PEMBROKIAN BROKIAN PEM
THE THE
V Africa: in Africa: Our Woman in Our Woman Dr Amy Amy Dickman Dickman Dr
V The Wartime Secrets Secrets The Wartime Town Citadel Town of aa Citadel of
V Pembroke Pembroke Pioneers Pioneers Age Digital Age in in the the Digital
35 Issue 35 Issue 2012 March 2012 March
V OFFA: Pembroke OFFA: Pembroke Access and Access and
with friends: Gaudy 1980-82, 1st July 2011
AINI
V A captive audience:
Pembroke On The Sofa, 7th July 2011
Ma. OM 1 il ii;i
V Going in to Dinner: Gaudy 2005-06,
12th August 2011
2nd September 2011
Gaudy up to 1957 (60 years) 13th April Pembroke Choir & Instrumentalists Concert in Paris 19th March
V Pembroke Musicians: London Reception and Concert, 11th September 2011
V University of Oxford Alumni Weekend Dinner, 17th September 2011
Sheffield event 21st April Evening Reception, New York 9th May Biology/Biochemistry Dinner 11th May Garden Party 26th May
V Tanya Beckett (1984) & Stefan Gates
(1986): ‘On The Sofa’, 19 January 2012 th
V Alumni at the Annual Meeting, 28th January 2012
FUTURE EVENTS
V Gaudy 1965-67,
PAST EVENTS
V Academic Director Mark Fricker (1981)
*
I hope to see you at one of our events very soon. Juanita Hughes Alumni Relations Officer * Please Understand Me: Character and Temperament Types
7 The Untold Story of Montreuil-Sur-Mer
8 Pembroke Pioneers
10 Fond Farewells
11 Breakfast in the City: Pembroke Style
12 OFFA: Pembroke and Access
14 News, Views, Schmooze
15 Highly Recommended: Oz Clarke
CONTENTS
Welcome to our new style Pembrokian. We are now publishing two a year, one in Hilary and one in Trinity, which means we can bring you a wider variety of stories than was possible in the annual version. We hope you enjoy this one. I get asked by alumni and friends why I write those breezy introductions to the e-Newsletters each month - perhaps I’ll get asked the same about this piece. The title refers to a book by American psychologist David Keirsey, who devised ‘The Keirsey Temperament Sorter’. I must confess, I’m unsurprised by his assessment of my own type, revealed below... According to another assessment methodology, Myers Briggs, I am an extreme “E (Extrovert)”. I have always enjoyed meeting people. Even at the age of four I would sit on the step of my gran’s house, chatting to random passers-by. I get a kick out of parties, socialising and organising opportunities to get people together. The role of Alumni Relations Manager lets me do all this for a living. It is endlessly fascinating to discover the connections between people and link them up again after long periods of separation. Do you wonder why you get invitations to so many events? Or perhaps you don’t get enough? I try to be strategic in our offering of events, in the hope that there will be at least one you wish to attend every year, and I am very open to creating new events. I really do welcome any feedback as to the sort of thing you would enjoy. Numbers are on the increase at our College gatherings, and it is not unusual for us to get fully booked quite quickly. Obviously with our new building on the horizon there will be even more possibilities, so watch this space! And remember: I may be an “extrovert” with social cravings, but according to Keirsey, I am also a Field Marshall! Very useful when trying to get 100+ people to sit down at Dinner!
LETTER FROM JUANITA
Juanita Hughes: “Please understand me”
4 Our Woman in Africa: Dr Amy Dickman
Magazine edited and written by Sophie Elkan Magazine designed by Nick Gulliver (2008) Front cover photograph: Jake Galson (2008) Limited edition prints available- visit www.jakegalson.co.uk
by David Keirsey & Marilyn Bates (first published 1978) THE PEMBROKIAN 3
OUR WOMAN IN AFRICA Dr Amy Dickman, Kaplan Senior Research Fellow in Felid Conservation dodges tribal spears to report upon her adventures and research in the Tanzanian bush
KAPLAN FELLOWSHIP Financier turned philanthropist Dr Thomas Kaplan (1982) completed his BA, MA and DPhil at Pembroke. His generosity in 2008 allowed for the creation of the Kaplan Fellowship and the College is undoubtedly enriched by its presence. He and his family support a number of good causes in the United States and also the developing world, including co-founding and Chairing the Panthera Corporation.
THE PEMBROKIAN 4
examining the often uneasy coexistence between humans and wildlife in an ever more crowded world. In 2009, I was lucky enough to gain a five-year Kaplan Senior Research Fellowship in Felid Conservation, which is held at Pembroke College and WildCRU – although the sense of luck certainly dwindles when faced with angry, spear-wielding warriors! The Fellowship involves a long-term research project, examining ‘large carnivore’ ecology and conflict in Tanzania’s Ruaha landscape. This vast, amazing wilderness is centred around Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania – actually the largest National Park in Tanzania and second largest in Africa. This landscape is one of the most important areas of the world for large carnivores – it is thought to hold perhaps a tenth of all remaining lions; one of the three biggest populations of endangered African wild dogs left in the world; and one of only four large cheetah populations in East Africa. Despite its global importance, until our project started there had never been any systematic studies on large carnivore populations and ecology in this area. We are employing techniques such as camera-trapping (remotely triggered cameras set out in the landscape) and direct sightings to provide the first such data for Ruaha, and therefore help inform future conservation strategies. However, Ruaha’s vital carnivore populations are not secure. They do not rely upon Ruaha National Park alone, but roam across vast tracts of humandominated land around the Park, where they cause intense conflict with local villagers. The carnivores attack livestock – and occasionally people – and they can have a devastating effect on poor rural households, for whom livestock is a critically important economic and cultural asset. Unsurprisingly, villagers try
Dr Amy Dickman with Quasar
to reduce these problems by poisoning, snaring, shooting and spearing large carnivores – over the last year, we have heard of over 20 lions being killed just in a small area close to our field camp. Reducing this conflict and easing humancarnivore coexistence is a top conservation priority. Much of my research focuses upon testing different approaches to conflict mitigation, and seeing which has most effect on reducing animosity towards, and killing of, large carnivores. The first priority is reducing carnivore attacks, so we work with local communities to predatorproof their livestock enclosures, install low-technology early warning systems, educate people about how to minimise the risk of being attacked by a carnivore, and share effective techniques across the community. This has been successful, with depredation rates dropping in target households, but we now need to extend and continue the attack reduction across
V
I
t is a pitch-black night in the Tanzanian bush, and I am acutely aware of the presence of lions and hyaenas as our small group edges closer to a remote tribal gathering. A ceremony is taking place in response to a recent lion-hunt, and we are keen to learn more – but the Barabaig are fearless warriors; highly secretive with traditions of killing, they do not take kindly to outsiders. All of this swirls anxiously around my mind... then we hear a soft noise, and stop dead. As the clouds part, a brief sliver of moonlight illuminates the fact that our approach has indeed been noted: we are now completely encircled by a group of Barabaig warriors - spears out, glaring at us in a very intimidating way. Not for the first time, I wonder how did I come to be here, so far from peaceful Oxford? The answer lies with both Pembroke and the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), which is part of the Department of Zoology, and in February 2012 was awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize. WildCRU has over 60 researchers across the globe, and their focus is very much upon the sharp end of Conservation,
“It is a pitch-black night
and I am acutely aware of the presence of
lions and hyaenas
as our small group of researchers
edges closer to a remote tribal gathering”
Photographs: Dr. Amy Dickman & Andrew Harrington
THE PEMBROKIAN 5
“we have obtained the first
good data on carnivore ecology and distribution
within Ruaha”
. • .., • "":6?, •
-4_ •
the wider landscape. Unfortunately conflict resolution is not as simple as reducing attacks upon livestock and people. There are strong beliefs in witchcraft around Ruaha, coupled with significant inter-tribal tensions and these both impact upon people’s views towards carnivores. If a lion attacks someone’s cattle, a common assumption is that a ‘spirit lion’ has been bewitched by a neighbour of a rival tribe and sent over to cause damage. Similarly, people often hate spotted hyaenas as they, too, are thought prone to bewitching; they are believed to carry invisible witches on their backs - the witches coated in oil, so that they can slip away unnoticed if someone ever physically catches a hyaena. These beliefs often arise from tensions between different tribes, and it was a daunting problem to try to tackle. However, we noticed during the World Cup in 2010 that football was the one force which united people from across all the tribes, so we are now helping to establish village-wide football teams to encourage more inter-tribal dialogue. This helps discussion on how to work together to effectively reduce problems with carnivores across the whole village. However, even if we manage to significantly reduce attacks, carnivores would still be a net cost to villagers around Ruaha. Therefore, the most important part of the project is working with local communities to develop appropriate benefit schemes, which provide tangible and relevant benefits from large carnivore presence on village land. Together we have started a school-twinning scheme, where UK and US schools raise funds for village schools. We are working with the UK Rotary Club to equip a rural clinic, and hope to develop a veterinary health initiative. This will allow us to determine whether reducing attacks or providing THE PEMBROKIAN 6
•
e.
-
,
.
, , •
benefits (or a combination of the two) is most effective at reducing hostility towards large carnivores, and therefore inform future conflict mitigation. The reality of doing this work in the field is certainly not easy, and some tribes, such as the Barabaig, are notoriously difficult. We decided to tackle this head on, and got permission to set up our small tented camp beside a Barabaig village. This caused huge interest and suspicion – some of them had never seen a white person before. Apparently when they saw me washing pots one day, they thought I was preparing them to keep blood from a human sacrifice, which was very alarming! It took two years of being there before we finally had a breakthrough... which brings us back to the cliff-hanger at the start of this piece. After surrounding us that night, a group of young warriors arrived at the camp the next day to talk openly with us for the first time. They said they had been watching us for two years, and had decided we were doing good work, so
finally they were going to work together with us ‘as one family’. This has been a wonderful breakthrough – we are finally getting accurate information on lion killings (which are usually highly secretive events), and we are now training and employing the most influential warriors as lion conservationists within the village.
“the most important part of the project is working with local communities” The first three years of the Fellowship has been productive - we have obtained the first good data on carnivore ecology and distribution within Ruaha,built good community relations and mitigation approaches, and are now training Tanzanian students towards achieving their postgraduate degrees. I hope and believe that the next two years will bring even greater progress, and hopefully fewer incidents of being threatened with spears! Dr. Amy Dickman
Dr Amy Dickman with Barabaig tribesmen Photographs: Dr. Amy Dickman & Andrew Harrington
THE UNTOLD STORY OF MONTREUIL-SUR-MER A closer look at the role this picturesque Citadel played during the First World War
V
isitors flock each year to the Somme in Northern France, often driving past the sleepy, picturesque citadel of Montreuil-sur-Mer, just off the A16. This town, said to have inspired Victor Hugo’s ‘Les Miserables’ and home to The Wine Society, has become the focus of much interest in the past two years, following the founding of the Expeditionary Trust by Terence Hughes (History, 1953). The Trust focuses on the – often untold – story behind the war; not military strategy, weaponry or undeniable heroics, but the social welfare and logistics elements driving the British Expeditionary Force and their impact on ordinary soldiers.
“Its reach extended worldwide, its impact felt by all” Since its launch in 2011, the Trust has been working alongside the community of Montreuil in a bid to bring to life the extraordinary role the town played in WWI where to all intents and purposes a British government in miniature was established; the GHQ, with Departments from transport, food and medical supplies and an efficient postal service, to agriculture and the Church. Its reach
Director Terence Hughes (1953) Photographs: supplied by Terence Hughes
extended worldwide, its impact felt by all; from the townspeople living under ‘friendly invasion’ to the multi-national and multi-cultural soldiers across the Empire serving on the frontline, relying on the 2,000 officers and men, supported by civilian experts, who had responsibility for the entire “back office” operation. As one anonymous officer stated “[it] was the focus of a spider’s web of wires, at one end of which were the soldiers in their trenches, at the other the workers of the world at their benches.” The operation marked a seismic shift in Anglo-French relations, but there is little awareness of the work done here, and the role played by the town itself. These days, visitors to the Museum, run by the Expeditionary Trust in conjunction with la Ville de Montreuilsur-Mer, can immerse themselves in the former home of the GHQ within the walls of the Citadel, where archive film, graphics, personal diaries and a reconstruction of the Communications Centre aim to bring to life the scale of the work carried out here, almost a century ago. For further information please visit: www.expeditionarytrust.org
Director: Terence Hughes Chairman: Lord Watson of Richmond Historical Consultant: Professor Gary Sheffield Senior Trustee: M.le Maire de la Ville de Montreuil-sur-Mer. “Some years ago I stopped off at the walled town of Montreuil-sur-Mer and noticed an equestrian statue of Field Marshal Haig in front of the town’s theatre. There are not many statues to Haig, even in England, so why was there one in France? That was how I discovered how Montreuil had played a hitherto unrecognised role in British history. At the height of the Great War, from 1916 -1919, decisions made in that small unassuming town affected the lives of thousands and except for the lonely statue of the Field Marshal there was nothing to tell the visitor about these historic events. So, together with a number of neighbours and colleagues, we have established the Expeditionary Trust and are raising funds for a Heritage Centre that will contain a permanent exhibition of what happened at Montreuil.” Terence Hughes THE PEMBROKIAN 7
D
ouglas Adams suggested in the late ‘90s, on the subject of the Internet, that “Everything that’s already in the world when you’re born is just normal. Anything created between birth and the age of 30 is incredibly exciting and creative and with any luck you can make a career out of it. But whatever is invented after you’ve turned 30 is against the natural order of things and the beginning of the end of civilisation as we know it - until it’s been around for about 10 years, when it gradually turns out to be all right really.”
Despite a certain familiarity with social media (Twitter, Facebook), and our increasing use of email and search engines such as Google, a lot of us are aware that – to quote Socrates – when it comes to the online world, “I know nothing, except the fact of my ignorance”. Luckily, Peter Nixey (1997) and Daniel Cowen (2000), two Pembrokians forging tech-based futures, are on hand to answer some questions...
V
PETER NIXEY (1997)
Peter left Pembroke over ten years ago. His latest innovation, PingPanel, uses the Internet to allow ‘the public’ unprecedented contact with ‘those in the know’. In Peter’s words, “[it’s] Twitter for Questions and Answers”.
V
DANIEL COWEN (2000)
Daniel’s social sharing application (app.) - Echoer - will allow you to ‘see’ the thoughts of those around you. It connects comments and ideas posted online with location-based points of interest in real time.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS FIELD?
V
PN: I got into computer vision research after completing my undergraduate degree and spent the last three years in San Francisco working on start-ups. Before starting on PingPanel, I sold my last company, Yola (a website builder) to ClickPass in 2008. DC: Luck, relationships and thinking out of the box! I started out as a Corporate Lawyer in Hong Kong when I thought up a smartphone app and – not having a background in tech – partnered with a friend. Creating the product Last Night Never Happened was exhilarating and it was only a matter of time before we came up with a new idea; Echoer. WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR IDEA?
V
PN: After the Japanese Tsunami I was surprised and frustrated that the press didn’t have much truly expert information on what was happing in Fukushima. I thought that it would be incredibly valuable to be able to ask top Nuclear Physicists directly, and to see their answers to other people’s questions. DC: We live in an increasingly connected world, yet I have no idea what people in the same place or area as me are thinking or discovering... ‘Is the coffee any good?’ ‘Which exhibits at the show are worth checking?’ Echoer is unique among other apps; we rely on the ‘crowd’ to show you what matters most. THE PEMBROKIAN 8
Graphic: Nick Gulliver
WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST OUTCOME OF YOUR PRODUCT BECOMING MAINSTREAM?
V
PN: Live access to top people in all fields. The panellists profit by opening their doors and promoting themselves and the public benefit by getting unprecedented access to expertise. DC: From a user perspective, the aim is to enhance discovery of the world around you. From the team here, mainstream adoption will provide us with the user base, inputs and momentum (read as ‘funding’!!) that will allow us to continue developing. HOW IMPORTANT IS FINANCIAL VIABILITY?
V
PN: It’s extremely important. Pingpanel already has a paying, enterprise client – however much of the next year will be spent on making sure the product really delivers. DC: Very. Put simply, no money or business model means no onward development. We have ensured Echoer is monetizable from day one, creating a great model which allows us to monetize while bettering (and not bothering) the user experience. WHAT DO YOU PERSONALLY USE THE INTERNET FOR?
V
PN: I’m pretty geeky – almost all my usage is about software development; Hacker News (a developer news site), Stack Overflow (a programming community) and TechCrunch (top news source for Silicon Valley). My most used apps are my Kindle and my to-do list (OmniFocus).
DC: Search. When I was a Lawyer the Partners joked that Associates would use Google to look up terms and cases. My apps of choice are Instagram (a great photo app), RunKeeper (to track running progress and share routes with friends) and a game called Tiny Wings which I had to delete as it was far too addictive! HAVE YOU PLANS FOR A FOLLOW-UP?
V
PEMBROKE ALUMNI:
LEADING THE WAY INTO A DIGITAL FUTURE
PN: A product like this is always evolving; however I do have some particular targets in mind. One very exciting opportunity is the potential for providing SMS (text)-based Q &A in the Developing World, where there is limited access to the web, and no ‘search’. People communicate using only SMS and voice, the opportunity is there for, e.g. a woman in rural India to request authoritative information on her child’s illness via text and for other women in her community to subscribe to the incoming advice. ‘Browsing’ the web via text message is unthinkable- asking a question to a Panel and receiving a response is, however, extremely viable. DC: We have roadmaps of enhancements that will keep us busy for some time to come, including taking Echoer cross-platform (Android, Windows Mobile OS), creating a viable web application and pushing plans for third party integration. One exciting initiative we’re looking at we’re calling ‘Echoer Places’; without giving too much away, it will provide a whole new way for retailers and venues to shape experiences for, and interact with, users.
WHICH SITES/APP’S WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO THOSE LESS SAVVY?
V
PN: My internet usage is pretty mainstream. I can however recommend XKCD.com which does some very smart physics/maths/ computer comics. It’s geeky but very funny. (When I searched for bookmarks I had that contained ‘fun’, I could only find ones about ‘funding’- need to reassess my priorities!) DC: If you go online and google whatever your interest is plus the word ‘app’, the odds are high you’ll find something that relates to what you’re looking for. I second Peter’s recommendation for TechCrunch, and take a look at www.kickstarter.com, an online crowdsource dedicated to finding funding for new projects . There are some pretty fun early stage innovations to be found there. THE PEMBROKIAN 9
FOND FAREWELLS The College says goodbye and thank you to Brian Harvey & Len Weekes
T
his year we bid farewell to our much-loved Head Porter, Brian Harvey, who came to us over sixteen years ago and many thought would never leave, so much a part of the College has he become. Last year’s MCR President, Edvard Glücksman (2006), recalls “During my five years at Pembroke, I was always impressed by the fairness of Brian’s leadership and ability to unite the different, and sometimes highly opinionated, domains of College.” Fellow Porter Andy Hodgson adds, “I worked for Brian for almost 16 years and that’s the longest I’ve ever worked for one manager. He’s taught me to be fair in my dealings with people I meet, and to enjoy life’s ups and downs. For both of us there have been plenty of those! One story comes to mind, a chat I had with Brian and the Home Bursar about my heart surgery. When I told them that my mitral valve was leaking, Brian said “Put a sticking plaster on it - you’ll be fine!” That’s the measure of the man nothing fazes him and he has been a real joy to work for.” News of Brian’s departure prompted a flurry of emails from an impressively wide range of Alumni, from Robert Cooper (1956) to Jack Miller (2007), eager to pass on their good wishes and messages. Jack’s included the somewhat cryptic,
. .111_119ia
Len Weekes with the Master, Giles Henderson THE PEMBROKIAN 10
“Let him know that I’ll actually wear trousers on February 2nd in his honour (I was notorious for always wearing shorts, regardless of the weather!)”. The Graham family, including Andrew Graham (1969) and his daughters Natasha (1998) and Emma (2001) were amongst those with messages to share; Natasha writes, “Brian breathes such life and soul into Pembroke... He has been a dear friend to the Graham family over many years/generations”. Her father, Andrew, spoke of Brian as a “stalwart [who] has been a magnificent fixture in its history. In particular he had been a great friend and help to my late father, Reginald (1935), whose greatest love was the College.” Emma added, “He is the first to cheer you on at the crack of dawn as you go rowing and the last to wave you good night as you leave... I look forward to standing on the river banks with him in Eights Week over many years to come!” Jonny Coppel (2007) sums up with, “[Brian was] a great character to have around the College. I’m sorry you didn’t get to burn another boat, but I’m sure next time it happens, they will let you light the fire!”
And last orders for Len! Len Weekes is somewhat notorious as a man of mystery. Luckily Robert Wilson, Hall Steward, is able to fill in a few details, “Len is happily married and has just become a Great Grandfather. He’s a big dog lover and has three of his own. He is a massive supporter of Chelsea Football Club and his favourite tipple is whisky – preferably with Coke.” Current Entz Rep, Rob MacIntosh (2010) comments, “For years gone by, as Porter as well as Barman, his warm and welcoming personality has greeted many a Pembrokian in good times and in bad.”
Brian Harvey
Elizabeth Lane (2004) shares her memories, “It amazes me that he remembered every name and served us all with a great spirit (no pun intended)!” and Olga Koepping (1998) adds, “I remember quite a few evenings spent in the Bar, and can only hope that the photographic evidence isn’t still on the wall!” Andy Ley (1996) admits, “On the morning of my graduation I had to answer a few pointed questions from my parents about how I spent my time at College, after Len was the first person to approach and congratulate me!” And it is not just the undergraduates during Len’s tenure who contacted us. Terry Slesinski-Wykowski (1982) left before Len joined us, but wishes Len “a happy and healthy future and know how much you are esteemed by even infrequent visitors!” Two very different characters but each part of the fabric of the College; Brian, often the first to greet people coming through the Lodge – and Len, the man to provide an equally welcome drink in his Bar. They will both be missed by those who knew them: students, Alumni, Fellows, Staff and all friends of Pembroke.
BREAKFAST IN THE CITY: PEMBROKE STYLE Bacon, Eggs and Expert Analysis and Debate
T
his February saw the Development Office stage its 5th City Breakfast. This popular event gives Alumni the opportunity to meet before the business day starts, and discuss topical issues over a hot breakfast at the Walbrook Club, EC4. Our City Breakfasts mine the depth and breadth of the Pembroke Community bringing together experts in the field to engage in lively discussion where Chatham House rules apply to encourage free and frank debate.
“City Breakfasts mine the depth and breadth of the Pembroke Community” Our inaugural Breakfast in 2009 was kicked off by Jon Aisbitt (1975), Chairman of the Man Group plc. Joined by Chris Rokos (1989), Partner at Brevan Howard Asset Management, and Pembroke’s Professor Ken Mayhew, Fellow in Economics, the topic for discussion was ‘Life After Meltdown’ a subject revisited the next year with ‘How Much Longer Will This Last’, again with speakers Chris and Ken, but this time joined by Rob Barrie (1981), Head of European Economics at Credit Suisse – all uniquely placed to offer particular and invaluable insight. A second event held in 2010
Hector Sants
broadened the focus to the ‘Fortunes of the Middle East’, and for this meeting we were thrilled to announce expert speakers of extremely high calibre; Dr Elisabeth Kendall (1989), Pembroke’s Senior Research Fellow in Arabic and Islamic Studies, was joined by Dr Umayya Toukan (1980) Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, HRH Prince Khalid bin Bandar (1996), Founder and Executive Chairman of Dayim Holdings, Saudi Arabia, and Edward Oakden, outgoing HM Ambassador to the UAE. In March 2011 a change of venue was necessary to accommodate all those wishing to hear Hector Sants, parent of Alexander Sants (2007) and Chief Executive of the FSA as he spoke on ‘Lessons from the Crisis and the new Regulatory Landscape’. February’s event focused on the topic of Italy – a timely subject in light of the College’s increasing expertise in this field: an association further endorsed last June when President Napolitano visited the College. Ferdinando Giugliano (2003), then graduate student at Pembroke and ISO research assistant, has since taken a position at the Financial Times and was an ideal candidate to speak on the economics of Italy at our Breakfast. His basic argument was that it was not fiscal problems that have caused Italy near-collapse, but a structural growth problem. His position was reinforced with an impressive bank of statistics. He further opined that the austerity measures being undertaken, whilst undoubtedly important for reassuring creditor nations, are nonetheless unlikely to solve Italy’s underlying issues. He suggested that the new Government will need to get to grips with growth to secure the country for the future. We were delighted to secure as cospeaker John Lloyd, contributing editor at the Financial Times and co-founder
Edward Oakden, Dr Elisabeth Kendall & HRH Prince Khalid bin Bandar
of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford. He helped set the economics in context, talking about the political leanings of governments in Italy over the last century. His contribution mirrored his optimism that the new Government will be able to tackle problems effectively. Ed Conway (1999), Economics Editor at Sky News, spoke at the 2010 Breakfast and joined again this year, to enliven the debate with his suggestion that Europe adopt a fiscal transfer union, like the Oxford Colleges, to help sort things out in short/medium term. Pembroke’s Master, Giles Henderson, was delighted with the opportunity this gave him to point out that Pembroke itself was no longer a net recipient under the College Contributions Scheme. Plans are already in place for our next Breakfast, currently scheduled to take place in May. As the approximate anniversary of the ‘Arab Spring’ uprisings, our subject will focus on events in the Middle East, ‘One Year On’. Due to the topical nature of the City Breakfasts, events are often arranged with short notice and invitations are issued by email only. If you are not currently receiving these invitations, please contact juanita.hughes@pmb.ox.ac.uk THE PEMBROKIAN 11
PEMBROKE AND ACCESS A look at the challenges and opportunities surrounding this topical issue
S
ince 1997, when tuition fees were first introduced in the UK, increasing social mobility through widening access to University has been high on the political agenda. It is estimated that in the next academic year, the University of Oxford will be spending up to £11.35M on what has become broadly termed as ‘Access’. Here at Pembroke, Access activity is spearheaded by Rebecca Wilson, Admissions and Access Officer and Peter Claus, Senior Research Fellow in History and Schools Liaison Officer. Both – along with the participation of the University, the JCR, Alumni and Fellows – are looking at a long-term commitment to make a
FIRST PEMBROKE ACCESS ROADSHOW Rachael Lindsay (2009) reports on the first Pembroke Access Roadshow: “Last summer Lydia Levy, Alex Ogilvie, Robbie Griffiths and I travelled to Cheshire to visit four state schools in the area and speak to about 90 students about applying to Oxbridge. Perhaps the most important aim of our visit was to banish the myths about Oxbridge and we began with a presentation giving the facts- including the financial help available- about Oxford as well as a wonderful video on Pembroke life! Afterwards, we endeavoured to give students a taste of the tutorial system. We really felt that we changed some opinions on Oxford and had worthwhile discussions with some great young people”.
THE PEMBROKIAN 12
good University a realistic aspiration for those academically able students who may not consider it attainable - for whatever reason. In April 2011 the first review of Access and Admissions activity was undertaken, and a full Access Strategy is almost complete to encourage participation from a broader range of social backgrounds. The emphasis is very much on establishing long term relationships with schools and colleges, and the expectation is that these will, over time, yield results. The first challenge is to increase the numbers of talented and capable students applying to Oxbridge Colleges and Russell Group Universities. As the division between state and independent schools cannot be perceived as a wholly accurate measure of assessing individual students’ backgrounds, systems have been implemented to help define particular target groups as priorities. As part of a University-led initiative, each College has been appointed specific regions to work with; Pembroke is currently liaising with schools and sixth-form Colleges in the North West of England and Hammersmith and Fulham in London. Using data-selection from the ACORN and POLAR methodologies, Pembroke is focusing on increasing Open Days and school visits, and improving the information currently available via the official and alternative prospectus and the College and JCR website. The recent findings of the Sutton Trust emphasised the quantifiable benefits of attending Summer Schools, and Pembroke will this year be acting as one of the host Colleges for the UNIQ week-long Summer School. Findings by researchers at the University of Bristol suggest that 76 per cent of summer school attendees went on to Russell Group or 1994 Group universities, compared with
just 55 per cent of students with similar academic and social profiles who did not attend. Once students have been encouraged to apply, those candidates who may have potential for academic success, but have experienced educational, social and/or
“The emphasis is very much on establishing long term relationships” economic disadvantage, are flagged to assist tutors to determine their shortlists for interview. Once at interview stage, these candidates are subject to the same selection criteria as any other applicant; there is no preferential system in place to reduce entrance requirements or guarantee an offer. Activity does not stop once an offer is made. To assist students from non-traditional backgrounds attention is paid to ensuring such candidates thrive once they have embarked upon life in Oxford. The most notable success so far is the Pem-Brooke collaboration with BSix College in Hackney, currently in the process of being rolled out across the borough, which won awards in the Times Education Supplement (TES) Awards 2011. This scheme is based on providing academic programmes to challenge the best students and inspire them to aim higher. In a similar vein the College set up an academic essay prize with schools in the North West with the introduction of the Fred Walker Essay Prize involving the OUSU, Pembroke, Magdalen, St Hugh’s, Corpus Christi Colleges and the Canon Slade School in Bolton. Named after a former pupil of the latter, the competition invites entries from state schools/sixth form colleges in Bolton in the form of an essay on historical/current affairs topics.
Marked by College Tutors, the prize allows Pembroke to have a meaningful presence in the education system for students who may not have considered applying for a top university. A substantial gift from the David Tyler Trust, set up to honour a Pembroke alumnus from the 1930s, will help the College extend the essayprize concept further to other schools in the North West via the Roadshow. The College is also increasing its programme of school visits and its ability to play host, as well as offer mentoring, to aspiring sixth formers. Finally, the introduction of the Teach First bursary heralds the start of a positive commitment beyond the JCR for our undergraduates. However, despite these inroads being made, progress is slow. The demands on resources, finance and those individuals commited to improving access at the College are vast. As Mark Fricker, Academic Director, comments; “This is a long-term commitment. Building relationships is a priority and unfortunately, there are no quick-fixes if we want to effect real change, rather than cosmetic improvement”. For more information, contact Rebecca Wilson in the Admissions Office on rebecca.wilson@pmb.ox.ac.uk or visit www.offa.org.uk
GUIDE TO TERMS USED ACORN: a geodemographic segmentation of UK. David Tyler Trust: David Tyler, who studied at Pembroke in the 1930s, pioneered the use of pictorial charts - the precursors of the full range of contemporary ‘visual aids’ - in the UK school system. His late widow Dorothy established the Trust to support young talent in the arts, educational projects, as well as youth charities in Asia and Africa. ‘Flagged Candidates’: criteria for flagging: applicant has been in care; comes from the appropriate ACORN or POLAR dataset; comes from a school with GCSE performance or post-GSCE performance below the national average. Fred Walker: the son of a Bolton railway engineer, Fred Walker was an undergraduate in Oxford between 1909-12. He became a maths teacher before his life was ended in WWI. OUSU has been working with his old school, Canon Slade in Bolton, to celebrate his achievement by using his story to inspire a region historically under-represented in applications. OFFA: The Office for Fair Access, set up under the Higher Education Act of 2004. OFFAs role is “to promote and safeguard fair access to higher education for lower income and other under-represented groups”. This is achieved through working with Universities and Colleges across England helping approve Access agreements in which tuition fee limits are stated alongside the individual measures put in place by each institution to increase applications (such as outreach work and financial support). Progress is monitored on an annual basis. Whilst OFFA is, in itself, an independent body, its Director reports to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. OUSU: Oxford University Student Union. Pem-Brooke: established in 2008 with Brooke House College in Hackney, this award-winning scheme has allowed close mentoring of students and given them great insight what is attainable through Pembroke. POLAR: Participation Of Local Areas, a series of maps showing the participation of young people in higher education, by area. UNIQ: The University-based Summer School programme which replaced the Sutton Trust summer schools, funded by the Helsingham Foundation.
TEACH FIRST BURSARY Praised by Ofsted, Teach First is an education charity that recruits graduates into a two-year programme to work in challenging schools. Rachel Drake (2006) was one of Pembroke’s first recipients of the Bursary in 2011 “I am very grateful to Pembroke College for the generous award of the Teach First Bursary. Teach First aims to tackle educational disadvantage by placing graduates in such schools around the country. The programme is intense, starting with a six-week long summer training programme before the participants start work in the classroom in September. I am teaching French and German at a secondary school in Hartlepool and having completed my first seven weeks’ teaching, I have no doubt that the two year-long Teach First programme will be one of the most demanding, challenging but also rewarding stages of my career, whatever direction that may take me in.”
Photograph: Genesis Graphics Ltd
THE PEMBROKIAN 13
AHMAD KAHN (2009)
V
KATHERINE (2005) & RICHARD (2004)
V
IAN JOHNSTON (1986)
V
“Just a quick email in response to the message re. alumni news for the Pembrokian. Katherine Leeks and Richard Reading are getting married in Pembroke this year. We are both Pembroke alumni - he was the first person I met at Fresher’s Week!”
GEOFFREY HOFFMAN (1958)
V
@ASHHKHAN86: “In response to your tweet, I did the MPhil in Islamic History & Studies between 09-11 and I’ll be returning to the DPhil this October. Since June 2011, I’ve been working in the GCC with Deloitte (Middle East) in Financial Advisory Services.”
TAMSIN LEWIS (1988)
V
Geoffrey writes, “Having read English, I naturally qualified as a Solicitor and joined the Office of the Official Solicitor as Head of Conveyancing and Matrimonial Litigation. From there I took early retirement. All this time I had been writing poetry of varied kinds and have won 17 prizes. Please see my website, www. webspawner.com/users/barcarolle. I am happily married with three married daughters.
KATE ANDRÉO (2002)
V
Tamsin, director of the early music ensemble, Passamezzo (www. passamezzo.co.uk) has got in touch to say she is working on an intercultural project: “We’re collaborating with a group of Moroccan Sufi musicians, combining the two musical styles and performing in both countries.” More information can be found at www.entertainingmorocco.com.
ANNA NORMAN (1998)
V
Kate reports that she is “currently the Education Officer for Sazani Associates (www.sazaniassociates.org.uk), an INGO based in Carmarthen, Wales. We have just launched the CASA initiative recruiting skilled volunteers to work on various projects in Zanzibar, for a period of anything from 2 weeks to several months.” She recommends anyone who may be interested to download the full brochure from www.sazaniassociates.org.uk/casa
WILL PRICE (1990) & NICKY LUMB (1992)
V
Anna Norman (nee Krzyzanowska) wrote to let us know that her son Conolly Norman, was born on 21st November, and also that she is the Alumni Relations Officer at Magdalen.
V
NEWS, VIEWS, SCHMOOZE...
This page is for the Community to share their news and update fellow alumni on their whereabouts and life events. Further, if anyone is interested in promoting their business here by offering exclusive alumni discounts we welcome all contributions. Please contact Sophie Elkan on sophie.elkan@pmb.ox.ac.uk
Will and Nicky recently moved to Washington DC, with their one year old daughter Anya. Will is working for the World Bank and Nicky is developing her UK childrenswear company.
CHARLES XAVIER
1#0
_
&V,;Zt..Z.
r
EN
E- DURING A CRIAL E.ING A RENOWNED
GE,e71,715T.
THE PEMBROKIAN 14
Ian is working as a self-employed gardener. He won the Scottish Masters (age 35 and over) Indoor 3000 metres Championship in Glasgow in February and sings bass in the Choir of St. Peter’s Church, Berkhamsted, who performed in Vienna last Summer and recently recorded a CD. It has come to our attention that our Wikipedia entry has been amended to add details of a previously-overlooked alumnus; Charles Francis Xavier, more popularly known as Professor X, of X Men fame. Old Quad was immortalised in the comic in 2001 (see left). Michael Berliner (2004) posted the image on our Alumni Facebook page, and the MCR have thrown themselves into pursuing the connection. Any updates will follow! Cartoon: © Marvel and Subs.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED With such a wealth of successful, informed, expert Alumni, we thought we’d dedicate the back page to an expert recommendation, between friends...
This month, Oz Clarke (1967) shares his top choice for spring fizz: Breaky Bottom Brut Cuvée 2006
East Sussex, England,
T
C(JVEE Rbir.RqE:
BRUT
here’s no more beautiful vineyard in Britain. The world has grander sites, more opulent spreads, more dramatic escarpments draped with vines, but Breaky Bottom is about heart and soul. You take a glorious but bumpy ride across the crest of the Downs, with Beachy Head jutting seawards far off to your left, and suddenly, way below you, in a tiny valley so tight it’s more of a cleat than a fold in the hills, you see two patches of vines, one small, one even smaller, dappled by Sussex sun, and a flint-faced cottage so tranquil that hard-eyed bankers would weep to possess it. They’ll never get their hands on it. Peter Hall, whose nut-brown face radiates calm and generosity, has fought for these precious acres since 1974, has been felled by money, bureaucracy, neighbourly nastiness and nature, but has always struggled back to his feet, lit himself a grubby roll-up Gauloise, and continued to make one of England’s greatest sparkling wines - which he’ll share with you if you make the pilgrimage. Available exclusively from waitrosewine.com THE PEMBROKIAN 15
SS: E R P SIOP PeE55: s a t Torpid a a-Tor/9;ds STOP eidni headsh;t9 ip h s d a he mmer
u im iss S donY n155 6anyner VIII cla pr;n-t— ’t m n t o 1s d ’s t n in e me; is5 M go to pr where we 50 we start e toe ore toe r e f week 6efore e h b w k e 2012 12 e er. w May 20 n the riv o 6th Ma 2 d – n d r o 6.31r15 23r-26M 3 c 2 e 4Ji /y;n5 seeond on Me r;ver. ightsAseh Mi and lying s Ewith 1 and W1 M h t o b with
Ph otographs:, top downPhotographs Richard Watson, top down- Richard Watson, Hannah Johnst on, ww w.pembrokejcr.org Hannah Johnston, wwwpenthrokejctorg
• ffitillt i 1. 4...
Help Us Push Ahead
Pembroke depends on the support of alumni and friends to enable us to sustain and improve our student experience. Gifts to the Annual Fund deliver opportunities for our current student body, both undergraduate and post-graduate, to get the very best out of their time with us. Please join with those who give a small amount every month to help us achieve our goals. The combined weight of all our contributors makes a huge difference in College. We use your donations to provide more teaching hours, award graduate scholarships, undertake improvement projects, enhance our library resources and to run our Annual Fund Student Grants Scheme whereby group activities can apply for direct support from what you give - it’s amazing how much our student societies can achieve with a small share of your generosity. Join our growing band of Annual Fund supporters by giving whatever you can and we’ll put it all to good use. Thank you!
S
RP
Pembroke College Oxford OX1 1DW www.pembrokecollege.org 01865 276 501 Registered Charity No. 1137498
MiNNUAL FUND jP2111177 501.:Afr 1 gat enhancing Pembroke today www.pembrokecollege.org/netcommunity/giveonline