancellor Now, as I wistfully reflect on my induction to the University family, I hear that you’re already looking ahead to 2020. I can’t keep up.
When the time came for me to sit down and share my latest ‘notes’ with our growing gaggle of graduates (drove of Dunelms?) I was looking forward with much anticipation to my next visit to Durham, and Stockton, in the Spring. This will be my fifth year as Chancellor of your wonderful University and I am still as proud (and, to be truthful, as bemused) today as I was when you first asked me to join your illustrious but ever-friendly community of scholars, staff and superstars in 2005. I am, of course, enormously humbled and honoured too.
The one thing I’m really hoping this new ten-year strategy will do in its attempts to hail your eternally ambitious and leadingedge institution as one of the finest on planet earth, is to highlight to the world the distinctive paradox that I’ve come to realise is at the heart of what makes Durham so special. Many of you tell me this is the ‘Durham Difference’. It’s somehow getting across that juxtaposition between world-class research and education with that tangible sense of community and intimacy that delivers the ‘excellence on a humanscale’ that our Vice-Chancellor and so many others espouse. It’s also important to celebrate the contrast between the personal development and social responsibility you took from your college experience, with the University’s increasing diversity and far-reaching international impact.
That global impact of the University, and particularly its alumni, is perfectly illustrated with your incredibly generous and impassioned support for my annual fundraising appeal – to establish postgraduate scholarships for Afghan women – which I launched in the pages of this magazine in our last issue. Once again you’ve made people sit up and take notice, as invariably you’ve done throughout your lives, with University staff, and soon the people of the UK, pledging their support, and their faith in Durham, to make this commendable vision become reality in 2010. My heartfelt thanks and admiration to you all. You should be as proud of this collective display of humanity and kindness as you are of your alma mater which continues to work hard to harness the Durham Difference. Best wishes
Feedback Durham First is continuously improving and we really need your ideas and feedback to continue shaping your magazine. For the next edition, we would be particularly interested in hearing stories and memories of your college experiences. We would also love to hear from you if there are any aspects of our University community that you would like to read more about. As ever, please feel free to contact the editors: durham.editor@durham.ac.uk
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University Shop For our full range of gifts and merchandise (new and old favourites) please visit www.durham.ac.uk/university.shop or contact us at university.shop@durham.ac.uk or +44 (0) 191 334 9251
In this issue
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03 – There’s not much point in living in an Ivory Tower… Lorraine Heggessey, CEO of Talkback Thames and former BBC One Controller, talks to Astrid Alvarez about her zig-zag career path.
05 – Career Paths: Is it the journey or the destination? Alumni talk about the directions their Durham degrees are taking them.
08 – Long Arm of the Law Three Durham alumni reveal how they rose up the ranks to become senior police officers.
09 – Arctic Adventures Three ex-Stockton students reveal details of their mission to reach the North Pole.
10 – Traditions and Modernity
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Highlights from the new University Strategy 2010–2020 and what it means for alumni.
11 – Durham – Cradle of Scholarship Professor Tom McLeish, P-V-C for Research, tells the story of Durham as the cradle of scholarship.
12 – Modern Lessons from Medieval History Michael Prestwich, Emeritus Professor of History, shares his fascination with the Middle Ages.
13 – Tomorrow’s Yesterdays Jon Purcell, University Librarian, gives an insight into the planned changes at Palace Green Library.
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15 – Media Round-Up All the latest news and developments from the University with some headline-grabbing research breakthroughs.
17 – Sport Report
Note from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Higgins Our five year university strategy 2005–10 has served us well. We are now building on this foundation, and Durham’s ranking by the 2010 Good University Guide as the third best broad subject University in the UK (and, of course rated by most alumni as number one) with a strategy for the next decade and beyond. The world is changing. There are now 138 Universities in the UK and education and research are increasingly global. Our strategy recognises this, setting out the type of University we intend to be – defining the ‘Durham Difference’ – and building on what is uniquely special about Durham University. Our priorities are simple – the highest levels of excellence in education and research, learning from
and exemplifying the best in the world in research-led education for the most able students with the greatest potential, taught and mentored by some of the world’s leading researchers at the forefront of their field.
A glance at some of the recent sporting highlights.
18 – Getting Involved: the alumna who “stayed on” Natalie Crisp, Durham Students’ Union President, explains how DSU Societies are helping to shape her career path.
19 – City of Culture 2013 – The Show Must Go On An update on Durham’s bid for City of Culture 2013.
All institutions in the UK are expecting a rocky ride, given the state of public finances, but as I have said before, Durham outlasts not only Governments but political parties. Our current strengths, and a focus on excellence in everything we do, will serve us in good stead in weathering the downturn and emerging a stronger university, recognised world-wide as a university ‘shaped by the past – creating the future’.
19 – Will You or Won’t You?
For more on the new Strategy, turn to p10.
22 – Events Calendar
Durham alumnus Richard Roberts explains the importance of keeping a Will.
20 – Ustinov College at 45 Dr Penny Wilson, Ustinov College Principal, reveals plans for Ustinov’s 45th Anniversary Reunion this summer.
21 – News in Brief News from alumni and the University.
21 – (Fair)Trade in your Tea! Alumna Emma Huntly talks about her foray into Fairtrade, and dropping in for tea at Number Ten.
Take a look at forthcoming alumni events.
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The day I came to Durham for my interview, I remember the view from the railway bridge, it was so beautiful. I am a Londoner, and had never spent any time north of Watford. I spent three extremely happy, idyllic years in a student bubble. It must have rained while I was at Durham, but I really can’t remember it, only sunshine.
Working on Palatinate, the student newspaper, really stimulated my interest in journalism [where she worked under the editorship of future journalist and BBC newsreader George Alagiah (BA Politics, Van Mildert, 1975–78)]. Before Durham I thought I wanted to go into Law.
When I started applying for jobs I was rejected by everyone! Just like me, everybody will get rejected at some stage in their careers, moving past that is really important. After graduation, I eventually I got a job at the Acton Gazette and I volunteered for a hospital radio. But I pursued my dream to be a journalist and by the following September I was at the BBC.
A graduate traineeship at a big company will provide fantastic training, but it is fiercely competitive. The advantage of small companies is there are a lot more places you can get into. The disadvantage is that you start at the bottom and have to work your way up, make the tea and sweep the floor.
“Do what you love and you will do it well. Life is too short to spend years in a job you hate.” 3
So much is down to you; a lot depends on your reputation. You have to go around and make the connections and contacts to help you get your next step on the ladder. You have got to get yourself noticed whatever the job, no matter how menial, because we cannot be bothered with people who cannot be bothered to do their job.
If you always stay within your comfort zone, you are never going to progress. Almost every new job I’ve had has been a big scary job and I’ve not known if I could do it or not, so you just have to hold your nose and plunge in. No-one is ever completely brilliantly qualified for any job; everybody has their strengths and weaknesses. Having an entrepreneurial attitude, whether in a big or small organisation is really important, because sometimes people in big organisations can start to drift and wait to have things happen to them, rather than being proactive. Sometimes, in order to continue developing, you may need to leave your job and the security of the big company to move on. Do what you love and you will do it well. Life is too short to spend years in a job you hate. Find the thing you love and you will feel energised, happier going to work, happier in everything. I have often joked that I’ve gone for short-term satisfaction rather than longterm gain. It has meant I’ve zig-zagged all over the place and actually in the end it has all worked out fine. Although, I never claim to have had a grand plan, even though everyone says you are supposed to have one!
Alan is an extremely tenacious business man and he is a great negotiator who believes in backing young talent. Simon is a fantastically powerful figure who works incredibly hard. He is a real obsessive; it’s the same with Alan Sugar, they both pay huge attention to detail and nothing passes them by. They have a relentless desire to improve everything, make everything bigger and better. They are constantly building on their successes and are never complacent. Simon lost all his money quite a while ago, and he is determined it will never happen again.
In the early days, there were more hurdles to cross and I had to prove myself, but that got me noticed more. What women have to overcome the most is their own selflimiting belief. I have often said that women tend to go for jobs two years after they are ready for them and men tend to go for jobs two years before they are ready for them. I’ve done no research on that but whenever I say it people smile in acknowledgement, as if there is some truth to it.
Positive attitude. Hire for attitude, train for skills. You will never change anyone’s personality and their personality needs to fit with the organisation. Most companies now have articulated values, so make sure that your values are a good fit to the company you want to work with. Knowing yourself and forgiving yourself for not always making the right decisions is the toughest part.
It is about self-awareness too. People look to you for a clear sense of direction and you have to give it to them. But it does not mean you cannot admit making mistakes. Telling your staff: “I’m sorry, I thought that is what we should have been doing, but now on reflection, I think we should take a different path”. Being honest and open with your staff and communicating regularly is very important. There’s not much point in living in an Ivory Tower. It is very easy for leaders to become isolated. Staff surveys never give the full picture so it’s important that you have a couple of colleagues who will give you a few home truths, and that you give them permission to do that.
What I am most proud of are my two daughters [17 and 20]. Seeing them progress will always outshine any pride in my own achievements.
You make your own luck. You might get a lucky break, but the really important thing is what you do with it.
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Career Paths
Is it the journey or the destination? Alumni talk about the directions their Durham degrees are taking them. Astrid Alvarez, Alumni Relations Manager
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH Directions, in which Durham degrees are taking our alumni, are quite literally to the ends of the earth. Our Queen’s Campus intrepid explorers heading for arctic adventures (see page nine) are perfectly balanced by Katherine Snell (BSc Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, St Chads, 1997–2002), whose most recent expedition as a naturalist, sailor and photographer has taken her to Antarctica, one of the richest habitats for wildlife in the world. Career development and transition can occur at any time and sometimes several times during a person’s working life. Canadian alumnus Kevin Spreitz (MBA Business Administration, Ustinov, 2002– 04) is a good example. Starting his career in the military, Kevin chose Durham Business School to do his MBA, became a management consultant and now works as a professional photographer (www.spreitz.ca). In the 21st Century, alumni seeking employment are sending applications to employers facing unprecedented global challenges of uncertain demand, a volatile economy and worldwide competition for talent. This requires a greater flexibility. In a more interconnected world, graduate employability is a key factor in shaping university choice. Global employers value a graduate’s international experience, one that embraces cultural knowledge and not just language 5
skills. Sought-after core competencies include resilience, self-reliance and people skills. In the most recent Council for Industry and Higher Education (CIHE) report on graduate employability, 86% of employers consider good communication skills to be important. Other key skills and attributes include team-working, integrity, passion; even character and personality are ranked. At Durham the Careers Advisory Service and the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning are working closely with the Alumni Relations team. Alumni career mentoring schemes are being developed and some alumni are already actively involved through colleges, offering career support and employment opportunities, such as Grey College Business Angels set up by Steve Gregory (BA Theology, Grey, 1965–69) and Thomas Cliff (MSci Chemistry, Grey, 1997–2001). Alumni support graduate recruitment fairs on behalf of their employers, such as Dr David Foster (BSc Applied Physics and Electronics, Grey, 1975–78) who went on to do a PhD (Castle, 1978–82) and then turned to Durham once again to successfully complete an MBA by distance learning with the Business School (1996–99). David now holds a senior management position at CERN (the European Organisation for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, Switzerland and was in Durham in February for the Science, Engineering and IT job fair, representing the opportunities at CERN for emerging
graduates of all disciplines. David said “It always feels like a “coming home” in many ways, although the mixed-sex colleges still take a bit of getting used to – I was three years in Grey and then three years in the Castle which were not co-ed at the time!” Whether you are a recent graduate, a young alumnus/a starting your job search or a more mature alumnus/a looking for career transition to further your personal and professional development, you may well find your career path is a long and winding road, and what is more, that could be the best part! We received a huge number of submissions from alumni for which we are truly grateful and we are sorry not to be able to feature them all. The following represents just a few of the many inspirational and wonderfully diverse stories that we received. INTERNSHIPS Sarah Lisowiec (BA English Literature, Collingwood, 2004–07) successfully applied for a place on the HBOS plc rising stars internship programme. After stints in Spain and the UK, Sarah was selected as one of four (from 400) candidates for the Graduate Marketing programme at World Vision UK, a Christian charity. The programme has allowed her to travel widely in the US and Canada, as well as spending some time in South Africa shadowing the production of two direct-response television adverts. Sarah says: “It’s been
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great to sample life in the US and experience American office culture, which is truly fast-paced and caffeine-fuelled! I’ve come a long way since 9am tutorials on American Poetry and Renaissance tragedies, but I will always remember the great education and opportunities available to me at Durham, and Collingwood, which have enabled me to get to where I am today.” CAREER PATHS ACROSS THE GLOBE Kapil Kirpalani (LLB Law, St Aidan’s, 2000 – 2003) was born and raised in Hong Kong. He chose Durham to study Law and has never regretted it, working in private practice in London and then back in Hong Kong for eight years after graduation. Kapil, after meeting senior banking professionals at a party, in 2006 set up a hedge fund with one office and four members of staff. Now, Pacific Harbour Capital Ltd has 35 members of staff working across eight offices. Kapil is a proactive alumni ambassador still based in Hong Kong. Readers may also remember the story of Vancouver-based war-time lovebirds, Harry Cullis (BSc Physics, Hatfield, 1937–40) and his wife Freddy, from the previous Durham First who met at Durham, but who, due to their international work in the war effort, were forced to spend many years apart. Bill Bunbury (BA English Literature, Hatfield, 1960–63) and his wife, Jenny (BA History, St Mary’s, 1961–64), also find themselves flying the international Durham alumni flag. Bill, having taken
up a teaching post in Western Australia in 1964 and Jenny following him shortly after, later became a founding producer of the ABC Social History Unit of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and found time to write 11 books! Meanwhile, married alumni Sarah (BA Combined Social Sciences, Hild Bede 1998–2001) and Phil Waymouth (BSc Natural Sciences, Hild Bede, 1998–2001) helped to cofound Tenteleni (www.tenteleni.org.uk), a project that sends over 100 volunteers each year from 12 UK Universities (including Durham) to work on nine charitable projects in five African countries. The project has just celebrated its ten-year anniversary. INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC POSTS Felix Riede (BA Archeology & Anthropology, Van Mildert, 1999–2002), originally from Germany, having completed postgraduate studies in the UK now works as Assistant Professor in Prehistoric Archaeology at the University of Aarhus in Denmark. Roy Haines (BA History, St Chad’s, 1944–47), despite getting a 2ii in his degree, was encouraged by a Durham lecturer to pursue his research as a postgraduate. Roy, now retired, was Professor of Medieval History at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada, and since retirement has published several books and examined a doctoral thesis at the Sorbonne in Paris. Bryan Spinks (BA Theology, St Chad’s, 1967–70) always thought he was destined for a different career path, but advice from a Chad’s tutor meant he eventually opted
for research over liturgy: “As I reflect on my undergraduate days, I assumed I would serve in a parish, and not in my wildest dreams did I expect my Durham training to take me via a circuitous route to a Chair at Yale.” ENTREPRENEURIAL ALUMNI Durham also appears to be a hub for nurturing entrepreneurs. Munir Mamujee (BA English Language & Linguistics, St Aidan’s, 1992–95) runs his own recruitment firm, ‘m2r’ (www.m2r.co.uk), covering the UK and Middle East, which has won several awards. Munir has even met Gordon Brown at Number Ten. Meanwhile, Annabella Forbes (BA Combined Arts, Hild Bede, 2005–08) has recently launched ‘bed&fed’ (www.bedandfed.co.uk), an innovative web directory that guarantees guests a ‘home away from home’ as well as allowing people to make money by renting out their spare room. She says the idea came to her when she was still studying at Durham. James Herbert (BA Business Economics, Hild Bede, 2000–03) is the co-founder of Find Invest Grow (FIG) (www.findinvestgrow.com), a company that promotes young entrepreneurship in the UK, particularly amongst graduates of the past five years. In this venture, James is effectively helping to create the next generation of entrepreneurs – and hopefully some of these will be Durham graduates.
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DARING TO BE DIFFERENT Matt Pritchard (MSci and PhD Physics, Van Mildert, 1999–2007), has somehow managed to merge physics with magic and stand-up comedy (www.labmonkeys.co.uk)! Likewise, Dan Evans (BSc Botany, Van Mildert, 1974–77) has fashioned a portfolio career, working as both a freelance photographer and a musician (he plays the English dulcimer – www.englishdulcimer.com). He says he was heavily influenced by his time at Durham owing to ‘the beautiful historic setting and the interaction with bright minds’. Other musicians include Christophe Capewell (BA Modern Languages and Music, Collingwood, 1998–2002) and Harry Bird (BA Arabic with Middle Eastern Studies, Van Mildert, 1999–2003) whose delightfully-named folk band ‘Harry Bird and the Rubber Wellies’ has just released its debut album, Long Way to be Free. Google them!
which came to Durham in November 2009 as part of the City of Culture bid (see page 19). Simon Hodgson (BA Geography, Van Mildert, 1974–77) supports the physical environment in his role as a Regional Development Agency Director at the Forestry Commission England, which includes responsibility for Kielder Forest, the largest forest in England. He cites the voluntary conservation work he undertook during his time at Durham as the original motivation for his career path.
Special thanks to: All alumni readers who wrote to us. Thanks also to Keith Herrmann, Deputy Chief Executive of CIHE for his presentation, snippets of which appear here, and to Nicola Davidson, Vice President, J.P. Morgan, Sydney for information provided, used as research for this article. Image Captions/Credits 1. Katherine Snell, Antarctica. 2. Felix Riede, Assistant Professor in Denmark. 3. Harry and Freddy Cullis, still together 65 years
Durham alumni career paths are incredibly varied and weave an intricate, interconnected web across the globe. Crucially, successful career paths have resulted from the hard work of our graduates. Yet all those who wrote in did emphasise that it was some aspect of their Durham experience that originally prompted or inspired them to pursue the career directions they eventually took. That will be the Durham Difference!
after war-time separation. 4. Roy Haines (right) examining a thesis at the Sorbonne. 5. Bryan Spinks, now a Chair at Yale. 6. Sarah Lisowiec in South Africa. 7. Bill and Jenny Bunbury whilst at Durham. 8. Munir Mamujee runs an international recruitment firm. 9. James Herbert, co-founder of FIG. 10. Annabella Forbes has just launched ‘bed&fed’. 11. Dan Evans playing the dulcimer. 12. Christophe Capewell and Harry Bird’s folk band.
LOCAL IMPACT Closer to home, some alumni have been able make a real impact on the North East region. Dominic Collett (BA Geography, Castle, 1999–2002), who works for Sky TV on their Sky Arts channel, was involved in the critically acclaimed Lumiere festival
For further alumni career information and advice, please contact the Careers Advisory Service www.durham.ac.uk/ careers-advice/graduates and the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning www.durham.ac.uk/cel
13. Dominic Collett, Lumiere festival. Photo: Sky Arts/Artichoke. 14. Matt Pritchard merging science with comedy. Photo: Backdrop NASA, ESA. 15. Simon Hodgson has responsibility for Kielder Forest.
What is your greatest college memory? In the next edition of Durham First, we will be focusing on college experiences and we need you to help us. Do you have any particularly formative memories of your time in a Durham college? How did being part of a college shape your university experience? We need contributions from ALL Durham colleges, past and present, and we cannot wait to see which college receives the biggest response! Please email durham.editor@durham.ac.uk with your stories and pictures.
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Long Arm of the Law You may be surprised to learn the extent of the influence Durham has had, through three of its graduates, in policing the South East of England. Chief Constable Sara Thornton (BA Philosophy & Politics, Trevelyan, 1981–84) heads up Thames Valley Police, Giles York (BSc Natural Sciences, Hatfield, 1986–89) is Deputy Chief Constable of Sussex and Simon Cole (BA English Literature, St Cuthbert’s, 1985–88) is Deputy in neighbouring Hampshire. Durham First caught up with all three to see how they made the move from Durham student to senior police officer.
Sara Thornton explains that during her final year at Durham a friend told her that he was applying to the Metropolitan Police on the graduate scheme. Initially, Sara voiced her surprise about this, but he went on to tell her that, contrary to her opinion (which was poorly informed), the service provided great opportunities for a varied career that really meant doing something important, and which had scope for progression. “I was interested so signed up for a familiarisation course in the Christmas vacation and 25 years later I am a Chief Constable,” says Sara. “After fifteen years in the London Metropolitan Police I moved to Thames Valley in 2000 and became chief two years ago.” “I have no regrets about the career choice I made 25 years ago and while, as a woman in a male-dominated world, life is not always plain sailing, I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoy my work which is challenging and satisfying. I recommend it!”
Giles York, meanwhile, was convinced to join the police by another Hatfield alumnus, Richard Ing (Hatfield, 1984–87). “At the time of the ‘Milk Round’ careers fairs I spoke with many lawyers, accountants and marketeers who described long hours, boring work but eventually good reward. I think I wanted more fun than that and Richard certainly inspired me by being the only person to say he could not wait to get back to patrolling the streets of Brixton after his weekend off!” Giles started on the beat in Maidstone, near his home town of Tonbridge, Kent. More recently he spent nearly four years working in South Wales as Assistant Chief Constable with a very broad remit across many aspects of operational policing before moving to Sussex. “Durham proved to be an exceptional opportunity in my life that has given me persistent friendships and that solid foundation for reinforcing new contacts across the country.”
Simon Cole, for his part, decided to join the police whilst inter-railing around Europe after his second year: “I felt that I wanted to do a job that really made a positive difference to society, and in policing I have always felt able to do that,” says Simon. “My Durham degree enabled me to join on what was the equivalent of the present High Potential Development Scheme.” Simon worked in the West Midlands for 15 years before moving to become Assistant Chief Constable of Hampshire in 2003. “I loved my time at Durham and only have happy memories of Cuth’s. I spent a lot of time rowing and coaching (in fact Giles and I even raced against each other!) and Cuth’s acknowledged that by naming a single scull after me, which was a lovely gesture. Durham allowed me to be selfsufficient, confident and to develop leadership skills that have stood me in good stead in policing.”
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Arctic Adventures In February 2012, three Durham alumni will begin an expedition to the North Pole in a bid to raise funds for the Obesity Research Group in the Wolfson Research Institute at Queen’s Campus. The research group, led by Professor Carolyn Summerbell (Principal, John Snow College), is pioneering studies into child obesity and its links to social inequalities in families across the North East.
The three intrepid explorers, who all graduated in 2008, feel a strong connection to Queen’s in particular and it is this that inspired them to come back to the North East and help not just their old campus, but children and young people across the region. Tim Williamson (BSc Biomedical Sciences, John Snow, 2005–08 – pictured left) is the expedition’s leader. In February 2010, he became the world’s first recorded person to climb from East to West over the Pennines at night. Not only this, he did it solo without sat-nav, at the height of the coldest winter the UK has seen in decades. James Turner (BA Business Finance, Stephenson, 2005–08 – pictured centre) is responsible for the logistics and finance of the expedition – from training to reaching 90ºN. He is both an accomplished skier and rugby player who loves competition. At weekends he can be found power-kiting along Blackpool beach before many people wake up in the morning. 9
Throughout the mammoth training regime and the polar expedition itself, Mohammad Rahgozar (BA Business Finance, John Snow, 2005–08 – pictured right), will provide their only link to the people back home thanks to his expert use of their communications equipment. Currently finishing his MA at Oxford Brookes in Computing, he has been noted as something of a rising star thanks to his encyclopaedic mind and his determination to succeed. The route the polar expedition will take has never been completed before. It will be the world’s first unaided, unsupported trek from Greenland to the North Pole. The trio will begin at the very north of the mainland, where the land meets the Arctic Ocean. From there they will trek the full 450 miles over frozen sea in temperatures below -30ºC. Throughout the 65 arduous days it will take, they will be dragging everything they will need to stay alive in sleds made from reinforced Kevlar. When fuel and food is added, each of their sleds will weigh 75kg.
The natural movement of the ice floes will be constantly pushing the team back south, adding to the miles they will need to cover each day. Giant pressure ridges of ice up to 10ft in height pose a huge danger, as will the constant threat of falling through the melting ice with every step they take. And then there are the polar bears, frostbite, dehydration and hypothermia to guard against. The journey will be gruelling and their friendship which began at Queen’s Campus will be tested to its limit. Their only communication with the outside world will be via satellite phones and real-time video which means on the ice, the only people they can really rely on are each other. You can follow their progress online at www.pursuitexpedition.co.uk. Alternatively to donate to the Obesity Research Group in Queen’s Campus, visit Durham’s Dunelm community: www.dunelm.org.uk/pursuit
Traditions and Modernity Steve Chadwick, Director of the Strategic Planning and Change Unit, articulates Durham University’s values, outlines a ten-year roadmap and calls for support from alumni to spread the word. “Durham University has a capacity to astound out of all proportion to its size. I don’t know any place that manages to be more intimate and infinite at once.” Bill Bryson OBE, Chancellor of Durham University
Our new University Strategy has been developed with input from across the University community and has been approved by University Council. This ambitious new vision poses a number of challenges for our university community, from responding to external changes on a national and international level to ensuring excellence in all we do as we embrace new ways of working. Durham’s worldwide reputation and performance in research and education places it amongst the top institutions in the UK. Our human-scale and communities facilitate personal and interdisciplinary interactions and offer our students and staff exceptional opportunities for personal development and achievement, attracting some of the most able and motivated students and staff from around the world. We want our current and future students to enjoy and benefit from the best, and most rounded education possible, just as you did throughout your studies here. Durham University has yet to reach its full potential in exploiting its combination of traditions and modernity. Our challenge is to raise Durham’s profile on the international stage and to achieve wider recognition as an outstanding place to work and study, reflecting excellence in research and education. As alumni you can help us to achieve this aim by acting as ambassadors for Durham University.
Excellence in our core activities of research and education across the University will ensure not only the preservation of the quality of a Durham degree but that the University can continue to excel in an increasingly competitive environment. This strategy represents our ambition to achieve our full potential and, as always, its success relies on the contribution of all staff, with vital support and participation from all of our stakeholders, especially alumni.
I. RESEARCH We will be recognised, world-wide, for creative thought, transformative research of the highest calibre and the conception of new ideas across a full subject base of sciences, arts and humanities and social sciences. Our research and scholarship will both benefit from and shape the national and international agendas. We will foster interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary working.
II. EDUCATION We will set the highest standards in research-led education for both undergraduates and postgraduates, linking research and education in distinctive and creative ways. Students will engage directly with world-leading scholars in our academic Departments supported by unparalleled opportunities for personal development in our residential College communities. We will welcome the most able and
motivated students with the greatest potential, whatever their background. Durham graduates will be able to make a positive contribution to society in whatever field of endeavour they choose. Embedded in our Research and Education are three ideals: 1. A World University We will ensure Durham is a University for and of the world, learning from and embedding best international practice in everything we do. We will proactively develop international partnerships that influence national and international agendas. 2. Community & Place Durham University is shaped by the places in which we live, study and work. We will maintain and enhance Durham University and its local environments and communities as places in which all partners can realise their full potential. 3. Environmental & Financial Sustainability We will use our strengths in research and education to achieve progressive social, environmental and economic benefits, locally, nationally and internationally. We will manage resources to deliver a sustainable and long-term future for the University. We will keep you updated in future issues of Durham First on the University’s position in league tables and on our progress in attaining the objectives set in the strategy. For further details see www.durham.ac.uk/strategy2020 10
Detail from folio 6 of Cosin V.ii.6, which contains Symeon of Durham’s c. 1104 history of the Church of Durham in which there is an encomium (written tribute) to Bede.
Durham
Cradle of Scholarship Professor Tom McLeish, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, considers Durham’s significance in the history of scholarship, pre-dating its foundation 178 years ago.
Does the history of a place matter? Is the “Durham Difference” to be measured only by the present city and university, or do the acts of thinking, writing and learning of past centuries, fruitfully conceived by the banks of the Wear, contribute to the environment of education and research here today? My own experience at the end of my first year in Durham leads me to answer all the above with a resounding “yes”! I am increasingly aware of our inheritance of learning to which the World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle is ever-present testimony. For a starting point we might begin at the west end of the Cathedral. There the visitor will find the tomb of the man we know as “The Venerable Bede”, a monk of Jarrow and Wearmouth who exceeded his remit as scholar, priest, teacher and theologian to a degree that set learning in Britain on an entirely new path – one that arguably we are still following today. Long before the concept of a “university” was crystallised in Europe from the medieval schools of the thirteenth centuries in Bologna, Paris and Oxford, before even the North African Islamic forebears in Fes and Cairo, in the early seventh century Bede and his community were thinking and writing about the world they inhabited. The final granting to Durham of its university charter in 1832 is therefore more of a stage-post than a beginning. Between Bede and Bishop Van Mildert’s benefaction stand more than a millennium of libraries, learning and legacy. Among the testimonies to this long tradition remain the unique ancient books of the Cathedral and University collections, and the lives of other fascinating characters responsible for the development of 11
learning here, such as Robert Graystanes and William de St. Calais. Neither were Durham’s activities as a cradle for scholarship confined to the North East: three Oxford colleges were founded from Durham, those we now know as University College, Balliol College and Trinity College. But back to Bede. It is well known that he wrote arguably the first British history in Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum, “Ecclesiastical History of the English People” (731AD). Frequently copied and translated, it differs from modern history in many ways in its church-centred viewpoint and selective use of sources. However, it begins with a chapter on our Islands’ geography – an approach with a rather modern ring that insists on setting a reasoned history within a setting of harsh winters and long summer days, rich mineral wealth and diverse biology. I am reminded not only of the strong tradition of British history maintained at Durham to this day, but also of the current research of our Geography Department which encompasses both the social life of our region’s communities and the electronic capturing of the three-dimensional structure of our coastlines.
explosive power? What is the shape of our world? He sets up puzzles from the confrontation of prediction and experiment (an example is the phases of the moon over time). Like his history, Bede’s science is seen through other lenses than ours, but recognisably plants the seeds of traditions still flourishing today. Our Earth Sciences department is tackling vulcanism from rather closer (and warmer!) quarters than Bede did. And the Institute for Cosmological Computing is calculating predictions, not now of the phases of the moon, but of the shape and distribution of distant galaxies so that astronomy’s current “unknown effect” – dark energy – can be brought to light. Durham has been an extraordinary place to observe, debate, think and write for a very long time.
Less well known is Bede’s authorship of the first British science. In De natura rerum, “On the nature of things” (c. 703AD), he transforms an earlier classical genre by combining a theology of creation together with an early physics of the world. It makes astonishing reading for anyone who was ever taught that science only really started in the European Renaissance – for Bede tackles recognisably scientific questions. From where do volcanoes draw their The tomb of the Venerable Bede, Durham Cathedral
Modern Lessons from Medieval History Emeritus Professor Michael Prestwich makes surprising links between strange medieval beings and headless men and the modern world of politicians’ expenses scandals and climate change. 1330s, demonstrated problems of undercapitalised financial institutions and overstretched state borrowing all too familiar today. In 1320 the Lancashire electors were much concerned over the issue of parliamentary expenses, claiming that they could find men to serve as MPs who would claim far less than their current representatives. Global warming may not have been a problem in the fourteenth century, but climatic change was evident to contemporaries as they observed the frozen Thames in 1310. A predecessor of today’s climate scientists kept a careful diary from 1337 to 1344, recording frost, cloud cover, wind direction and other details. Medieval history is not, therefore, an esoteric, obscure and irrelevant subject. It is sometimes thought of as being somehow different, and even special; there is a mystique and fascination about documents written on parchment in faded brown ink. Yet while reading the handwriting of the documents may be given a special cachet by being termed palaeography, it is hardly as problematic as reading student essays was in the days before word-processing. The accounts produced by Edward I’s clerks, recording in great detail matters such as military logistics, are more straight-forward than those of the present day.
“Medieval history is not an esoteric, obscure and irrelevant subject.” It is difficult to imagine anywhere more appropriate to study medieval history than Durham, with the evocative power of the Cathedral and Castle. It is not, however, the case that all the events of the medieval period are well remembered in the city; the way in which Bishop Anthony Bek employed thugs from Tynedale to besiege the Cathedral for three days in 1300 has for some reason not gone down in folklore, nor are visitors to the Galilee Chapel reminded of poor abused Anastasia Neville, who stood there for six Sundays, holding a candle, doing penance in her underclothes.
The Middle Ages has immense fascination. In part this is because it is a distant period, with some very different beliefs; the medieval world was one in which strange beings, dog-faced and even headless men, were thought to inhabit distant lands. At the same time there was much that is relevant today; in England, many of the foundations of present institutions, such as parliamentary government and the common law, were laid. Some of the problems faced in the Middle Ages were not very different from the present. The banking failures around 1300, and the collapse of government credit in the late
The kind of evidence that survives from the period I have worked on, that of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, is of course different in some ways from that of more modern periods; the absence of much private correspondence is a notable lack. The scale of surviving government records, on the other hand, can only be described as astonishing, quite comparable with far more recent periods! There is still much to reveal and to understand about the Middle Ages, and the information revolution of today is providing historians with new tools. This is a thriving subject, with many new questions to be asked about a formative and fascinating period.
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1. A copy of the very scarce 1928 edition of W.H. Auden’s Poems with photos of the poet. 2. The exterior of Palace Green Library. 3. Restored panel paintings in Cosin’s Library. 4. A mid-15th Century Psalter. 5. A photograph from the Sudan Archive of the leaders of the White Flag League. 6. The interior of Cosin’s Library. 7. The device of England’s first printer after it was taken over by his successor Wynkyn de Worde (c.1497). 8. Designs of the new exhibition space by Colin Williams of Inscape Ltd.
Tomorrow’s Yesterdays
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Jon Purcell, University Librarian, on creating a new research hub, gallery and exhibition centre at Palace Green Library. For many former students their memories of the University Library are inextricably linked to Palace Green Library. Before the relocation of the modern collections to the ‘new’ Main Library at the Science Site commencing in the late 1970s, Palace Green Library was the focus of much undergraduate and postgraduate study and library usage. With the planned relocation of the law and music collections to the Main Library in early 2013, the opportunity now exists to look holistically at the building and to determine how best to protect its past, adapt it for present and future use, while ensuring its centrality as a research hub and exhibition centre, not only for the University, but the wider community. Scaffolding outside Palace Green Library is striking evidence that a redevelopment project is now underway. The transformation of this wonderfully eccentric and yet vital academic hub for the University’s Special Collections will create a modern facility, not 13
only for current and future researchers but also for the wider community. Phase One of the redevelopment is already in progress and will provide exhibition and interpretation spaces to welcome in the public and show off the University’s treasures within a sensitive adaptation of the existing historic buildings within the World Heritage Site. The first phase of the redevelopment will see the transformation of the upstairs Exhibition Hall into a modern multifunction space which will be used primarily for exhibitions showcasing University treasures from our Library and Museums but also high-profile travelling exhibitions in conjunction with UK and international bodies. The space will be adaptable for other uses including public lectures, poetry readings and music performances. Exhibitions in planning include ‘Treasures of the University’, ‘The Life and Music of Sir John Stainer’, and an
exhibition celebrating the achievements of Durham University sportsmen and women. In parallel to the Exhibition Hall, the 17th-Century Bishop Cosin’s Library is being restored, pictures conserved and more sensitive lighting installed. The redevelopment of the Exhibition Hall and Bishop Cosin’s Library aims to be completed by the end of 2010 allowing wider use of these very important University resources. At the heart of the building and a key element of the redevelopment project will be the creation of a new and enhanced Special Collections Reading Room created from the current Pace Law Library – the place in which researchers will be able to work with our wonderful collections in a comfortable but secure, supervised room. This will be designed to allow our wide variety of collections, in their many shapes, forms and sizes to be studied in an environment conducive to their
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preservation. These include medieval manuscripts and printed books, from the dawn of printing to modern private press books, on every conceivable subject from theology to cookery. There are also documents recording the lives and works of people over the last thousand years, from Prime Ministers to peasants, explorers to excavators and bishops to midwives. As well as forming a major part of the record of the North East region, our collections range across Europe, document the rise and decline of the British Empire and stretch beyond into outer space. Within many of these collections are maps, photographs, films and even some of the artefacts which evoke everyday life in the past. In parallel with the Special Collections Reading Room, later phases of the redevelopment project will also allow the creation of a much larger conservation laboratory incorporating a bookbinding
classroom, an education room which will be used for a variety of outreach activities with school and community groups, enhanced strongroom storage for collections, staff accommodation and seminar space to facilitate teaching and study. Part of the ground floor will also be converted into a government indemnity high profile gallery space allowing more of the University’s extensive art collection to be displayed together with travelling exhibitions from UK and international institutions. The collections contained within Palace Green Library are only as good as their potential discovery and access: some collections acquired over the Library’s 180 years’ existence are uncatalogued. Part of the Library’s development strategy is to seek external funding to catalogue these hidden treasures and make them available to the research community in parallel with acquiring new archive collections. This is
the great potential of Palace Green Library – a research hub, an exhibition and gallery space, a place of discovery, a venue for scholarship and a means of bringing to life the many documents and rare books acquired during the lifetime of the University and a means of engaging the wider community with both the buildings and what’s inside. This vision of Palace Green Library respects the past, adapts for the present and prepares for the future. As previous generations of students have used the Library, cherished its quirkiness, history and scholarly ethos, so we trust will future inhabitants of the University and city. There will be a further update on the project in the next edition of Durham First. Please visit www.durham.ac.uk/library for more information in the meantime.
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Media Round-up... 01 RESEARCH SHOWS FLEXIBLE WORK IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH There is evidence to suggest that flexible working might be beneficial for employees’ health if they are allowed to have input into their own working patterns, a review by Cochrane Researchers involving Durham University researchers suggests. In Scandinavian countries, flexible working arrangements for employees with families are commonplace. And last year, the UK government extended an earlier piece of legislation, meaning all parents with children under 16 now have the right to request flexible working arrangements. Following the findings of the ten studies involving a total of 16,603 people, Dr Clare Bambra of the Wolfson Research Institute said: “Employees who are able to adapt their work schedules to fit in with their wider lives feel better.”
02 NEW EVIDENCE LINKS DRILLING FIRM AND LUSI MUD VOLCANO IN INDONESIA New data provides the strongest evidence yet that the world’s biggest mud volcano was not caused by an earthquake, according to scientists led by Durham University. The Lusi mud volcano has killed 13 people and displaced 30,000 others in East Java, Indonesia. Drilling firm Lapindo Brantas has denied that a nearby gas exploration well was the trigger for the volcano, blaming an earthquake 280km (174 miles) away. In response, a group of scientists led by Professor Richard Davies from Durham University have written a discussion paper in which they refute the main arguments made by the firm and document new data that provides the strongest evidence to date of a link between the well and the volcano. Photo: Dithajohn/Greenpeace
03 FOOD PRODUCTION SHOULD BE ZIMBABWE’S TOP PRIORITY ACCORDING TO EXPERT Zimbabwe’s government needs to face the issue of land ownership head on to pull the 15
country out of poverty, a Zimbabwe history expert says. Dr Vimbai Kwashirai, lecturer in modern African studies at Durham University, says a complete overhaul of the agricultural sector should come above all else to ensure food security and revive industries and jobs in Zimbabwe. Elections are meant to take place at the end of this year. Dr Kwashirai says it is essential these go ahead and are conducted fairly. “A shift in the political balance could see further positive changes and slowly but surely pull the country out of poverty.”
04 BABIES TO HELP REVEAL MORE ABOUT AUTISM Researchers at Durham University’s Queen’s Campus, are looking for babies of up to two years old to take part in research to help understand how babies’ brains work. It is hoped the research will give clues about how autism develops in babies. The tests, which are non-invasive, harmless and painless to the babies, will tell the scientists how babies see the world, how their brains process the things they see, and what this means to brain development. Dr Vincent Reid, a psychologist at Durham University who leads the research, said: “It is vital we know more so we can identify problems and developmental delays much earlier, which could lead to earlier diagnosis of conditions such as autism.” Interested parents can find more information at www.durham.ac.uk/cdp/research/baby-lab or by contacting the Baby Lab on +44 (0)191 334 0440.
05 MONKEYS SNIFF OUT MATING PARTNERS WITH DIFFERENT GENES The world’s largest species of monkey ‘chooses’ mates with genes that are different from their own to guarantee healthy and strong offspring. Results obtained from mandrills (a species closely related to humans) support the disputed theory that humans are in fact attracted to those with a dissimilar genetic make up to maintain genetic diversity. Lead author, Dr Jo Setchell from Durham
University’s Anthropology Department, said: “This is an important advance in our knowledge of how mate selection works in monkeys. We now need to dig deeper and establish how they do this. I think smell is a strong candidate here.”
06 RAPID STAR FORMATION SPOTTED IN “STELLAR NURSERIES” The Universe’s infant galaxies enjoyed rapid growth spurts forming stars like our sun at a rate of up to 50 stars a year, according to scientists at Durham University. The findings show that “stellar nurseries” within the first galaxies gave birth to stars at a much more rapid rate than previously expected. Lead author Dr Mark Swinbank, in the Institute for Computational Cosmology, at Durham University, said: “Given the size of the star forming regions, we would expect it to be forming stars at the rate of about one sun per year, but it seems to be much more active than that.” Royal Astronomical Society President Professor Andy Fabian said: “This pioneering work shows what our own galaxy might have looked like when it was a tenth of its present age.”
07 FEAR OF DISCRIMINATION SAW PADDYS AND BIDDYS DECLINE Irish Catholic names Patrick and Bridget almost died out among 19th-Century Irish immigrants in Britain due to fear of discrimination. New research by Durham and Northumbria Universities into more than 30,000 records suggests that a fear of prejudice made the Irish immigrants steer clear of giving their children Irish Catholic names, a trend also seen in today’s society among other immigrant communities elsewhere in the world. Lead author Dr Malcolm Smith, from Durham University’s Anthropology Department, said: “We think that people chose to avoid traditional names to minimise prejudice rather than people simply being influenced by general or English names within their community.” Photo: The Illustrated London News/Mary Evans Picture Library.
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SPORT REPORT As the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) winter league season draws to a conclusion, we review just some of the success stories from the winter programme in what could yet be Durham’s best year in recent history.
MEN’S & WOMEN’S HOCKEY
WOMEN’S LACROSSE
Durham had an unbelievably strong season at University level, headlined by the Women’s First Team reaching the National Championship Final for the third year out of the last four.
The Women’s Lacrosse Club First Team, under the guidance of our Graduate Assistant Player/Coach, Chelsea Martinez, and boasting one of the strongest squads in Durham’s 36-year lacrosse history, have gone one better than 2009 by reaching the Semi-Finals of the National Championship.
The Men’s First Team have been joined by Assistant Coach Michael Boal in September who has since had a significant impact upon the men’s side of the club. The National Championship Last 16 victory away at Bristol University took them to Quarter-Finals. The National League will continue for a further few weeks but our women sit top of National League North and in a perfect position to secure a play-off position to the National Premier League. Our men, who also play in National League North, look well set to secure a top five finish.
MEN’S LACROSSE A golden season for men’s lacrosse ended with victory: an historic first national title defeating Nottingham University in the final by 17 goals to six, at the BUCS Championship finals. It is the first season that the club has had a contracted coach and the results have been remarkable with the club going undefeated throughout despite playing in what is broadly recognised as the toughest conference in the country. 17
The Women’s Lacrosse Second Team went unbeaten throughout the season and secured their third National Trophy title in a row with a convincing victory over Cambridge University First Team.
MEN’S RUGBY UNION The First Team had a tough start to the season but found their form going into Christmas. The club is proud the First Team secured fifth place in the Northern Premier League. The Second Team, promoted to Northern Premier League B, lost a lot of players at the end of last year. Despite this the club made it through to the Last 16 of the Trophy. The future looks bright for men’s rugby with the appointment of the club’s first full-time coach just around the corner.
MEN’S & WOMEN’S TENNIS The Women’s First Team will soon compete in the Semi-Final of the National Championship, for the second time in three years. The impact of player/coaches Sally Pearson and Lucy Scott has been considerable; they are working hard to
put together a first and second team capable of winning the National Championship and National Trophy next time around. Player/coach Ruben Rivero has impacted on the men’s programme. Durham missed out on promotion by the narrowest of margins for the second year in succession. The second team exceeded expectations by reaching the final of the Northern Conference Cup.
NETBALL The Netball Club went into the season with very high expectations having just appointed their first full-time coach, aiming to secure promotion to the Northern Premier League. As the season went on, the Durham side got better and better and eventually secured the Division One title decisively.
FENCING Another strong year for our fencers with a Quarter-Final appearance for both the men and women, once again securing Durham’s status as one of the leading fencing programmes in British University Sport. Both the men’s and women’s first team went into the season with high expectations and weathered tough opposition. As the year went on however, both sides got stronger and both finally won their Last 16 ties. The club will be retaining most of their first-team fencers and will pursue yet stronger ambitions in 2011.
Getting Involved the alumna who “stayed on” Natalie Crisp, Durham Students’ Union President, (BA Theology, Grey, 2006–09, pictured top right), reveals how her involvement as a student DSU officer became more than just a hobby, it turned into a job with training! When I think back to my arrival in Durham I remember being overwhelmed by all the activity. Meeting the countless enthusiastic people who had obviously thrown themselves into university life was a little bit daunting and I certainly did not think in those first couple of weeks that I would be sitting here, four years on, as President of the Students’ Union. The great thing about Durham, and in particular the collegiate system, is the fact that it is so easy (to use an overused and distinctly clichéd phrase) to get involved. Junior Common Rooms and University Societies such as DUCK (Durham University Charities Kommittee) offer individuals the opportunity to make a direct impact on the community in which they live, or to organise regular social events for over 1000 people. These self-governing communities are something of which I am immensely proud. If I am entirely honest, my involvement in DSU is a serendipity. I was annoyed about an issue; my sister had asked me to look into representation for students with disabilities, and I had discovered that they were distinctly lacking and my friend from home was unable to visit me in college as she was in a wheelchair. I was complaining to a friend and at that exact moment our Senior DSU Rep in college emailed out about the vacant Students with Disabilities Officer position in DSU. With no real knowledge about the Students’ Union I marched off to the meeting and promptly got myself elected. It was perhaps the best decision I ever made. In one year I revitalised the position, was able to introduce a network of disability reps in college to ensure there was peer support, re-established the Students with Disabilities Association, which has grown from strength to strength and held a successful Disability Awareness Week. DSU gave me a voice when I felt like I had none, and I stood to be President to ensure that this was something open to all students.
As President it is my job to co-ordinate all of the representational activity of the Union. I am the Press Officer, and the public face of DSU. In the past year I have organised campaigns on higher education funding, chaired debates involving MPs and the Vice-Chancellor and ensured that Durham’s MP presented a petition to Parliament on climate change. Through hard work and determination I have reached out to more students, and have succeeded in actively engaging them in the Union, which has resulted in the highest ever turn out in issue-based referendums and elections. I also sit on the Board of Directors, setting the strategic direction of the Union, with overall financial and legal responsibility. I work closely with the Vice-Chancellor and senior members of the University, sitting on University Council, numerous committees and representing the students of Durham. I work closely with all the college presidents and elected student officials, to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and democratic decisions are made. I did not realise I would attend so many training events and gain so many valuable transferable skills when I stood to be President. If someone had said to me last year that I would be able to do what I now can I would never have believed them. It has given me self-confidence, determination to promote and speak about issues and policies (in an adult manner) and opportunities to write and even have my own radio show! Thinking ahead to the future I am still undecided about what I want to do exactly, but the one thing which I am certain about is that the experiences which I have had and all that I have gained while in Durham have made me distinctly more employable then when I started! For further information see: www.dsu.org.uk
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Will You or Won’t You? Durham alumnus, Richard Roberts (BA Law & Politics, St John’s, 1976–79) explains the importance of keeping a Will.
City of Culture 2013 The Show Must Go On City of Culture Bid Communications Team Member, Catherine Barrow, updates Durham First on Durham’s bid. Disappointed… but determined the show will go on. That was Durham’s upbeat message following news that the Durham City of Culture 2013 bid has not made the shortlist selected by an independent panel of judges led by TV mogul Phil Redmond. But Durham County Council Leader, Simon Henig, reaffirmed that Durham will showcase its own cultural offer in 2013. The highlights will include a return of the hugely successful Lumiere festival of light, an England v Australia Ashes Test Match and the emotive return home for three months of one of the world’s greatest treasures – the Lindisfarne Gospels – to the city’s Castle and Cathedral World Heritage Site. “Of course we’re disappointed not to make the shortlist because it was a first-class bid supported by the whole region – but we’re not downhearted,” said Councillor Henig. Photo: Matthew Andrews
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“This is just a part of a very long journey we have to make to achieve our vision of raising Durham’s profile on the national and international stage and developing our economy and personal aspirations through culture-led regeneration. “So we are determined to continue to develop our cultural and visitor offer in 2013 and in particular it will be an amazing year in the county. We’ll be more than pleased to work with the winning city to support them and ensure that our 2013 events complement their own programme,” said Councillor Henig. Major capital projects potentially worth £20m are already progressing in the city including the World Heritage Site visitor centre on Palace Green, a proposed new visitor attraction and a conference centre, the £5.5m transformation of the city’s Market Place into an events space, while more than 20 developments worth £60m are under discussion or construction in the county. For information and booking see: www.durham.ac.uk/whatson Event Durham: +44 (0)191 334 2887
Over 60% of the population do not have a Will: and yet we can all be certain that one day our mortality will catch up with us. Dying without a valid and properly drawn Will can often lead to a legal minefield with conflicting claims and heightened emotional battles between relatives. I have recently been involved in a case where the lack of a Will cost the family over £150,000 in legal costs to resolve a ripped apart family at a time when they could all have done with each other’s support. The cost of a straightforward Will ought not to be more than £250. When you consider the value of your assets and the need to protect your family this is a very modest cost. Many of us pay two or three times that every year to insure our cars and yet most of us are prepared to ignore making a Will and let the Governments’ laws of the day rule who receives our assets. It is difficult to acknowledge, or even think about, but sadly it is not just the elderly who pass away and so as soon as you own your first home, or have any significant asset, it makes sound sense to make sure you have a Will in place. In addition to protecting your family you can also use your Will to remember friends and charities by leaving them legacies – all major charities, including our own Durham University, rely heavily on legacy income to help them in their work. You could provide significant help to one of these by remembering them in your Will. The only question that remains is Will you or won’t you? Richard Roberts is a solicitor, a member of STEP and a member of The Law Society Wills and Equity Committee. He is a Director of Gedye and Sons and practises in both London and the Lake District.
Ustinov College at 45 Dr Penny Wilson, Ustinov College Principal, talks to Durham First about the celebrations for the 45th anniversary of Durham’s Graduate Society/Ustinov College. The Graduate Society was renamed Ustinov College in 2003 in honour of former Durham University Chancellor, Sir Peter Ustinov (left).
Ustinov College was built on a 21stCentury vision of a unique postgraduate community within Durham, supported by the University’s investment in an imaginative building development at Howlands and by the internationalist associations of the Ustinov name. It is equally founded, however, on another earlier vision – that of Professor Bill Fisher, in response to the growth of Durham’s postgraduate community in the 1960s. For many people in the University and beyond, ‘Grad Soc’ is still a living reality, and it is this continuity over the past 45 years, as well as its exciting modern development, that the College will be celebrating this summer. At the last count there were, across the world, 17,000 Ustinov/Graduate Society alumni, to which we add about a thousand more each year. Expansion in postgraduate numbers in Durham in recent years means that Ustinov is now a very large community, with over 2,000 current members, about a third of whom live in college accommodation either at Howlands Farm or at Dryburn, where our family accommodation is now located (having moved from Kepier in 2005). Because of its size, the career stage of its members, its internationalism, and also because all
its accommodation is self-catered, Ustinov has, to some extent, had to redefine the Durham collegiate experience. Key features are, as with other Colleges, social facilities and events managed by the Graduate Common Room (GCR) committee, known as the House Committee in GradSoc days, and the bar; alongside these the College supports a café, a hub for daytime interaction – and open to all visitors and members of the University. Among the special initiatives developed over the past few years are the Ustinov Seminar (a Saturday morning interdisciplinary seminar for all Durham research students), the Ustinov InterCultural Forum (UIF), and a suite of café activities focussing on science, politics, poetry and – most recently – language exchange. A wealth of information on College life today can be found in the Ustinovian, an outstanding termly magazine accessible via the College’s website. As we celebrate 45 years of postgraduate provision we are keen to find new ways of incorporating the memorabilia of the past as well as the activities of the present. This year we will be able to do this in a very special way by launching a history of the Graduate Society written by former
Principal Dr Mike Rowell. The anniversary weekend in July will offer a range of events for alumni of all ages and interests, including a special Ustinov seminar, Durham tours, and a formal dinner. It will also, in this electronic age, act as a focus for reconstruction of a communal history, drawing on our alumni community of 17,000 people across the world for their memories and images of their postgraduate years in Durham over the past four and a half decades. As I wrote in an earlier article in Durham First soon after my arrival: “In their contact, however fleeting, with GradSoc or Ustinov, in their experiences and friendships, lie not only the history of the College but part of the history of postgraduate education in the UK”. We look forward to hearing from our alumni over the next few months, and bringing many of you together to meet each other in Durham and enjoy a summer weekend in July. Ustinov/Graduate Society 45th Anniversary Reunion Weekend, 16th–18th July 2010. For information, booking and to submit memories and pictures see: www.durham.ac.uk/ustinov.college/alumni
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NEWS IN BRIEF
SCHOLARSHIP GIFT – LARGEST EVER – TO HELP COUNTY DURHAM STUDENTS STUDY AT DURHAM UNIVERSITY Last December, Durham University launched a scholarship fund for County Durham students thanks to a £1million donation from local entrepreneur and councillor, Bob Young. The donation is the largest scholarship gift in the history of Durham University. The fund, known as The Robert Young Scholarship Fund for County Durham at Durham University, will support local students who meet Durham’s entry requirements, but who are unable to secure funding for their university education from other sources and whose parents or near family are unable to fund their education.
RECOGNITION FROM THE QUEEN Durham First sends its congratulations to the Durham recipients of 2010 New Year’s Honours. The two staff honoured were
Roderic Dutton OBE (Geography and International Office) for contributions to academic and economic links between Jordan and the UK and Michael Prestwich OBE (History: Emeritus Professor) for contributions to research and scholarship. Alumni recognised were: Sir Robert (Bob) Burgess (BA Sociology, Hild Bede, 1965– 71), Vice-Chancellor of Leicester University, for services to Higher Education; Kathleen Thomas CBE (MA Business Administration, 1988–92), Principal Oldham College, for services to Further Education; Dr Linda Ebbatson OBE (BA Archaeology, St Cuthbert’s Society, 1985–87), Leader Chester-le-Street Council, for services to Local Government; Peter Clarkson MBE (BSc Geology, St Cuthbert’s Society, 1964–67), for services to Antarctic science; Elizabeth Smith (née Jackson) MBE (BA Education, St Mary’s, 1953–57), ViceChairman and Board Member of Colchester Institute, for voluntary services to Further and Higher Education; Dr Robert Larter (BSc Geology, Van Mildert, 1979–82), Geophysicist British Antarctic Survey, Polar Medal for services to Antarctic research.
media and sports broadcasting career with stints at Sky Sports, GMTV, Meridian and Five TV, before joining the BBC News team in 1999.
STARS OF DURHAM FIRST BACK COVER IDENTIFIED! Readers of Durham First may remember the nostalgic image of two ladies in college gowns leaving the Castle gates on the back cover of the previous issue. The image had been in the Palace Green archives for many years, and its subjects had never been identified…until now! One of the ladies concerned has since contacted the editors to let us know she recognised herself and her friend. They are Mary Burkett (PGCE Education, Hild Bede, 1945–46) and Eva Tyson (DipEd, Hild Bede, 1942–43).
DURHAM ALUMNUS WINS BBC’S STRICTLY COME DANCING Congratulations to Chris Hollins (BA Sociology & History, Hild Bede, 1990–93), Sports Presenter for BBC Breakfast, who danced his way to victory in the 2009 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Chris was an active sportsman during his time at Durham and after leaving, he forged his
(Fair)Trade in your Tea! Emma Huntly (BA Anthropology, Grey, 1999–2002), Marketing Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, reflects on how her time at Durham helped her to forge a career in Fairtrade. I was really excited when I opened a copy of Durham First last year to see a picture of students all ‘Going Bananas’ for Fairtrade Fortnight. There are several ‘Durhamites’ at the Foundation, who all got involved with running Go Bananas at Fairtrade HQ in London, so it is inspiring to know that the event appeals to current students’ sense of social justice and imagination. My role as Marketing Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation is mostly spent leading our flagship campaign, Fairtrade Fortnight, a two-week celebration of all things Fairtrade. This year the whole campaign is about tea, swapping your usual cuppa for a Fairtrade cuppa, and we even got to pay a visit to Downing Street dressed as tea ladies to pass on the message!” (See image: Emma stands to the right of Sarah Brown). 21
Studying Anthropology at Durham really opened my eyes to global injustices and developed my sense of responsibility to play a part in righting the balance. I ran lots of DUCK fundraising events in my university career which gave me lots of the skills that helped me get my current job and Durham University achieved Fairtrade status back in 2007, which is fantastic. The University group is very involved with the Durham city partnership running events for students and the wider community. This year there are tea dances, wine and chocolate tastings happening across the colleges. Fairtrade is reaching a tipping point, delivering real benefits to disadvantaged producers. Among many examples, we have even seen Starbucks switch to 100% Fairtrade coffee. However, there is still a long way to go, especially for producers
of less well-known products. You will see Fairtrade raisins from Afghanistan in the shops soon. And that is what makes Fairtrade fascinating. It is trade with a development focus, which makes it no surprise that Durham students, with their keen interest in justice and a global outlook, have taken it to heart.
ALUMNI EVENTS CALENDAR We hope that you are able to enjoy one of the events detailed below. If you would like an alumni event you are organising to be added to our website or if you would like any further event information, please contact alumni.office@durham.ac.uk
EDITOR Astrid Alvarez Alumni Relations Manager DEPUTY EDITOR Leah Tether Alumni Relations Officer
MAY 2010
JULY 2010
CONTRIBUTORS Rebecca Grundy Publications and Internal Communications Officer
27TH MAY Seminar by the Chartered Institute of Marketing in conjunction with North East Chamber of Commerce, Durham Business School
2ND–4TH JULY Van Mildert Association Reunion Weekend, Van Mildert College, Durham
Leighton Kitson Media Relations Officer
JUNE 2010
16TH–18TH JULY Graduate Society/Ustinov College Alumni Reunion Weekend, Ustinov College, Durham
7TH JUNE St Chad’s College Choir sings Evensong in Durham Cathedral
3RD JULY Henley Royal Regatta
AUGUST 2010
16TH JUNE Garden Opera, Fountains Hall, Grey College, Durham
13TH–15TH AUGUST Grey College North American Reunion and Family Weekend, venue TBC
19TH JUNE St Mary’s College Annual Garden Party, St Mary’s College, Durham
SEPTEMBER 2010
22ND JUNE Concert sung by St Chad’s College Choir, St Chad’s College Chapel, Durham Mildert Day, Van Mildert College, Durham 26TH JUNE Hatfield Association Midlands Regional Dinner at the Civil Service Club, Cheltenham
www.durham.ac.uk/alumni www.dunelm.org.uk/events
DATE TBC Grand opening of new building and Alumni Reunion, Stephenson College, Stockton 3RD–5TH SEPTEMBER Hatfield Association AGM and Annual Reunion, Hatfield College, Durham 24TH–25TH SEPTEMBER College of St Hild & St Bede Reunion Weekend, College of St Hild & St Bede, Durham 24TH–26TH SEPTEMBER St Mary’s College Society Reunion Weekend, St Mary’s College, Durham
Meanwhile, for Tom Cooper (BSc Geography, University College 1982–85) the road from Palace Green to the highways and byways of Ireland was a long and winding one as he rode over 10,000km to research his book Cycle Touring in Ireland (Cicerone).
Carolyn Moralee Alumni Relations Assistant Julia Roberts Planning and Operations Manager Quentin Sloper Assistant Director of Student Sport DESIGN Crombie www.crombiecreative.com PRINT Linneyprint www.linney.com CONTACT US Alumni enquiries Alumni Relations Team Durham University, University Office Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HP T: F: E: W:
+44 (0) 191 334 6305 +44 (0) 191 334 6073 alumni.office@durham.ac.uk www.durham.ac.uk/alumni www.dunelm.org.uk
Letters to the Editor Alumni Relations Team Durham University, University Office Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HP T: +44 (0) 191 334 6305 F: +44 (0) 191 334 6073 E: durham.editor@durham.ac.uk With special thanks to: Palace Green Library for the kind provision of images
POSTSCRIPT Several Durham alumni have put pen to paper and published books recently. The first of these is David Baldwin (BA Politics, St Chad’s, 1975–78), who unearths some remarkable nuggets of historical information including new information in his Royal Prayer: A Surprising History (Continuum).
Tim McInnis Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Baron Armstrong of Cragside (1810 –1900), Magician of the North (Northumbria University Press). Additionally in 2009, Michael Fossett (BSc Mathematics, Castle, 1950–54) published Pilgrimage to Glory led by John-barZebedee: A Disciple beloved by Jesus (Pamela Richards).
© Durham University 2010 Opinions expressed are those of individual writers. Requests for reproducing material should be made to the Alumni Relations Office, where permission will usually be given.
www.durham.ac.uk www.dunelm.org.uk
Henrietta Heald (BA English Literature, St Mary’s, 1974–77) stayed much closer to Durham while researching her biography of William Armstrong, 22
Chancellor’s Appeal Update
Last October, Bill Bryson sent his annual Chancellor’s Appeal to alumni asking them to consider making gifts to a ‘Scholarships for Afghan Women’ initiative. Many alumni have responded; and yet, we have heard from some that Bill’s letter did not get through, quite possibly because of the postal strikes. In light of this, we are pleased to bring everyone up to date. A Durham alumnus, Professor Hamidullah Amin, is the current chancellor of Kabul University in Afghanistan. We are working closely with him to select a minimum of 25 of Kabul’s brightest female graduates to study at Durham for postgraduate degrees funded by alumni. These young women would join us in annual groups of five over the next five years. They are awed by the opportunity and the generosity of our alumni, for these women were educated underground at a time when it was a serious crime for girls to be educated in Afghanistan. They and their families risked horrific punishments.
We will embrace these young women into our collegiate university, enabling them to succeed in their courses and in the extra-curricular educational opportunities we are arranging for them (in leadership, entrepreneurship, culture etc.). In exchange, they will enrich the overall student experience at Durham. When they return to their homeland, they will do so as our abiding friends and as integral members of our alumni community. Importantly, they can help build a civil society in Afghanistan and become role models to thousands of young Afghan women. Alumni have given generously, for which we are sincerely grateful. We have now raised sufficient funds to offer 18 scholarships (over five years) to these courageous young women. Our hope is to raise enough to bring at least seven additional students to Durham. Will you consider helping? Gifts of any size are incredibly meaningful, for it is the
cumulative effect of many that makes the difference. More information is available at www.dunelm.org.uk/chancellorsappeal2009, which we invite you to visit. Gifts can be made to ‘Durham University (Chancellor’s Appeal)’ and directed to my attention at the address below. We look forward to reporting back to you on the success of this appeal and introducing you to the young scholars from Afghanistan whose lives are about to change, rather dramatically, for the better. Thank you and with all good wishes.
Tim McInnis Director Development and Alumni Relations
Durham University, Development and Alumni Relations Office, Chancellor’s Appeal, The University Office, Old Shire Hall, Durham, DH1 3HP