King's College London newsletter
KING'S CHOIR HAS IT TAPED The College Chapel Choir, the King's College Singers, has broken new ground by making its first ever recording. Available on CD or cassette Carols in Advent is of the complete Advent Carol Service and encapsulates the essence of Advent in traditional and modern carols, readings, prayers and the Advent Antiphons (The Great 'O's). The Advent Carol Service, first held in 1945 by Eric Abbott (then Dean of King's and later Dean of Westminster) is an important tradition in the College calendar. A popular occasion, it is repeated three times before Christmas so as many people as possible have the opportunity to attend. The Choir, composed of students of the College, and directed by Ernie Warrell, the College Organist, already enjoys a high reputation and has performed publicly on many occasions, including recently to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Lord Mayor of London. It is fitting that at last their talents have been recognised and put on disc. To mark this unique occasion, a reception
was held in the Committee Room after the first of this year's Advent Services, which took place in the College Chapel. The reception was attended by past and present choristers, the recording producer and members of the College. The Principal, Dr John Beynon, said a few words to mark the event. He warmly congratulated the Choir on their recording - he hoped it would not be their last and wished them great success. Thanking them and Ernie WarreU for the splendid contribution they made to the life of King's, he noted how, while working in his office, he frequently enjoyed the sounds of the Choir rehearsing. The recording is of outstanding quality and a top producer, Gary Cole, was used to ensure that the highest standards were obtained. It was actually made in July, which was a little disconcerting for all involved to be singing carols when the sun was blazing down outside! The CD at £8.50 and cassette at £4.50 can be purchased from the AJurnnus Office - an ideal Christmas gift.
SERC FUNDING DIFFICULTIES The Science and Engineering Research Council at a recent meeting reviewed its fmancial position. It was estimated that there would be a short-fall of approximately £40m for 199112. This will obviously have an impact upon the support it gives for research and postgraduate training in universities and polytechnics. Announcing this Sir Mark Richmond, Chairman of SERC, said that this had 'led to the need for a sharp cutback on our activities next year' and 'that much excellent work will be jeopardised.' The situation has arisen due to higher than expected inflation, exchange rate effects on international subscriptions, and inadequate compensation for salary increases. A preliminary series of cost-cutting measures right across the Council's activities has been agreed and further measures are being considered. Immediate savings will be made by freezing recruitment and delaying the announcement of research grants, suspending the 'Instant' students hips scheme and deferring a number of substantial projects. For further information please contact SERC directly on (0793) 41125617.
NEWS FROM
DEPARTMENTS PHARMACY Training Studio Opens What is believed to be the first purpose built studio in the UK for teaching pharmacy students communication skills and how to respond to requests from patients for advice on minor illnesses, officially opened at the Department of Pharmacy on 7 November. The set is fitted out as the medicines counter area of a community pharmacy. The shelves are stocked with packs of typical pharmacy prescription and over-the-counter medicines and associated health products donated by a wide range of pharmaceutical manufacturers. The studio is equipped with a wall-mounted and a free-standing video camera, with a VCR and monitor for providing play-back facilities. Microphones are mounted unobtrusively in the ceiling to preserve the authentic air of the set. There is seating for an audience of up to ten people. The studio has been set up by the Department of Pharmacy with the aid of sponsor-
SCHOOL SHARES IN ERASMUS PRIZE The Erasmus Inter- University Cooperation Programme (ICP) in Biology, in which the School of Life, Basic Medical and Health Sciences is a participant, has been awarded one of the prizes to commemorate the first three year phase of the Erasmus Programme, which began in 1987 and now includes 2,000 exchange schemes. In the first three years of the Erasmus Programme 40,000 students have benefited from Erasmus grants in order to pursue part of their course in another Member State and 8,000 lecturers have taught in other EC countries. The prize, Laureat Erasmus, was awarded
Professor Geoff Booth seen cutting the ribbon to formally open the studio. ship from Intercare Products Ltd. The shopfittings were supplied and installed by Woodstyle Ltd, who also contributed generously to the project. Further financial help was provided by Fisons and Kirby Warrick. The main purpose of the studio is the training of pharmacy undergraduates in the skills of responding to symptoms, recommending over-the-counter medicines, counselling patients on dispensed medicines, and offering health care advice. It will also be available for commercial hire at competitive rates, and is particularly suitable for training sales representatives who promote or detail products to pharmacists, for the photography of medicinal products
for the quality of the academic activities, the organisation of the exchanges and the reception and integration of the students. Contributing to the success of our Biology programme have been Dr Alan Bittles of Anatomy and Human Biology and Professor Peter Gahan of Biosphere Sciences, who have coordinated King's contribution to the ICP. This currently involves seventeen universities from eight EC countries and is co-ordinated by the Vrije Universiteit, Brussels. The Laureat Erasmus was presented to the Biology ICP at a ceremony in Brussels on 5 December when the prize was presented by the Minister for Human Resources, Madame Papandreou. On this occasion prizes were also being awarded to an individual student from each EC country who has achieved a distinctive success in the
'in situ', and for making advertising films and commercials. Intercare Products will be using the facility regularly, and has commissioned the Department to set up a training course to improve the technical product knowledge of their sales representatives and to help them sell effectively to pharmacists. The official opening ceremony performed by Professor T G Booth, Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Bradford University and past President of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, was followed by a reception.
Norman Evans Department of Pharmacy
Erasmus Programme, and to one academic or university administrator from each country who has made an outstanding contribution to the success of the Erasmus Programme. As an indirect result of the School's involvement in the Biology ICP, a European Association of Deans of Science has been established, which will hold its inaugural meeting in April 1991 and for which Professor Harold Baum, Head of Schoo~ is UK coordinator and a member of the Council. The Association's aims are to advocate and promote support for scientific research and science education throughout Europe. Alastair Pettigrew SAD, School of Life, Basic Medical and Health Sciences
CATERING Club 552, Cornwall House Annex The Justices Licence MS recently been granted ;u Club 552 and the bar is now open from 12 pm to 2 pm and 5.3 pm to 8 pm, onday to Friday. College members and their guests are cordially invited to visit Club 552 and enjoy a drink in comfortable surroundings. The Club is ideal for a pretheatre drink being close to the Old Vie, Festival Hall and ational Theatre.
Credit sales Customers are advised that the Department is happy to provide hospitality and function catering on a credit basis, but this service will only be provided on receipt of a JID order form or written request.
Merry Christmas The Department would like to thank all our customers for their support throughout the year and wish Comment readers a Happy Christmas and a prosperous ew Year.
buildings were: flrstly, staff/students used their normal exit from the building rather dun the nearest available exits. This caused congestion on centnl stairways. Secondly, having exited the building staff and students congregated around tbe building exits. It is essentiAl that everyone moves away from the building exits to allow other people egress from the building and to enable the emergency services to have access. Safe places of assembly in an emergency from College buildings are as follows: SitelBuilding
Assembly Area
Kensington Main
Duchess of Bedford Walk
Atkins
Campden Hill
Chelsea Manresa Rd 552 King's Rd
Away from building
Strand Strand
Surrey Street, Somerset House or Quad car parks
Main
Temple Place via Strand Lane exits, Surrey Street via Surrey Steps, Victoria Embankment via Embankment or Embankment Terrace (unhitch chain by cycle sheds)
Macadam
Surrey Street or Victoria Embankment
East Wing 169-172 Strand
Surrey Street or Main building via link bridge
Peter Hoffman Catering Officer
Christmas Lunches The traditional Christmas lunch will be held on Friday 14 December 12 pm for 12.15 pm at the Main Refectory, Manresa Road, Chelsea. The price this year is ÂŁ5.25 per head.
Manresa Road/Carlyle Square
Also, Christmas lunches can be arranged at Kensington on a departmental basis. Please phone the Catering Office on ext K4362 for further information.
Norfolk Surrey Street, Main building via link bridge or Chesham 33-35 Surrey St Macadam building
John Bossino Catering Manager
152-158 Strand (Music & Law)
Somerset House or Quad car parks
Drury Lane
Away from building or Arne Street
SAFETY OFFICE Evacuation Drills The emergency evacuation systems for most College buildings have now been tested by means of pre-arranged evacuation drills. Many thanks to the evacuation marshals for their role in this. A couple of difficulties common to several
Cornwall House Doon Street or Stamford Street We would ask all permanent staff familiar with evacuation procedures to encourage and instruct students and other staff to move to a safe assembly point. Thank you. Manon P Murphy Assistant College Safety Officer
POSTROOM Postman Pat's Points A fe r~minders, please don't: - use staples on any letters or packets use labels on any items of registered post - British or overseas put stamped mail in red boxes, use the GPO box in the Strand lobby put rubbisb in the red boxes put College prospectuses in brown envelopes instead use the clear envelopes and don't use a department stamp as they have a special code Overseas facts: - some countries have low weight limits so check with the postroom before packing your parcels - all small packets and parcels require custom forms - please do not seal down any printed paper packets containing items such as books or magazines And finally, don't forget: - there is no van service to Halliday Hall, King's College Hall, Wellington Hall and Polytechnics - keep us informed of any changes in staff by sending updated lists, if possible.
LIBRARY NEWS Fines to be Reintroduced for Normal Loans When the UBERTAS system was installed, the Library tried dropping fines for normal (ie six-week) loan books, in the hope that the extra control provided by the automated system would ensure efficient circul;uion of mAterial. Unfortumtely, this hasn't worked and LibrAry staff are swamped by an everincreasing flood of overdues, to which users appear to be paying little heed. We feel that we have no option but to reintroduce fines and have advised the Library Comminee of this. From 1 January 1991 the fine for overdue normal loan books will be lOp per day, up to a maximum of ÂŁ10 per book. One week's grace after the date for return will be allowed before the fines take effect. The date on which the book must be returned is
the one stamped in the book or, if the loan period has been reduced because otber readers require the book, the date notified to you in writing. Fines apply equally to ill categories of user. To avoid fines, check the return dates regularly and return or renew your books on time. Why not renew them now, before Christmas, to be on the safe side? Once you have asked the Library for your exclusive PIN number, you can check return dates easily by logging into the Library computer from any terminal Linked to the College network as follows: PAD>CALL LIB (or CALL LIBRARY) USERNAME>LIBRARY Select 'your own use of the Library' and you will find a List of books you have on loan and the dates they are due for return. The handling charge levied to cover the cost of acquiring, cataloguing and processing replacements for books which have been lost by users is to be raised to ÂŁ4.
Charges for Interlibrary Loan and Intersite Photocopying It is now clear that if the Library is to keep within the law as laid down by the Copyright Designs and Patents Act, 1988, the cost of photocopies must be passed onto the user for whom they are supplied. From 1 January 1991 there will be a charge of ÂŁ1 for all satisfied interlibrary loan requests. To avoid putting obstacles in the way of supplying material by the quickest available route, this charge will apply to all interlibrary loans, whether a loan or photocopy is supplied, and to all intersite photocopies.
The charge will be due when the item is collected in the Library. The normal means of payment will, we hope, be by deducting value from the user's flexicard, to which value can be added either by a charge to a departmental code or by using cash at one of the value-loaders in the Library.
Library Photocopying Charges The charge for copies on the Library photocopiers will rise on 1 January 1991 to 7p for A4 copies and 9p for A3 copies. There are no plans at present to increase the charge for copies made on the reader printer in the Old Library or to pass the cost of flexicards (as opposed to value loaded onto them) on to departments.
Online Search Service The Library performs several hundred searches for users each year on commercially available online databases. This service represents a real bargain to researchers, as the running costs are met from the Library's funds. Users are asked to pay only for references in excess of 30 which are displayed, downloaded or printed OUL The charge for these references is to be raised to 25p each with effect from 1 January. The same charge will apply if searches are performed by Library staff using CD-ROM databases. For further information on the Online Search Service, contact Ann Lees on en S2186.
Does Your Research Cover Spanish or Latin American Material? The Library is looking for academics and research students whose area of interest includes material published in Spain and/or Spanish Latin America to participate in a project to be undertaken with Spanish Libraries under the auspices of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas. The project will give access, usingJANET and IRIS/IXI, to the catalogues of the Instituto de Informacion y Documentacion en Ciencia y Tecnologia (ICYT), and the Instituto de Informacion y Documentacion en Ciencia Sociales y Humanidades (ISOC), as well as to a database of articles indexing 260 Spanish language journals in the medical and health sciences. The objective of the King's end of the project is to assess the value of these catalogues and databases to researchers based outside Spain. We hope during the experiment to build up proficiency in using these catalogues and databases but at present we still have a great deal to learn. The project will start during January and run for about three months. We should like to hear from anyone who is interested in participating - even if you are only curious to have a quick look at the catalogues. Please contact Ann Knock ext K4498 or Alaine Simpson ext S2137.
Science Citation Index on CD-ROM Training sessions in the use of databases held on CD-ROM and in the use of the CD-ROM edition of Science Citation Index in particular, are available each weekday
during term at 2.30 pm in the Strand Building Library. Bookings may be made by contacting the Issue Desk, ext S2132. If you cannot attend a session at this time, please contact Information Services ext S2186 to make alternative arrangements. Training sessions continue at Queen Elizabeth Library, Kensington, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 2.30 pm. Please contact the Kensington Issue Desk to book.
Libertas Demonstrations Last session the Library was pleased to offer demonstrations of the full range of LIBERTAS's potential to groups of staff from various departments. These sessions were very successful and any departments or other groups who would like to attend a similar demonstration are invited to contact Ann Knock en K4498, e-mail hazel::udyI014 or Ann Lees en S2186, email cluster.:udyI024, or their Readers Advisers to make suitable arrangements.
RESEARCH NEWS EC FUNDED RESEARCH 1991-94 The EC has recently completed its research strategy proposals. A summary of these can be obtained from Ken Groves or Brid McDaid at KCL Research Enterprises, Kensington campus. The summary Lists 15 headings: Information Technology Communications Technologies Telematics Industrial and Material Technologies Measurement and Testing Environment Programme . Marine Science and Technologies (MAST) Biotechnology Agriculture and Agro-industrial Research Biomedicine and Health Programme Life Sciences and Technologies for Developing Countries Non-nuclear Energies Community Fusion Programme Nuclear Fission Safety Human Capital and Mobility The information has been sent to many
members of academic suff. If you have not received a copy and wish to have one telephone ext K4394/4-649. Ken Groves Director, Research Enterprises
JOSEPH ROWNTREE FOUNDATION The ]oseph Rowntree Foundation has published a new edition of a booklet describing its current research and development programme. This consists of about 200 projects within the broad fields of housing, social policy, social care, disability and local/central government relations. The booklet also gives details on how to set about proposing projects to the Foundation, which spends approximately ÂŁ5m on research and development each year. It is now the largest independent funder of social research whose resources do not derive from public funds. Free copies are available from the Information Office, The]oseph Rowntree Foundation, The Homestead, 40 Water End, York Y036LP. Telephone 0904629241.
AWARDS AND FELLOWSHIPS Postg rad uate Studentsh ips The University offers a limited number of studentships and fellowships for full-time research at Schools or Institutes of the University as follows: University Postgraduate Studentships These awards in any subject are for one or two years with the possibility of an extension for a third year of study. The awards are currently valued at ÂŁ4,690 pa plus payment of tuition fees at home rates. Applicants must be graduates of the University of London holding a bachelor's degree with first class honours or second class honours, upper division; or a master's degree with mark of distinction; or a master's degree together with a first class honours degree of any university.
On 9 October at the Westbury Hotel, London, Eleanor MinshaLl ofthe Department of Pharmacolagy received her Glaxo Research scholarship to support her PhD on 'Mechanisms of long-term bronchial hype17esponsiveness'.
Applicants with a bachelor's degree as above must have graduated not more than three years previously and those with a master's degree as above, not more than four years ago. Trust Studentships and Scholarships The following Trust awards are administered under similar regulations to those for University Postgraduate Studentships but in certain cases carry special conditions of eligibility which may enable students other than graduates of the University of London to receive awards. Hazel Clifford Studentship (Medicine or Science) Gwynne-Vaughan Studentship (Botany) W F Masom Scholarship (Classics) Edmund Davis Scholarship (Medicine, Law or Engineering) Keddey Fletcher-Warr Studentship (Science) Laura de Saliceto Studentship (Cancer Research)
Further enquiries and requests for application forms should be addressed to the Secretary of the Scholarships Committee, University of London, Room 21A, Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU to whom completed forms must be returned not later than 1 March 1991
Academic StUdy Group Bursaries The Academic Study Group is a 12 year old British charitable foundation which promotes interchange between British scholars and their Israeli academic counterparts. ASG will offer a block of 12 modest travel bursaries in 1990-91. Scholars in any field of enquiry can apply for an ASG award. Priority will be given: to first time visitors to Israel to scholars who have corresponded with colleagues in Israel; and have received personal invitations to lecture/explore joint research programmes in Israel to British scholars interested in
obtaining research data for comparative Anglo- Israeli studies Applicants should submit a detailed CV, a summary of reasons for wishing to visit Israel and names of Israeli academic counterparts or correspondence to: John D A Levy, Director ASG, 25 Lyndale Avenue, London NW2 2QB. The next review of applications is due to take pLace on 13 December 1990. Applications can be held over until the next review in 1991.
UNION NEWS Will Europe Affect Your Health? In 1987 'The Single European Act' was passed, surely everyone has heard something about 1992 and all that? What most people are unaware of is that in part of the Act it was agreed to 'harmonise' health and safety at work legislation of the EC member states. In 1989 the Council of Europe issued a 'Framework Directive' (89/391/ EEC) which lays down the minimum standards a country's health and safety at work legislation should reach. It also makes clear that existing higher standards of any member state should remain and not be reduced to EC minimum. The 'Framework Directive' must be incorporated into the law of each EC state by the end of 1992. Its affect has been anticipated in the UK and the results can be seen reflected within the COSHH and Electricity at Work Regulations introduced in the past couple of years. EC Directives on Lead, Asbestos, Noise, Radiation, Safety Signs and Vinyl Chloride Monomer have already been introduced into UK law. The directive is broad in its scope covering all forms of work and workers except domestic servants and in certain circumstances small companies (botb exceptions were insisted upon by our caring British Government)! The emphasis of the Act is on prevention of risk rather than protection from risk, the improvement of safety in the workplace rather than that of the individual worker. It will become a statutory requirement to train workers in health and safety matters and for employers to keep up-to-
Travel bursaries to Israel Graduates or undergraduates are invited to apply for one of the 1990-91 Bessy Ernanuel Educational Trust Israel travel grants. Each year the Trust, in association with Friends of Israel Education Trust, offers one or two bursaries, each worth up to ÂŁ500, to students interested in pursuing a research project in IsraeL. In recent years, projects have included studies of small ethnic communities; the application of conflict theory in the Middle East; the education of gifted children; care of the aged
date with the latest advances in technology and information in order to protect their employees. The 'Framework Directive' is couched in slightly blunter terms than much UK legislation in that the phrase 'as far as is reasonably practical' is notable by its absence. There is even a directive to alleviate 'monotonous work and work at a predetermined work-rate.' As far as I can see there are only a few drawbacks to the new 'European' law, the most significant being that in future it could take longer to get new legislation on to the statute book if politicians wait for a new 'European Directive' before they act. In addition to the 'Framework Directive' other directives will be adopted including legislation on VDUs, personal protective equipment and the manual handling of loads. As far as I can see the new directive will not alter our working lives too much in the immediate future but, as much of our law is set by precedent, after 1992 there could well be a flurry of test cases to establish the limits of the new laws. If you want to avoid being the subject of one of these cases it would be a good idea to get to know your rights and duties under the directive now so you can 'be prepared' for 1992. In general I feel that the adoption of the directive should help to improve safety at work, provided the government employ enough inspectors to police the laws. For more information write to: The Commission of the European Communities, 8 Storey's Gate, London SW1P3AT.
Glyn Baker MSF Safety Committee
in the kibbutz; and research into a variety of medical, social and literary issues. Applicants should submit a brief outline of their project idea and furnish details of preliminary 'soundings' on the feasibility of the project. The closing date for receipt of applications is 15 March 1991. The names of the award winners will be announced in May 1991. Full details and application forms may be obtained from Mrs P Springett, School of African and Asian Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, Sussex BNl 9QN.
Review The past six weeks has been the busiest period ever for staff training at King's. All 15 courses and seminars have been full. I would particularly like to mention two events which were initiated and led by staff. The technician seminar on the organisation of teaching laboratories was conducted by Sue Holly from the Physiology Department. Eighteen technicians from various Colleges in the University systematically examined aspects of student practical class so that they could evaluate effective methods. The seminar was part of the federal services designed for university technical staff. Janine Morton teamed up with Melanie Berenblut, a secretary from Senate House, to design and lead the November course on Effective Writing. The feedback from the participants confirmed that the course was useful and enjoyable. I highlight these events as encouraging signs that non-teaching staff are taking an active role in the work of the Training Office. They enjoy the experience and probably do no harm to their career prospects. Courses planned for next term will be led by assistant personnel officers and technicians. My role is to encourage this activity and to supply organisational support. If staff are interested in taking part in this trend and have training proposals or ideas please contact me.
Future Events Please refer to the October and November issues of Comment for the list of training opportunities. We shall run a joint Supervisory Skills Course with Imperial College on the 7, 8, 14,15,21 and 22 February. This six day course will suit anyone who is supervising staff or who is likely to take on this role as part of their career development. Please send your applications as soon as possible. Many of King's staff have attended this course in previous years. It has been highly recommended. A full updated list of courses will be published in the next issue of Comment. Ken Bromfield Non-Academic Staff Training Officer
As Christmas is fast approaching and with it my birthday on Christmas Eve, I have to think of something I would really like as a present from my wife and daughter. As a child Christmas and birthday seemed to merge into one long celebration and I could always have an extra large present if I wanted to join together my birthday and Christmas present into something really grand. This year I am going to ask for a wet-suit. 'A wet-suit?' you may well ask, 'Is the idiot going in for canoeing? Water-skiing? Windsurfing? At his age he'll probably drown himself.' Or, perhaps, (with admiration), 'Maybe he has been doing all these things all the time and his old suit is worn out.' Neither is the correct answer. My problem is the misfortune that dogs me at the festive table. The Ides of March may have been unfortunate for Caesar, but Christmas, to a lesser degree, is my Ides of March. I can recall many instances of the Gods frowning on me at Christmas, but two are memorable. We were seated ten for Christmas dinner. I was at one end of the table and my brotherin-law at the other. We had all become involved in a fairly lively political discussion
and he had monopolised the conversation with views which, as usual and by custom, were opposed to mine. Several times I had tried to put my point of view but was unable to halt his flow. In desperation I raised my right arm and caUed his name several times loudly. EventuaUy it worked and the conversation was hushed in expectation of my broadside. I lowered my arm and rested my elbow on the table and into a large bowl of cranberry sauce placed there by some unknown hand (probably my brother-in-law's). My destruction of his argument didn't happen but I have an interesting Batik jacket to remind me of what would have been my undoubted victory. There was another Christmas day when the assembled throng were somewhat muted before we sat down to dinner. Feeling the need to brighten things up a little r rummaged in the junk room and found an old party hat from one of my daughter's childhood parties. It consisted of an imitation straw hat complete with huge eyebrows, a red nose and a beard. Unobserved, r placed it beneath my dining chair intending, if the muted mood lasted, to don
it and to continue with my dinner without making any comment. Half-way through the soup course it became obvious that I would have to do a funny act. I leaned down and extracting the hat from beneath my chair, placed it on my head and continued with my soup. The table erupted into an explosion of laughter. Some were holding their sides unable to stop laughing, others were nearly crying. The soup grew cold and the laughter continued so long that I became embarrassed. My hat wasn't that funny. Had they all gone mad? Was there something in the soup? They couldn't be acting, it was aU too real. Then I saw the joke. As I had leaned forward the end of my tie had dipped deeply into my soup. As I had straightened up the soup-laden tie had flopped against my white shirt-front and soup was draining down it onto my lap. This year I want a wet-suit as a present or perhaps I should ask for socks and go on a Christmas fast. Don Mindel Atkins Reception, Kensington campus
·
LETTER
In response to staff comments, Professor Stewart Sutherland, who was our Principal at the time, asked the Vice-Principal, Mr John Muir to consider improvements in social facilities at the new College. The Vice-Principal then set up the 'Working Party on Social Facilities for the Thamesside Campus of King's College London: In February 1989 the Working Party issued a report which contained the following crucial statement: •All three (Senior Common Room and Social Club at the Strand and Common Room at Kensington) indicated that they would like to continue to promote some of their traditional social activities for the benefit of the staff and it is strongly recommended that every encouragement should be given for this to happen within the new framework: It is fair to say that the above statement was warmly welcomed by many of us as an acceptable and constructive guideline for future improvement of social amenities at the College. Contrary to the above spirit of cooperation and compromise the College Amenities Committee, under the chairmanship of Professor N A Knibb, now proposes to abolish the Social Club and the Senior Common Room at the Strand, the Common Room at Kensington and all the Sports Clubs and to create a new body caJJed the College Staff Association in their place. We wish to object strongly to the proposed destruction of the existing and thriving community units which add so much to the social life of the College. If this proposal is accepted, the life of the College in our opinion will not be richer but much poorer.
Professor P A Lindsay, Electronic and Electrical Engineering Professor 0 I Davies, Chemistry A M Shadrake, Library
The Vice-ChanceiUJr pictured in fronc ofhis portrait with his wife and the artist, Richard Stone.
others of past Principals.
NEWS ROUND-UP PORTRAIT UNVEILED A small reception was held recently in the new Committee Room to unveil the portrait of Professor Stewart Sutherland, former Principal of King's and now Vice-Chancellor of the University of London. All present agreed that the artist, Richard Stone, had captured a most pleasing likeness and the portrait now sits proudly amongst
GILBART LECTURES The Gilbart Lectures have been a part of the history of King's for over a hundred years and represent a link between the College and London's role as one of the great financial centres of the world. Mr James Gilbart was the General Manager of the London and Westminster Bank, Lothbury in the City of London and he was someone who contributed a great deal to
In his speech, Sir James Spooner, Chairman of Council, remarked upon the family atmosphere of the occasion. This was reflected by those present, Or Sheena Sutherland, Professor Sutherland's wife, and their two daughters, Fiona and Kirsty, members of the Vice-Chancellor's old Faculty, Theology and Religious Studies, and the Senior Officers who had served under Professor Sutherland. The College was pleased to welcome back Sir Richard Way (Principal from 19751980), the Right Honourable Lord Jellico, past Chairman of Council, and Mr Myles Tempany, former Secretary of the College.
the development of modern banking (a handsome portrait of him hangs in the boardroom of atWest today). He was a great friend of King's and in 1872 left a bequest so that an annual series of lectures could be given at the College for the members of his profession. With one or two gaps the Lectures have continued to this day and in recent years have enjoyed the collaboration of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. This year a new series of Gilbart Lectures was launched with the aid of generous
sponsorship from NatWest. On the evening of the first lecture, given by Lord Alexander of Weed on QC, the chairman of NatWest, and the Principal hosted a reception at the College for some of the leading figures in the banking world. The second lecture was given by Sir Nicholas Goodison, formerly chairman of the Stock Exchange and now chairman of TSB, the third by Professor Jack Mahoney, Director of the Business Ethics Research Centre at King's and the fourth by Mr Laurence Shurman, the Banking Ombudsman. The Lectures attracted attention in the fmancial press and on the first evening there was an audience of some 300 in the Great Hall. The arrangements and administration were all in the hands of the Continuing Education Unit at King's. The Lectures are to be published in book form in the New Year by the Chartered Institute of Bankers. The next series of Gilbart Lectures is already under consideration. John Muir Vice-Principal
KENSINGTON RECYCLING SCHEME Started at the end of last year by a number of concerned members of King's staff and students, the recycling scheme at Kensington aims to minimise waste and to help the College present a 'green' face in this decade of environmental concern. Ideally, visitors and College members alike should be aware of the sensible measures which King's can take to minimise its impact on the environment. Our efforts so far to avoid unnecessary waste have concentrated on recycling paper, glass and aluminium cans. White paper (photocopier or letterhead type) and computer printer paper are saved in separate piles by participating offices in the Main Building and the Atkins Building at Kensington. Although mixed, low-grade paper (newspapers, magazines etc) are bulky and of low value, these higher-grade papers can actually earn money to help pay for College recycling facilities - they are taken by volunteers to a central storage point and collected by a West London recycling company.
Aluminium cans are also well worth collecting, since recycling of scrap aluminium involves much less energy than the smelting of new metal. Collection bins have been set up alongside the drinks vending machines at Kensington but we need to encourage people to squash cans flat for recycling - they are very bulky otherwise! Obviously, scrap aluminium is worth much more if it is not 'contaminated' with steel cans - can anyone suggest a foolproof way of collecting 'pure' well-squashed cans? A glass bottle-bank was ¥t operation at Kensington for several months during the summer and was well-used thanks to the various Kensington bars! Unfortunately the leasing company went out of business and withdrew the service but we hope to have another one soon - preferably with separate green/brown/clear glass collection. Collection of dead batteries has been on the agenda (many batteries release polluting metals into the environment upon decomposition), but we have not yet located an agent for safe disposal. Note that the reduction in waste volume as a result of these activities is not only environmentally sound - it also saves the College money! The recycling scheme is also keen to promote re-use and recycling of the many scrap items which end up in the rubbish skips. Two skips a day are collected at Kensington - obviously some of this is real rubbish which nobody wants but a lot of scrap wood, metal, computer parts and furniture gets thrown away every week. We are organising a Recycling Noticeboard on which individuals and departments can 'advertise' their c1ear-outs. If this is in a place where everyone can see it, we should be able to save King's a lot of rubbish space - and probably save many of you a bit of money as well! We welcome the news that the Students' Union is to promote'recycling and look forward to hearing about any recycling activities on the Strand campus. For further information (and to advertise your unwanted throw-outs if you can't find our noticeboard) contact: ]onathan Scurlock ext 4315 or Ruth Okine ext 4329 in Biosphere Sciences, Gary Strickland ext 4257 in Biomolecular Sciences, Sue Holly ext 4229 in Physiology and Richard Beepat ext 4287 in Stores.
CHILDREN IN NEED My own children, Matthew and Heather, are my motivation for supporting 'Children in Need', in aid of children less fortunate than mine. Realising that I am in the position of being able to extract money from the pockets of staff, medical and dental students and Primary FRCS candidates in the Department of Anatomy, I organised a local collection in 1987 and gathered a rewarding £65. A year later a bit more thinking gave us £200. Last year Professor Sutherland allowed us to collect at the gate of King's in the Strand and this collection, together with my regular audience, raised a magnificent £500. 23 November 1990 saw the faithful volunteer collectors at the front gate from 9 am until 6 pm, readily identifiable by their 'Children in Need' T-shirts and chattering teeth. Nobody was safe from the rattling tins - delivery drivers from the Strand, medical and dental students in lecture theatres and practical laboratories, even the students in the Macadam bar. A strong collecting tin was well filled by staff and students at Kensington and another in the Social Club in Surrey Street at the Strand. At the end of the day a massive £1,037.20 was counted up and pledged from staff and students of King's to 'Children in Need.' My sincere thanks to all who helped so valiantly with the collection and an even bigger thank you to everybody who put their hands in their pockets so generously. If anyone would like to join in and help to collect for this charity next year, please contact me. Donald Farr Anatomy and Human Biology
CONFERENCE The Centre for New Religious Movements has organised a conference to be held from 10 am until 5 pm on 15 December at King's on: New Age and Goddess Spirituality. For more details please contact Peter Clarke on ext S3796.
from telling people to bring their own soap when staying in ellington Hall to printing large name badges for those older graduates with failing eye-sight! The other events were held at Kensington in the splendid atmosphere of the Old Refectory. A 40s style tea provided an extra helping of nostalgia with such delights as sandwiches made with (reconstituted) dried egg powder, potato scones, boiled fruit and carrot cakes! In the evening, 13 QEC graduates dined and danced the night away to the 60s music of the Rhythm Section Band which was joined at one point by members of the original QEC band. eville Marsh AJumnus Relations Officer
After 50 years there was a let ofcatching up to clc at the reunion ofHousehoLd and Social Science
KCLA REUNION SUCCESS
and Social Science graduates who had made the journey to Leicester during the war and the 25th Silver Jubilee Reunion of the Queen Elizabeth Class of 1965.
On Saturday 29 September, we held our first annual reunion of King's alumni. This was centred on three separate events: a reunion of wartime graduates of King's who were evacuated to Bristol from 1939-1945, a gathering of King's College of Household
The King's reunion took the form of a dinner at the Strand, attended by some 125 alumni and their guests. This was preceded by a ramble along the South Bank organised by the Joint School of Geography Society. A good time was had by all and we learnt a great deal about running College reunions:
AROUND AND ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL For two weeks next April, Edinburgh will host a festival that is the only one of its kind in the world - The International Science Festival. Now in its third year, this lively celebration of all the sciences, from astronomy to zoology, is geared to popularising science with the long term aim of encouraging more of our youngsters to take up careers in science, technology and engineering and to provide the scientific community
with an annual forum at which members can debate or exchange ideas on topics of interest. The 1991 Festival (1-14 April) will focus on the Human Body, but many other topics such as the plight of disappearing wildlife, what man has done to the world's oceans, artificial intelligence and biotechnology and electronics will be covered in the extensive programme of demonstrations, debates, exhibitions, ftlrns, workshops, walks and talks. King's staff too can become involved by offering their ideas for future festivals and these can be discussed with the organisers. For further information about the Festival and the programme of events please contact: Edinburgh Science Festival Ltd., 20 Torphichen Street, Edinburgh EH3 8JB. Telephone 031 228 4756. Fax 03 J 225 9613.
CHRISTMAS CARDS A reminder that College Christmas cards are on sale from the following outlets: Strand Joe May, Head Porter Alurnnus Office Kensington
Philomena D'Souza, Campus Services
Chelsea (Manresa Road)
John Wornharn, Security and Domestic Supervisor
Cornwall House Keith Hill, Head Caretaker
A NEW HISTORY The University of Lonclcn and the World of Learning, 1836-1986 is a new book, published on 22 November 1990. Outstanding scholars in each field set the internal history of the University against the wider background of learning. Topics include: the Architectural Image, Women in the University, the Humanities, the Sciences, Law, Medicine, Theology, Engineering, Music, the Social Sciences and Education.
Special offer price of ÂŁ 12.50 (after 3 J December J990, ÂŁ25) is open to lecturers, employees of the University of London, graduates and students. Price includes p&p for UK orders. For overseas orders please
add ÂŁ1.50. Send your orders with payment to The Hambledon Press, 102 Gloucester Avenue, London NWI 8HX and make cheques payable to The Hambledon Press.
of such classes and we believe that our conclusions will be of help to all extramural departments. We would like to hear from lecturers who have run such programmes (or, indeed, have decided against doing so).
LEGAL DEPOSITS
If you feel you can help, or would like further information, please contact: Mrs Joan Unwin, Research Associate, University of Sheffield, Division of Continuing Education, 85 Wilkinson Street, Sheffield S10 2GJ. Telephone 0742768555 ext 4920/1.
The British Library is renaming the Copyright Receipt Office as the Legal Deposit Office and, at the same time, transferring it from London to Boston Spa. The change of name reflects more accurately the function of the operation. From I January 1991 the address to which all publications other than newspapers should be sent is: Legal Deposit Office, The British Library, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BY. From 1January 1991 newspapers should be sent direct to the British Library Newspaper Library at Colindale. For more information write to: Newspaper Legal Deposit Office, The British Library, Unit 3, 120 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5LF. British and Irish publishers are required to deposit one copy of each of their publications with the British Library within one month of publication. This benefits publishers, the library profession and readers: works are made permanently available for reference use in the Library'S reading rooms; catalogue records are created and widely distributed. The changes mentioned above do not affect the five other legal deposit libraries so their copies should continue to be sent to: Mr A T Smail, Agent for the Copyright Libraries, 100 Euston Street, London NW1 2HQ. For further information telephone 071 323 7176 or write to: Acquisitions Processing & Cataloguing, The British Library, 2 Sheraton Street, London W1 V 4BH.
STUDY IN SWEDEN The International Summer Session at the University of Uppsala, now in its 29th year will run from 9 June to 16 August 1991. The aim of the programme is to give students the unique opportunity to study Swedish in a Swedish environment. It will also inform participants about the cultural, political and social life in Sweden and give them the opportunity to meet students from 30 different countries.
For more information write to: Nelleke Dorrestijn, Director, Uppsala University, International Summer Session, Box 513, S751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
NEW NUMBER The new telephone number for both the College and the University Hospital at the University of Wales College of Medicine is 0222 747747.
LECTURES MEETINGS AND SEMINARS INAUGURAL LECTURES DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY Tuesday 29 January THE SCOTTISH PARTY IN ENGLISH PARLIAMENTS 1640-1642 OR THE MYTH OF THE ENGLISH REVOLUTION Professor Conrad Russell 5.30 pm, New Theatre, Strand campus
IEXTRAMURAL STUDIES I DEPARTMENT OF FRENCH The Division of Continuing Education at the University of Sheffield has been awarded a grant by the UFC to conduct research into the various group projects that are a characteristic feature of the programmes of university extramural departments. It is the aim of our research to consider the practicalities and effectiveness
Courses range from elementary to advanced Swedish, there are special grammar and conversation courses as well as courses on Scandinavian literature, history, film, social institutions and the arts in Sweden. Sessions range from 2 to 10 weeks. The programme also provides study trips, guest lectures, films, social activities, Swedish cooking classes, weaving etc. Scholarships are available to a limited number of students and the latest date for application is IS March 1991. Otherwise applications should be made by 15 May 1991.
Thursday 31 January
The word and the Word Professor Richard M Griffiths 5.30 pm, New Theatre, Strand campus
PUBLIC LECTURES PORTUGUESE AND BRAZILIAN STUDIES Tuesday 15 January PANORAMA OF THE WORLD'S FOURTH LARGEST CONURBATION Isaias Alves de Almeida Neto, Consultant to the Municipal Planning Department of Sao Paulo 5.30 pm, Room 2e, Strand campus
sAo PA ULO: A
BRITISH INSTITUTE OF HUMAN RIGHTS Tuesday 15 January RECENT WORK OF THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE Professor Rosalyn Higgins, QC, Professor of International Law, LSE 1 pm - 2 pm, New Theatre, Strand campus
AGE CO CERN INSTITUTE OF GERONTOLOGY onday 28 January AGEI G lOUR GE ES ... BUT HOW? Dr Tom Kirkwood, H~d of the Laboratory of Mathematical Biology at the ational Institute for Medic~l Research 5.3 pm, Gr~t Hal~ Strand campus
STOP PRESS As heads of departments will have seen in the Principal's memorandum, Support for Vital ew De-uelopmrnLS, of 3 December, applications are being invited for support from any or all of the following strategic funds: the Academic Development Fund, the Research Strategy Fund and the Research Equipment Fund.
For Sale AppleMacintosh equipment - as new. Mac SE with 2 MB hard drive at £1,15 , ImageWriter 11 at DOO and Extended Keyboard at £125. If interested please telephone 071 244 6380.
Flat to Let
LAW Tuesday 29 January LEGAL SERVICES IN THE 1990S Austin Mitehel~ MP 5.30 pm, Room 2C, Strand campus
SEMINARS CE TRE FOR HELLENIC STUDIES Monday 14 January CONSTANTINOPLE/ISTANBUL: THE URBAN TRANSITION Professor J M Rogers, London Monday 21 January PUNCTUA TION AND PROSE RHYTHM IN BYZANTINE PROSE TEXTS Dr Athanasios Angelou. Joannina Monday 28 January 7WENTY FIVE YEARS OF ARCHITECTURAL WORKAT MONEMVASIA Dr Haris Kalligas, Monemvasia and Athens All the above seminars take place at 5 pm, Room B6 (Classics Department), Strand campus
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Thursday 20 December UNIVERSITIES INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES GROUP MEETING ON TRIBOLOGY Technical presentations at 10.30 am - 12.45 pm and 2.15 pm - 4.45 pm, Room 3B20, Strand campus. For more details contact Dr M Yianneskis ext S2428
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SMALL ADS
Self-contained one bedroom flat with lounge, kitchen, bathroom and central heating located in South London, near railway station. Available 1 January - 30 April 1991 (or part of). £400 per month. Contact: PS Howe, Department of Mathematics, ext S2853, or 071 6394299.
All submissions must be made, in the first instance, via departments to schools in order that they can be assessed and ranked. Guidance on the presentation and submission of applications can be obtained from departments or school administrative officers. Schools will have their own deadlines in order to carry out internal assessment, but the date for submission of prioritised bids by schools to the Research Strategy Committee (c/o Stephen Harrow, Planning Officer) is 14 January 1991.
Maisonette to Rent Luxury two bedroom maisonette with all facilities, large lounge, kitchen/diner, central heating and garden located in East London, near two underground stations. Available from January 1991 on a minimum contract of six months. £450 per month. Families and academics welcome. Contact: Rev A R Duce, telephone 0522 529 468
Further information and copies of the guidelines governing the distribution of the funds are available from heads of departments, heads of schools, school administrative officers, as well as Stephen Harrow, ext S2791/2634.
Californian Dream Rent or exchange your London residence with a visiting university professor and his wife. Three bedroom house close to California Polytechnic State University in the coastal valley community of San Luis Obispo, California, 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Fully furnished, it is situated near both the elementary and high schoo~ the city park, train station and airport. Available from 1 April to 30 June 1991. $900 per month including utilities and water. Contact: Dr Richard Kranzdorf, Political Science Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA 93407. Telephone (805) 756 2842. Or 160 Graves San Luis Obispo, CA, USA 93405. Telephone (805) 5435578.
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Comment is the College's regular staff newsletter, issued by the Information Office (ext 2179) three times a term, with special editions if required. Contributions are warmly welcomed from any member of the College. These may take the form of profiles of people or areas of interest, news of events, views on College matters, photos, cartoons, items of sale, puzzles or quizzes. Comment is sent to all staff and made freely available through the Student Union. Copy dates and publication dates are published at the end of each issue. The copy date for the next issue is 11 January 1991 for publication in the week beginning 21 January 1991.
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Merry Christmas to all our readers :.:
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