Connected Issue 06_2015
Reasons To Be Proud Of Reading We share a few proud moments from our long-standing history P18
Learning From Our Rural Heritage A major new refurbishment will transform MERL into an interactive, collaborative experience P12
Sensors And Sensibility We asked Chris Justice what we can learn from the earth P30
BRINGING HOPE TO THE HOPELESS Saul Lehrfreund MBE talks about his work at the Death Penalty Project PAGE 4
Connected | Welcome | 03
The Diverse Law Firm
WELCOME Clarkslegal is delighted to continue supporting the University of Reading’s House of Lords Alumni Reception. We are extremely proud to have been associated with the University of Reading for decades and to have worked with them on many of their most significant projects in recent years. “Clarkslegal has provided the University of Reading with excellent support for decades, including throughout our recent innovative and groundbreaking projects. We are always grateful for their straightforward commercial advice, their real commitment to understanding our objectives and values and their desire to ensure a close working relationship with us as a client” David Savage
Chief Operating Officer, University of Reading
For more information Call 0118 958 5321 Scan
www.clarkslegal.com
You may notice that this year our alumni magazine is rather different, both in content and design. At the end of last year, we asked you to tell us what you wanted from the alumni programme at Reading. Thanks to your feedback, we have been able to shape Connected into a more engaging and interesting magazine. As always, we welcome your feedback and invite you to email alumni@reading.ac.uk with any comments. The past year has been an interesting and positive time for the University. From our successful REF results, to our improved rankings, we have shown that the University of Reading is not only maintaining its position but constantly improving. We are determined to keep up the momentum and prove that, for Reading, the opportunities really are limitless. Supporting this, the next 12 months will be one of the most significant years in the University’s post-war history.
In February, we will be officially opening our state-of-the-art University of Reading Malaysia campus. This is a big, bold statement of our ambitions. We are passionate about the country; proud to be investing in one of the fast-growing economies in Asia; and being part of a thriving, dynamic society. This is our fifth campus. Our colleagues, students and alumni in Malaysia will play a full part in Reading’s day to day life – helping us project our research, learning and teaching onto the global stage. At the same time, we will set and maintain the same academic standards and expectations in Malaysia as in the UK. We will be marking the 90th anniversary of our being granted full university status in March 2016. We hope that you will join us in celebrating this momentous occasion. We are very proud of our history – our Reasons to be Proud of Reading article on page 18 highlights some of what makes us a truly special institution, that has pioneered social change as well as maintaining a history of academic excellence.
Also in this edition of Connected, you will meet Saul Lehrfreund, a human rights lawyer whose work with the DPP (Death Penalty Project) has led to outstanding results, challenging the death penalty all over the world. Additionally, over the following pages, are the stories of renowned scientist Chris Justice and some alumni who are proving successful in the food and drink industry. We also showcase the celebrations of several departmental anniversaries, your news, information on how you can get involved and much more. I hope you enjoy this issue and, as always, I welcome your feedback. This is, after all, your magazine and I hope it helps you to stay connected with us wherever your life has taken you since graduating. THANK YOU for your continuing interest in, and support for, the University of Reading. SIR DAVID BELL KCB, Vice-Chancellor
CONTENTS Hope for the hopeless ................................ 04
Anniversaries ................................................. 28
Alumni survey ................................................ 44
University news ............................................. 10
Sensors and sensibility .............................. 30
Your news ......................................................... 46
Learning from our rural heritage ........... 12
Get Involved – Volunteer ........................... 32
Friends and condolences ........................... 53
Alumni in food and drink ............................ 14
Outdoor learning .......................................... 34
Giving to Reading ......................................... 54
Reasons to be proud of Reading ............. 18
Alumni profiles .............................................. 38
Noticeboard .................................................... 55
Your decades .................................................. 22
Welcome new alumni .................................. 40
Library 50th anniversary ........................... 26
Events ................................................................ 42
04 | Bringing Hope To The Hopeless | Connected
Connected | Bringing Hope To The Hopeless | 05
BRINGING HOPE TO THE HOPELESS This year marks the 50th anniversary of the abolition of the death penalty in the UK, but in many other countries capital punishment is still a possibility.
n 1992 Saul came across an unusual job advertisement. “It was for a job in a small London law firm,” he remembers, “called Simons, Muirhead and Burton, to help them do death penalty work, taking cases from the commonwealth Caribbean before the Privy Council. These people needed to access the final court of appeal based in London and none of them had any money so the firm offered pro bono legal assistance.” Founder Bernard Simons needed help with a growing caseload and Saul took on the job.
I
The job ‘training’ consisted of being handed files and told to get to work, and then, just a month later, being given a one-way ticket to Jamaica. “I’d gone from a regular London
life to finding myself in downtown Kingston spending the best part of a month visiting death row every day, with people in a desperate situation. I found it very difficult, draining, intimidating and quite scary to
want to help. They were human beings and their humanity was intact in spite of the way they were being treated in this awful prison. They were in terrible conditions, suffering horrible ill-treatment, from warders
“The impact of the work of the DPP in Kenya and Commonwealth Africa is immense, because over the last five years the highest courts in Uganda, Malawi and Kenya have handed down decisions on mandatory death sentences which can all be directly linked to the assistance rendered by the DPP.” Timothy Bryant, Attorney, Kenya have that responsibility. But at the same time I did actually feel that I had the skills to help, and the way that the individuals I was assisting related to me made me
and the other inmates – the whole thing was just shocking. I came back from that experience deeply motivated to carry on.”
Saul Lehrfreund MBE has worked for the last 25 years on the Death Penalty Project (DPP), an organisation that offers free legal assistance to some of the poorest people in the world who are in desperate situations.
06 | Bringing Hope To The Hopeless | Connected
Connected | Bringing Hope To The Hopeless | 07
“I have now gained my freedom once again after 27 years of incarceration. I wish to express my most sincere and heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful and splendid job that you and your colleagues have done for me in my time of need and despair.” Rajendra Krishna, Former death row prisoner, Trinidad and Tobago
We managed to get 900 people, everyone facing the death penalty, off death row.
When Bernard suddenly died six months later, Saul became the main person responsible for the death penalty cases. Later he was joined by Parvais Jabbar, and in 2006 the Death Penalty Project, an independent charity, was formed. Success stories In the past 25 years, Saul and the DPP have had incredible success in restricting the death penalty and saving lives. The first breakthrough came shortly after Saul
joined the firm. The case was called Pratt and Morgan and challenged the amount of time people were being held on death row. “Two men, Earl Pratt and Ivan Morgan had been on death row in Jamaica for nearly 15 years and had faced three execution warrants. We argued the fact that they had been sentenced to death, not death and 15 years languishing on death row, alternating between hope and despair. We won the case in London before the Privy Council.” This meant that anyone who had spent more than five years on death row could not be executed. Saul explains, “it was a landmark case because it applied not only to Jamaica, but throughout the entire Caribbean. With that one case over 400 prisoners came off death row. It just changed everything.” Another crucial result was the abolition of the mandatory death penalty. “Under the old law, anyone convicted of murder would be sentenced to death. That was the only option – the judge had no discretion. It was up to the executive to decide whether or not you would be executed or receive clemency. The idea that politicians should make that decision was, to us, wrong. It took
many years of challenges but eventually we managed to convince the judiciary to outlaw the mandatory death penalty and introduce discretion, which meant that the judges would have to make a decision on a case-by-case basis. The death penalty became the maximum sentence, but not the only sentence.” Strategic cases such as these meant that word of the DPP began to spread. “We got a call out of the blue from a team of lawyers in Uganda who had seen our work and wanted us to help challenge the mandatory death penalty in their country. We managed to get 900 people, everyone facing the death penalty, off death row. It was a massive class action. We’ve done the same in Malawi. We’re doing the same in Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana. We operate by supporting local lawyers. Ultimately they are not our countries, but if we are asked to help we will always try to assist. Our mantra has always been we never work unless we are invited to go somewhere.” The DPP have also succeeded in using battered wife syndrome as a defence in some countries. “There was the case of Lavern Longsworth in Belize. Lavern was convicted of murdering her husband who had been physically, emotionally and financially abusing her for years. We sent out a fantastic psychiatrist who assessed Laverne and clearly established that she was suffering from mental health problems as a result of the years of abuse by her husband. We took this evidence to the court of appeal in Belize; they substituted her murder conviction for manslaughter and reduced her sentence from life to eight years.” Saul and Parvais are changing the world day by day but, as Saul is eager to point out, it wouldn’t be possible with the two of them alone. Not only are they still supported by Simons Muirhead and Burton, and a dedicated team at DPP, but a whole army of volunteers help them with all
FACTS
In 2014 there were the fewest number of executions in the USA for over 20 years
108 19 Only one country in
countries in the world have abolished the death penalty States in the USA have abolished the death penalty
Europe
still practices the death penalty
In 1965, the UK abolished the death penalty for murder – and it was removed for all offences, including treason, in 1998
aspects of their work. “We are supported by a huge network of barristers, doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, criminologists and academics, who all give us their time pro bono. So while we have a really small core staff of five or six people, at any one time there might be 100 people working for us. It’s a great model which allows us to have leading experts in their fields supporting our litigation.” The DPP is essentially about providing free legal representation. It is not a political campaign – it is an organisation that uses the law to protect people who have suffered miscarriages of justice or unfair legal treatment.
The argument for abolition “Is the death penalty really appropriate in this day and age? asks Saul. “Surely there must be another way. Over the 25 years we’ve been fighting for people facing the death penalty, the world has changed. Use of the death penalty is diminishing quite rapidly. While there are spikes, the overall global trends are very positive. A lot of countries have the death penalty on the statute books but they haven’t actually executed anyone for more than ten years. So I think the timing of our work is right and we are part of a movement that will see the global abolition of the death penalty within 10 or 20 years.”
8 | Bringing Hope To The Hopeless | Connected
The death penalty is preserved for the most vulnerable groups, including the poor, the marginalised and people with mental health problems.
There are other factors at stake too. Saul points out that it isn’t just about morality. “Error is inevitable. No criminal justice system will ever be perfect enough to maintain capital punishment. It isn’t just about moralising, it is quite pragmatic. Miscarriages of justice are inevitable and, if you have the death penalty, you have to think long and hard about consequences and the fact that it is irreversible. In the US there have been 154 innocence cases since they reinstated the death penalty in 1972. That is one innocent person for every nine that have been executed. It’s absolutely terrifying. You don’t need to get into the morality once you accept those statistics.” Saul is in a position to see what few others can – the people themselves who are being sentenced to death. “A very large number of the people who we represent are severely mentally disordered and these factors have never been taken into account. It’s worrying that these are the people who are ultimately being sentenced to death.” He recalled the case of Sheldon
Connected | Bringing Hope To The Hopeless | 9
Isaac in St Kitts “We went to see these men on death row and one of them could barely walk – he was being assisted by his cellmate who was one of the defendants that we were representing. It turned out that Sheldon had such severe brain damage that he couldn’t function properly and was being looked after by other prisoners. It was really traumatic to think that he had gone through a trial, through an appeal, had been represented, and nobody thought for one second that this man was so mentally ill that there is no way he should have ever stood trial. We won his case, his conviction was quashed and now he’s being looked after by his family. It still concerns me to think that had happened in the first place. The reality is that the death penalty is preserved for the most vulnerable groups, including the poor, the marginalised and people with mental health problems, that is the truth of the situation.” The cases that Saul and his colleagues work with every day are incredibly moving and thought-provoking, but some stand
“Thanks for your hard work in proving my innocence. I’m trying to make the most of my life… and am working on publishing a book. I went to a school the other day to tell them the importance of reading. Thanks guys.” Francis ‘Chino’ Eiley, former prisoner convicted of murder, Belize
out more than others. “One of the stories that stays with me is when myself, Parvais and Sir Keir Stamer QC (an honorary graduate of Reading and former Director of Public Prosecution who is now an MP), went to Uganda to visit, so we thought, a few of the prisoners. We went into a prison yard that was in blazing sunshine and there were 400 people sitting, cross-legged, folded arms, in white tunic uniforms, just waiting to speak to us. All we could do was tell them we would try our best to help them. And we did. We won all their cases. It’s moments like that when you realise how small you are and how important other things are.” Keeping promises So what does the future hold for the DPP? “We started, so we’ve got to finish” laughs Saul. “We need to strengthen the rule of law and the criminal justice systems as a whole, to make sure that people have fair trials and to refocus people’s attention away from sentencing as a solution to crime. By the time you get to the death
penalty it is too late. The crime has happened; there are victims to those crimes and people who are related to the victims of those crimes. We know this is not just about the prisoner – there are lots of people affected – but you are not going to improve the world in that sense by executing people 30 years after the event, or 5 years or even 1 year. You need to think ahead and ask how we, as societies, can be fairer and create a better world to live in – one where we protect all of our citizens. You have to change the rhetoric, away from retribution to actually trying to really tackle the causes of crime.” “Then”, he concludes, “you won’t need lawyers like us anymore because there will be more justice in the world.” To read more about the Death Penalty Project please visit www.deathpenaltyproject.org
“The law faculty at Reading was very supportive. I didn’t go the traditional route but they still supported me and there was an aftercare system. Once I had left, the University still kept in contact with me. I had a great time at University. I played football for the University when not studying law. I enjoyed my time at Reading and received an excellent education. I can thoroughly recommend it.” Saul Lehrfreund MBE
Share your memories of Reading on our social media sites, or by filling in a profile at http://alumni.reading.ac.uk/alumniprofiles
Connected | University News | 11
10 | University News | Connected
UNIVERSITY NEWS STRENGTHENING OUR RESEARCH REPUTATION
UNIVERSITY OPENS NEW BRIDGES HALL
The University of Reading has strengthened its standing as a leading research institution in the biggest national assessment of UK university research.
Many alumni with fond memories of their days at Bridges Hall were saddened to hear of its demolition. But its replacement, which opened its doors to 649 students this year, is a stunning successor.
Reading ranked 27 out of 154 institutions by research power, a measure of both the quality and quantity of research, in the Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF). 98% of Reading’s research was rated as internationally recognised, 78% was classed as internationally excellent and 27% as world leading.
As well as a new Junior Common Room social space, warden’s flat, launderette and hall offices, the new Bridges Hall – in the same corner of the Whiteknights campus – includes a number of tenperson flats, with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. In addition, a small number of premium en-suite rooms are available.
Reading shone in several REF units of assessment including:
In line with the University’s dedication to sustainability, the redevelopment includes a number of environmentally sustainable features and, as a result, has achieved the highest environmental standard under international assessment BREEAM.
• Earth Systems & Environmental Sciences (3rd in UK for research power) • Agriculture, Veterinary & Food Science (4th in UK for research power) • Architecture, Built Environment & Planning (6th in UK for research power) • Classics (3rd in UK for research outputs) • Typography (1st in UK for research quality)
Charlie Holman, from the Students’ Union (RUSU), said: “An integral and defining aspect of the University of Reading is to have so many halls located on our green and spacious Whiteknights campus. It creates a close knit and friendly campus community within a diverse student environment and also means that students only have to walk for five minutes to be at their lectures in the morning. It’s excellent to see that as the University is expanding this aspect is being preserved.”
The Learning Hub
OUR NEW LEARNING HUB IS ‘WOWING’ VISITORS The Institute of Education’s new resource centre, the Learning Hub, definitely has the wow factor. In fact, as Director Karen Goulding explains, that’s the most common response from visitors when they first enter the building. “People sometimes ask what the space is for; some ask whether it is a library or a shop. It is neither, and this blurring of purpose of the building is an element that perhaps gives the space a unique and distinctive edge; it has moved away from the ordinary to the extraordinary by adjusting the expectations of what a resource centre should look like.”
OF OUR RESEARCH IS INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED (REF 2014)
VC Sir David Bell visiting new Bridges Hall
NEWS FLASH New School of Architecture The University of Reading will be opening a new School of Architecture in 2016. Leading the new School will be Lorraine Farrelly who joins the University as the Foundation Professor of Architecture. Recruitment for the first intake of around 40 students begins later this year.
The Learning Hub was officially opened by bestselling children’s author and illustrator Ian Beck in February 2015. Since then it has hosted many visitors from famous children’s authors to Vint Cerf, one of the fathers of the internet. One perfect example of the different approach in practice was directly funded by alumni donations. These supported the purchase of PENpal books, which are designed to make books more accessible to a diverse audience. Unlike ordinary paper books, PENpal books use ‘sound spots’, located in the corner of each page. When touched by the PENpal device, the sensors inside the page borders are activated. The result is the book effectively ‘talks’ to the reader. PENpal texts are available in 55 different languages.
98%
Vint Cerf visiting the Learning Hub
Ready to be wowed? Drop in to the Learning Hub on the London Road campus.
Green Award The University of Reading’s stunning Whiteknights campus has once again been judged as one of the best green spaces in the country, with the award of the prestigious Green Flag for the fifth year in a row. Reading Rankings Reading has had great success in the league tables this year. Currently we are ranked 25th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide, 29th by the complete University Guide and 32nd in The Times Good University Guide. We are listed as 156 in the world by the QS World University Rankings, our highest ever position.
12 | Learning From Our Rural Heritage | Connected
LEARNING FROM OUR RURAL HERITAGE
Connected | Learning From Our Rural Heritage | 13
While the project has attracted significant Lottery funding, generous donations from Reading alumni will make all the difference.
‘Our Country Lives’, a major redevelopment project at the Museum of English Rural Life, will give students and visitors a fresh perspective on our rural heritage and modern farming techniques.
he Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) has been part of the University since 1951. It houses the UK’s most comprehensive collection of objects, books and archives relating to the history of food, farming and the countryside.
T
It’s a fantastic resource for students across a range of disciplines – from history and archaeology to agriculture, food science, environmental management and more. As a growing proportion of our research focuses on the challenges involved in securing sustainable societies – responding to issues such as food security, population growth and climate change – its value to Reading will increase. But today’s museums must do more to attract visitors – so MERL is currently undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment to create a more interactive learning environment. The refurbishment, entitled Our Country Lives, will be completed in summer 2016. It will highlight the connections between rural life, past and present, and modern urban lives. Addressing questions of identity, environment, sustainability and health, it will bring English rural history to life, put previously unseen exhibits on display for the first time, and provide a richer visitor experience. Our Country Lives received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Wellcome Trust, DCMS Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund and the Headley Trust. Generous donations also came from the Friends and our alumni. As always, we are very grateful for your support, which will allow us to complete this ambitious project for the benefit of students and visitors.
WHAT WILL BE DIFFERENT • New exhibits that offer a more interactive and digital learning experience • Extended galleries and redesigned visitor spaces including ground-breaking learning spaces and additional facilities • Previously unseen treasures that can now be displayed for the first time • A redesigned garden with improved play facilities for children and new food and crop-based planting exhibitions • Lectures and events which are open to alumni, students and local people
HOW TO GET INVOLVED • Join our family forums and help to shape the project • Follow our blog at http://blogs.reading. ac.uk/merl/ • Join our mailing list at http://www. reading.ac.uk/merl/whatson/ merl-mailinglist.aspx • Donate to the project. Find out more by emailing alumni@reading.ac.uk • Visit the Museum! The refurbished MERL will open in summer 2016.
14 | Alumni In Food And Drink | Connected
Connected | Alumni In Food And Drink | 15
KAVALAN CAN
Ian Chang, Food Science BSc, 1999
Share your story at http://alumni.reading.ac.uk/alumniprofiles
Ian Chang Food Science BSc, 1999 Ian is a master blender of Kavalan Whiskey Distillery and this year he received the prestigious World’s Best Single Malt Whiskey award and Master Distiller of the Year award.
“…it all began with Reading. I am so grateful to the University for my vast amount of knowledge…”
Ian told us why he likes working for Kavalan, what he is most proud of and why Reading is so special for people who want to work in the food industry.
orking as a master blender, everyday I experience new challenges and learn more, which makes this a job full of excitement. As well as being the master blender and the brand ambassador, I have recently taken over as Head of Global Business Development. Not only do I promote and introduce Kavalan whisky to people, I also take the responsibility of exporting Kavalan whisky. This opportunity is amazing as I have many chances to meet people from the industry and learn from the experts.
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The recent awards are very honourable, not only for me but also for the company and the owner, Mr Lee. It has been ten years since we started distilling whisky. Being the first and only whisky distillery in Taiwan, it was not easy to start everything from zero. However, we have made it and I am so proud of everyone in the team. Over the past decade, the Kavalan distillery has received more than 100 medals at international competitions. Each year we improve ourselves and
learn new techniques and knowledge. The awards and the comments from consumers are very important for all of us. These achievements along with the great support from the consumers encourage us to keep moving forwards. But it all began with Reading. I am so grateful to the University for my vast amount of knowledge in food technology, food chemistry and microbiology, which are all the scientific disciplines that a good whisky blender requires! The members of staff at Reading are very approachable and supportive with every student which makes a big difference – especially if you encountered difficulties as I did. During my four years at Reading I became very independent and mature, not just as a young person living abroad but, most importantly, as a student undertaking the studies. The city itself is so vibrant and friendly, I would therefore say that Reading (the University and the city) is a perfect environment for both studying and living and I have many happy memories of my time there.
16 | Alumni In Food And Drink | Connected
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THE MOON IS THE LIMIT
Vivien Wong and her brother Howard, are the successful founders of Little Moons, a dessert specialist. Vivien told us what inspired the product and what the greatest challenges have been.
Vivien Wong, Business Economics BA, 2001
FOOD SCIENCE BSc, 1965
FOOD BIOSCIENCES PhD, 2009
David Darts
Lucy Chove
I was unique in the course I was doing because I was the very first male Food Science student at Reading. For my first job I chose to join Ranks Hovis McDougall (RHM) in process control and product development. After four years I joined Ryvita Co in Poole, in order to move into management. I was there for 23 years and in 1975, I was appointed to the board as the Product Director. I left in 1992 and after a couple of short term posts I set up as a Management Consultant.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Reading? I chose my course because I had always been interested in food! Also my mum made a good point when she said “No matter what, people have to eat.” I had looked through the literature produced for an HND by a Food Technology College that had whet my appetite, but I was keen to aim higher and get a degree. My headmaster recommended Reading. I had to jump through a few hoops to get in and had to do ‘O’ and ‘A’ level Physics within one year before I was accepted.
What does the University mean to you and what is your favourite memory? I spent such an informative and developmental time at Reading and it had a huge impact on me. I visited the University recently and it was very nostalgic. The friendships I have made have been a great joy to me over the years. We discovered the dessert whilst travelling in Asia and the USA and thought it was brilliant and unlike anything else we had ever tasted. We just had to make this mochi ice-cream product over in the UK. We wanted to build a brand to sell to retail but realised this product was so new that we needed to test and educate the market before spending money on branding it. So we decided initially to offer it to restaurants exclusively. Our mochi became a bestselling dessert at Yo! Sushi, selling a million pieces a year which gave us the encouragement and confidence to brand the product for retail. Still, the greatest challenge has been educating the market about this new
texture. The ‘Q’ texture, a term coined by Cathy Erway, describes the slightly chewy consistency of mochi as: “Q is to texture what umami is to taste”. Also, being a food manufacturer in the UK comes with its own challenges! Contract manufacturing was never an option for us with this product so I had to learn how to be a manufacturer… the phase ‘jump and grow wings on the way down’ is particularly apt for me. But it has definitely been worth it. Every time I see someone enjoying our mochis, I feel incredibly happy and reading all the tweets from people across the UK who have tried and loved our mochi makes me super proud. Another proud moment was seeing our products on the shelves of Selfridges and Whole foods – that was
a significant moment for us. One day I hope to see Little Moons Mochi for sale across Europe, UAE and Asia. I would like it to be recognised as an established food group.
MY MEMORIES OF READING I will always remember walking across our beautiful campus to lectures. I think it was a really privileged time in my life when I could devote my time to academic learning and self-growth. I met my closest friends at Reading and so we have plenty of great memories of nights out at RG1s, Utopia, Wednesday night shenanigans at the Hall of Residence.
I am a lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Technology at the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Tanzania. I am the wife of Professor Bernard Chove (current Head of Department and fellow Reading alumnus) and a mother of two lovely children Twilumba and Lupyana. Besides lecturing undergraduate and postgraduate students in various courses, I have a wide practical experience in all aspects of food processing and preservation, nutrition, product development and Small and Medium food processor’s training. I am also actively involved in research.
Why did you choose to do a PhD at the University of Reading? When my husband was studying at Reading (Food Biosciences 2001), I visited the Department several times and was impressed by the facilities, especially the pilot plant! I had never seen anything like that before!
What was the best bit about living and studying in Reading? The international community in Reading is so diverse. I was able to interact with people from all over the world, from Australia to Iceland! I learned a lot academically and socially. In addition, being a mother of two (aged five and six in 2005), meant that I had the opportunity to interact with school teachers, workers and parents.
FOOD SCIENCE MSc, 1967
Ju Boo Lim After gaining my MSc in Food Science from the University of Reading, I worked as a research nutritionist with the Ministry of Health in Malaysia until my retirement in 1994.
What was the best bit about living and studying in Reading? I enjoyed living in Reading, I remember that the people were very friendly. I am retired now, but I feel obliged to give back to society and, in particular, to the University of Reading. It’s the education I got at Reading that gave me everything I have today.
What does the University mean to you and what is your favourite memory? I think my course mates and my lectures are my fondest memories. I also enjoyed staying in England and learning about English culture – although I wasn’t so fond of English food. Besides the University, I think England is a beautiful country. I like the four seasons, which we don’t get here in tropical Malaysia.
Why did you decide to give to the University of Reading? I just feel obligated to give back to society, and to the University in particular who gave me that valuable education. Without that education I would be nowhere in society. I thank the University of Reading. Share your story at http://alumni.reading.ac.uk/alumniprofiles
18 | Proud Of Reading | Connected
Connected | Proud Of Reading | 19
REASONS TO BE PROUD OF
READING For more than 100 years, University of Reading (formerly Reading University College) staff and students have been breaking new ground in terms of civil rights, as well as showing solidarity with individuals and institutions in need. Here are just a few examples of how Reading has helped to build a more equal, fairer society. OUR FORMER VC CREATED A LEGAL PLATFORM FOR GAY RIGHTS John Frederick Wolfenden, Baron Wolfenden CBE, become Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading in 1950. While in this post he chaired the Wolfenden Committee, who in 1957 produced a report to the Government that recommended the decriminalisation of homosexuality. Although some at the time applauded Baron Wolfenden, less tolerant views were widespread with the Daily Mail at the time declaring “proposals to legalise degradation in our midst”. Ten years later, the Sexual Offences Act finally made the committee’s recommendations law. In an article on Pink News, Sir David Bell said: “It would be a caricature to see John Wolfenden as some ahead-of-his-time visionary or free thinker. Indeed in many
WE APPOINTED THE FIRST FEMALE PROFESSOR IN THE UK
should have equal place in academia and society drove her to be an inspiring and motivating force for the young people around her.
In 1908, WM Childs (first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading), appointed Edith Morley as Professor of English Language – the first woman to obtain the title of professor at a British university.
Over 100 years on, the University celebrates this part of its history by holding an annual lecture in memory of Edith Morley. This year, it was given by two alumnae – Laura Tobin (meteorologist and Good Morning Britain weather presenter) and Rhianna Dhillon (BBC Radio 1 film critic).
In her unpublished memoir, she wrote that she regarded the struggle about her position and title as her “…contribution to the battle for fair dealing for women in public and professional life.” Professor Morley was a formidable academic presence, known for her dedication to her subject, her students and her cause. Her belief that women
A plaque honouring Professor Morley was unveiled in 2014 by Sir David Bell and alumna, novelist and journalist, Joan Smith who delivered the Edith Morley lecture in that year.
Laura Tobin and Rhianna Dhillon
Robertson, RUSU Diversity and Integration Co-ordinator, writes:
A rainbow flag is raised on campus annually in celebration of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
ways, he was a rather old-fashioned and traditional man (he had, after all, been the headmaster of two public schools). But crucially, he was in that great English liberal tradition and was a man who believed in tolerance, freedom and – yes – fair play.” The legacy of Wolfenden’s work has been immense, and surely unimaginable to the members of the Committee at the time. Today, Reading’s LGBT+ group is thriving, and recently won a diversity award. Jamie
The University of Reading beat 200 student unions from across the country to win the ‘LGBT Event of the Year’ at this year’s NUS LGBT+ Conference. The events in our month long celebration of LGBT+ History Month were organised and run by Reading University Students’ Union’s LGBT+ Officer Tommy Snipe and Reading University LGBT+ Society. Tommy said: ‘We are ecstatic to receive this award. By celebrating History Month we not only recognise the achievements we have made so far in terms of LGBT+ rights, but also we give ourselves a platform to express what more has to be done. With our events we aimed to be as representative of the LGBT+ community as possible – not just showing the work of white gay men – and I am glad we managed to achieve that.’
Why are you proud of being an alumnus of the University of Reading – tweet us @UniRdg_Alumni
20 | Proud Of Reading | Connected
Connected | Proud Of Reading | 21
WE WERE THE ONLY UK UNIVERSITY TO SUPPORT EDUCATION IN HIROSHIMA IN THE 1950s
2015 is the 70th anniversary year of the deployment of the world’s first atomic bomb, and the University marked the occasion by holding a special Hiroshima at 70 symposium.
In the bombing of Hiroshima in WWII, Hiroshima University’s (HU) buildings were incinerated and the majority of students and staff died.
Sir David Bell said: “The event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our special relationship with the University of Hiroshima in Japan. To the best of our knowledge we were the only British university, alongside a small number of American universities, including Princeton, to answer the call of support for the peace library. The manga comics and the tiles were donated to the University both in thanks and in the hope that they would represent a world free of war and nuclear weapons. They are a clear message of peace rather than simply of commemoration.”
In the early 1950s, HU reached out for help to support the rebuilding process, asking universities across the globe for books for a peace library and seeds to bring the charred campus back to life. Reading was the first and one of the very few to respond, sending both books and seedlings. Some 60 years later we received, as a thank you from HU, a collection of roof tiles from the riverbed near the hypocentre of the blast and a full set of manga comics, the Barefoot Gen series, depicting a child’s eye view of the bomb.
22 | 1930s/1940s Facts | Connected
Connected | 1930s/1940s Your News | 23
YOUR DECADES 1930s/1940s DO YOU REMEMBER?
Mansfield Hall was purchased in 1945
Hillside was purchased in 1949 to provide extra accommodation for students at Wantage Hall. It is now part of the Allcroft Road development and contains postgraduate flats
Sir Franklin Sibly was Vice-Chancellor until 1946, then it was Sir Frank Stenton In 1946 there were 793 students at the university
ERA The top pop artists of the 1940s were Glenn Miller, The Ink Spots, Bing Crosby, Joe Loss Orchestra, Artie Shaw and The Andrews Sisters
The microwave was invented · M&Ms were created · Ballpoint pens went on sale The ‘Big Bang’ theory was formulated
Gone With The Wind was the biggest grossing film at the cinema
Princess Elizabeth and Phillip Mountbatten got married · The first atomic bomb was tested · London hosted the Olympic games
YOUR NEWS Alison Adcock – St. David’s 1937
Ilse Eton – St. David’s 1943
On the advice of her father, Prof Dewar who was then Dean of Letters, she spent a year in courses in logic, medieval history and classics and learning study skills before going to Girton, Cambridge to read Classics. She is active in her church, an ex-Reader and former General Synod member (though a heretic, she says) and in the local Labour Party (though a dissident!). She attends extramural courses, does needlepoint, gardens, supports sundry worthy organisations, belongs to a book club, is an assiduous Guardian reader and crossword solver, and follows the fortunes of three daughters and five granddaughters. Her father and her mother (who was an alumna) both referred to the University of Reading as a College until they died in 1956. As Alison says, old habits are hard to break! Now at 96 she says she wouldn’t recognise the university now, but will always have fond memories of it.
Ilse is improving again after a long spell of ill-health, and is gradually resuming her numerous activities. She is now retired with her husband although they both do voluntary work. She writes: “I was interested in the article about the Ure Museum (URM8), as Percy’s daughter Jean was my contemporary at the Abbey School and kept in touch.” She says chairing faculty meetings proved very useful in later life.
24 | 1950s Facts | Connected
Connected | 1950s Your News | 25
YOUR DECADES 1950s
DO YOU REMEMBER?
YOUR NEWS Alan Machin-Taylor – Chemistry and Biology 1959 After being awarded my PhD I went up to Oxford to study Bioinformatics which I needed for my protein research. I was awarded an Oxford MSc in 2005 but I stayed on doing research on Viral Fusion Proteins of viruses such as Ebola, Rubella, HIV and Hepatitis C. in the Biochemistry Department I also lectured on protein science to Bioinformatics students. I finally retired in 2010. In 2012 I started writing fiction and, after a slow start, my first book was published in 2014.
Thomas Jones – St David’s, 1955 It is now exactly 60 years since he graduated. He still has contact with Basil Edwards (GenSci 1955) and Ken Smith (Phys 1955) from his year and with Alan Willsher (Maths & Phys 1960) and Doug Glading (GenSci 1961) who worked with him at IBM. Thomas took Physics with Dr Jameson (Dane) Rigden (Phys 1958), Wg Cdr Peter Brighton (GenSci 1955) and Dr Max Clowes (Phys 1959), who all had extraordinary careers afterwards. Thus he found it unbelievable that the Physics Faculty closed some years ago. Peter had an amazing career in the RAF and aerospace industry. He achieved
Brenda Baker – Fine Art 1953 Sir John Wolfenden was the Vice-Chancellor
Faculty of Letters opened with the foundation stone laid by the Chancellor, Viscount Templewood, on 18 May 1955 Her Majesty the Queen opened the completed building on the 22 March 1957, when she was presented with a commemorative book by the Chancellor
The arch over the bridle path in Whiteknights designed by Samuel Pepys Cockerell collapsed in 1950 The Museum of English Rural Life moved into Old Whiteknights House and was formally opened by the Chairman of the University Grants committee in 1955
ERA Rock Around The Clock by Bill Haley and His Comets was the best-selling single of the decade
The credit card, Barbie Doll and hydrogen bomb were invented · The newly created NASA launched the Explorer · Disneyland opened in California
Four of the top ten grossing films of the decade were Disney – Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan and Lady And The Tramp
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place – people were allowed to take four ounces of margarine and one extra pound of sugar · Pop Art as an art movement emerged
This is The Female of the Species: Is more deadly than the Male. This is a spy story where the principal characters are female and was written to be as down to earth and as realistic as possible, without the absurdities of James Bond etc. My second book, A Russian Rendezvous, draws heavily on my experiences travelling on business behind the Iron Curtain at the height of the 1960’s cold war. Both books are available from www.lulu.com and Amazon.
Brenda is interested in art, music, architecture, gardens and gardening; also the countryside and conservation. She married in 1977 and travelled Europe with her husband who sadly died at Christmas 1989. He is greatly missed, but Meredith has two step-sons with families.
Ann Witt – French 1957 Ann was widowed in 2003. She is now the owner of Pirouette Boutique which was left to her by the previous owner for whom she worked for 20 years. She makes between 450-500 ballet skirts every year and imports shoes, tights etc from England and America. She visits her sister in Devon every year.
so very much. Dane was a leader in the development of Lasers in the US. Max was also a leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence; unfortunately he died at an early age, so was not able to fulfil his earlier promise. Bearing in mind the class was of about 25-30, these people were quite remarkable – and owed much to Reading. He spent most of his working life with IBM, but also worked in Steel and Automotive. His best known work was in running international conferences in Brussels with speakers who were known world-wide for their work and leadership
Colin Walker – Agriculture and Chemistry 1959 Colin retired from professorship in the school of AMS in 1996. Since then he has been involved in a number of international scientific activities including working groups with Russians (NATO and INTAS programmes), Eastern Europeans (NATO workshop in Poland) and joint research centre of European Commission in Spain, Italy, seeking alternatives to animal experiments. Colin collaborated with Professor Richard Sibly in writing the text book Principles of Ecotoxicology; now in its 4th Edition. He has an honorary appointment from the University of Exeter, where he gives lectures.
26 | Our Library Turns 50 | Connected
OUR LIBRARY: 50 YEARS AT THE HEART OF WHITEKNIGHTS CAMPUS
Connected | Our Library Turns 50 | 27
It’s 50 years since the University of Reading library was officially opened – but today’s bright and technically equipped study area might be barely recognisable to the students of 1964… …or indeed the then Chancellor, Lord Bridges, who cut the ribbon. Today, our library is open 24/7 during term-time, and the facilities have been comprehensively refurbished and modernised to reflect the needs of today’s students. However, the building itself remains largely unchanged at the heart of campus, reflecting the visionary work of architect Frederick Preston. Many alumni have fond (and perhaps less fond during exam season!) memories of spending time here – as was apparent when we announced an event to celebrate the library’s 50th anniversary.
Within 24 hours, all places were taken and we had to find more. Alumna and former Chief Executive of the British Library, Dame Lynne Brindley, delivered a talk, described as “inspirational” by one attendee, and Reading PhD student, Hiral Patel, put together an exhibition showing how the library has changed over the past 50 years to meet the changing needs of the student body.
100% of attendees said they recommended the event and would attend similar events in the future. One attendee told us ‘Wonderful to be back and view the exciting innovations and technological enhancements to an already superb study facility. Thank you to everyone who made this excellent alumni event possible’
Tweet us your memories of the library at @UniRdg_Alumni
28 | Anniversaries | Connected
Connected | Anniversaries | 29
ANNIVERSARIES In a university of our size and heritage, there are always anniversaries to celebrate. Here are five of the more significant ones.
HENLEY BUSINESS SCHOOL TURNS 70 2015 is Henley Business School’s 70th anniversary, and we are planning a number of events and activities to mark this special milestone. These include not only dinners and celebrations but – in keeping with Henley’s ethos – platinum scholarships, and a future leaders event. Further details will be announced in due course.
in management education with the highly respected educational provision of the University, and has benefited both organisations.
Henley Business School was officially opened in October 1945, and its ties with Reading strengthened in the 1960s with the establishment of the Department of Economics and Department of Land Management & Development. The University was also a key partner in creating the unique ICMA Centre in the 1990s, and in 2008, the two institutions formally merged. The merger combined Henley’s strengths as an established leader
The Henley 70th Anniversary Team are keen to gather thoughts, photos, films and predictions from anyone who has or had a connection to Henley. Please get in touch at 70years@henley.ac.uk
LINGUISTICS AT 50 1965 also saw the opening of the University’s Department of Linguistic Science. Professor Frank Palmer had been invited by senior figures to establish the new department, which initially offered three and four year BA single and combined subject degrees in Linguistics, and MA courses in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics. The department grew rapidly in the 1970s, after David Wilkins started the Centre for Applied Linguistics (CALS). A distance study MA for English Language teachers was also introduced, along with an English Language teaching and assessment facility for the University. Today, Linguistics at Reading encompasses the Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics, the Department of Clinical Language Sciences, the International Study and Language Institute, and the Centre for Literacy and Multilingualism.
To celebrate 50 years of Linguistics at Reading, we will be holding an event on 4 November 2015 with an evening address by Professor David Crystal. We hope to welcome back many alumni: contact alumni@reading. ac.uk if you want to find out more.
UNIVERSITY OF READING TURNING 90 2016 will see us celebrating the 90th anniversary of the University of Reading receiving its Royal Charter.
We began as Reading University College, a college of the University of Oxford, in 1892. In 1926 our application for a Royal Charter was accepted and we became a university in our own right. We have a number of very exciting events lined up for next year – more details will follow soon…
METEOROLOGY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS This July, Meteorology opened its doors to alumni from the past five decades to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The department was established in 1965 by Dr Reginald Sutcliffe and we were delighted to welcome four members of his family to join the celebrations. The Friday evening programme included talks from professors from the department throughout the years, sharing the evolution of Meteorology and our current wideranging expertise, before the evening was rounded off by a lively reunion party. Saturday began with the unveiling of Dr Helen Dacre’s winning design of a wind vane to go onto the Meteorology building. It was unveiled by two of our graduates now working as TV weather forecasters – Holly Green and Laura Tobin. The range of activities on offer throughout the day included viewing students’
experiments, attending a rolling current weather presentation, visiting the Atmospheric Observatory and participating in a weather balloon launch. Regius Professor Keith Shine rounded events
off with an overview of the department’s more recent research and teaching achievements and innovations. We wonder what the stories will be on our 60th!
SPEIR GOES FULL CIRCLE In the 2014/15 academic year, we marked the 50th anniversaries of both the Economics and Politics Departments. The two were created out of the Department of Political Economy in 1964. However, in 2011, they were united again under the roof of the vibrant School of Politics, Economics and International Relations (SPEIR). As well as celebrating the past 50 years of world-leading research and teaching in both departments, we are also looking forward, and want to build on our undisputed record and strengths in research, teaching, and engagement with the wider world.
Some SPEIR students and staff today
We would love to hear your memories of studying with us over the past 50 years – tweet your memories at @readingSPEIR
30 | Sensors And Sensibility | Connected
Connected | Sensors And Sensibility | 31
SENSORS AND SENSIBILITY Reading alumnus Chris Justice uses remote sensing technology to study the surface of the Earth. His ground-breaking research provides new insight into how natural resources and human livelihoods can be protected in the face of major climate and land-use changes. s a geography undergraduate at Reading, I studied aerial-photo interpretation, using methods initiated in the 1940s. Under the leadership of Professors Ronnie Savigear, John Townshend and John Hardy, geography at the University of Reading became a leader in land remote sensing and with their mentoring, guidance and inspiration I was able to launch and develop my career in this field.
A
My research has a focus on the practical use of satellite remote sensing for societal benefit and I have developed satellite– based systems for global agriculture, fire and land use monitoring. I am currently
using satellite data to study global agricultural production and drought, which has been instrumental in the development of the international GEOGLAM Initiative, endorsed by the G20 Agricultural Ministers, for which I am Co-Chair of the Global Component. My current PhD students are working on issues of land use in the United States, Tanzania, Uganda, Myanmar, China and Vietnam. Since my time at Reading, satellite observations of the Earth have become an established way to monitor and help understand changes on the Earth’s surface. Starting in 1972, we now have long-term satellite data records to document land cover and land use change around the
After receiving his PhD from the University of Reading in 1979, Professor Chris Justice was awarded post-doctoral fellowships with NASA and the European Space Agency. Today, Chris is Chair of the Department of Geographical Sciences at the University of Maryland, and recently received the William T. Pecora Award which is presented annually to individuals or groups that have made outstanding contributions to understanding the Earth by means of remote sensing.
planet. Advances in technology have led to higher spatial resolution, more frequent measurements and unimaginable advances in computational capacity. From my perspective the priority is to use these data to provide information for societal benefit and to inform how we can better manage our natural resources. There is some urgency for this, as increasing global population and economic development are continuing to drive extensive land use change which is impacting environmental quality, biodiversity and human livelihoods. In addition we are experiencing an increased frequency of extreme climate events and a warming world with implications for sustainability.
What are your favourite memories of Reading? When I was at Reading in the mid-1970s our research group was based out of the Temporary Office Buildings (TOBs) built as a hospital for D-Day at Earley Gate and the building included a small bar with a billiards table where we would go for lunch. I remember geography field trips (studying pubs) in South Wales and the Lake District, Land Rover expeditions to South France, Spain, Norway (the department’s Field Station in Okstinden) and Southern Morocco (listening to Marrakesh Express) and graduate field work in Southern Italy (my introduction to Italian cuisine). Fond memories include the close friendships formed at Reading a few of which continue today; an open air concert with Curved Air at Foxhill and the Who, Roy Harper and Quintessence at the Student Union (that really dates me).
32 | Get Involved | Connected
Connected | Get Involved | 33
GET INVOLVED: VOLUNTEER THRIVE WITH CAREER MENTORING AT READING Thrive is the career mentoring scheme for penultimate year students at the University of Reading offering a year of collaboration with a Reading alumnus. Students at the University of Reading are diverse, talented and hold unique aspirations about their future career paths. Some have very clear visions and need assistance realising them. Others are less clear and would value the opportunity to discuss their thoughts and gain genuine insights to the world of work. As an alumnus who has already been through this transition, and with significant experience in your sector, you are in a unique position to help them make their first steps. During 2015-16 Thrive is working with the following departments: • Department of Mathematics and Statistics
If you: • have at least three years’ experience in your field or at least two years if you have completed Doctoral studies • are working in a sector that students from our listed disciplines will likely aspire to work in • have a degree from the disciplines listed, (this may be an undergraduate or postgraduate degree)
…then please get in touch with the Career Mentoring Team at n.k.tarling@reading.ac.uk
Maggie McNeil-Smith
Without doubt the excellence of the French Faculty teaching staff, whose legendary names and expertise will live with me for the rest of my life, as will memories of some of the nicest people.
BA HISTORY, 2014
What are you up to now? How did you get there? To get on my Broadcast Journalism course I had to prove that I had a demonstrable passion for journalism. Studying history was a great help as I developed my presentation, writing, and analytical skills.
• Modern Languages and European Studies • Typography.
“ I wanted to contribute my time to the Thrive mentoring program as a way of helping to provide support that I didn’t have at that stage in my life. At university, it can be difficult to get careers advice from people outside of the academic world – so I think the Thrive program provides an excellent avenue for learning the best routes into business and what to expect once you get there.” Rob Harbron (Maths mentor)
VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM Thank you to all of you that have completed our volunteer registration form! For those that are interested in volunteering with the University of Reading and would like to express interest in doing so, please go to www.alumni.reading.ac.uk and complete the form. We will soon be posting volunteering opportunities on the website and sending out volunteering newsletters, so watch this space!
What was the best bit about living and studying in Reading?
Rhys Williams
• Department of English Literature
Don’t see your department but would like to be a mentor? Contact alumni@reading.ac.uk to express your interest.
BA FRENCH, 1998
• are willing and able to complete either an online induction module, or, if preferred, to attend a face to face induction session at the University of Reading.
• Department of Psychology
Courtney Hunt (Biological Sciences mentor)
HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF WHAT ALUMNI HAVE SHARED WITH US:
• are able to spend one or two hours a month making contact with any assigned mentees
• Theatre Arts, Education and Deaf Studies
“ Being a mentor with Thrive has given me a fantastic opportunity to speak to students and give them advice on things that I wish someone was able to tell me when I was a student. It has been rewarding introducing the students to a wider range of careers and options they had not realised were out there for them.”
Our alumni profiles are designed to celebrate your achievements, memories and the life you have led since graduating from the University of Reading. They are a fantastic way for others to learn from those who have experienced Reading. Share your story by going to https://alumni.reading. ac.uk/alumniprofiles or emailing alumni@reading.ac.uk.
• possess good listening, questioning and facilitation skills;
• School of Biological Sciences
Mentor quotes:
ALUMNI PROFILES
BA ECONOMICS, 2002
Michael Nettleton Why did you decide to give to the University of Reading? I had such a great time there, it is the least I can do.
We asked some of our volunteers what inspired them to register: “ I have volunteered because I would like to give something back to the University that has given me so much. Involvement with the University will also give me a continuing contact.” John Fletcher “ It’s invaluable how much I learnt during my student years so it always feels good to support the University and the current students. It was great to be back at GIIDAE to share my career path so far with MSc students who are starting to think what’s next for them.” Soledad Muniz
34 | Outdoor Learning | Connected
OUTDOOR LEARNING:
Connected | Outdoor Learning | 35
IS IT THE WAY FORWARD? Discussion with Dr Carol Fuller and Dr Helen Bilton (Associate Professors of Education) on the effects of outdoor learning “My research has concentrated on building confidence in secondary aged schoolchildren from a socially disadvantaged area through repeated residential trips. I have teamed up with the Ufton Court Educational Trust and have been working with pupils from the John Madejski Academy (JMA).
Dr Carol Fuller
I truly believe that education needs to move beyond traditional academic learning if we are to help children be the best they can be. Not only does it ensure that children achieve their full potential, it also has much bigger benefits for society because these children go on to be resilient, productive adults who have a valuable contribution to make. The research I have been doing has been looking at whether having access to a different type of learning space can develop skills that will be important in the classroom. Over the last three years groups of 12 students have attended outdoor residentials twice a year. At these long weekends students take part in a range of activities, such as raft building, orienteering and animal care. All of the activities are designed to develop different
skills, such as team building, communication, perseverance and resilience to name but a few. The research so far has had some really interesting and positive results particularly, as we had hoped, in just how important these experiences are in translating back into the classroom. One of the key findings is that it is the repeatedness of this type of activity that is crucial. Whilst no doubt we can all remember a trip to an outdoor centre in our schooldays, the benefits from one trip can soon wear off. Making the visits regularly and over a number of years helps reinforce the learning and remind pupils what they have done. This really embeds the positive effects and, as the research is showing, increases their confidence in the classroom. I and the staff at Ufton Court and JMA agree that these types of outdoor experiences are crucial and should be seen as an essential educational opportunity and not simply enrichment.” Dr Carol Fuller, Associate Professor of Education
36 | Outdoor Learning | Connected
Connected | Outdoor Learning | 37
“It always makes me so happy when others find out about the positive impact the outdoors can have on all of us, but especially children. But then I do feel despondent, as it seems so blindingly obvious. Why, over a 100 years since the opening of the first open air nursery school in Deptford, London, are we still having to prove it? Dr Helen Bilton
When the McMillan sisters set this nursery school up for children aged 2-5 it was in direct contrast to the stark, and often harsh, education of the primary school. They wanted children to be inspired, to experiment and discover for themselves and about themselves. And guess what – it worked. Children not only became physically healthy but also mentally as well. One of the greatest problems early years education faces is the transition to key stage one. Those children who leave a good early years setting with lots of outdoor experience are independent, confident and willing to give things a go, but without the continuation of the outdoor experiences those attributes can be lost. Ofsted, and House of Commons Select Committees have already commented on the beneficial effects of children working outside with Ofsted actually saying outdoor experiences help drive up outcomes for children. But recent indications from
Government demonstrate a lack of interest in this environment. I see outside as a ‘can do’ environment, an environment for everyone. I have seen children changed the moment they go outside from being quiet and shy to confident and bouncy, from unable to able. I have seen children discover things and discover themselves. Outside is part of life and it has always seemed rather cockeyed to think that you can only learn inside a classroom. I love outdoors and I love working with children outside. And just in case you were going to mention the weather – there is no such thing as bad weather just poor clothing. I have been out in the rain and cold with water proof clothing, wellies, hats and gloves and small people dressed up the same, riding a dragon (felled tree) to a faraway place! Those children became more confident and able from those experiences and that translates back into the more formal learning of the classroom.” Dr Helen Bilton, Associate Professor of Education
What do you think? Should outdoor learning become an essential part of the school curriculum? Why not tell us @UniRdg_Alumni
ORLANDO’S STORY
Orlando was described by a teacher as “disruptive, argumentative and uncooperative”. He had been excluded from school numerous times and had a difficult relationship with his family. Since taking part in the research:
Orlando was adamant that the outdoor experiences have had the biggest impact on his attitudes and confidence in school. “I am more confident to speak to people instead of just sitting there doing nothing… or walking out of class… I put my hand up in lesson now, and actually answer the question… I gave a speech to 400 parents, it made me feel good because I actually achieved something… I couldn’t imagine doing that two years ago or even last year; I couldn’t have imagined myself still in this school.” Other positive outcomes for Orlando were a new friendship group, a much more positive relationship with his family, being sought out by teachers to help with various events and the fact that he has gone from being significantly underperforming academically to exceeding his predicted grade targets.
38 | Alumni Profiles | Connected
Connected | Alumni Profiles | 39
ALUMNI PROFILES Paul Hopper
Dafni Sifnioti
BA HONS. GERMAN, 1962
MSC OCEAN AND CLIMATE, 2009 Even though my Bachelor Degree is in Geology, I always tried to connect it with Atmospheric Sciences. Throughout the MSc in AOC, I was given the opportunity to do that in many ways. I am now a PhD Candidate on Coastal Oceanography & Meteorology in University of Athens, Greece. Once more, I am combining Geology with Meteorology!
There were two main reasons of my choice: 1. The Meteorology Department is one of the best on the subject 2. The syllabus of the Masters seemed to me rather intriguing and multidimensional.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Reading?
The best thing is that I now can say that I have friends from all over the globe! Besides that, it was amazing to walk through the campus during the morning and another plus was that the town was pretty close, 15mins to walk from my house!
What does the University mean to you and what is your favourite memory? My years at Reading were happy ones. I enjoyed the social and ‘student’ life in St Pat’s but also received a first rate education in my field of Germanic languages. My memories include being editor of Shell (the campus newspaper). I loved the formal dances and especially the Christmas festival ‘Jantaculum’ (what a shame it no longer exists). Teas on the lawn at Wessex. The Head of the River Race and Ball. Rag Day. Guy Fawkes Night.
Simon Malek-Jahanian
DIPLOMA AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, 1983
BA ACCOUNTANCY AND ECONOMICS, 1997
Upon returning to Malaysia, I worked with the Agricultural University of Malaysia (UPM) for ten years. I thereafter joined the National Oil Corporation PETRONAS. I had the opportunity to work in three multinational subsidiaries heading the HR functions. In addition to being a Quality Manager, I also had an overseas stint (based in Sydney) and at the Corporate HR. I was the HR Leader of the Year Gold Award Winner 2012. The Award was organised by the Malaysian Institute of Human Resource Management. I am currently Head of Operation Readiness Technical Capability in PETRONAS Downstream HR.
Having started out in practice, like a lot of the graduates from Reading, I soon realised that I was enjoyed working in commerce more than in practice. I took a role in British Airways as a finance person, giving me the opportunity to travel frequently. From there I moved in to the technology sector with long tenures in Microsoft, Dell and Hitachi Data Systems where I made Finance Director.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Reading? The University is very well known for its new agricultural studies.
What was the best bit about living and studying in Reading? It gives a feel of countryside but yet not too far from London. The international students provided a multinational flavour to the studying environment.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Reading?
After graduation, I went to the United States in order to study a PhD in linguistics at the University of Texas. After several other academic positions, I became the Paul Mellon Distinguished Professor of Humanities at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. I have written books and articles on general and Germanic linguistics.
It was at the time the only university in Britain that offered a full year’s study in Germany in addition to the normal three years of the undergraduate course. Also, Reading offered me a scholarship (the Palmer Scholarship in Arts), which came with a State Scholarship attached.
Zaidi Osman
What does the University mean to you and what is your favourite memory? The University to me was about playing hard and working hard. The community spirit that the campus provided ensured that you didn’t only interact with the friends on your course, but also with those you lived with. I was fortunate to be part of the JCR committee and therefore lived in Whiteknights Hall all three years, giving me the opportunity to help a number of the new intake adapt to university life.
PHYSICS, 1975 electronic devices for high performance systems. As a Department Head, I transitioned teams in the former Ministry of Defence research laboratories into agency status then profit driven commercial company. Latterly I was University Partnerships Director. I am an enthusiastic ambassador for women in science and engineering and the need for STEM skills. My MBE is for Services to the Institute of Physics.
What does the University mean to you and what is your favourite memory?
Dafni is now our International Alumni Ambassador for Greece.
Be flexible; the Technology sector moves at an incredible pace, and if you can’t adapt to the changing environment you will struggle to keep up. Sales facing finance people use their finance skills but also have to be commercially astute.
Alison Hodge MBE
What was the best bit about living and studying in Reading?
I have two wonderful memories actually: 1. In December 2008, everything in the campus was covered with snow, even the lake was frozen and it was just beautiful scenery 2. The day that I found out that I got my MSc!
What would be your top tips for other alumni interested in working in this sector?
What was the best bit about living and studying in Reading? The campus, halls, Jantac, Carouse, Opsoc… I am currently Associate Dean in Aston University School of Engineering and Applied Science. My career has encompassed applied research, management of research and strategic direction of programmes. Initially I was in the UK Civil Service, developing
What would be your top tips for other alumni interested in working in this sector? Network, network, network. Try work experience in areas of interest and prove whether they are really of interest! Share your memories of Reading on our social media sites, or by filling in a profile at http://alumni.reading.ac.uk/alumniprofiles.
40 | Welcome New Alumni | Connected
Connected | Welcome New Alumni | 41
WELCOME NEW ALUMNI! We had a record number of new graduates signing up to our alumni community this year. Welcome to all of our new alumni; we look forward to meeting you again soon!
HONORARY GRADUATE
HONORARY GRADUATE
Vinton G. Cerf
Lord Waldegrave of North Hill
” The University of Reading has a wellearned reputation in the academic world. The award of this degree honoris causa means a great deal to me, personally and professionally. I hope I can continue to earn this distinction in the future.” Vinton G. Cerf is widely known as one of the ‘Fathers of the Internet’. Today, at the age of 72, he is Vice President and Chief Internet Evangelist for Google, contributing to global policy development and the continued spread of the Internet.
” I have known and admired the University for many years and believe it to be one of the best managed and most effective universities in the country in terms both of student experience and academic rigour. I am proud to be associated with it.” William Waldegrave (Lord Waldegrave of North Hill) is the Provost of Eton College, a post he has held since 2009. He is a Distinguished Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, and an Honorary Fellow of Corpus Christi College, Oxford.
HONORARY GRADUATE
HONORARY GRADUATE
Diane Lees CBE
Nemat (Minouche) Shafik
” I am delighted to accept this honorary degree. The University of Reading and its museums have an impressive set of collections, and I’m honoured to receive this award from an organisation committed to raising awareness of the history of rural life, the ancient world and the animal kingdom.” Since 2008, Diane Lees has served as Director-General of the Imperial War Museum. She is also chair of the National Museum Directors’ Council, and in February 2014 was appointed to David Cameron’s Holocaust Commission’s Commemoration Expert Group Committee.
ALUMNA OF THE YEAR
” It is such a privilege to receive an honorary degree from a university that has done so much for education across a variety of fields. I am grateful for the recognition and the chance to join its honorary alumni.” Nemat (Minouche) Shafik became Deputy Governor of the Bank of England in August 2014. She is a member of the Monetary Policy Committee, and attends the Financial Policy Committee and the Bank’s Court of Directors.
Councillor Sarah Hacker is a Labour councillor for Battle ward and Mayor of Reading. She is Chair of the Town’s Arts Forum; Labour Group; and Housing, Neighbourhoods and Leisure Committees. Since being appointed she has successfully campaigned for more school places and a new primary school in West Reading and has helped to secure £1.65 million of funding to benefit residents. She joined the University of Reading in 1997 where she studied for a BSc (Hons) in Rural Environmental Science. Sarah cites the numerous field trips and wide curriculum covered by her degree as being key factors in driving her passion for the subject.
Sarah-Jayne Hacker
“I recently visited the Whiteknights campus and was given a tour of the Agriculture Department. There are some beautiful new buildings, coffee shops and the library has undergone an impressive refurbishment. I am very proud the University has chosen me as its ‘Alumna of the Year 2015’ and I will fulfil the role to the best of my ability”.
42 | Events | Connected
EVENTS
Connected | Events | 43
Each year we host an exciting variety of events that are open to alumni, current students, staff and members of our local community. Our events are a great way for you to stay in touch with us, and a chance to catch up with fellow alumni.
Further information on all events can be found at http://www.reading.ac.uk/ news-and-events/Events/about-events. aspx or email events@reading.ac.uk
14/10/15
27/10/15
30/10/15
18/11/15
28/11/15
15/12/15
SILCHESTER: IRON AGE AND ROMAN 500 YEARS OF URBAN LIFE _ Wednesday 14 October
DISCOVER EGYPT IN A DAY _ Tuesday 27 October
HOUSE OF LORDS RECEPTION _ Friday 30 October
BIG BAND SWING DANCE _ Saturday 28 November
Find out about life in ancient Egypt by taking part in a day of awesome activities. Suitable for children aged 8 – 12
Alumni reunion at the House of Lords Email alumni@reading.ac.uk for more information
CHOCOLATE AND THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF DEPRESSION _ Wednesday 18 November
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS LECTURE _ Tuesday 15 December
Public Lecture Professor Michael Fulford, Department of Archaeology
Dr Ciara McCabe, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences
Join the University of Reading Big Band for this exciting evening of music and dance in the historic setting of the University’s Great Hall
Singing with your hands: Learning to sign with Mr Ilan Dwek, Theatre Arts, Education and Deaf Studies, University of Reading
EVENTS OVERVIEW AUTUMN 2015 October Tuesday 6 October The Vice-Chancellor in conversation with David Abraham, Chief Executive of Channel 4 Wednesday 14 October Silchester: Iron Age and Roman, Public lecture Professor Michael Fulford, Department of Archaeology
November Thursday 22 October MERL Annual Lecture James Corner, designer of the High Line in New York and South Plaza of the Olympic Park Tuesday 27 October Life in ancient Egypt, take part in a day of awesome activities. Suitable for children aged 8–12
Wednesday 28 October Annual Percy Ure Memorial Lecture: Anchoring Innovation Professor Ineke Sluiter, Leiden University
Friday 30 October House of Lords Reception Alumni reunion at the House of Lords. Email alumni@reading.ac.uk
Monday 2 November Café Theologique How does God answer prayer in a scientific universe? Revd Prof David Wilkinson, Principal of St John’s College, Durham Monday 2 November Café Scientifique Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease,
December Dr Cheryl Hawkes, Open University Wednesday 18 November Public lecture Chocolate and the neurobiology of depression Dr Ciara McCabe, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences
Thursday 19 November Stenton Lecture Why does Agincourt matter? Professor Anne Curry, University of Southampton
Monday 23 November Café Theologique If Freud was right, why are psychoanalysts embracing spirituality? Dr Alistair Ross, Dean of Kellogg College, Oxford
Saturday 21 November Life in Ancient Greece Fun-filled activities organised for children by local young people.
Tuesday 24 November Food for Thought A celebration of 20 years of nutrition research at Reading.
Three talks and panel discussion. Followed by a wine and canapé reception. Saturday 28 November Big Band Swing Dance event An evening of music and dance in the historic setting of the University’s Great Hall.
Saturday 5 December Winter Concert 2015 University of Reading Symphony Orchestra Beethoven’s Symphony No 8
Thursday 10 December Reading University Music Society Christmas Concert Fun for all the family, refreshments will be provided.
Tuesday 15 December Children’s Christmas Lecture Singing with your hands: Learning to sign with Mr Ilan Dwek, Theatre Arts, Education and Deaf Studies, University of Reading
44 | Alumni Survey | Connected
Connected | Alumni Survey | 45
ALUMNI SURVEY
YOU SAID, WE DID YOU WANTED MORE TARGETED CONTENT IN CONNECTED
YOU WANTED IMPROVED CONNECTIONS TO OTHER ALUMNI
• We added a decade pull-out so that you would be able to access more targeted content in the print version
•W e are including more stories about our alumni in Connected and eConnected.
•W e made it easier to find your friends in the Your News section.
•W e are working to improve our online community to make it easier to find your friends.
•W e are working to improve our digital version of Connected so that you can access the content that is interesting to you quickly and easily.
•W e are working with departments to offer more reunions
YOU WANTED MORE CAREER SUPPORT FOR ALUMNI •O ne-to-one careers advice is now available for free to alumni for one year after graduation instead of only six months.
YOU WANTED MORE VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES •W e have put in place a Volunteering Registration Form so that you can let us know how you want to get involved, and we are creating more opportunities across various areas.
•W e are also investigating ways to make our online community more useful for career networking and introducing more events targeted at particular industries.
•W e are recognising that our volunteers are important to us by including features on volunteering in Giving Matters (our donor magazine) and Connected, and sending Giving Matters to our volunteers as well as our donors for the first time.
YOU TELL US
YOU WANTED ONLINE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Last autumn, we asked you to complete a survey about your experience as an alumnus of the University. We were pleased to have over 3500 respondents to the online survey, and enough interested people to hold several more detailed focus groups and telephone conversations. Since then, we have been working hard to do what we can to make you feel more engaged with us and to help you to get the most from your alumni programme.
•W e have increased our MOOC programme to offer free, online courses to alumni in subjects ranging from robotics to heart health.
Fill in our Volunteering Registration Form at https://alumni.reading.ac.uk/get-involved/ alumni-volunteers-registration-form.
•W e are also working to stream lectures online wherever possible – for example, our lectures given on Donor Day are available on our University of Reading Alumni YouTube channel. YOU WANTED MORE ACCESS TO RESEARCH •W e are sharing more of our research with you on Facebook and in eConnected. •W e are working with departments around the University to provide us with content for e-newsletters that tell you more about the research being completed in your field.
THANK YOU!
Thank you to all of you who completed our alumni survey. If you missed out but would like to share your views, please email us at alumni@ reading.ac.uk and tell us what you want from your alumni programme.
YOU WANTED MORE INFORMATION ON HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED •W e have been improving our Giving pages so that you can see how your money is being spent. See our Giving pages at http://alumni.reading.ac.uk/donate. YOU WANTED MORE FUNDRAISING FOR SPECIFIC AREAS, ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT HELP DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS •W e have been running bigger campaigns for causes like the Charlie Waller Institute and cardiovascular health so that you know exactly what you are supporting. • Our funding to disadvantaged students has increased with more bursaries for international students from deprived countries and more bursaries and hardship grants for students with financial difficulties.
46 | Your News | Connected
Connected | Your News | 47
YOUR NEWS 1930/49 Alison Adcock (37, St David’s) Alison is active in her church, an ex-Reader and former General Synod member (though a heretic, she says) and in the local Labour Party (though a dissident!). She attends extramural courses, does needlepoint, gardens, supports sundry worthy organisations, belongs to a book club, is an assiduous Guardian reader and crossword solver, and follows the fortunes of three daughters and five granddaughters. Her father and her mother (who was an alumna) both referred to the University of Reading as a College until they died in 1956. As Alison says, old habits are hard to break! Now at 96 she says she wouldn’t recognise the university now, but will always have fond memories of it.
Ilse Eton née Ursell (Ger, 43, St David’s) Ilse is improving again after a long spell of ill-health, and is gradually resuming her numerous activities. She is now retired with her husband although they both do voluntary work. She writes: “I was interested in the article about the Ure Museum (URM8), as Percy’s daughter Jean was my contemporary at the Abbey School and kept in touch.” She says chairing faculty meetings proved very useful in later life.
1950/59 Graduating in the 1950s – Women’s-eye view The careers advice I was given on graduating with a degree in English in 1957 was that the only careers open to such graduates were secretarial or teaching, each of which would require another year’s training. Having married at the end of my second year at Reading, I wanted to leave straight away to join my husband who had started work as a research chemist in Welwyn Garden City – so I had to find work there. Eventually I was delighted to be engaged as a proofreader in a local printing press – but quickly lost it, as the printers’ union restricted the work to males who had served a seven-year apprenticeship. Bitterly frustrated, I took a series of odd jobs, and was finally accepted as teacher in an infants’ school. While a housebound mother, in the early 1960s, I saw reports in the papers of agencies being set up to provide part-time work at home for women, such as A F E M – Agency for the Employment of Mothers Limited. The types of work they offered included indexing. To a compulsive listmaker, crossword puzzle addict, and tracer of single themes through literary works, this seemed tailor-made for me, and I became an indexer (untrained again).
When I could have gone back to teaching fulltime, chose instead to continue as a home-based indexer and copyeditor, then editor. I have now compiled more than 800 published indexes to books and journals, edited several journals, written many articles for them, and written books and several shorter works based on the diaries I kept as a teenager, published under my own imprint, HKB Press. Self-publishing is proving a very expensive hobby for retirement!
Thomas Jones (55, St David’s) It is now exactly 60 years since he graduated. He still has contact with Basil Edwards (GenSci 1955) and Ken Smith (Phys 1955) from his year and with Alan Willsher (Maths & Phys 1960) and Doug Glading (GenSci 1961) who worked with him at IBM. Thomas took Physics with Dr Jameson (Dane) Rigden (Phys 1958), Wg Cdr Peter Brighton (GenSci 1955) and Dr Max Clowes (Phys 1959), who all had extraordinary careers afterwards. Thus he found it unbelievable that the Physics Faculty closed some years ago. Peter had an amazing career in the RAF and aerospace industry. He achieved so very much. Dane was a leader in the development of Lasers in the US. Max was also a leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence; unfortunately
sadly died at Christmas 1989. He is greatly missed, but Meredith has two step-sons with families.
NOTE: We have to edit the entries for space reasons, but full entries can be found in our digital version at www.alumni.reading.ac.uk/benefits/connected. News from graduates of 1990 onwards are also to be found online.
Ann Witt (French, 57) Ann was widowed in 2003. She is now the owner of Pirouette Boutique which was left to her by the previous owner for whom she worked for 20 years. She makes between 450-500 ballet skirts every year and imports shoes, tights etc. from England and America. She visits her sister in Devon every year.
St George’s,1958
I left Reading in1958 with an English degree and a teaching qualification. I’d also pushed my naturally rather quiet personality to take advantage of all the diverse activities which Reading provided so readily – and which stood me in good stead later on.
Hazel K. Bell (née Macaulife) (English , 1957, St George’s)
he died at an early age, so was not able to fulfil his earlier promise. Bearing in mind the class was of about 25-30, these people were quite remarkable – and owed much to Reading. He spent most of his working life with IBM, but also worked in Steel and Automotive. His best known work was in running international conferences in Brussels with speakers who were known world-wide for their work and leadership.
Plenty of variety – Belinda Singleton (neé Hewitt) English,
Brenda Baker (Fine Art, 53, At Andrews) Brenda is interested in art, music, architecture, gardens and gardening; also the countryside and conservation. She married in 1977 and travelled Europe with her husband who
1950/59
My first job was teaching English in the Senior Department of a girls’ school in Surrey. This was a happy time; and there I might have stayed had not my new husband been offered a post in the north. We sold up in Guildford, I handed in my notice, we bought a house in Blackburn – and his job fell through. Finally, I landed a post at Guildford College, my husband found a temporary teaching post; and on that basis we were able to take out a mortgage on a house in a village just outside Guildford, which is still my home today.
I had three children, became a Senior Lecturer and Communications Co-ordinator for the College and was also asked by City & Guilds to help develop a pilot scheme for Communication Skills, as a result of which I became an assessor for them and eventually Chief Assessor for London and the South-East for all their Communication schemes. By 1994 my parents were becoming frail and moved up to the area – and I took slightly early retirement. Now, I have returned to the field I love best: poetry and writing it. I attend a couple of Workshops in London, read at various venues there from time to time and am Chairman of a long-standing local group, Wey Poets. I also have two delightful young granddaughters; so I’m never at a loss for things to do. Belinda Singleton (nee Hewitt) (Eng, 58, ST George’s)
Alan Machin-Taylor (Chem&Bio, 59, St Pat) After being awarded my PhD I went up to Oxford to study Bioinformatics which I needed for my protein research. I was awarded an Oxford MSc in 2005 but I stayed on doing research on Viral Fusion Proteins of viruses such as Ebola, Rubella, HIV and Hepatitis C. in the Biochemistry Department I also lectured on protein science to Bioinformatics students. I finally retired in 2010. In 2012 I started writing fiction and, after a slow start, my first book was published in 2014. This is The Female of the Species: Is more deadly than the Male. This is a spy story where the principal characters are female and was written to be as down to earth and as realistic as possible, without the absurdities of James Bond etc. My second book, A Russian Rendezvous, draws heavily on my experiences travelling on business behind the Iron Curtain at the height of the 1960’s cold war. Both books are available from www.lulu.com and Amazon. Please note that I write under the pen name of A. Machin-Taylor.
48 | Your News | Connected
Connected | Your News | 49
1950/59 Colin Walker (Ag&Chem, 59) Colin retired from professorship in the school of AMS in 1996. Since then he has been involved in a number of international scientific activities including working groups with Russians (NATO and INTAS programmes), Eastern Europeans (NATO workshop in Poland) and joint research centre of European Commission in Spain, Italy, seeking alternatives to animal experiments. Colin collaborated with Professor Richard Sibly in writing the text book Principles of Ecotoxicology; now in its 4th Edition. He has an honorary appointment from the University of Exeter, where he gives lectures.
1960/69
RUSC Reunion On the first Friday of May 2014 a disparate group of 11 of what younger generations might call “old fogeys” made their way to Reading for a memorable reunion. One, Corony Barrow (nee Bland) had even come from Australia. On Saturday morning we had a look round Whiteknights and after lunch at ‘The Knob’, or Queen’s Head we toured the London Road site, our old familiar campus. We were escorted by a very helpful security guard who was able to open several buildings for us including what was originally the library, now largely depleted as most of the books have gone up to Whiteknights. The Great Hall brought back many memories, especially as rows of desks with answer sheets in place, ready for Monday’s ordeal for some of the current students. A visit to the Museum of Rural Life just off Acacia Avenue completed our day.
Then on Sunday we boarded a motor cruiser at Caversham and Mick steered it ably downstream past the Dreadnought that we were pleased to see still looked much as it had been in 1958 but with long thin boats stacked outside instead of shorter, wider ones with masts. It appears to host a rowing club now. Memories came flooding back and one or two of us shed a nostalgic tear or two. After stretching our legs in Sonning we made our way back to hand our vessel back to the boatyard at Caversham and disperse thoughtfully to our homes. Participants: Jennifer Allott, (nee Bell), Corony Barrow, (nee Bland), Margaret Bird, (nee Twidale), Clive and Helen Board, Mick Bond, Peter and Pip Edwards, Robert and Judith, (nee Shuttleworth) Hart, Jennifer Trehane. Mick Bond, boat skipper. Jennifer Trehane, general organizer. (jennifer@trehane.co.uk)
Reading alumni in Rhodesia… Alumni coming out of the woodwork! Graduating in 1964 in Agricultural Science, and having difficulty in finding a job locally, I applied for a position with the Rhodesian Ministry of Agriculture. Within six weeks, I had been accepted on a three-year contract and set forth on BOAC for Salisbury, Rhodesia, and the big unknown. I was posted as an agronomist to Matopos Research Station, part of the department of research and Specialist Services, a rather remote place outside Bulawayo in the south of the country. On my arrival there, and much to my amazement, I was welcomed by animal scientist and Reading alumnus, Dave Holness, with whom I’d previously shared lectures and played rugby. He himself hadn’t long since arrived and neither of us knew that we would be there! But it didn’t stop there! It seems that 1963 and 1964 were productive recruiting years and a significant number of Reading graduates had arrived on contract to the Rhodesian government during that period. Not only that but a number of farmer’s sons, having been sent to Reading
for their tertiary education, had also returned home at around that time.
Roger Bailey, 1964, plant pathology, lives in Durban, South Africa
We soon had an informal Reading group going and over the next ten years or so, we met annually with our wives and young families, usually at one of the alumni’s homes somewhere in Rhodesia. These were reunions of note, with much beer swilled, wine quaffed, biltong chewed and memories shared. The camaraderie within the group was enormous, and I can only believe that the special bond between us was created by our experiences on, and the culture of, the Reading campus.
Keith Lester, agricultural economics, ~ 1963, lives in Oxshott and N Wales Myself, 1964, agricultural science, lives near Durban, South Africa I have very fond memories of all my Reading friends, and of the times when we and our young growing families met annually as an informal alumnus group. Keith Sanderson
The remembered individuals from that era include: Dave Holness, 1963, animal science, lives in Harare, Zimbabwe Robin (Tom) Gaiger, 1963, agriculture, passed on Rupert Hildebrand, 1963, agriculture, farmer’s son, lives in Mutare, Zimbabwe Bill Francis, agriculture, 1963, farmer’s son, passed on Rodney Ellis, 1964, agricultural science, lives near Oxford
Peter Davies (Ag Bot, 62, St Patrick’s)
Christopher Rook-Blackstone (Ag, 63, St Patrick’s)
Peter’s daughter (let’s call her a Reading granddaughter), Caryn Davies, has degrees from Harvard and Columbia in the USA, Olympic gold medals stroking in the USA women’s eight in 2008 and 2012 and won silver in women’s eight 2004. Peter is at Cornell and is helping to teach a course on tropical agriculture in India with KV Raman (PhD) and Peter Hobbs (BSc) so Reading has a large presence there.
Having spotted himself on page 5 of Connected 2014 he wrote in with the following memories: “I always enjoy your magazine and imagine my surprise to see a photo of myself in the R.U. 2nd VIII in the Head of the River – Rodney Ellis was the cox with 108 on his back, probably 1962. I never shone academically at Reading, scraping a 3rd class pass degree in Agriculture after a refer in AgBotany!! But it set me up for life as far as meeting people from all walks of life and getting on with them. After a couple of years
Reading alumni and friends at Robin (Tom) Gaiger’s wedding, c. 1965. Left to right: Keith Sanderson (Reading, 1964), Mike Hardcastle (Newcastle), Martin Stevenson, Dave Holness (Reading, 1963), Robin (Tom) Gaiger (Reading, 1963), Jack Taylor (?), Rupert Hildebrand (Reading, 1963), Bill Francis (Reading, 1963), Roger Bailey (Reading, 1964)
as a postgraduate management trainee at International Harvester, I was lucky enough to get the tenancy of Wylds Farm – no-one else wanted it! It was derelict and scheduled to be the Petersfield Bypass. Fortunately they built it elsewhere. We are still here and own it. We won best farm, under 500 acres, in the Hampshire County farmer competitions in 1983. I met great people at Reading, some of whom I see occasionally. Rus Brinacombe (Geog 63) and his wife Mary are coming to tea in September on their way back home from France where they live in Brittany. I would recommend Reading to anyone.”
50 | Your News | Connected
Connected | Your News | 51
1960/69 Roger Bailey (Ag&Bot, 64, Wantage)
He would like to contact ‘Fred’ Palmer (AgSci 61).
Edward Jarman (Economics, 68, St Pat’s)
We three old, almost life-long friends, Rodney Ellis (l), Keith Sanderson and Roger Bailey (r) all graduated from Reading in 1964. Rodney and Keith were Agri Sci students and I was an Agri Botany student under Prof Hugh Bunting.
Anthony Alston (Ag, 66, St Pat’s)
After Reading, Edward went to Leicester and graduated with an MA in the Economics of Public Policy. He then had a career at the Bank of England, the Financial Services Authority before obtaining early retirement in 2003 in order to care for his aged mother. He graduated this year from Central St martins, University of the Arts London, with a BA. He plans to return to academic life in 2010 in order to study for a post graduate degree in Fine Art. In the meantime he has found studio space in Dulwich, London, in order to begin a new career as an artist.
Keith and I live in Durban and have lived in Africa for the last 50 years and spent our entire working careers here in agricultural research. Both of us spent ten years in Zimbabwe from 1964 before moving to South Africa in the mid-1970s. Rodney worked on his family’s farm in Zimbabwe after graduation before moving on to agricultural research, initially in Zimbabwe and then Swaziland, before moving to England as an agricultural consultant. The occasion for our get-together was a family visit by Rodney to Durban.
William Hawker (Ag, 64, WK) William was initially a resident of Whiteknights Park House, which joined with Blandford students to form Whiteknights. He is living in Kent with his wife, Pauline. After Reading, he spent 28 years with MMB working with Dairy Farmers. On the demise of MMB, he gained a PGCE and taught Science in local Secondary Schools. He transferred to Youth Justice System (Education) until retirement in 2007, then joined U3A. He is now retracing interests in Latin, Jazz, playing the ukulele and musing on the allotment. He occasionally sees John Burns (AgSci 61) David Clark (Hort 65) and Molly Roe (Art).
Anthony has reached 70 years! He is still farming 800 acres with ancillary property incorporating holiday accommodation. He is the immediate past President Diss RFC and Senior Warden of Worshipful Company of Farmers.
Frances Verrinder (Eng, 66, Wessex) After leaving Reading in 1966, Frances worked in London in book publishing and journalism till 1974 when she moved to the USA. After a year as a research fellow at the Drug Abuse Council in Washington DC, she completed a master’s degree in clinical psychology in San Francisco in 1977. She has been living and working as a psychotherapist seeing individual adults, couples and families in SF ever since. She completed a research PhD in 2011, a very exciting and fun experience. She has been married to a fellow family therapist since 1987 and is a step mother and now a step grandmother to two delightful little girls. Frances would love to hear from any other Reading alums from 1963-66. She can be reached at fverrinder@gmail.com.
Susan Guest (Music, 68, St Andrew’s) Susan’s career was as a viola player, and she was a member of the orchestra of Welsh National Opera for ten years. She has taken medical retirement and now lives in Spain.
Kathleen Garner (Ger, 68, Mansfield) Kathleen was a parliamentary candidate in Croydon South for the coming general election in 2015. She is divorced and has two children, aged 32 and 26.
Naja Mckenzie (Phil, 69, St George’s)
Stephen Cox (Art, 72, Windsor) Stephen is an Independent police custody visitor with the office of the Wiltshire Police & Crime Commissioner. For this role he is based at Divisional Police HQ (at Melksham) in Wiltshire. The role involves inspecting the cells and custody suite; interviewing detained persons regarding facilities/provisions/treatment; checking police custody records; helping to ensure PACE Code C, and the Human Rights Acts is fully implemented. A duty of reassuring the public, checking suspects treatment and understanding of due process/facilities etc; and helping the police to maintain high standards and transparency of the system regarding detention.
He is spending more time in Andalucia. His other interest includes researching into ancestry and organising an annual potato day for gardeners in East Anglia (www.eapd.btck.co.uk).
David White (Soil Sci, 76, Childs) David has taken early retirement after 29 years in Whitehall, dealing with energy, trade with China and India and biotechnology. He still competes in veterans athletics and had a transport exhibition in November 2007 in Croydon and is part of the faith and sustainability group advising The Mayor of London. He helped organise street parties in Jubilee Year 2013, also with Winter Homeless.
Robert Kennard (Ag, 74, Childs)
Hilary Sharland (Ag & Econ, 76, Wells)
His book, Much Ado about Mutton, was published in September 2014. The book covers the previously untold story of mutton; its rise in the Industrial Revolution, and its fall since WW2; its impact on our history, landscape and culture; how it was and is now farmed and how to choose it, buy it and cook it. He has a foreword by HRH the Prince of Wales. The book is published by Merlin Unwin Books.
Hilary started singing lessons in 2012, which led on to an MA in Music with the OU and a Licentiate in singing with the RSM. She is Chairman of a Salisbury-based opera company as well as singing in chorus. She was Bournemouth singer of the year 2014 and Southampton singer of the year 2015, so has almost recovered from being rejected from singing at Reading!
Jenny Palmer (Gter, 70)
Susan Tyson (French, 74, Bridges)
John Duckett (Chem, 76, St David’s)
Jenny taught EFL in Libya, Spain and Mexico, ESL to the Vietnamese boat people as well as Indian and Turkish immigrants in Woolwich and Hackney, and EAP at King’s College and various other London universities. She also co-edited four anthologies of short stories for the Women’s Press and Serpent’s Tail. Since her return to Lancashire in 2008 she has self-published two books: a childhood memoir, called Nowhere better than home and a family history book called Whipps Watsons and Bulcocks: a Pendle family history, 1560-1960. She continues to write short stories, poems and local history.
Susan is retired and is a volunteer for Durham Pointers. She is also a postgraduate mentor at Ustinov College, Durham University.
Naja has retired from cancer research and enjoys spending time at her beach house in Northern Mexico. Formerly a member of University Singers (1965-69) she sings with three local community choruses and studies voice. She is divorced and has two children. She would love to hear from any old friends.
1970/79
Julian Turner (75, Sibly) After nearly 40 years, his is certainly not a classical success story, Julian says. He has been in typesetting, community transport and some stop-gaps in local government. At home rather better success: married twice, widowed once, two graduate daughters, five grandchildren by second marriage plus one via him, due in 2015.
John has retired from active business, but still does some consulting in Petroleum Engineering / Technical Management / General Management. He completed a year of Post-Doctoral studies in Calgary after Reading, then enjoyed a career of 35+ years in the Petroleum industry, primarily in Canada, but with overseas assignments in the North Sea, Cuba and Indonesia. He and his wife Susan have been blessed with six children and five grandchildren (so far).
Brian Titton (Law, 77, Mansfield) Brain worked for seven years for an interdenominational Christian organisation and as a careers adviser in Wolverhampton since 1990. In 2011 he took early retirement. He now helps at a Job Club at his local church and is also involved in poetry and writing groups. One of his key interests is 19th century literature. He is a member of the George Eliot Fellowship in Nuneaton and chairs the Charles Dickens Fellowship which meets in Birmingham.
Robert Emmerson (Elec Engin, 78, Mansfield) Robert has taken early retirement from Shell after 34 years’ service in the UK, Brunei and Malaysia. He is not in touch with many from Reading, but a while back met Jim Bacon (Met 78) in Norwich. He has two children.
Helen Sear (Art, 79, St David’s) Art Central, the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s art gallery in Barry, will be hosting a talk by Helen ahead of her work being shown at the 56th International Art Exhibition, the Venice Biennale, in 2015. She is the first woman to represent Wales with a solo exhibition in the Venice Biennale, during the exhibition entitled ‘All the World’s Futures’.
Adrian Wilson (Comp Sci, 79, Wessex) After a career of 22 years in the RAF, Adrian has retired as a Wing Commander and now runs his own project management training and consultancy company. He lives in a lovely old thatched cottage in Buckinghamshire and enjoys flying out of RAF Halton.
52 | Your News | Connected
Connected | Friends and Condolences | 53
1980/89 David McDonnell (Hist&Arch, 80, Sibly) David married Debbie Teague (BA Hist&Arch 1981) in 1984. He joined the Sussex Police 1983 and became Commander of Counter Terrorist Wing, Gatwick Airport in 1997; transferring to Suffolk Constabulary in 1999 as Head of Protective Services and County Policing Commander. He was the Logistics Commander for the Ipswich Murders investigation. He retired in 2013 and is now active in voluntary and charitable work, as well as enjoying UK and foreign travel, walking, cycling, DIY and conservation work.
Joseph Shija (Ag, 80, Childs) Joseph is running a 40 acre paddy field. Droughts have forced him to construct three wells for irrigation to supplement water shortages. Neighbouring farmers are imitating him to construct such wells for the same purposes. Supplementing irrigation has double rice production.
Jeremy Cole (AgEcon, 81 Wessex) Jeremy completed his PhD into Grain marketing at Dept Agriculture Reading ‘14. Now he’s a Dr you can trust him!
Ruby Harrison (Art&Arch, 82, Wessex) Having tutored adult classes in History of Art, Ruby took a TOPS course in commercial subjects and then worked as an architect and in hospitals, before retiring to look after her husband who died in 1994. She has travelled in Europe and the USA. Her activities are now confined to visiting numerous art exhibitions and art history holidays.
Joel Kaye (Edu, 82, St David’s) Joel has written a short story Strange Eyes which was published in August 2014 in Thrice Upon a Time (Alfiedog) and is available through online application. His second story A real upanddowner is published online at alfiedog.com.
Paul Hodgkinson (French, 84, Wessex) Paul is director of his own Executive Coaching business and is the leader of the Liberal Democrats on Cotswolds district council. He stood for Parliament in the Cotswolds in May 2015 for the Liberal Democrats and is a county and district councillor.
Stephen Magezi (Met, 85, Bridges) Stephen retired from the service in 2010 and is now a Chief Executive of his Private Company known as Rwenzo – Green Associates Ltd. He is also on the Board of Governors of the Uganda National Meteorological Authority and Chairman of the Governing Council for the Uganda National Meteorological Training Institute. He has been married to Gertrude for 42 years and all their children (four girls and one boy), are independent in various professions. He has visited over 50 countries and in his travels he interacted with many alumni from the University of Reading’s Department of Meteorology. They jokingly referred to themselves as the ‘Reading Mafia’ due to their impact in International Fora, such as the IPCC and other scientific conferences. He says thank you to the University of Reading, Department of Meteorology.
Mark Edmunds (Ag&Econ, 86, Wantage) In March this year, Mark lotted up circa 10,000 items as part of the online auction sales of all assets used by Caterham Formula 1 Team in the Cotswolds. He spent three years renovating a 1955 Series One Land-Rover, which successfully returned to the road in a legal condition in August 2013. Have constant ‘Forth Bridge’ syndrome as the Land-Rover requires fettling continuously to enable her to remain on the road in a continuing legal state – all the joys of owning a nigh on 60 year old vehicle!
M Abul Kashem (Edu, 86) Joined as the Director of the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) at the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh in January 2015 for a period of three years. This is a senior executive post at the university. The purpose of Cell is to improve the quality of education at the university towards achieving quality culture vis-a-vis acquiring accreditation of the university, as well as different degrees offered by the university.
Graham Satchwell (Law, 87) Next April, titled An Inspector Recalls, the story of Graham’s policing days will be published by The History Press and available in the High Street. The blurb says it is “laughing out loud funny” and that it provides: “Dollops of humour, painful truth and a true description of the macho policing culture of the time.” Further details available from Graham Satchwell at teatime2@btinternet.com
For news from 1990 onwards, please visit our website: www.alumni.reading.ac.uk/ benefits/connected
THE FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY Following our major heritage event in April 2014 to mark the centenary of the outbreak of World War I, Richard van Emden gave us a memorable 2014 Autumn Talk on ‘Boy Soldiers of the Great War’.
We enjoyed two visits, to the Cocoa Quarantine Installation and the RHS Gardens at Wisley. At the latter, we were welcomed by four Reading graduates, all of whom are in prominent positions there. This once again demonstrated the high national standing of Reading scientists.
This year’s Friends’ Recital, in March 2015, starred Joanna Bywater, the brilliant Soprano who also conducts the University of Reading Choirs; she gave a memorable performance of the Four Last Songs of Richard Strauss, and other works.
In June our President Emeritus, Lord Carrington, again welcomed us to his enchanting gardens at Bledlow Manor. Thanks to the efforts of Annette Haworth and John Grainger, The Friends also participated in the annual East Reading Show in June 2015. Recipients of Grants under our annual programme included the University Boat Club; the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL); and the Departments of Classics and English Literature.
Sadly, this year we said goodbye to the outstanding Secretary, Brenda Morris, who has moved on to well-deserved retirement. Her exemplary dedication and energy, and her remarkable networking within the University and among the wider community, have been a driving force in The Friends’ progress. As the Chairman told the Yearly Meeting in June 2015, Brenda has personified many of the merits of our Association – a thought echoed by Andrew Palmer’s predecessor William Palmer. It is excellent that, as a newly-elected member of the Executive Committee, she will remain a key player for the Friends.
WHAT’S COMING UP? •A utumn Talk on 21 October 2015: Brendan Carr of the Reading Museum will maintain the continuity of our Great War and related commemorations • As we approach the exciting 90th Anniversary celebrations for the University in 2016 and for The Friends in 2017, we invite readers to watch this space – and our website http://www. reading.ac.uk/thefriends/ To find out more about being a Friend of the University please email thefriends@reading.ac.uk or write to The Secretary of the Friends Blandford Lodge University of Reading, Whiteknights, PO Box 217, Reading, RG6 6AH
CONDOLENCES We are very sad to have been informed of the following deaths: Mary Cherry (Winifred Mary Cherry), BSc Agriculture, 1947 · Lorna Scott, BA Geography, 1951 · Edward Ronald Watts, BSc Agriculture, 1952 Yvonne Abbott (Yvonne Smithies), BSc Horticulture, 1955 · James Henry Barstow Roy, PhD Animal Production and Nutrition 1956, DSc Agriculture 1973 · Ann Friswell (Margaret Ann Tremain), BA General Studies, 1958 · Ben Gunn (Reginald Gunn), BSc Agriculture and Boatny, 1959 Robert Young, BSc Agriculture, 1960 · Professor Barry Furr, BSc Physiology and Biochemistry 1966 Yusuf Dirir Abdi, BA Political Economy Selwyn Kronenberg, Med Education, 1968 · David Hanbury Lloyd, PhD Agriculture and Economics, 1969 · Samuel William Sutton, MSc Agricultural Extension, 1970 · Stephen Green, BA Geography, 1980 · Michelle Michaelides, MA French, 1987 · Carlier John Bowden, BSc Chemistry 1984, PhD Chemistry 1988 · Richard James Watts, BSc Cybernetics and Control Engineering, 1988 · Dr Elizabeth Florence Rieden, MA History of English Landscape, 1990 · Rebecca Saunders-Cox, BA History of Art and Architecture, 1993 · Edward Thompson Hudson, BSc Human Cybernetics, 1994 · Peter Stevens, BA Law, 1995 Lara Crook, BA Philosophy, 2014 · Rosemary Harriott, Lecturer in Classics · Keith Robinson, Senior Lecturer in Physics
Connected | Notices | 55
54 | Notices | Connected
GIVING TO READING
For over ten years, supporters of the University have been committed to Furthering Impact, Developing Research and Providing Opportunity. When you give to Reading, you help financially struggling students and enable them to gain the skills to help themselves and the wider community. Donors are also helping to pioneer world-class research at the University, funding post-graduate students and vital research equipment. Giving to Reading has a huge impact, far beyond the University of Reading campus. Our donors are helping to create the best possible
opportunities for our students, so they can go on to do great things with their University of Reading degree. Donors are also helping to fund incredible research looking to solve the issues our world currently faces.
NOTICES New member of the Alumni Relations Team Charlotte Ashley-Buck Welcome to Charlotte Ashley-Buck, our new Volunteering Officer! If you want to find out more about volunteering with the University, just email Charlotte at c.e.j.ashley-buck@reading.ac.uk
Research Not only is the University preparing our students to go and make a difference in the world, our research is proving world-class too! We share our biggest research stories on our social media sites, but you can always keep up to date by visiting the new University of Reading website at http://www.reading.ac.uk/ research.aspx
Join our community of donors and help ensure future generations of students continue to thrive here at Reading and beyond.
THE TEA PARTY COMMITTEE “Giving to Reading has been absolutely fantastic. It’s enabled the committee to grow and extend its influence across Reading and also within the University itself. It’s been great to reach out to those in the community who are most in need of company. THANK YOU!” The Tea Party Committee, based on campus, runs events for local elderly people. Their aim is to connect the generations and your support is putting a smile on the faces of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
Keep in Touch There are lots of ways that you can keep in touch with us:
STUDENT SUPPORT “Your support makes higher education attainable for so many people who experience financial difficulties, particularly the international female students. It has touched so many lives and encouraged academic dreamers like myself from the developing countries.” Catherine was awarded a bursary in order to study at the University. As an international student hoping to go back to Zambia and use her education to help others in her community, she was extremely grateful of the opportunity donors gave her.
• Join our alumni community at www.reading.ac.uk/alumni/
Where are you now?
• Follow us on twitter @UniRdg_Alumni
We always want to hear what our alumni are doing now. We publish many of these stories in our magazines and share them through our e-newsletter. You can share your stories by emailing alumni@reading.ac.uk or by completing an online profile at http://alumni.reading.ac.uk/alumniprofiles.
• Like us on Facebook University of Reading Alumni • Join us on LinkedIn in our University of Reading Alumni group • Follow our new blog at http://blogs.reading.ac.uk/alumni/
SINGLE PLOT ROW DRILL “The money from donors has enabled us to expand our research in making crop production more sustainable and resilient to climate change which is integral for the future of food security. It will hopefully mean that millions of people across the world won’t have to live in constant fear of food poverty.” Donors have funded vital equipment for the Department of Agriculture to advance its research into sustainable crop production, The equipment will provide better data and therefore better research, getting to the solution quicker and more effectively.
THANK YOU!
Thank you to all of our wonderful alumni who donate their time or money to the University and enable us to continue solving the world’s problems and changing people’s lives. We couldn’t do it without you so THANK YOU.
University of Reading Alumni
@UniRdg_Alumni
Connected For more information, please contact:
Samantha Horsfield Campaigns and Supporter Engagement Office Blandford Lodge University of Reading Whiteknights PO Box 217 Reading, RG6 6AH alumni@reading.ac.uk +44 (0)118 378 8006 www.reading.ac.uk/alumni
Connected magazine is circulated free of charge to University of Reading alumni and Friends. It is produced by the Campaigns and Supporter Engagement Office at the University of Reading. The opinions expressed in Connected are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the University of Reading. Editor: Samantha Horsfield Photography: with special thanks to Martin Cleaveland and Laura Bennetto Design: Bell Print: MPS
57 | 1960s Facts | Connected
Connected | 1960s Your News | 58
YOUR DECADES 1960s
DO YOU REMEMBER? In 1962 the University had 27 departments and 27 established professorships The JJ Thompson Physical Laboratory was opened Italian was established as a separate department JJ Thompson Physical Laboratory
Harry Pitt
New library opened in Whiteknights Park Whiteknights hall was opened – the first new residence in the Park, replacing accommodation in Park House and Blandford lodge Harry Pitt became Vice-Chancellor A department of Meteorology was established
Friends Bridge
New Library Building
The new Student’s Union was opened at Whiteknights Students disrupted a meeting of Council, protesting against a NATO conference being held in Physics. A new University Joint Committee was set up as a staff-student forum
Student Union
The Friends Bridge was completed linking the central campus to the Earley Gate departments and Halls of residence on Whiteknights Road
ERA The Beatles began their career leaping to fame in 1963 with Please, Please Me The Rolling Stones made their debut at London’s Marquee Club
The audio cassette was invented • The first supermarkets opened enabling you to buy all your food in one shop • The first heart transplant operation
The Jungle Book was released and became a box office success – this was the last animated film personally supervised by Walt Disney • The first James Bond film premiered in UK theatres
England won the football World Cup President Kennedy was assassinated Malcolm X was assassinated • Neil Armstrong walked on the moon
YOUR NEWS Peter Davies – Agriculture and Botanics 1962 Peter’s daughter (let’s call her a Reading granddaughter), Caryn Davies, has degrees from Harvard and Columbia in the USA, Olympic gold medals stroking in the USA women’s eight in 2008 and 2012 and won silver in women’s eight 2004. Peter is at Cornell and is helping to teach a course on tropical agriculture in India with KV Raman (PhD) and Peter Hobbs (BSc) so Reading has a large presence there.
Christopher Rook-Blackstone – Agriculture 1963 Having spotted himself on page 5 of Connected 2014 he wrote in with the following memories: “I always enjoy your magazine and imagine my surprise to see a photo of myself in the R.U. 2nd VIII in the Head of the River – Rodney Ellis was the cox with 108 on his back, probably 1962. I know my hall St Patrick’s won the Hall VIII’s for the first time for many years that year. I never shone academically at Reading, scraping a 3rd class pass degree in Agriculture after a refer in AgBotany!! But it set me up for life as far as meeting people from all walks of life and getting on with them. After a couple of years as a postgraduate management trainee at International Harvester, I was lucky enough to get the tenancy of Wylds Farm – no-one else wanted it! It was derelict and scheduled to be the Petersfield Bypass. Fortunately they built it elsewhere. We are still here and own it. Upon advice from N.A.A.S (as it was) we started off with 40 sows and 40 cows. I knew a bit about pigs from my student practical, but had only done two days of milking before. Life was a bit tricky when 40 freshly calved heifers arrived on the farm in two trucks. However we survived. I have a wonderful wife who is a superb stockwoman and mother to two great kids. Our son is now in partnership in the Christmas Tree business; he runs it.
We won best farm, under 500 acres, in the Hampshire County farmer competitions in 1983. I have had the honour to be Hampshire N.F.U County Chairman 1976 and President of the Hampshire farmer’s club and the NE Hants Agricultural Assoc. The Reading Debating Society gave me the gift of the gab and must be largely to blame. I met great people at Reading, some of whom I see occasionally. Rus Brinacombe (Geog 63) and his wife Mary are coming to tea in September on their way back home from France where they live in Brittany. I would recommend Reading to anyone.”
Roger Bailey – Agriculture and Botanics 1964 We three old, almost life-long friends, Rodney Ellis (l), Keith Sanderson and Roger Bailey (r) all graduated from Reading in 1964. Rodney and Keith were Agri Sci students and I was an Agri Botany student under Prof Hugh Bunting. Keith and I live in Durban and have lived in Africa for the last 50 years and spent our entire working careers here in agricultural research. Both of us spent ten years in Zimbabwe from 1964 before moving to South Africa in the mid-1970s. Rodney worked on his family’s farm in Zimbabwe after graduation before moving on to agricultural research, initially in Zimbabwe and then Swaziland, before moving to England as an agricultural consultant. The occasion for our get-together was a family visit by Rodney to Durban.
William Hawker – Agriculture 1964 William was initially a resident of Whiteknights Park House, which joined with Blandford students to form Whiteknights. He is living in Kent with his wife, Pauline. After Reading, he spent 28 years with MMB working with Dairy Farmers. On the demise of MMB, he gained a PGCE and taught Science in local Secondary Schools. He transferred to Youth Justice System (Education) until retirement in 2007, then joined U3A. He is now retracing interests in Latin, Jazz, playing the ukulele and musing on the allotment. He occasionally sees John Burns (AgSci 61) David Clark (Hort 65) and Molly Roe (Art). He would like to contact ‘Fred’ Palmer (AgSci 61).
Anthony Alston – Agriculture 1966 Anthony has reached 70 years! He is still farming 800 acres with ancillary property incorporating holiday accommodation. He is the immediate past President Diss RFC and Senior Warden of Worshipful Company of Farmers.
59 | 1970s Facts | Connected
Connected | 1970s Your News | 60
YOUR DECADES 1970s
DO YOU REMEMBER?
YOUR NEWS Jenny Palmer – German 1970 Jenny taught EFL in Libya, Spain and Mexico, ESL to the Vietnamese boat people as well as Indian and Turkish immigrants in Woolwich and Hackney, and EAP at King’s College and various other London universities. She also co-edited four anthologies of short stories for the Women’s Press and Serpent’s Tail. Since her return to Lancashire in 2008 she has self-published two books: a childhood memoir, called Nowhere better than home and a family history book called Whipps Watsons and Bulcocks: a Pendle family history, 1560-1960. She continues to write short stories, poems and local history.
Ewan Page
The Lego Building
In 1972 the University had 38 departments and 59 established professorships The department of Typography & Graphic Communication emerged as a separate department from Fine Art Archaeology emerged as a separate department
In a series of student protests against fees and rents, there was a disruption of Senate and brief occupation of Whiteknights House Ewan Page took up office as Vice-Chancellor Student representation was established on Council and Faculty Boards
Reading students protested with guests from Bristol, Oxford and elsewhere
Glam Rock became popular – the main figures were David Bowie and Elton John The Punk movement began – bands of this scene were the Sex Pistols and The Clash The Beatles split up
Rubiks Cube invented • Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple Computers Ultrasound was used for the first time Sony began selling the Walkman personal stereo • VHS recorder first went on sale
Academy award-winning movies: The French Connection, A Clockwork Orange, Fiddler On The Roof, The Godfather Part II
Bangladesh was created from East Pakistan • China joined the United Nations Elvis Presley died • John Paul II became the Pope • Margaret Thatcher was the first woman to become a British prime minister
His book, Much Ado about Mutton, was published in September 2014. The book covers the previously untold story of mutton; its rise in the Industrial Revolution, and its fall since WW2; its impact on our history, landscape and culture; how it was and is now farmed and how to choose it, buy it and cook it. He has a foreword by HRH the Prince of Wales. The book is published by Merlin Unwin Books.was a family visit by Rodney to Durban.
Susan is retired and is a volunteer for Durham Pointers. She is also a postgraduate mentor at Ustinov College, Durham University.
Stephen Cox – Art 1972 Stephen is an Independent police custody visitor with the office of the Wiltshire Police & Crime Commissioner. For this role he is based at Divisional Police HQ (at Melksham) in Wiltshire. The role involves inspecting the cells and custody suite; interviewing detained persons regarding facilities/ provisions/treatment; checking police custody records; helping to ensure PACE Code C, and the Human Rights Acts is fully implemented. A duty of reassuring the public, checking suspects treatment and understanding of due process/facilities etc; and helping the police to maintain high standards and transparency of the system regarding detention.
researching into ancestry and organising an annual potato day for gardeners in East Anglia (www.eapd.btck.co.uk).
David White – Soil Science 1976
Susan Tyson – French 1974
The Faculty of Urban & Regional Studies (affectionately dubbed the Lego building) was formally handed over to the University
ERA
Robert Kennard – Agriculture 1972
Julian Turner – 1975 After nearly 40 years, his is certainly not a classical success story, Julian says. The nearest to applying academic skills has been teaching at which he was not inspired. He has been in typesetting, community transport and some stop-gaps in local government. At home rather better success: married twice, widowed once, two graduate daughters, five grandchildren by second marriage plus one via him, due in 2015. He is active in anarchosyndicalist organisations and is therefore very disappointed in class fossilisation of society. Also as an internationalist, he despairs at the lack of integration in Europe, let alone further afield. He is spending more time in Andalucia. His other interest includes
David has taken early retirement after 29 years in Whitehall, dealing with energy, trade with China and India and biotechnology. He still competes in veterans athletics and had a transport exhibition in November 2007 in Croydon and is part of the faith and sustainability group advising The Mayor of London. He helped organise street parties in Jubilee Year 2013, also with Winter Homeless. He still competes in athletics, including race walking and is on the committee of the Norbury and south London transport club, The Interfaith Group.
Hilary Sharland – Agriculture and Economics 1976 Hilary started singing lessons in 2012, which led on to an MA in Music with the OU and a Licentiate in singing with the RSM. She is Chairman of a Salisbury-based opera company as well as singing in chorus. She was Bournemouth singer of the year 2014 and Southampton singer of the year 2015, so has almost recovered from being rejected from singing at Reading!
John Duckett – Chemistry 1976 John has retired from active business, but still does some consulting in Petroleum Engineering / Technical Management / General Management. He completed a year of Post-Doctoral studies in Calgary after Reading, then enjoyed a career of 35+ years in the Petroleum industry, primarily in Canada, but with overseas assignments in the North Sea, Cuba and Indonesia. He and his wife Susan have been blessed with six children and five grandchildren (so far).
More news can be found at the back of the magazine
61 | 1980s Facts | Connected
Connected | 1980s Your News | 62
YOUR DECADES 1980s
DO YOU REMEMBER?
Cadbury-Schweppes created the Lord Zucerkman Research Centre – a food research laboratory at Whiteknights New accommodation for Geography and Geology was completed In 1987 overseas students numbered over 1000
Bulmershe College of Higher Education merged with the University bringing the Bulmershe campus and many education courses into the University The University received a Queen’s Award for Export Achievement, the only university to be so honoured for its outstanding overseas student recruitment
The Wolfenden Sports Centre was built in 1985-1986 and opened by Lady Wolfenden in April 1987 HRH Prince Charles visited the Intermediate Technology Development Group’s Energy Unit at the University’s Applied Research Station in February 1980
YOUR NEWS David McDonnell – History and Archeology 1980
Ruby Harrison – Art and Architecture 1982
David married Debbie Teague (BA Hist&Arch 1981) in 1984. He joined the Sussex Police 1983 and became Commander of Counter Terrorist Wing, Gatwick Airport in 1997; transferring to Suffolk Constabulary in 1999 as Head of Protective Services and County Policing Commander. He was the Logistics Commander for the Ipswich Murders investigation. He retired in 2013 and is now active in voluntary and charitable work, as well as enjoying UK and foreign travel, walking, cycling, DIY and conservation work. Debbie worked in retail management for Mothercare before becoming a teacher in 2001. She is now Foundation Stage Leader at Kyson Primary School, Woodbridge. Their daughter Aemilia attended Reading (Eng Lit 2010) and works in Student Recruitment for Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge. Their son Josh has his own Garden Design and Landscaping business.
Having tutored adult classes in History of Art, Ruby took a TOPS course in commercial subjects and then worked as an architect and in hospitals, before retiring to look after her husband who died in 1994. She has travelled in Europe and the USA. Her activities are now confined to visiting numerous art exhibitions and art history holidays.
Joseph Shija – Agriculture 1980 Joseph is running a 40 acre paddy field. Droughts have forced him to construct three wells for irrigation to supplement water shortages. Neighbouring farmers are imitating him to construct such wells for the same purposes. Supplementing irrigation has double rice production.
Jeremy Cole – Agriculture 1980
ERA The big musical hits were: Another One Bites The Dust – Queen; Celebration – Kool & the Gang; You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC
Digital mobile phones were invented The World Wide Web was invented by Tim Berners-Lee • Microsoft invented the Windows system • Red Bull available
The third episode of Star Wars (Return of the Jedi) was released
Smallpox was eradicated • John Lennon was assassinated • Fall of the Berlin Wall Prince Charles married Lady Diana Falklands War
Jeremy completed his PhD into Grain marketing at Dept Agriculture Reading ‘14. Now he’s a Dr you can trust him!
Bryn Howells – Land Management 1981 Bryn is working for NHS Property Services.
Joel Kaye – Education 1982 Joel has written a short story Strange Eyes which was published in August 2014 in Thrice Upon a Time (Alfiedog) and is available through online application. His second story A real upanddowner is published online at alfiedog.com.
Paul Hodgkinson – French 1984 Paul is director of his own Executive Coaching business and is the leader of the Liberal Democrats on Cotswolds district council. He stood for Parliament in the Cotswolds in May 2015 for the Liberal Democrats and is a county and district councillor.
Stephen Magezi – Meteorology 1985 After graduation, Stephen returned to Uganda and was promoted to the post of Assistant Commissioner in the Department of Meteorology in the Uganda Civil Service. He undertook further training in environment management from University College Galilee in Israel in 1994; then was promoted to the post of Commissioner for Meteorology and Permanent Representative of Uganda with WMO. While in Meteorology, he often represented his country in international fora and was a recognized Lead Author of the IPCC. He retired from the service in 2010 and is now a Chief Executive
of his Private Company known as Rwenzo – Green Associates Ltd. They deal with feasibility studies, Environment Impact studies, Climate Impact studies as well as Resettlement Action Planning. It is a leading Firm usually working in partnership with international firms, some of them from the UK. He is also on the Board of Governors of the Uganda National Meteorological Authority and Chairman of the Governing Council for the Uganda National Meteorological Training Institute. He has been married to Gertrude for 42 years and all their children (four girls and one boy), are independent in various professions. He has visited over 50 countries and in his travels he interacted with many alumni from the University of Reading’s Department of Meteorology. They jokingly referred to themselves as the ‘Reading Mafia’ due to their impact in International Fora, such as the IPCC and other scientific conferences. He says thank you to the University of Reading, Department of Meteorology.
Mark Edmunds – Agriculture and Economy 1986 In March this year, Mark lotted up circa 10,000 items as part of the online auction sales of all assets used by Caterham Formula 1 Team in the Cotswolds. He spent three years renovating a 1955 Series One Land-Rover, which successfully returned to the road in a legal condition in August 2013. Have constant ‘Forth Bridge’ syndrome as the Land-Rover requires fettling continuously to enable her to remain on the road in a continuing legal state - all the joys of owning a nigh on 60 year old vehicle! M Abul Kashem (Edu, 86)
More news can be found at the back of the magazine
63 | 1990s Facts | Connected
Connected | 1990s Your News | 64
YOUR DECADES 1990s
DO YOU REMEMBER?
Her Majesty the Queen
The Prince of Wales
In 1990 the student population was 8,500 On the College centenary, the Microbiology Building was opened by Her Majesty the Queen Lord Sherfield, Chancellor since 1970 was succeeded by Lord Carrington
Roger Williams
The Price of Wales became Patron of the Rural History Centre, which he visited Professor Roger Williams began as Vice-Chancellor Reading student village opened
Student Village
The University won a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Further and Higher Education in the 1998 competition, for the research work done in the Renaissance Texts Research Centre in the Department of English, for the new Globe Theatre project on Bankside
ERA Britpop – the general name given in the 1990s to a new wave of successful British bands. Most successful were: Radiohead, Oasis, Blur, Pulp, Massive Attack and The Spice Girls
Sony Playstation launched • Hubble Telescope was launched into space eBay was founded • The Pathfinder sent back images of Mars • Tamagotchis were launched • Scientists cloned sheep
Some of the most popular films of the decade were Pulp Fiction, Titanic, Independence Day, Schindler’s List
The National Lottery was launched Nelson Mandela was freed after spending 27 years as a political prisoner • The World Trade Centre was bombed • Mad cow disease hit Britain • Princess Diana died
YOUR NEWS David Sharland – Rural Social Development 1990 David and his wife Heather are involved in agricultural extension to rural communities over a diocese the size of Israel. They oversee a demonstration farm, with environmentally sensitive farming techniques, new food varieties and a broad range of crops. David is advisor to many other agricultural projects and programmes in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan etc. He has good monthly interaction with farmer groups, to face challenges to small scale farmers throughout the year. He runs a small demonstration farm with good crops, erosion control, soil enrichment, natural medicines, new crops, alley cropping, fruit and trees.
Eleanor Kennedy – German 1991 Eleanor returned to the UK after 15 years in Canada. She says it is nice to be able to get a proper cup of tea.
and is running his own executive coaching and leadership development practice. In his spare time, Kevin is rediscovering his love of performing magic and learning to play poker.
Philip Baynes – Zoology 1992 Philip has spent his career in pig welfare and nutrition. He is now based in Cheshire and runs Baynes Nutrition and is a consultant nutritionist to Provimi
Anne-Marie Czajkowski – Music 1992 Reading was a wonderful start to AnneMarie’s adult life but sadly a degree wasn’t enough to find her work. After Reading, she gained a fully funded place at the Royal College of Music to study postgraduate voice and then entered the world of performing and teaching.
Kevin Jones – Economics and Accounting 1991 Kevin has been living in Brooklyn, NY for the past ten years. He is semiretired after 24 successful years with PwC
Stephen Harness – RREF 1992 Stephen is a lead town planner for Defence Infrastructure Organisation Estates, Ministry of Defence in Bicester. He is currently planning the Technical Training College at Lyneham, Wiltshire.
Ashraf Ghorab – Engineering 1993 Philip has spent his career in pig welfare and nutrition. He is now based in Cheshire and runs Baynes Nutrition and is a consultant nutritionist to Provimi
Barbara Barrett – Botanics 1991 After graduating, Barbara returned to Peacehaven, East Sussex for a few years. She moved to Reading and worked for the University making Infrared filters for Space Satellites and Telescopes. While working she studied for a part-time degree in Geology at Birkbeck College and graduated in 2003. Since retiring in 2007 she moved to Eastbourne in Sussex. She is a fellow of the Geological Society of London, a member of the Geologist’s Association, a friend of the Regal Astronomical Society and a member of The Ashridge Circle in Eastbourne. Life is happy, busy and enjoyable and trees.
been published in the British Journal of Music Education (DOI:10.1017/ S0265051715000145). She’s recently been granted a 110 Anniversary Research Scholarship at the University of Leeds to continue studies on Mindfulness for Musicians at PhD level involving collaboration with the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She currently lives in Leeds with her husband, published fantasy author and ex-Reading student, Adrian Tchaikovsky and no animals, unless you count her son!
Brian Heathcote – Education 1993
Whilst working, she discovered mindfulness, which helped her enormously as a professional musician both as a performer and a teacher. She wondered if mindfulness would have a similar impact on other musicians and decided to do a Master’s in Applied Psychology of Music at Leeds University, gaining a distinction. The main project for the MMus was a pilot study to discover the effects of a targeted mindfulness course on singers (for more information see www.mindfulnessforsingers.co.uk). The results were so interesting and effective that this research has recently
Brian has received a 25 years’ service award from International Youth Hostel Association. He is the founder of the first Hostelling Group within the University of the Third Age.
Hector Chiboola – Counselling 1994 Hector is Dean of Counselling Psychology at the University of Zambia.
More news can be found on our website www.alumni.reading. ac.uk/benefits/connected
65 | 2000s/2010s Facts | Connected
Connected | 2000s/2010s Your News | 66
YOUR DECADES 2000s/2010s DO YOU REMEMBER?
YOUR NEWS Maria Mylona – IR 2000 Maria is in the Department of European Educational Programmes-Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She is Officer of the Erasmus+ and Erasmus International educational programmes.
Jean Bonnin – Education 2000 Jean has published his fourth novel, The Cubist’s House. He splits his year between Britain and France.
Amarjeet Hans – Henley 2000
HRH The Princess Royal opened Phase 1 of the Agriculture building The faculty of Education was taken into Economic and Social Sciences A new building opened for Archaeology Gordon Marshall came into post as Vice-Chancellor and left in 2012 to be replaced by Sir David Bell
The new integrated Development and Alumni Relations office finished a successful first year of operation In 2005 the University had around 15,000 students and an annual turnover of about £150 million The new Museum of English Rural Life opened in a converted St Andrew’s Hall, with display areas and library
The University won a second Queen’s Anniversary Prize for a submission on research and training in its internationallyrenowned Department of Meteorology
London was the choice destination for Amarjeet who is the director of a boutique management consultancy not far from where he graduated at Henley Business School 14 years ago. PACE Code C, and the Human Rights Acts is fully implemented. A duty of reassuring the public, checking suspects treatment and understanding of due process/facilities etc; and helping the police to maintain high standards and transparency of the system regarding detention.
Sir John Madejski became Chancellor in 2007
Richard Budden – Geography 2001
ERA New artists in the 2000s were: Fall Out Boy; Nelly; OneRepublic; 50 Cent; Miley Cyrus; Jonas Brothers; Soulja Boy; Rihanna
Avatar was released • Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone was released Twilight was released
Apple Computer unveiled the first iPod Tablets and laptops became popular in 2012 • Google Chrome became the most popular web browser taking over from Internet Explorer Hijacked airliners crashed into World Trade Centre • Barack Obama was elected president • Hurricane Katrina struck nearly destroying New Orleans • Queen Elizabeth celebrated her Diamond Jubilee
publishing business, Starhands Publishing, and his first book was due for release in June 2015.
Chris Kotsiopoulos – System Engineering 2001 In his spare time he is into astrophotography and has worked for a season as a professional photographer. He has a number of publications in known magazines, newspapers and websites including National Geographic, The Sun, Express, Telegraph, APOD site etc
Marion Grace Woolley – TAEDS 2002 Marion’s life since leaving Reading has been pretty full-on. Whilst a student on Bulmershe campus, she undertook a BA in Deaf Studies, combined with Theatre Arts and Education. The course was bi-lingual, taught in English and British Sign Language. After Reading, she worked for a national deaf charity for a while before returning to academia to study Deaf Culture further as part of a Language & Communication Research MA at Cardiff.
Barry has been working at Silivri Fatih Koleji, Istanbul, for three years, and teaches children aged 6-15. He has started his own
Kathryn Oxborrow – Ling 2003 Kathryn returned to study in 2008, gaining an MA Librarianship from the University of Sheffield in 2009. She relocated to Wellington, New Zealand, in late 2010, where she has held various roles in libraries. She is studying part-time for a PhD, alongside her work.
Luke is working for BBC News in Salford, where he manages the technical and craft staff who work with the TV news output based at the corporation’s MediaCityUK site, including BBC Breakfast, Newsround and North West Tonight.
Guilherme Silva – Investment 2001
Barry Nicholson – TEFL 2001
In her spare time, she also started writing fiction, and her main news this year is the release of her fourth novel: Those Rosy Hours at Mazandaran, which will be released by Ghostwoods Books on February 14. She was also featured in December’s issue of Writing Magazine, which is still available online. www.authormgw.co.uk / @AuthorMGW
Luke Ellis – French and German 2005
In December 2014, Richard’s new role with Esri became business development manager for their consulting team in Dubai, UAE
Guilherme is HSBC’s new Head of Global Markets in Thailand. He sees a bright outlook for the region.
across all five provinces, so she really got to know the country. After a five-year absence, she returned to Kigali in May 2014 to move her international development consultancy here. It’s been fantastic being back, as she really does consider the country her second home. She had a moment of pride when, sitting in Immigration, she glanced up to see the news with sign language interpretation.
Reading provided the basis for all of that, and for what was to follow. After graduating from Cardiff she moved to Rwanda in Central Africa, to help develop the country’s first Sign Language Dictionary with Voluntary Services Overseas. It took two years, and involved linguistic research
Jacqueline Wilson Arch 2005 Jacqueline was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Antiquaries (FSA) in October 2013.
67 | 2000s/2010s Your News | Connected
Connected | 2000s/2010s Your News | 68
YOUR NEWS Beth Aulton – Art 2006 Beth has been working as an Illustrator for a number of years. Over this time she has worked with a wide range of clients from large, global publishing houses to small independent commissions and has a reputation for creating interesting, high quality, vibrant artwork.
as the Edinburgh Art Fair and the Affordable Art Fair, Battersea. Last year she got through the entry process for Sky Art’s Portrait Artist of the Year; getting the call was quite a surprise. Jenny competed in the Edinburgh heat, painting Ronni Ancona in the National Museum of Scotland. Last year also marked her first international exhibition; she was part of a group show curated by Andrew Bracey, which travelled from Bangkok, to London, to Lincoln. She has also produced artwork for, or been featured in, various publications over the years; mostly these have been independent ones with a couple being more established. Her website is www.jennifermaidment.com.
company. He and his business partner have moved to San Francisco to relaunch in the US market. Class app helps people to book top end hotels in less than six seconds. Not only that, the app learns their customers preferences so that they can provide personalised upgrades, rewards and bonuses no matter which hotel has been stayed in! They are trying to do for hotels what Uber did for cars and Reserve for restaurants. He says: “we are for people that value experience and a personalised stay”. They tested their app by kicking their CTO out of a plane with the challenge of booking a hotel in free fall! The video they made was the first in (hopefully) a series.
Charlotte Smith – Soil Sci 2006 WK
Bernadette Hewitt – Law 2009
Charlotte joined engineering consultancy firm Atkins in 2007 and currently works as a Senior Environmental Consultant specialising in land contamination. She recently picked up the award for Best Young Brownfield Professional at the 2014 Brownfield Briefing Awards.
Jennifer Maidment – Art 2006 Bridges Jennifer has worked mostly as an artist since graduating, but has worked as a resident artist in a boarding school, a studio assistant to a commercial artist, as a tutor and at University of the Arts London, which was mostly student liaison based. She completed her master’s degree at Wimbledon College of Art in 2010, officially graduating in 2011. In 2012 she was a finalist in the Griffin Art Prize, which included an exhibition of the ten finalists work at the Griffin Gallery London. In 2013 she was signed to a gallery called Degree Art; an online, commercial art gallery with premises in Vyner Street, London. Degree Art represents emerging talent and with them she has exhibited at some of the UK’s biggest art fairs; such
YOUR NEWS
Hannah Scott – English 2008 Hannah has worked for The Sunday Times since graduating. She started her time at the paper as an editorial assistant for the regional team, before moving on to join the digital department for the launch of the new iPad app in 2010. She now edits the paid-for digital editions of the driving section, including the iPad, website and smartphone. She has also been published in the Times and Guardian online, and in the Travel and Books sections of The Sunday Times.
Sam Lee – RREF 2008 Sam is co-founder of Class. He grew up in Newbury, but left Berkshire nearly two years ago for Australia where he set up his
It didn’t take long for her to go back to her writing roots! The chance to co-author Olympic Dressage rider Carl Hester’s autobiography for Orion Publishing was one not to be missed. Making It Happen was published in May.
Ahmed Johnston-Taki – RREF 2009 Ahmed spent two years in the USA as a secondee from Duke of Westminster’s property company. He returned to the UK in June this year.
Ronak Thakkar – ICMA 2010 Ronak is interested in helping students/ alumni in areas to do with international business and in particular Africa. He works closely advising governments and would be happy to help where he can.
Osarieme Omonuwa – Law 2013 Osarieme has obtained a first class degree at the Nigerian Law School.
Alice Chigumira – Social Work 2011 Alice has been awarded MUniv (Open University), for her notable contribution to public services, education and culture. She has distinguished herself in the field of refugee support in the UK, specifically in the Reading area, working with refugees and creating a more positive image of them through projects, talks and her writing.
Formerly a diplomat in Zimbabwe, she says: “the award, though gratefully accepted, does make me feel a little self-conscious in the sense that it is not just for me but for all Zimbabwe Diasporas who have faced different adversities, and yet bring a wealth of skills to society; for all refugees around the world facing persecution with global figures surpassing 50 million. Humanitarianism should be the organising principle of all of us.”
Karl Hobley – Pol&IR 2011 Wantage In October, Karl celebrated his 30th birthday in Putney by the riverside, the site of his extremely short lived rowing career. Many close friends from Reading were in attendance including former RUSU executive colleagues, former Lib Dem soc, RUDS (Drama society) & LGBT society members, as well as friends from Wantage. Still enjoying a party as much as ever he is now planning his 35th.
Matthew Williams – Zoo 2011
David Gorjon – Finance 2012
Matthew obtained a job in Alice Springs, rearing, training and running displays of raptors. He also rears other wildlife like Dingoes and Herons and helps control reptiles such as all snakes and crocs. He says he is now doing what he always wanted to do.
David has extensive international work experience. He specialises in the microfinance intermediation chain and has worked with different development finance organisations. In the past, he worked for the Luxembourg Microfinance and Development Fund, the Inter-American Development Bank and different MFIs and NGOs in Mexico, Peru, France, Luxembourg and Belgium. He holds a Master’s in Microfinance from Solvay, Brussels School/ ULB (Belgium), an MSc in Development Finance from the University of Reading (UK) and an MSc in International Finance from the University of Essex (UK). He obtained a BA in Financial Management from ITESM (Mexico). He speaks English, Spanish and French.
Matthew Symons – Geography 2012 Matthew has been signed by London Irish on a ‘long-term’ deal. He moved from England to New Zealand to play amateur rugby before establishing himself with the Chiefs. The Exiles executive director, Bob Casey, told the BBC that Matt is a very good second row forward and he could be an international. Casey said that Matt has been tracked properly for a year. For any 25 year old Englishman to be a co-captain of the Chiefs says a lot about the character of the individual. Matt is a former rower and used to play for Esher in the Championship before moving down under.
Arun Sharma – IR 2012 Arun is an actor and graduated from East15 drama school.
Sabir Sultan – Chem 2012 Sabir joined Abbott Diabetes Care where he has worked until July and had progressed through the company, which he says he owes to the University of Reading. To give something back, he has volunteered to give a talk on where he is now with his career and how the University has helped him.
Hannah-Rebecca Guscoth – Art&Arch 2013 Hannah, along with Aimee Horton (Psych 2013), and Stephen Haskins (Hist 2012), have started a project called the Considering Disability Journal. The CDJ is an entry-level peer reviewed academic journal in the field of disability studies. They have a global focus and accept submissions from all around the world to ensure that they provide a publication of contemporary ideas. They intend to incorporate as a Community Interest Company as an asset-locked formation guarantees the success and continuation of their work and best supports their volunteers. Previously she started, along with Susanne Rees, Independence & Diversity In Disability – now trading as iDID Adventure CIC.
More news can be found on our website www.alumni.reading. ac.uk/benefits/connected