ISSUE 5, 2014
TALKING WEATHER, WALLABIES AND WORLD FIRSTS with ITV weather presenter Laura Tobin | PAGE 6
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE… We will remember them: Reading and the Great War
| PAGE 12
From student to award-winning CEO in one year | PAGE 22 Professor Jim Knowlson on knowing Samuel Beckett | PAGE 24 1
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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. Our Commonwealth Environmental Investment Platform has been working with the University to explore ways in which we can create smart and sustainable urban visions, provide transferable technology and knowledge solutions from the UK to the Commonwealth and how universities, business and the public sector should work together to realise this vision. This culminated in our organisations jointly hosting a major conference and reception in May 2014, for 150 leading experts in the development of smart and sustainable cities. Our keynote speaker was Sir David King, Chair of the Future Cities Catapult Board and The Foreign Secretary’s Special Representative for Climate Change. For further information on our work with smart, sustainable cities, please visit www.theceip.com or www.clarkslegal.com.
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IN THIS ISSUE PAGE 4
WHAT YOU’VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT
AND NOW IT’S TIME FOR THE WEATHER
PAGE PAGE6 6
PAGE 12
READING AND THE GREAT WAR
ART OF THE BIRD
PAGE 14
WELCOME TO CONNECTED The past year has been very exciting for the University of Reading. We have recognised the challenging times ahead for the Higher Education sector, and acted accordingly. Our new strategy has three areas of focus: educating for 21st century lives, understanding and creating solutions for complex societal challenges, and advancing policy and practice. The road ahead is challenging, but we are confident that we are well placed to maximise the opportunities the future brings and that our students, and ultimately the wider world, will benefit because of them. Knowing this, we have been working hard to promote the University and making sure our message is heard. Our 2014 Open Days were bigger and better than ever, and our ‘Reading is Ready’ promotional campaign is giving us great visibility. We know that Reading is a world-leading university; now we are making sure everyone knows. In our journey to make Reading’s name synonymous with limitless potential, we recognise that our greatest ambassadors are you – our valued alumni. In this magazine we introduce you to ITV weather presenter Laura Tobin; Robert Gillmor, one of the leading ornithological artists in this country; Damian Collier, founder of Viral Spiral; Jas Sunder, Director of the Nestlé R&D Facility and many other successful figures that we are privileged enough to count among our former students. You are our success stories and we are proud to have you in our alumni network. Many of you regularly contact us via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or email, to share your memories of your time here. We always enjoy receiving these and some of last year’s contributions can be found throughout the following pages. We have also included some profiles that have been uploaded to our website – if you haven’t yet published your own profile please visit alumni.reading.ac.uk/alumniprofiles and add yours. Not only are these profiles used in our publications and on our social media channels, they also serve as inspiration for our current and prospective students. You are the people they aspire to be. I hope you are as proud of your University as we are of you. In this issue we are celebrating our Meteorology Department being recognised by a royal award (page 28), our successful entrepreneurs (page 20) and our new branch in Malaysia welcoming its first students (page 34). Our community of alumni is very important to us and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your engagement with us, whether through a donation, volunteering or simply keeping in touch. I hope you enjoy this issue of Connected and would be very pleased to hear any feedback from you.
Sir David Bell KCB, Vice-Chancellor
PAGE 18
NEWS IN BRIEF
PAGE 20
ENTREPRENEURSHIP STARTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF READING
PAGE 22
WHEN SCIENCE MET SPORT
PAGE 24
KNOWING BECKETT
PAGE 28
LEADING THE WORLD IN CLIMATE SCIENCE
PAGE 33
THE SWEETEST JOB IN THE WORLD
PAGE 34
UNIVERSITY OF READING MALAYSIA
PAGE 36
FINDING A VIRAL SPIRAL
PAGE 38
GET INVOLVED
PAGE 40
WELCOME NEW ALUMNI
PAGE 42
EVENTS
PAGE 44
SHARE YOUR STORY
PAGE 45
FRIENDS AND COMMUNITY NEWS
PAGE 46
YOUR NEWS
PAGE 53
GIVING TO READING
PAGE 54
NOTICE BOARD
Cover image: With grateful thanks to ITV Good Morning Britain/Ken McKay
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WHAT YOU’VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT
READIN VOTED G BEST UNIVER GREEN SITY SPACE THE UKIN Daniel Gibbons @danielgbbns It is a beautiful campus, all year round. Ah, I miss my University! Well done
Mike Read @MikeReadUK ‘Old friends, sat on the park bench like Bookends.’ #WilfredOwen #GustavHolst #EdithMorley @UniofReading Molly Pearce @MollyAP Very glad that the sun is letting me make the most of one of my last days on this beautiful campus. @UniofReading
WHAT WORDS DESCRIBE GRADUATION FOR YOU?
Airi MissCream For the first time Reading Alumni is in Astana, Kazakhstan! Thank you for organising this event
Deborah Fyrth @deboFyrth @UniofReading didn’t know Wilfred Owen was an alumnus! Feel even more proud to be a Reading alumna.
‘Exciting’ Claire Louise Kennedy
‘Relief’ Jill Chamberlain
‘Exhausting, excited, euphoric’ Thomas Fairclough
‘Magic’ Rose Wicks
‘Nerves and excitement!’ Laura Slater
‘Morning sickness! As I was three months pregnant at the time!’ Misha Williams 4
‘Nervous, would I walk in correctly and not fall over!’ Jasmine Derbyshire
See page 48 for a review of this reunion
‘a little sad that it was the end of a fabulous time’
DO YOU REMEMBER RESULTS DAY?
RUBC @RUboatclub It’s great to see @UniRdg_Alumni @samwtownsend & @CharlesCousins (with Graham & Pete) leading the world #WellEarned
Alison Hazelton
‘I remember drinking cans of warm lager in the HumSS building & fighting with Mark Hutchings over Jaffa Cakes’
CALLING AALNLD REAL ALE ERS! BEER LOV
Jo Eden
its ading now has University of Re ’ ar ul ric ‘Extra Cur very own beer. e al le pa ) ng (5.4% is a ‘hoppy’ stro ts en ud st g by Readin and is brewed e Al al Re e rs of th who are membe ers seem to be m to Society. Cus which romatic’ beer, enjoying the ‘a bars ity rs the Unive is sold at all of l pubs. and some loca
‘Like yesterday! Four years ago, where has the time gone…hope all the finalists got what they were hoping for today like I did that day!’ Natalie Rex
Peter Johnston I used to have my own brewery in the cupboard in my study bedroom on the 5th floor in Windsor Hall …two 40 pint barrels & a fermentation tank … nearly always had a batch on the go… bitters, lagers, stouts … one of the advantages of being a Food Science Undergrad.
‘I could have pumped my fists in the air, but somehow the hugeness of it all just sapped my energy. Still a good moment!’
‘I still remember going to check the board in the Chemistry Department with my friends, followed later by the ChemSoc BBQ. Great day!!’ Katie Robins
John Reynolds
Rod Ellis
Reading alumni @UniRdg_Alumni 1974 Quantity Surveying Year Group who are having a 40 years on reunion in June! #memorymonday
Keith Sanderson What a brilliant photo from the Reading days. Make sure this goes into the Reading archives!
Ust Oldfield @UOldfield Christmas special of #universitychallenge tonight with the most awesome of teams @UniRdg_Alumni
JOIN THE CONVERSATION @UniRdg_Alumni University of Reading Alumni
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Testing rollercoasters, sharing the limelight with Kermit the Frog and battling amorous sea lions. A weather presenter has to be prepared to face it all! Laura Tobin (BSc Physics and Meteorology 2003) will be a familiar face to many, especially those who watch Good Morning Britain. She has been the weather presenter for this programme since appearing on the launch episode, having already been working for ITV for 18 months. Laura vividly remembers her first broadcast with ITV. ‘The lights in my weather area failed and there was nowhere else in the Studio for me to present from. Luckily – or not depending on how you look at it – Little Mix were performing to 300 screaming girls on the bank of the River Thames rehearsing for a performance on our show. They had a stage, lights and a cameraman so I was told to present from there! We stopped the rehearsal and I had to present the weather on stage in front of those 300 girls who were not happy at all. Afterwards Lorraine Kelly told me ‘Well done. You acted like such a pro.’ To be told that by a legend like Lorraine Kelly was amazing.’
‘Afterwards Lorraine Kelly told me ‘Well done. You acted like such a pro.’ To be told that by a legend like Lorraine Kelly was amazing.’ ‘The team at ITV are brilliant to work with’ Laura explains. ‘Lorraine is the most professional person you could ever meet. She treats every day like it is her first day – she never rests on her laurels. Ben Shepherd is great fun – he takes a great interest in the weather and even asks me to send photos of exciting weather for his children to look at. The guys who run the show work all night from about 10pm, but they are still smiling when I arrive around 4am. The Director is always so calm. I don’t know how he does it – he is like an air traffic controller keeping the show going and, even more importantly, running exactly to time!’
With grateful thanks to ITV Good Morning Britain/Ken McKay for providing image
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‘I can present the weather from the studio or, if there is nice weather or a story to cover, I'll go on the road to anywhere from zoo's to beaches, the UK or even abroad. There is never a dull moment with the weather and travelling all around the UK and even Europe makes it even more interesting’
As well as ITV, Laura has also worked as a weather presenter for the BBC. ‘What I remember most about the BBC’ she says ‘is the variety it offered. There was national weather, world weather, Countryfile, Breakfast, radio, so your day could be really different. If you were presenting world weather for example, you would be recorded rather than live and might do 30 weathers in a ten hour shift! I found the world weathers particularly hard because my geography is terrible! I was always forgetting capital cities, or the order of countries in Africa, so I would have to write down reminders on bits of paper and stick them on the camera or on the floor. ‘The hardest job at the BBC though was the shipping forecast. We had to present the weather data for nine minutes exactly – not five seconds more or less. We couldn’t speed up or slow down, we had to maintain the pace exactly. Once, I missed out a minute’s worth by accident, so when I got to the two minute mark I only had one minute’s worth to report. We were able to do a summary at the end as a buffer – I did a really long summary that day.’ Before joining national television, Laura worked with the Royal Air Force, providing aeronautical meteorology reports and briefings via the British Forces Broadcasting Services. ‘My area was Brize Norton so I learned that 20km radius really well. The job was incredibly pressured – you had to be right. If I predicted that the fog would clear at 10am for example, and then they couldn’t actually fly until 2pm, that could mean that people in Iraq or Afghanistan wouldn’t be able to come home that day. You couldn’t second guess yourself and there was no room for mistakes – you had to be right there and then.’ 8
SHARING THE LIMELIGHT Although weather presenting is generally solitary, Laura has had some interesting co-presenters… She presented a report with the Earl of Wessex at the University of Reading earlier this year, when the Earl and Countess came to the University to present the Regius Professor Certificate to Professor Keith Shine (more on the Regius professorship on page 28). ‘I’m used to presenting the weather to millions of people watching at home, but I don’t usually have such a high-profile audience with me in the studio.’ Presenting the weather with Steve Carrell was a very different experience. ‘We were told he wouldn’t be presenting with me because he was coming on the show as himself, not his character
Brick. But while I was presenting the weather, suddenly the Director shouted in my ear ‘he’s coming over’ and Steve joined me. It was so strange – I felt like part of me was watching it from outside my body – I was telling myself ‘You are presenting the weather with Steve Carrell – don’t mess it up!’ Some of her co-presenters haven’t even been human. ‘Working with Kermit was quite an experience. He said the rainy weather was perfect for him and he didn’t know why we were complaining. Goofy was fun too. He thought he could do a better job than me and was so proud that he had brought sunglasses and an umbrella to represent sun followed by rain.’
NEVER WORK WITH ANIMALS ‘They say never work with children and animals’ says Laura ‘and it’s true! ‘I’ve had lions having sex behind me at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, rhinos relieving themselves on air at Chester Zoo and had to present the weather in a boiler suit so that the animals at the new safari ride at Chessington wouldn’t get amorous with me because of my animal print clothes.’ Some animals really don’t know when to stop. ‘I was presenting at Blackpool Zoo and there were some sea lions there whose trick was to kiss their handler’s cheek when he pointed to it. He had been trying to teach them to do it to me, but they just weren’t getting the idea. When I did the report I accidentally touched my cheek and one of them suddenly seemed to get it and started kissing me. Then the other one started and they wouldn’t stop!
‘I was telling myself ‘You are presenting the weather with Steve Carrell – don’t mess it up!’
‘It’s easy to gesture without meaning it and forget that the animals around you might react unexpectedly. I was at Yorkshire Wildlife Park feeding wallabies. I stood up to give my report, forgetting I had some carrots in my hand. I was waving my hand about presenting the weather, and there was one of the wallabies, visible at the bottom of the screen, jumping to try and get them and the other one patting my leg as if he was asking if he could please have them. I had to stop the report and give them the carrots because there was no way they were going to give up.’
AND NOW IT’S TIME FOR THE WEATHER | 9
LAURA’S MORNINGS 3.25am Time to get up!
3.30am The car arrives. ‘There’s no public transport at that time of the morning, so we are lucky enough to have cars pick us up. This gives me time to phone the Met Office, check twitter, news wires and online generally to see what is happening. I can then phone ahead to make sure we have the footage prepared.’
4.15am Arrive at work. ‘I go into the presenters meeting and visit the News Desk so that I can see any pictures that have been sent in and also find out if there are any news stories that I can link to.’
4.30am Hair and make-up!
5am Time to get changed. ‘For me it is really important that what I wear for the report reflects what people should be wearing in that weather – so I don’t wear short sleeved dresses and flip flops in winter, or long sleeves if it is going to be a hot day. At that time of the morning it is always chilly on location – unless we are in the middle of a heat wave – so I take a jacket with me but I always take it off before going on air if it is going to be a warm day. I like to think that even if someone didn’t hear a word I was saying, they would be able to gauge the weather from how I look.’
5.15am Another chat with the Met Office for the most recent updates.
6am On air!
WHY IS WEATHER FORECASTING IMPORTANT? We all know that there has been a lot happening with the weather over the past few years, but it is only when one really looks at the patterns that it becomes obvious why it is so important to understand the weather. From two years of drought to the wettest summer for 100 years, from heavy snow to the wettest winter on record. Every season is breaking records and never before has weather reporting been so important. ‘Now we have better research, supercomputers and more funding we can begin to find out more, but even then it is not a precise art’ says Laura. ‘I think people now do understand why we don’t always have all the answers. As long as you explain why things have changed, 10 | AND NOW IT’S TIME FOR THE WEATHER
or what it is that is making things uncertain, then people understand. ‘Weather forecasting is based on a science. You have to translate the scientific terms to an audience who doesn’t have your background in meteorology. When a particular phenomenon is causing interesting weather – like the jet streams causing torrential rain – you can introduce your audience to it, but there is a time and a place for the science. That doesn’t mean however, that it isn’t important. When a typhoon in the Philippines is causing snows in North America, we need to know why and we need to be able to prepare people for the possible effects.’ The importance of encouraging young people into the industry
cannot be overestimated, and Laura helps in her role as a STEM ambassador. She explains ‘STEM is a charity that encourages more young people to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. It’s a Government initiative which was started because these subjects are being studied less and are so important for many careers. It’s free for schools to sign up and people who have careers in STEM subjects volunteer their time to go to schools and do talks or demonstrations. I do talks about weather forecasting and weather presenting, and I let the students have a go at presenting the weather themselves. It’s a great initiative and I love doing it.’
Thank you to Laura Tobin for providing photographs
DID YOU KNOW THAT LAURA… …is often mistaken for Kate Middleton. ‘I recently was sent a picture from Lorraine Kelly actually, saying that I really looked like Kate. It was a picture of me feeding a giraffe and Aled Jones very kindly asked which one was me! Sue Pollard also told me just a few days ago that I was the spitting image of Kate.’ …was the first person to ride the Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers. ‘There was a delay so I had to ride it literally straight before presenting the weather live on air! My hair was all over the place and I couldn’t quite believe I had done it. I even rode it before the designer who had been working on it for five years!’ …is the first person to have broadcast live from Disneyland Paris since its opening. She presented the weather from there as part of their 21st birthday celebrations.
For a closer look at our award winning Meteorology Department, see the feature on page 28.
The University of Reading has one of the top Meteorology Departments in the UK, and the research done here supports the Met Office and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in forecasting the weather and influencing policy. Laura remembers her time in the department fondly. ‘It wasn’t the kind of department where you showed up for your lectures and went home again. We were like a family – there were only about 25 – 30 in a class and no more than 100 over a three year course so everyone knew everyone. There were also always lots of postgrad students around who were more than willing to help. I had a brilliant time – I loved my time at Reading.’
…recently completed a 60 mile bike ride as part of the ITV Local Heroes initiative, a scheme designed to encourage local people to volunteer in their community. Join In also supported the bike ride, with volunteers manning the marker points every ten miles and cheering encouragement along the way. ‘I never cycled before – maybe once a year on a really nice day to the pub and back – so this was really hard for me. ITV were great. They hired a good road bike for me and I had a trainer for one week to get me ready. It was a huge challenge but I loved it, and now I cycle a lot. It’s very addictive and gives you so much freedom.’ …is a huge Bon Jovi fan and actually got to interview Jon Bon Jovi himself on Radio 1. ‘I knew the DJ, Greg James, well and he knew that I was a massive Bon Jovi fan. He told me that he didn’t really have any questions for Jon and did I want to do the interview. I burst into tears! I had been up since 4am, but that night I was up until 1am trying on clothes, listening to their new album that had only been released that day, and preparing questions. As soon as I walked into the Radio Studio I burst into tears again. I had to compose myself and try to be cool. The interview actually went really well, even though at one point I couldn’t see the questions anymore, or even breathe properly. When he signed a picture for my mum I gave him a signed picture of me! As he walked off I called out ‘Don’t lose it’ and he replied ‘I got it.’ Then as soon as he moved out of vision I started crying again and couldn’t stop for about an hour. It was the best day of my life – until my wedding day of course!’ 11
READING AND THE GREAT WAR It is a hundred years since WWI began, but in all this time public interest does not seem to have lessened. Why are we still so captivated, moved and affected by something that happened so long ago? Phillippa Heath, Project Programmes Manager at the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), tries to answer the question. ‘I think it is the tragic aspect of WWI, the sheer volume of people that it affected. You look at the individuals in the War Memorial Book and they look so young, even though they are in their military outfits. They had their whole future ahead of them, but it was cut short.’ The War Memorial Book belongs to the Special Collections at MERL and was displayed as part of the exhibition ‘Reading University College: WWI and Beyond’ which ran from April to August. Funded by Arts Council England, this exhibition, alongside regular seminars, revealed the story of Reading and those who fell during the Great War.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM…
HAROLD ASHCOMBE CHAMEN (1894–1916) While an agricultural scholar at Reading University College, Harold was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Special Reserve and later promoted to Lieutenant in May 1916. He became Commanding Officer of B Company when Captain Pearse sprained an ankle. While attempting to take the second German line at Guillemont, Chamen was wounded and evacuated to Number 5 Casualty Clearing Station. While lying there, he dictated the following letter: ‘I had the misfortune to stop a Boche shell this morning at about 6.30am. We were doing another attack. I am now at a dressing station and am doing along nicely. It is strange to notice that today is only one day short of the anniversary of my wound received last year.’
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He died of his wounds the following day.
The War Memorial Book, believed to have been created around the same time as the War Memorial was erected on the London Road Campus (1924), contains photographs of many of the people who were connected to what was then Reading University College, and whose names feature on the war memorial plaques. The War Memorial Book also played a central role in the Reading Connections Project, a partnership project with Reading Museum. The pictures were digitised and are available on Flickr at bit.ly/1s0KiCc. Phillippa has been working with volunteers to research the history of the people behind the names and faces, and she invites people to visit the Flickr album and leave a comment with any additional information they may have. She says: ‘A key aim of this project is to encourage others with connections to these servicemen and women to come forward.’
FLORENCE MARY FAITHFULL (1892–1918) Florence is the only woman to feature in the book. She obtained her Certificate in Commerce in 1911 from Reading University College and was working as a nurse in Iraq during the war. On the 15th January 1918, the Matron and 12 members of the female nursing staff of 65 General Hospital, were invited by the Officer Commanding Beit Naana Officers’ Hospital to spend the afternoon at his unit, to meet his convalescent officers and have tea. On the return journey they were involved in a collision at Basra between a Steam Tug and their motor launch. Four members of the nursing staff died including Florence, who was just 26 years old.
One person who has come forward is Dave Waite, who completed his teacher training at Reading. He was teaching his students about casualties from their school in WWI and was delighted to find a picture of Frederick John Huskinson on the Flickr page.
‘A key aim of this project is to encourage others with connections to these servicemen and women to come forward.’ He sent this message ‘Sadly missed art teacher, who enlisted just before the outbreak of war and lost his brother Charles in September 1914 aboard HMS Cressy. Wounded at Neuve Chapelle in 1915 and then listed missing, presumed killed on the first day of the Somme. No known grave. Remembered by the students of Sir John Nelthorpe School, Brigg (formerly Brigg Grammar).’
The sheer magnitude of lives lost can make it difficult to remember that each life was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a daughter or sister. This project focuses the mind on those individuals. Jeremy Jones, project volunteer, said: ‘The project has been both interesting and thought-provoking. The ages of those who died range from 18 to 45, with the majority being aged 30 or less. These were people who had barely set out on their adult lives and it is impossible not to be moved by the thought of the youthful hopes and dreams that must have gone unfulfilled and of the impact on their families. I hope that our work will contribute to an increased awareness of the impact of the Great War and the people who participated in it, so that we can see those who died as more than just names on a memorial.’
BASIL GEORGE HOPE MACLEAR (1885–1916) On the 5th of October 1915, Basil was commissioned as a probationary 2nd Lieutenant in the Grenadier Guards, being confirmed in that rank on the 26th of January 1916. He embarked for France on the 16th of December 1915 where he joined the 4th Battalion of his regiment. On 31st of May 1916 the London Gazette reported that Basil had received the Military Cross: ‘for conspicuous gallantry and ability. When ordered to establish communication with another battalion, he did so over 250 yards of ground in the face of very heavy shell fire, establishing bombing posts as he proceeded.’ On the 26th of July 1916 a party of enemy troops raided front line trenches held by Number 2 Company near Ypres. Some half a dozen of the enemy jumped over the parapet and bombed a working party who were taken completely by surprise. Basil Maclear, hearing the noise, rushed to the spot and was killed instantly by a bomb thrown at close range.
WILFRED OWEN (1893–1918) Despite appearing on the list of service-people with links to the University, Wilfred Owen does not appear on the War Memorial itself. It appears that he first studied Botany and Latin, but was encouraged by Professor Edith Morley of the English Department (believed to be the first female professor in the UK) to change his studies to English. A great deal is, of course, already known about Wilfred Owen as he is a popular war poet. He served in WWI as a Lieutenant in the 5th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment and was killed in action on the 4th November 1918 at the age of 25. He was awarded the Military Cross for bravery at Joncourt in October 1918 a mere month before his death. As well as studying at Reading University College, Owen has another connection to the University as it holds the archives of publishers Chatto & Windus. Wilfred Owen and Professor Morley have both been commemorated by the University Plaque Scheme which identifies and honours notable figures from Reading’s past.
HUGH GORDON LANGTON (1886–1917) Admitted as Associate of University College Reading in 1905, Hugh was an exceptionally gifted violinist who, before WWI, studied under some of the best teachers in Europe including Professors Secvik (Prague), Wirth (Berlin) and Auer (Russia). The personal inscription on his headstone consists of a piece of music. It has been assumed that the notes are purely figurative as efforts to identify the piece of music have failed, but (albeit with the final note missing) it could be from the old song After the Ball the line in question being ‘many a heart is aching’. This is perhaps the family's intended tribute. 13
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You may not know the name Robert Gillmor, but you will almost certainly have seen his artwork. The avocet on the RSPB logo is drawn by Robert and he has designed 42 stamps for Royal Mail. He has contributed to over 200 books, was the Founder of the Society of Wildlife Artists and the recipient of the RSPB Medal in 2001.
FAMILY CONNECTIONS Robert Gillmor (Fine Art 1957, Art 1958) is the grandson of the renowned artist Allen Seaby. He was a key part of a movement that brought the art of Japanese wood cutting over to the UK, and was one of the first Fine Art Professors at the University of Reading.
‘As a small child I spent a great deal of time in my grandfather’s studio. He introduced me to oil painting and I grew up in a house full of his pictures. It seemed just very natural to be surrounded by art.’ His love of birds began before he started school and he attributes this to his grandfather. ‘We would go walking in the countryside together; my grandfather was deaf so I became his ears. I would describe what I heard, and he would tell me about the birds we saw.’ Seaby founded the Reading Guild of Artists which held exhibitions at the Reading Museum and Art Gallery every year. The University of Reading Art Department was very much involved – in fact, Professor Carter was President of Guild when Robert started at Reading. Professor Carter was adamant however that he wouldn’t let any of his students become members! After graduating, Robert joined and eventually became President – a post he held for 14 years. ‘I was very proud to be following on from my grandfather’ he recalls. Interest in wildlife art encouraged Robert to contact the leading wildlife artists of the day to suggest a joint exhibition. Up to then, it was very difficult to see their original work, except in reproduction. The exhibition, opened by Lord Alanbrooke, was held in 1960 at the Reading Museum and Art Gallery. Its success led to the formation, four years later, of the Society of Wildlife Artists. The Society has just had its 50th exhibition, at the Mall Galleries in London, opened by Sir David Attenborough. As one of the founding members, Robert has also been Secretary, Chairman and President. He is currently Vice-President.
Starlings performing aerial manoeuvres, linocut
LOGOS, STAMPS AND THE NEW NATURALIST Since he was a small boy, Robert has been a member of the RSPB. He began doing small pieces of artwork for them and started to make a name for himself with the organisation. When they hired a designer for their new logo who didn’t know what an avocet looked like, they knew who to call! Although there have been minor adjustments to the design, the avocet image itself remains largely unchanged. The New Naturalist cover work came about in 1985. Collins started the series in 1945 with the husband and wife artist team Clifford and Rosemary Ellis. After they had illustrated 70 issues Clifford sadly died and Rosemary didn’t want to go on with them alone. The editor at the time, Crispin Fisher, an enthusiast of Robert’s work, asked him to take over. ‘I was a great admirer of the Ellises and I wasn’t sure I could follow them so I was reluctant at first – but then Crispin said he wouldn’t take no as an answer and so I gave in.’ Robert is still creating The New Naturalist covers; he has created 60 so far – three titles a year! In 2010 he was approached by the Royal Mail and asked to provide linocut designs for their new Post and Go Service (self-service machines). ‘They wanted something different to the traditional stamps to highlight the new service,’ Robert explains, ‘and bird stamps have always been very popular, so they commissioned two sets of garden birds. They planned to follow these with photographs but seemed to like what I did and asked for two more bird sets. These were followed by three sets of farm animals. It meant working to tight deadlines which took me away from my own work for two years. When further sets of waterlife were suggested I decided that I needed a break and, in any case, having designed 42 stamps altogether wasn’t too bad!’
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Bumblebees, linocut
PROFESSOR WINS SIR MISHA BLACK MEDAL The Sir Misha Black Awards were established by the Royal College of Art, the Faculty of Royal Designers for Industry, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Design and Industries Association and the College of Medallists to commemorate the life of architect, designer, and professor, Sir Misha Black. This year’s recipient was our very own Professor Michael Twyman, a contemporary and friend of Robert Gillmor (Robert was actually the best man at Michael’s wedding!).
‘I am privileged and honoured to receive the Sir Misha Black Medal for 2014 and delighted that it recognises the international significance of the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication at Reading.’ Professor Michael Twyman Professor Twyman turns 80 this year and, in light of his years of dedication to the University as well as his recent honour, we have established a fund to support MA and PhD students in his field. If you would be interested in donating to this fund, please visit https://alumni.reading.ac.uk/support/typography.
READING CONNECTIONS ‘I had a wonderful five years at the University. I even occasionally did some work while I was there.’ What Robert remembers most about the University is the great range of activities that he could take part in. He was a founder member of Reading University Exploration Society and went on an expedition to Spitzbergen to study birds, as well as taking part in two other expeditions to the Arctic. When the Whiteknights campus opened he became involved with the theatre, occasionally treading the boards, but more often working behind the scenes. He designed the set and costumes for the first production in the new theatre – The Cherry Orchard. He even became President of the Theatre Group.
Ornithological Club (1949) and has continued doing them every year since. He also illustrated his first book, on Blackbirds, while still a student at Reading.
‘One of my best memories of Reading is being able to work with a great group of teachers. They were enormously encouraging.’
But of course, art was still of great importance. He was in the audience when the Queen opened Whiteknights campus and made a small oil painting from sketches done at the time. As a schoolboy, he had designed the first cover for the Annual Report of the Reading Robert and Michael at Reading in 1958
Little Tern, watercolour
ALLEN SEABY AN EXHIBITION
Barn Owl, watercolour
The ‘Allen Seaby: art in nature’ exhibition is running from 11 October 2014 – 22 March 2015 at Reading Museum and Gallery. To coincide with this, Robert Gillmor and Martin Andrews (BA Typography 1976, PhD Typography 2006 and currently a lecturer in Typography) are releasing a book with Two Rivers Press. Robert is writing an account of his grandfather the man, and Martin is writing about Seaby the artist, and his impact on the world of art. Seaby was a key figure in introducing the Japanese printing method to England and played a significant role in what was a unique and very important movement. It was very popular at the time, and art dealers are once again interested in this type of work.
‘As a poverty stricken newly-wed I bought my first artwork – it was a Seaby.’ Martin Andrews
Blackthorn Blackbird, linocut
ART WORLD TODAY ‘Art is very different today’ says Robert. ‘Some art I find difficult to appreciate because it doesn’t seem to involve thought about drawing, colour, design. I went to a contemporary art exhibition in one of my local galleries and was amused to see a huge paragraph of explanation for each picture. I prefer to let the picture tell me. It’s a shame that contemporary art has to rely on words.’
The University of Reading is a very special place for art and typography. When asked why this might be, Martin was able to provide the answer. ‘The University of Reading was originally, in the 1860s, an extension college of Oxford. It was an Art School and Science School. In 1892, these schools became Reading University College which, in 1926, became the University of Reading. But it all started with an Art School and a Science School, and that is why Reading takes a leading role in Fine Art and the sciences – especially Food Sciences. ‘Even from the earliest days, Reading also did printing apprenticeships. Young printers in town came to do evening classes, and in the 1960s, former student, Michael Twyman, started the Typography Department. As far as we know, it remains the only independent Typography Department in the world.’ For more information on Robert and Martin’s book, please visit www.tworiverspress.com.
Looking back over his career, there have been quite a few highlights for Robert. ‘I’ve always been very keen on promoting the art I believe in and encouraging young artists. I am very pleased that my New Naturalist covers are quite well received. I have enjoyed my own print making and I still like getting out in the field with my sketch book and drawing what I see.’ But when asked what he believes to be his greatest achievement, as a very modest man, he is reluctant to answer the question. ‘My greatest achievement’ he says, ‘is really for other people to decide.’ Grateful thanks to the RSPB, Two Rivers Press, Pinkfoot Gallery and Thomas Gillmor for providing pictures.
ART OF THE BIRD | 17
NEWS IN BRIEF SENIOR STAFF CHANGES
UNIVERSITY INVESTMENT IN SCIENCE AND INNOVATION PARK
Professor Christine Williams steps down as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation after six highly successful years. Fortunately, Christine is not leaving the University and will continue her Professorial work in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development.
The University of Reading has announced its commitment to developing a new Science and Innovation Park at the heart of the Thames Valley, with an investment of up to £50 million to establish the site infrastructure and phase one construction. This Park will play a key role in driving the region's knowledge economy, targeting technology-led companies seeking both a strategic location and access to the high-quality research and graduate support provided by the University.
Other important staff changes include: • Professor Tony Downes stepping down as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and becoming Provost for the University of Reading Malaysia. Professor Steven Mithen will be the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor. • Two new Pro-Vice-Chancellors: Mr Vincenzo (Enzo) Raimo and Professor Robert Van de Noort • Keith Hodgson stepping down as University Secretary and Dr Richard Messer, currently Head of Administration, becoming the next Secretary to the Council • Dr Ben Cosh’s new appointment as Dean of Science.
SANTANDER ON CAMPUS The Santander University of Reading branch has been officially opened by Santander UK CEO Ana Botin and Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell. Ms Botin cut the ribbon on the new branch on Whiteknights campus, followed by a question-and-answer session with students and staff.
LOTTERY FUND GRANT TO TRANSFORM MERL The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) has been awarded a grant of £1.7m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) that will transform the way people experience and understand our rural heritage. New galleries and digital displays will take visitors to the heart of countryside issues and history, and existing spaces will be radically redesigned to enhance the visitor experience.
‘The branch marks Santander's ongoing commitment to the University. The partnership has provided life-changing funding to students across our institution. We look forward to working together for years to come.’ Sir David Bell Since 2012, Santander has invested more than £150,000 in Reading in scholarships, training and boot camps
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‘This is an engaging project which will give visitors and local people from across the community the chance to explore and learn about changing rural life across England. The ‘Our Country Lives' project will build on the museum's existing success by revitalising existing displays and exhibitions, creating new learning spaces and improving the visitor facilities.’ Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East
FIGHTING DEMENTIA Berkshire Healthcare joined with the University of Reading this year to create the Berkshire Memory & Cognition Research Centre (BMCRC). The Centre will allow experts to conduct crucial research including how diet and lifestyle can affect dementia, as well as the impact of the disease on carers and their families. In addition the Centre will run clinical trials offering access to possible new treatments and interventions.
INVESTMENT ON WHITEKNIGHTS
New and improved study area
There are some exciting developments currently underway on the Whiteknights campus: • A major refurbishment of the Library began in summer 2013 and has continued in summer 2014. Each year, two floors have been refurbished with a total investment of £5m. • A new Hall, to replace the old Bridges Hall, has opened (the name is retained). This completes the third and final phase of the major Halls Redevelopment Project. Other halls that will see improvements separate to this project are St Patrick’s, which will have a £1.2m investment in its catering facilities, and Wessex Hall, which will have a refurbished bar, that will also be available to the new residents at Bridges Hall. • At the request of RUSU, the University is spending £1.2m on an extension and refurbishment of Café Mondial. • A new Pavilion is being built at Bulmershe, which will now become the homeground of our footballers. Outdoor sports at Whiteknights will also be equipped with a new Pavilion. • The Palmer Lecture Theatre will be refurbished over summers 2014 and 2015. • WiFi is now available all across campus, and will be available in all halls by the new academic year. • The Whiteknights Utilities Infrastructure Project will see many of our major buildings serviced by a more efficient and sustainable Combined Heat and Power System to replace the steam main and boilers by the end of this summer, and the rest of the project will be completed next summer.
‘Dementia is an incurable disease and ultimately leaves people needing full-time care as brain function wastes away. With the number of those affected by dementia set to triple over the next 30 years it is vital we find new ways of detecting and preventing this devastating disease.’ Dr Laurie Butler, Head of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences
VIRTUAL ROME Congratulations to Dr Matthew Nicholls for winning the 2014 Guardian Higher Education Award for Teaching Excellence for his Virtual Rome project. Virtual Rome project supported by our donors in 2010
Dr Nicholls' digital model of Rome (c. AD315) has allowed students to experience the ancient world first hand. This unique tool includes reconstructions of all the major monuments, including the Coliseum, bath houses, forum and markets as well as the many square miles of the ordinary housing, tombs, and commercial buildings.
‘I'm absolutely delighted by this award, for myself and the students who have helped me develop my digital projects. I'm especially pleased to see my ancient subject of Classics, with great support from the University of Reading, recognised as a leader in innovative, modern teaching excellence.’ Dr Matthew Nicholls
READING RANKINGS WORLDWIDE
It has been a good year for university rankings for Reading. • We moved up eight places to 30th position in the Guardian University Guide (now ahead of several Russell Group Universities). • We maintained the 37th position in the 2015 Complete University Guide Rankings with six subjects placed in the top ten nationally. • We scored 78.5% in The Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey, ranking 33rd overall with students ranking staff and lectures, extra-curricular activities and our campus environment particularly highly.
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ENTREPRENEURSHIP STARTS AT THE University of Reading
The recent economic problems have led many potential students to ask ‘how is university going to help me get a job?’ Academia alone isn’t enough anymore; students need to be prepared for the world after study. One way in which Reading is tackling this issue is through supporting students in starting their own businesses. The University of Reading is one of the few universities in this country that offers its students both a theoretical and practical way to study business. Even better, it also offers some students the chance to run their own businesses in their third year from the Entrepreneurship Hub, headed up by Stuart Morris. Stuart was the man who had the vision for the Hub. He explains ‘I’m not a traditional academic. I’ve come from an entrepreneurial background – I’ve started 15 companies in the last 19 years – but I love the teaching, the mentoring, the helping other people to realise their potential and reach whatever their dream is. So I wanted 20
to find a space where we could help students start their own businesses for real. Let’s not just talk about it, let’s do it.’ The Hub on Whiteknights campus is a community for small businesses who are just starting out, where they can not only use the facilities, but which also allows them access to mentors so that they can learn from the experts in the field. The experience our students gain from this association is invaluable and wide ranging. Take one example – the art of selling. ‘Selling is a really challenging thing to do’ says Stuart. ‘To be able to go out and get somebody to part with hard cash is something that very few of us have done much of when we are 20 years old. I have two people who are very experienced sales people – between them they have sold everything from double glazing to multi-million pound shares – and they are willing to share their expertise. One of them comes in most weeks for half a day and does his sales calls from the Hub. So if someone wants to sit next to him and listen to how he does his telephone sales calls,
he is very happy for them to do that. He’s quite happy to give away all his years of experience because he sees it as giving something back to the community.’ Some businesses will succeed, but there will always be ones that fail. Stuart however, sees this as a further opportunity. ‘Even the failures are not failures, because people learn from them and people support one another. Very few entrepreneurs end up in the first business they started. Look at Richard Branson – he’s not selling records anymore. He’s got businesses that have failed but they have all been part of his journey and have led him to where he is now.’ In times of economic crisis, there are fewer jobs than people needing them. Those who start up their own companies help to relieve this situation by creating their own jobs and, ultimately, employing others. But the support of SMEs is even more crucial than that according to Stuart. ‘More than 50% of the working population in this country are employed by companies with fewer than ten members of staff. So the bedrock of the economy
are these small, entrepreneurial businesses, and that is fundamental to our nation’s recovery from the recession. Small businesses cope with stress much better than big companies. If we get another housing crash for example, lots of well run, well managed, well taught entrepreneurs will help us recover.’ And some Reading student-led businesses that originated in the Hub have started to show success already. Entangled Ltd have been featured in the media including Sky News, for their iPhone cases which amplify the sound of the phone without needing additional speakers or even batteries. KYMIRA is an award winning company founded by Tim Brownstone (see separate profile over the page) that creates sports clothing which help to oxygenate the muscles by taking the heat generated by exercise and turning it into infrared radiation that can be pushed back into the body.
Henley Business School, that have got one. There is lots of academic study of entrepreneurship going on at the top universities and top business schools but there are very little that actually do it. What we’re offering here, which is something that isn’t available in too many other places, certainly in the UK, is a top flight university and the chance to actually practise, not just talk about it.’ And why is entrepreneurship so important? The impact of helping entrepreneurs on the road to success is apparent in our own country, but it can also be felt internationally. Entrepreneurship supported here can help to lift people out of poverty all over the world. ‘35% of our
‘Even the failures are not failures, because people learn from them and people support one another’
The potential for these businesses extends far beyond that of the students who found their own businesses there. ‘This Hub not only increases our students’ employability, but most of them will bring on board their friends from university, so they are employing people from the whole University which enhances our overall employability.’ But is this something different? Is Reading doing anything that other universities aren’t? Stuart firmly believes that we are. ‘There are lots of universities that have got Entrepreneurship Hubs, incubators, these kinds of things, but there are very few universities that are the stature of Reading, with the reputation of a business school like
students are non-home students’ says Stuart. ‘They’re going back to places like Syria, Iran, China, with the skills to make a difference in their communities. That’s why I get up in the morning and that’s the message I would love Reading to be giving out to the world. In a sense we always have been. ‘The strength of the University in agriculture and development has allowed us to teach people in developing countries how to grow their food. Entrepreneurship is a similar thing in a different way. It’s about helping people be better than they have been able to be in the past.’
HENLEY BUSINESS SCHOOL Henley Business School is world renowned. Founded in 1945, it was the first business school to be established in the UK and is one of the oldest and most respected schools in Europe. It is consistently ranked among the world’s top 50 business schools in the Financial Times and The Economist. When it joined the University of Reading, it brought its expertise and experience to our students. Here are some of the key facts that show how Henley Business School is improving our students’ opportunities in the world of work. • Top 10 position in all subjects in the Guardian University League Table 2015, including a number one position for Accounting and Finance and number one in career prospects for Real Estate & Planning • In the 2015 Complete Universities Guide, Real Estate & Planning ranked number two for the third year running with the number one spot for graduate prospects • Ranked 35th in the world and 5th in the UK according to this year’s Financial Times Executive Education rankings • Henley MBA has been ranked 1st in the world for potential to network by The Economist • 66,000 members in the alumni network, from over 150 countries
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WHEN SCIENCE MET SPORT TIM BROWNSTONE BSc Animal Science, 2013 Tim is a keen scientist, sportsman and the CEO of KYMIRA Ltd. which he founded during his final year at Reading. He is a great example of somebody who took advantage of lots of different opportunities on offer at Reading – the excellent sports, a great science degree and business modules from Henley Business School – and combined them to come up with an award-winning idea.
How did it all begin? I was studying Animal Science at Reading and as part of my studies I was doing research into the biological effects of infrared radiation. I was rowing for the University and I wondered a few years ago whether it would be possible to get an infrared emission from sportswear. While at a Business School event, I was asked if I had any ideas. I said I did, but I wasn’t sure I was the right person to do it and was told ‘buy some business cards, get an email address and see what happens’. So I did, and it just started snowballing from there.
What is it like working in the Hub? We were the founding company. There was one other company who have come and gone – Entangled Ltd – who are now completing PhDs and working on a different business model. Actually, Entangled were part of what inspired me to start KYMIRA. They started having small tastes of success when I was still a student and seeing them doing it encouraged me to try as well.
‘Without the variety of modules on offer at Reading and the support I received I definitely wouldn’t be the award winning young CEO that I am now.’ We now have four other companies in the Hub and it has been really nice to have some new life around. My hope is that it will become a community where everyone will support each other. For example, if I need graphic design advice there is now a graphic designer in there that I can go to.
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I am trying to spearhead entrepreneurship at Reading and help others in the Hub by sharing my experience. It’s limited experience but a lot can happen in a year!
Tell us about some of your successes with KYMIRA. I think it is important to stress that I am not successful yet. But I am trying to be! The first award we won was the Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Award which was a cash prize and some PR benefits as well. We were finalists at the NACUE Varsity Pitch Awards, which we will be reapplying for this year and will hopefully win this time around. We won the Start Young Global Entrepreneur Awards for Best Tech Start Up and Most Innovative Start Up and then most recently we won the Connecting Thames Valley Tech Inaugural Best Young Tech Entrepreneur. I am currently nominated for Young Entrepreneur of the Year and the Kairos K50 too.
Do you work with other Reading alumni? I put together an Advisory Board for the more innovative developments that require engineering expertise, as I am not an engineer myself. We have three engineers sitting on that, the two Entangled guys and then another Reading Engineering graduate. My graphic designers are both Reading alumni too. I am keen to source from Reading – partly because it is convenient but primarily because it is a great place to source from!
To find out more about KYMIRA visit www.kymira.co.uk
What is next for KYMIRA? We are investigating working with some space technology to produce products for use both on earth and in space. Nothing is confirmed yet but it would be great if it goes ahead. We are also looking into medical products and into energy harvesting to develop our take on a clean tech solution.
Did you always plan to be an entrepreneur? I certainly never intended to graduate with a business. It was a stressful final year. I’d get up at 5am for rowing training, revise or write my dissertation from 8am until 8pm and then ‘relax’ in the evening by answering business emails. There was never a direct intent for that to come about but looking back I have always been fairly entrepreneurial. I started a ‘publishing company’ when I was at primary school, with friends, making comics and selling them for 10p for example. I’ve never had what I would call a conventional job and I always had the opinion that if I couldn’t get a job then I would create one for myself. I did actually apply for a grad’ scheme just in case my business didn’t work out. I got to the final round of interviews and the feedback was that they thought I was too much of an independent thinker! So I thought
maybe that was a sign... When the company can afford to do it I might send them a little hamper to say thank you for giving me a nudge in the right direction.
How has the University of Reading helped in your chosen career path? I did the Practical Entrepreneurship module with Stuart Morris and I give that a lot of credit for where I am now. If I hadn’t been the one asking questions every week then Stuart wouldn’t have asked me to go to the Business School event and I wouldn’t have been inspired to start in the first place. Without the variety of modules on offer at Reading and the support I received I definitely wouldn’t be the award winning young CEO that I am now!
‘I am really proud to have graduated from Reading. The friends that I made there will stay with me for many years to come and the memories for a life time.’
Why did you decide to give to the University? Reading has been a great place to be for four years now, and I am very much of the mind-set that if someone or something supports you then it is only fair that when you have the ability to do so, you should support them in return. Be that in kind, by offering advice, or be that financially. I am proud to be a Reading alumnus and I want to support future students at Reading.
What does the University mean to you? I am really proud to have graduated from Reading. The friends that I made there will stay with me for many years to come and the memories for a life time. One of my favourite memories was on one of my last days as a student. My friends and I were waiting for our final results to be posted and as it was a warm, sunny, summer’s day we decided to go and sunbathe in the Harris gardens. Despite the enormity of the day, I remember being amazed that I could feel so relaxed! Thank you to Tim Brownestone for providing KYMIRA photographs
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It all began with six books by Beckett, and one critical book on Beckett. It became the leading collection in the field and allowed Professor Jim Knowlson to meet, and become friends with, the great Samuel Beckett himself.
Jim explained how it all began. ‘Beckett got the Nobel Prize for literature in October 1969 so I then had the crazy idea, and the infernal cheek, to believe that we should have an exhibition of his work. The librarian declared himself equally mad. He asked me what material we had. I said ‘We’ve got six books of Beckett and one on Beckett.’ So he said ‘What are we going to exhibit?’ A reasonable question. I said simply ‘Trust me’. And luckily, he did. Jim, with the assistance of the librarian, archivist and another lecturer, was able to produce what ultimately became a mini-festival in May 1971, with performances, speakers, a catalogue and material which was contributed by Beckett after meeting Jim a number of times. ‘We hit it off right from the beginning. Mainly because I can’t be serious for more than five minutes, and he had an equally well-developed sense of humour, only he was much wittier than I am. I also discovered that he was a big cricket fan and he had played for Dublin. So we talked a lot about sport. And he looked a little like my father so I almost tended to talk to him affectionately, as if he were my father.
‘Billy Whitelaw became a friend. I knew Dame Peggy Ashcroft and many others. It was great fun’ ‘I guess from then on my life was changed because I got the bug (up until then, I had been an eighteenth century literature and thought specialist). I got so involved in this guy’s work and interested in his life, and particularly in his plays. I used to go to rehearsals with Beckett, and of course, when you go into rehearsals, you also get to know the actors and the directors. For example, the actress, Billy Whitelaw became a friend. I knew Dame Peggy Ashcroft and many others. It was great fun.’ By the mid-1970s, Beckett was giving Reading, through Jim, every manuscript of his plays and prose. ‘I would read a new play before it had been produced! So Not I, I first read in a little French village station in a car park. It was so exciting!’
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We are very grateful to Jim who has pledged a legacy to the University.
JIM KNOWLSON ON…
For details on how you can leave a legacy please email giving@reading.ac.uk
Bidding for the Murphy manuscript books It was very exciting. I only learned five minutes before the sale that the Director of Finance wanted me to do the bidding. I could not believe that I was sitting there. It gave us a huge amount of publicity; it was in I think 400 newspapers throughout the world. The name of Reading became inextricably linked to the world leading collection of Beckett material.
THE BIOGRAPHY Beckett had strenuously denied all rights to produce an authorised version of his biography – even the initial request from his friend Jim who was first approached and asked to write it in 1972. ‘I wrote to Beckett and asked him what he thought. I got a letter back saying: ‘I like to think in saying no I shall free you for more important work.’ So I said fine. No problem. I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it anyway and moved on. Then Deirdre Blair wrote his unauthorised biography which he hated. When somebody in 1989, about nine months before Beckett died, asked me to do a biography I wrote saying: ‘In 1972 I was asked and you said no, and then Deirdre Blair wrote your biography, so that’s what you got. I have been asked again. I now know your work very well and I will do as good a job as I possibly can but I won’t do it without a firm yes from you.’ I then got a one line reply: ‘To biography of me by you. It’s yes. With a capital Y.’ That biography became Damned to Fame, and remains the only authorised biography in existence.
Receiving his OBE from the Queen It was at Windsor Castle and was a great day. It was quite impressive with the Yeoman of the Guard, the Gurkhas and the Queen herself, who looks so much like my mum! I even managed to make her smile. That was great fun. I didn’t feel it was particularly deserved but after all you are getting a pat on the shoulder for something that you just love doing. It can’t be better than that can it?
Why Beckett? Beckett is good for you. People think that Beckett is profoundly depressing but if you have faced the worse but can face it stoically and come out knowing other people have faced much worse, then you know you can cope.
JULIE COHEN (MPHIL ENGLISH LITERATURE (CHILDREN'S) 1996) What are you up to now? My fifteenth novel under my own name, Where Love Lies, has recently been published by Transworld (Random House). My previous novel, Dear Thing, was a 2014 Richard and Judy Summer Book Club pick. Why did you choose to do an MPhil at the University of Reading? Reading was the best place for me to do research in children's literature with a strong postgraduate programme.
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What was the best bit about living and studying in Reading?
How has the University of Reading helped in your chosen career path?
I loved the children's literature collection in the library and found the University supportive and exciting. Reading is convenient and I still live here as I like the community.
My research in texts' creation of ideal readers has influenced my writing of popular fiction.
What top tips would you give to students who are beginning their MPhil here?
I used to love walking around the lake, thinking and looking at the birds. I still do this on a regular basis and have set one of my books there.
Don't be tempted by the cheap beer in the student union before 5pm. What advice would you offer to students interested in working in this sector? Write every day, and read everything you can. Don't be daunted by rejection.
What does the University of Reading mean to you?
To find out more about Julie and her work visit www.julie-cohen.com.
IS BECKETT STILL RELEVANT? The Beckett Foundation is unquestionably a world-renowned collection – but why is that so significant? Is Beckett still an important figure to today’s world? Jim believes there are two main reasons why Beckett, even 25 years after his death, remains relevant. The first is his role in theatre. ‘Theatre today is much more of a mixed art; you don’t get plots and narrative in a simplistic kind of way. It’s much more based on visual image. Most of Beckett’s late plays are just a single head or a man with his head down reading from a book. That’s one reason why John Hurt, Michael Gambon, Liam Neeson etc have all performed his plays in the last five years. All these big theatre stars are all trying their hand – wonderfully – at Beckett. His innovations in drama have become something that actors have grown into.’ And the second reason? ‘When I came to write Beckett’s biography, I thought back to these conversations about politics and realised that this so called non-political writer might be a political man. ‘Nothing to be
done’ opens Waiting for Godot, but as a man he was with the Resistance during WWII. He wrote Catastrophe specifically in solidarity with Václav Havel when he was under house arrest. He would never allow his plays to be produced in South Africa unless there was a mixed race audience.
‘In other words, there’s a message of stoicism and resistance in his work’ ‘So one of the discoveries for me in writing the biography was how committed as a person he was to politics, to anti-racism, antiapartheid, to political freedom, freedom of the individual. This means that whenever people are downtrodden, there is still a message to be read in his work. His answer to the sentence ‘Nothing can be done’ can be read in his novel The Unnameable: ‘You must go on. I can’t go on. I’ll go on.’ In other words, there’s a message of stoicism and resistance in his work’. This message surely means that Beckett is not only still relevant today, but will remain so for many years to come.
A NAUGHTY NOTEBOOK
As well as the Beckett Archive, our Special Collections hold a Mills and Boon archive that offers a unique glimpse into the world of this romantic series. The archive is in two parts: the paper archive (publishers' correspondence, marketing material, financial records etc) and the book archive containing file copies of a large number of the books in the original dust-wrappers. Included in the collection is a naughty notebook, the Anthology of Artless Extracts, that contains some of the favourite risqué lines from the series of books, collated by some of the more mischievous editors. Very little is known about the book, except that it was created around 40–50 years ago by Mills and Boon editors with self-confessed ‘mean minds’.
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE LINES CONTAINED IN THE BOOK:
‘Anything you desire – I'm ready, willing and able, as the hosepipe said to the fire' ‘Grant sat down on the edge of the bed, a man with a firm grip on himself' ‘she looked up at him and bit into a sandwich before answering, that would show him how much she was afraid of him, she thought' The University acquired the collection in 2011. It is a fabulously rich source of information for anybody interested in the history of books and publishing and, more widely, in the social history of Britain in the twentieth century.
Thank you to John Haynes for providing photograph
KNOWING BECKETT | 27
A visit from the Earl and Countess of Wessex, advising world policymakers and working with the IPCC; it’s all part of everyday life for our climate scientists at Reading.
The Meteorology Department at Reading is internationally recognised. Our innovative research, our involvement in advising policymakers across the world and our outstanding staff and students are all instrumental in evolving the way the environment can be studied and understood. With recent recognition from influential figures, Meteorology is in the limelight and being celebrated as a world class department. So what is so exciting about climate science at Reading?
A REGIUS PROFESSOR IS MADE Professor Keith Shine’s Reading journey began in 1988 when he joined as a Research Assistant. He later became a lecturer and then a professor. The reason he has stayed here for so long is easy for him to explain: ‘Reading is a special place meteorologically speaking. It is by far the biggest Meteorology Department in the country, and one of the pre-eminent departments in the world.’ Her Majesty the Queen awarded the University the rare honour of a prestigious Regius Professorship in Meteorology and Climate Science in 2013, as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations. It recognised Reading’s sustained excellence in the field. Professor Shine was appointed to be Reading’s first such Regius Professor, an occasion marked by the presentation of the official Regius certificate by the Earl of Wessex in May. ‘It is important to emphasise that there are two different steps in the Regius Professorship’ Professor Shine explains. ‘It is a double honour for me because it is great that the University was awarded the Regius Professorship in the first place and then a deep honour that I became the first Regius Professor. It reflects not only our research, but also our activity in teaching and training people from across the world.’ The inaugural Regius Professor Lecture was given by Professor Shine in June, in which he introduced his audience to the complexities of the earth’s atmosphere and showed what a strange place our planet truly is.
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THE IPCC REPORTS AND OUTREACH ‘It’s totally fitting that, as we are a leading Meteorology Department, we have a heavy involvement in a report like this.’ Professor Keith Shine Our Meteorology Department has close relationships with the Met Office (with whom we work on the science behind improvements to weather forecasting), and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the leading international body for the assessment of climate change, established in 1988 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The IPCC produces major reports on climate science every five or six years. Professor Shine, along with many of his Reading colleagues, has been heavily involved in these reports. ‘The first report was in 1990. One of the biggest breaks in my career was that I was chosen to be a lead author on this very first report and it helped to make my reputation.’ Professor Nigel Arnell, Director of the Walker Institute at Reading, had a heavy involvement in the latest IPCC report, which came out this year – he has been involved in the IPCC since 1995. He sees the reports as not only a reflection on the research previously undertaken, but also as a contributory factor to the research that happens afterwards. ‘It’s a two way process. Not only does the report shape policy, but from our
findings new research is undertaken that will impact on the next report. So it influences both the research we undertake and helps governments and others form policies.’ The Walker Institute organises regular meetings and workshops with industry, which are highly regarded. Professor Arnell says ‘It is due to Reading’s reputation that our meetings are so well attended. Otherwise we couldn’t do them.’ An event in May, organised by the Walker Institute, the Grantham Institute at Imperial College and the Met Office, brought together some of the world’s biggest companies with leading climate scientists and senior figures in the IPCC to discuss the findings of the latest IPCC report and the implications to business.
PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY – LEARNING FROM THE PAST Good quality global data on climate change only exists from around 1950 onwards which means that scientists only have access to a few decades of information. Professor Sandy Harrison specialises in a form of climate science that uses data available from tens of thousands of years in the past. Using palaeoclimatology it is possible to look at historic trends and create climate models that can help to predict the environmental future. ‘There are two basic themes of palaeoclimatology’ explains Professor Harrison. ‘One is discovering the mechanisms whereby a change in the global drives of climate is translated into a regional climate change and the
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feedbacks in that loop; the second is asking whether we actually know enough about this to be able to model it accurately. I think from the point of view of palaeoclimatology, they are both useful inasmuch as you have to understand the mechanisms to be able to do things, but certainly the question ‘have we got models that are accurate to make future predictions’ is a key practical application of palaeoclimatology. ‘One of the great advantages of somewhere like Reading is that we have the whole range of expertise needed. We can collect the original data, put maps of climate change together, and then, in combination with an understanding of the mechanisms behind climate change and the kinds of
models that they are building, we can put those together and say this is what we see – how do we get there? What’s the cause of this? And I think that is the exciting area. ‘Reading has had a focus on climate for a long time. Meteorology has driven a lot of this, but the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science provides the much-needed human dimension on climate change. ‘We need to get the message out that we are not just sitting here as a university and doing interesting things, teaching undergraduates etc, we are also trying to change the world and I think that is the key thing – we have a direct relevance to policy.’
‘Climate scientists have a crucial job to further our understanding of how the global climate system works, and what can change and influence the climate. But we also have a responsibility to share our findings, to help society to face up to the reality of climate change and help decision-makers based on the evidence as it emerges.’ Professor Nigel Arnell Climate change is increasingly being seen as a real threat, both by individuals and by companies, and the pressure is on for governmental policy to develop a sensible plan of action. Climate scientists are playing a key role in advising in this process.
JENNIFER AKERS (MMet Meteorology, 2012) What are you up to now? I am currently working as a Marine Meteorologist with Fugro Geos in Singapore! I applied for jobs in the UK, several of those at the Met Office, but it was a fellow Reading meteorology graduate who, knowing my appetite for living abroad, let me know of a vacancy in the SE Asia office of her company. I had an interview in their UK office and flew out a few months later! Adjusting to a new culture and continent has been the biggest of challenges but I’m really enjoying my time here, especially the travelling of SE Asia that I have been able to squeeze in!
Why did you choose to study at the University of Reading? Once I’d decided to pursue meteorology, there was only one place I wanted to study! The University of Reading’s Meteorology Department was the highest ranked of such departments in the country and offered the opportunity to study abroad (something everyone should do!). When I visited the beautiful green campus on a sunny mid-June Open Day and saw the department and staff for myself, I was completely sold.
What was the best bit about living and studying in Reading? An MSc in Past Climate and Environmental Change is due to start in October 2015. This novel interdisciplinary programme combines empirical palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic data with numerical modelling. It will be a joint degree between the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science (SAGES) and the Department of Meteorology, with some optional modules also available from the School of Biological Sciences. For further information, please contact the Programme Director, Professor Francis E. Mayle, at f.mayle@reading.ac.uk.
The diversity of people that I came across made me love the University. I lived in Windsor Hall in my first year and living and eating with other students for the year created irreplaceable friendships. Living on Whiteknights campus with a five minute walk to the centre, was perfect for lazy freshers and Reading’s proximity to London was ideal to visit home and, indeed, anywhere else in the UK, for the weekend.
What would be your top tips for students interested in working in this sector? A degree in meteorology isn’t essential – the UK Met Office in particular accepts degrees in maths or physics – but the specialist knowledge that you gain from
a meteorology degree is considered invaluable by private forecasting companies. Keep up with latest research particularly if you’re interested in following a career in academia, (incidentally if this can’t be found in the Meteorology Department library, then the research is probably happening in the rooms above you).
How has the University of Reading helped in your chosen career path? I knew I wanted a career in meteorology from the beginning of my studies, but the careers centre and, especially, lecturers in my department, helped me refine my job applications and gave me advice on what employers were particularly looking for in CVs. They were perfectly placed for this advice, having had alumni successfully gain jobs for the same companies.
What does the University mean to you? The Meteorology Department will always hold a place in my heart and memories. It’s a truly unique department, with the Christmas Pantomimes and summer barn dances being some of the highlights. It is a department where professors, PhD students and first years share one coffee room and it was a great place to spend my university days. I made friends for life in Reading but it was particularly my time in Windsor Hall and studying in Oklahoma, which gave me the opportunity to meet a whole spectrum of people I wouldn’t have otherwise.
LEADING THE WORLD IN CLIMATE SCIENCE | 31
NEENA SAITH (MSc Meteorology, 2003) Why did you choose to study at the University of Reading? After doing a Geography BSc at Royal Holloway, I really wanted to study meteorology and Reading seemed like THE BEST place to do it, with an outstanding reputation.
CLIMATE CHANGE With the floods this year, as well as other severe weather events, climate change has been a big topic for the media. Professor Shine acknowledges that climate sceptics are out there, but has seen interest, and a desire to find out more, growing amongst the general public. ‘The problem with climate change at the moment is, because of the political and societal consequences, there is a small, but quite vociferous set of people out there, who are very sceptical of climate change. Some of the climate sceptics are fine – they come at it from a genuinely quizzical point of view and they want to understand things and try and learn – but others seem politically motivated. They might not agree with government energy policy which is fine as there is an important debate to be had, but this is often coupled with ill-informed attacks on both the underlying science and the scientists themselves. ‘But we can see more people are appreciating the risks associated with climate change. I think this year with the flooding, a lot of people can see that extreme weather events can have a really severe impact.
WHY CLIMATE SCIENCE? The Meteorology Department at Reading is world-leading, and its scientists are amongst the best, but what is it that makes scientists want to specialise in this field? Professor Shine believes that the link between the science and the societal good is at the heart of it.
Climate scientists like me cannot say that those floods were definitely due to climate change, but what it showed is that society is vulnerable to climate change. We are in the 21st century and the weather is still able to knock out our energy systems so that people were unable to cook their Christmas lunch! Collectively society has to decide what is the best way to respond to the risks. ‘I hope that the other thing convincing people is that the government, by and large, hasn’t been questioning the underlying science of climate change and that the UN has shown great awareness of the issue. Another sign is how interested the insurance companies have become in climate science in recent years. They will be greatly affected by climate change as it affects their business model. I would say if you want to convince people that climate change is a real threat just show them how interested the insurance companies are and, likewise, the energy companies. Businesses are taking notice and worrying about the impact on their future activities.’
‘One of the great things about meteorology and climate science is that you do two things at once. Firstly you are tackling fundamental scientific issues. There is a lot of fundamental stuff that we don’t know about our atmosphere yet. And so, irrespective of the applications of our science, it is in itself fascinating. But the key thing that I think attracts people into meteorology and keeps them there is that they can see a societal use for the science very close down stream. A lot of our PhD students like to know
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What was the best bit about living and studying in Reading? The course was brilliant, as were the people. Of course, that’s where I met my husband so that’s got to count as one of the best bits!
What are you up to now? How did you get there? After completing my Masters I did a couple of years weather forecasting at Fugro GEOS, but as I realised that shift work was not for me, I started looking for other types of jobs that needed meteorology expertise. I stumbled across a company called Risk Management Solutions (RMS), who later hired me as a Catastrophe Response Analyst. This involved writing scientific reports and coordinating our response to natural catastrophes around the globe that might impact the insurance industry. Later I went on to lead this team before moving into a Product Marketing role that I’m in now, focused on helping to grow our business in Asia.
What would be your advice for students interested in this industry? There’s strong demand for scientists in the insurance industry. Get the education grounding needed and try and back this up with some work experience as you go – this will differentiate yourself from others when you apply for jobs.
What does the University mean to you? ‘Burning the candle at both ends’ is probably a term that was used frequently – working very hard but having a huge amount of fun! One of my favourite memories of University was the field trip we went on to Swanage.
that there is a use for their research. If they are studying African weather systems, for example, then they feel that they are doing something important scientifically but there are people who rely on the atmosphere for feeding their agricultural systems so it is of absolutely vital importance for them that we know more. I think it is that shortness of the link between the science we do and the use for that science that attracts us and keeps us here.’
JAS SUNDER (BSC FOOD SCIENCE 1992)
Jas is a multilingual entrepreneur with 22 years’ experience with an international food company across five markets, working in Operations, Strategy, R&D, Project Management and Leadership.
THE JOB IN THE WORLD CAREER Tell us a little about your job and what it involves. I think I must have one of the best jobs on planet Earth. I am the Director of Nestlé’s primary confectionery R&D facility based in York. We are a team of 180 scientists responsible for helping deliver Great Tasting Permissible Pleasure confectionery products to Nestlé’s businesses around the globe. As the world’s leading food company we take our responsibility in helping provide consumers with healthier and more sustainable choices very seriously. The challenges are numerous and have involved me being given demanding opportunities, be this learning a new language in a faraway place (the last one being Santiago de Chile in South America) at the same time as turning around a struggling R&D facility, or being given a major investment project whilst managing a shop floor workforce of 100+. I guess that my passion, energy and drive have always opened doors for me and today I would see myself as a change leader/driver.
As a company, Nestlé has had some controversy. Does this ever affect you in a personal or professional capacity? No, because I am so proud to be associated with such a company. What we read in the media is more often than not one distorted side of a two sided story and therefore unrepresentative. Nestlé is one of the very few companies that genuinely thinks long term, indeed it has been recognised for this many, many times; this includes work with coffee and cocoa farmers as well as actively driving the water agenda on a global basis. It is a very international company and a true example of cultural diversity within the food industry.
GETTING THERE What impact has Reading had on your life? Up until Reading I had never left home; Reading presented me with my first taste of freedom and independence. It helped me develop a resilience and determination that over the years have become strengths. I say this as I am a British Asian who was brought up as a devout Sikh. Being able to find the true me whilst still respecting the values I hold dear to me have been central to my success. Reading helped me in this. Even then there
was a very diverse student base and I felt that there was a great positive feeling around with many nationalities under one roof and people very accepting of that. Course-wise, the one thing that really stands out to me is the one year placement that we all had to do. I worked for three companies, two over the course of the year and a third during one of the summer breaks, and this helped me to develop a pragmatism and an appreciation of the ‘real world’ of operations which have proved invaluable. The breadth of subjects including core science, statistics, probability, management (I still remember the Peter Drucker school of thought on management) also helped give me, as a scientist, a true business appreciation which today is highlighted as one of my strengths at Nestlé.
What does Reading mean to you? A life changing experience, hard work, fun times, inspiring professors!
AND FINALLY… What are you most proud of? The people that I have been able to coach, help, support and develop along my 22 years.
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TIMELINE
2011
2012
SEPTEMBER
JANUARY
MAY
JUNE
The University leased commercial premises in central Johor Bahru (in Menara Kotaraya).
Works began on the refurbishment of our premises at Menara Kotaraya, Johor Bahru. This will be our main home in Malaysia until the campus at Iskandar Educity is completed.
The official opening of our Menara Kotaraya premises takes place and preparation for our first students begins in earnest.
We welcome our first students to Menara Kotaraya for Executive Education and English Language courses.
Selamat datang ke UNIVERSITY OF READING MALAYSIA Our Malaysia campus is not due to open until September 2015, but students are already completing courses with the University of Reading in Malaysia. In September of last year, our first students were welcomed to Menara Kotaraya to study a Foundation for Business course. This one year course allows successful students to take up an undergraduate place at either the UK or Malaysia campuses. Scholarships were awarded to exceptional students who made the University of Reading Malaysia their first choice for study.
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Other students have been enrolling throughout the year, and with the first set completing in the summer we are already seeing our Malaysian alumni base grow! Current courses are taking place on an initial campus while work on the main site is completed. This campus has been designed to support and encourage the highest quality of teaching and our students’ learning experience. As well as excellent teaching facilities like multimedia teaching rooms, a learning resource centre and state-of-the-art laboratory services, the new campus will include a student zone for co-curricular learning and a world class sports complex.
‘It is an honour to have been able to be one of the pioneer students at the University of Reading in Malaysia. My foundation course has been a wonderful experience and the University has indeed lived up to our expectations for quality education. I am thrilled to be coming back to campus for more exciting days to come!’ Dai Jing (Foundation for Business student) For more details on the exciting work happening in Malaysia, visit www.reading.ac.uk/malaysia
2013
2014
2015
FEBRUARY
JUNE
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
JUNE
SEPTEMBER
The ground is broken! A big ceremony to celebrate the beginnings of our campus construction in Iskandar is held at the Thistle Hotel.
IELTS language testing and classes begin at our downtown campus in Johor Bahru
Our first group of Foundation in Business students begin their studies at Menara Kotaraya – welcome to our Foundation Scholars!
A select group of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees begin at our campus in Johor Bahru.
Pre-sessional English language courses will begin for new undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The University of Reading Malaysia opens the doors to its brand new main campus in Iskandar Malaysia!
SWALEH OUMA LLB Law, 2012
What are you doing now?
‘The opening of the University of Reading Malaysia is a huge step for the University. It gives us a gateway to the ‘Asian Century’, and will play an important part in establishing Reading as a truly internationalised university. We have already recruited excellent students and staff from Malaysia, and linked up with our many alumni friends in the country, and I am sure we will become a significant force in higher education in Malaysia and the region.’ Tony Downes (Provost and CEO of University of Reading Malaysia)
I started a company with my fellow University of Reading students that we currently run full-time. Parttime, I am the Vice Chairman of Mombasa Youth Network which is a Community Based Organisation in my hometown in Kenya. I am also the Youth Minister for Lands at Mombasa Youth Parliament, an NGO that clamours for youth interests. Lastly, I also advise the County Assembly of Mombasa, Mombasa Senate Office and Kwale County Assembly on various community projects.
Did your qualification from Reading and your experience at the University prepare you for life and your career? The legal qualification is essential since most issues in my community that I handle on a day to day basis like corruption, police harassment and land issues are legal in nature. Throughout my academic and co-curricular experience in Reading, I have been actively involved in public speaking exercises and also taken leadership roles. This has aided me in my day to day interactions with my community as I try to lead them to prosperity.
What are your thoughts on Reading offering the same high-quality education and experience in Malaysia? It's definitely a step in the right direction. Through my interaction with students from other universities and employers, I have learned that a Reading
degree is highly admirable. It is therefore, encouraging that more prospective students will get a chance to earn a Reading degree. Furthermore, being in Malaysia, it makes it more affordable than the UK campus for many students, especially in Kenya, who would love to earn a Reading degree.
Would you recommend a University of Reading degree to prospective students from your country looking into higher education now? I definitely would recommend to prospective students. I have received facebook friend requests and messages from several prospective students from as far as Hong Kong including parents wanting to know about things like the life in Reading, studying and scholarships provided by the University. My replies have always been positive since it has worked for me.
Where do you hope your career might take you in the future? I am a political animal who aspires to make a positive impact in my country and if possible in my continent, Africa. I therefore hope that in the near future I will be elected to serve my country in government. I am confident that the skills, knowledge and values that were calculated in me while at Reading will come in handy to achieve this goal but, most importantly, if that happens I hope that my values will guide me to be an ethical leader and a good example for other African leaders to follow.
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FINDING A VIRAL SPIRAL DAMIAN COLLIER (LLB Law 1998)
In 2011, Damian founded the highly successful Viral Spiral, a company that offers various services for viral videos like ‘Charlie bit my finger’. In his career Damian has worked with many of the world’s largest entertainment companies including Sony, Universal, Fox Sports and EMI. He has practised law at the leading law firms Linklaters and Latham and Watkins. He has also worked on the musical production The War of the Worlds since 1998 and was Executive Producer of the film. Along with composer Jeff Wayne, he produces the arena tours. The 2014 Final Arena Tour boasts a cast including Liam Neeson, Jason Donovan, Brian McFadden and Carrie Hope Fletcher.
CAREER What inspired you to found Viral Spiral? The idea came to me by chance, through The War of the Worlds actually. I was looking to expose the production to as many people as possible and I met one of the owners of the most viewed viral videos of all time. The idea came from that.
Yes, I have been working with Jeff Wayne and TWOTW for the past ten years now and it is an exciting brand and property to work with because of its epic scale and the great story and music which is central to its production.
Every day presents a new challenge when you are responsible for your own business and for the people whom you employ, but it keeps the working day interesting!
‘It’s a treat to return to Reading whenever I can, and if I can also support the Law School then it is a pleasure to be able to give something back too.’
What do you think is the future of viral content as a platform for engagement?
RELATIONSHIP WITH READING
What challenges do your face running your own company?
Content is the key to so many areas of marketing and advertising that viral content, which is inherently shareable and engaging, will have a place within the industry for a long time to come. People like to share content and feel like they are influencers and I don’t see that about to change.
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Was The War of the Worlds an exciting opportunity?
Why did you choose to study at Reading? I had studied both Spanish and German to A level and I wanted to pursue a degree in law which allowed me to continue with both languages. Only Lancaster and Reading offered this and I didn’t even go up to Lancaster to look at the campus once I saw how beautiful the Reading campus was.
War of the World photos by Roy Smiljanic. Grateful thanks to the War of the Worlds for supplying the images.
What encourages you to be involved with the University today by giving lectures like your recent lecture Viral Spiral – Tales of a Legal Entrepreneur? It’s a treat to return to Reading whenever I can, and if I can also support the Law School then it is a pleasure to be able to give something back too.
Was it a conscious choice to have a University of Reading graduate working with you and, if so, what inspired you to do hire a fellow alumnus? We needed a law graduate so the natural starting point for me was Reading. Alex won the position on merit though, having beaten several other applicants to the position. He’s proven to be quite a find since then!
What does the University mean to you and what is your favourite memory? The University of Reading represents one of the greatest times of my life, as I am sure university does for most people. I have too many memories to single one out (and some of which I can’t really share!).
AND FINALLY… What are you most proud of? My ability to juggle being a husband and dad of two with my career.
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GET INVOLVED VOLUNTEER Do you have skills and experience that you would like to pass on to the next generation of Reading students? Or can you or your company offer a work placement? We are always grateful to our alumni volunteers who stay involved with the University and pass on their wisdom! There are a huge number of opportunities covering a great range of disciplines, from offering placements to Politics students, to mentoring in Film, Theatre and Television to volunteering with the Food Science Department. For more information on how you can get involved please email alumni@reading.ac.uk.
FOOD SCIENCE Nick Henson and Graeme Wilding both volunteer with the Food Science Department as members of the Industrial Advisory Board. Nick assists with career management skills and Graeme with preparing students for industrial placements.
Nick My career has taken me, totally coincidently, full circle back to a food development company (International Food Network) on the Reading University campus. Our company has a number of Reading graduates and we employ Reading Food Science placement students in 12 month cycles. Although somewhat of a clichĂŠ, I feel positive about being able to share my varied industry experience with the group that set me up for a career in the food industry. I have loved being part of the UCAS days to share insights with the sixth formers looking to study Food Science. I hope that my experiences will help inspire more students to pursue this area as a career choice. 38
Graeme I met some of the industry volunteers when I came on the Sixth Form course at the University back in 1992, and they made a real difference to the experience that all the Sixth Form students had. Then I saw their input and influence through my studies. I was lucky enough to get some help and inspiration from the volunteers myself, and I went on to be a student volunteer on the Sixth Form course before being an industry volunteer. It’s our responsibility as an industry to make sure that we are in a place where we can get information to the future talent pipeline to make well informed choices on their careers, promote their curiosity and attract the best future talent to our industry.
FILM, THEATRE AND TELEVISION Laurence Miller Laurence is the Commercial Director for Nimax Theatre who own six West End theatres. He regularly assists the Film, Theatre and Television Department by mentoring current students and has also offered placements. I studied in Bulmershe and kept a close connection with the department, especially Lib Taylor. She introduced me to some lecturers who organise mentoring, they asked me if I wanted to mentor and I said yes straight away.
I had a really special time at Reading and enjoyed it immensely. I really wanted to help current students. It keeps a connection with the department that is special to me. I have very fond memories of it. It is very different now, especially with the recent new building, and I enjoy keeping up with it. I also know the value of work experience. An industry like theatre is very competitive and it is difficult to break into it. Work experience gave me my first break while I was still at school. I wanted to help give students their first break.
Bryan Laxton, Chair of the Events Committee pictured chairing the panel at the 2013 Annual Debate
POLITICS Rob Wilson MP Rob has offered two-week work placements to our Government and Politics students for the past few years. It’s always great to have young people around who want to learn and get on. They bring enthusiasm and a different perspective, and generally the quality and dedication of Reading students has been high. In my experience Reading has some very intelligent and highly motivated students who can add value to an employer in a work placement. A university education is important and I got a particularly good one at Reading. It’s a terrific, if slightly undersold, university. Anyone who has a Reading education should be well prepared for the world of work afterwards.
Employers should make the most of the talent that is out there and students should make the most of the opportunity to learn and prepare themselves for employment.
OVERSEAS VOLUNTEERS
HENLEY BUSINESS SCHOOL AND RREF There are many ways you can volunteer with Henley Business School and Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF) too.
Become an alumni volunteer in an international alumni association. With many of Henley alumni based outside the UK, the international alumni associations and groups truly reflect the global footprint of Henley’s alumni network. They create local hubs for the Business School’s alumni to connect with each other and to strengthen their relationship with the School.
Join the Alumni and Development Advisory Boards. The Henley Business School Alumni and Development Advisory Board was established in 2013 and helps the Business School to shape and inform its future alumni relations and fundraising work. The RREF Alumni Board is responsible for developing and implementing a fundraising and events strategy to increase industry and alumni engagement and raise funds for the Foundation. For more information on these and other volunteering opportunities with the Henley Business School and RREF please visit www.henley.ac.uk/alumni
Informal meet up in Brunei organised by our ambassador Raihan Nokman
We have over 20 ambassadors based across the world who regularly volunteer their time and experience to advise prospective students on studying at Reading. From Skype chats, to informal meet ups and pre-departure briefings, alumni give valuable advice to prospective students and parents and can make them feel part of the Reading community even before they arrive.
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WELCOME NEW ALUMNI! GRADUATIONS JULY 2014
Beautiful weather, a red carpet photo area (which our graduates made excellent use of) and lots of new sign ups to our online community.
ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
ANDY MACKAY We are delighted to award the title Alumnus of the Year 2014 to Andy Mackay.
Andy is best known for his part in the band Roxy Music. He played oboe and saxophone for the group, and his songwriting credits include the Top Five hits Love is the Drug and Angel Eyes. He released two instrumental solo albums in the 1970s: In Search of Eddie Riff, an exploration of his musical roots, and Resolving Contradictions, based on his impressions of a trip to China. He also composed and produced the music for the hit television series Rock Follies and Rock Follies of '77. Both series sired specially recorded soundtrack albums, the first of which reached Number One in the UK Album Chart. Mackay has also worked with Duran Duran, Mott the Hoople, John Cale, Pavlov's Dog, Johnny Cougar, Mickey Jupp, Yukihiro Takahashi, Paul McCartney, Godley & Creme, Eddie and the Hot Rods, Arcadia and 801. While at the University of Reading, he played with a band called The Nova Express and, together with future Roxy Music publicist Simon Puxley, formed part of a performance art group called Sunshine.
‘I was very surprised to be Alumnus of the Year – I don't think I have ever been recognised for anything since I was voted 'best horn player' in Creem magazine Ohio in 1973! I had a great time at Reading between 1965 and 1968. It was not a distinguished academic episode but I benefited hugely from the unique and extraordinary mixture of brilliant teachers in the English faculty, a Music Department so old fashioned that I could not but rebel and an Art Department full of contemporary experiment where many of my friends were.’ Andy Mackay
THE COLLEGE OF BENEFACTORS The University of Reading’s College of Benefactors was formally launched during graduations in July 2014. Induction into the College is the highest honour that the University can bestow upon its donors and its members have all made exceptional gifts to the institution.
We are pleased to introduce each of the inductees for 2014: Sir John Madejski OBE DL The late Professor Wallace Hirst and Mrs Muriel Hirst MBE John Nike OBE DL The Wolfson Foundation The International Capital Market Association (ICMA) The British Land Company plc SEGRO plc CBRE
Honorary Graduate SIR KEIR STARMER, KCB, QC Keir Starmer was called to the Bar in 1987 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2002. He was named as QC of the Year in the field of human rights and public law in 2007 by the Chambers & Partners Directory and in 2005 he won the Bar Council’s Sydney Elland Goldsmith award for his outstanding contribution to pro bono work in challenging the death penalty throughout the Caribbean and Africa. Keir has held many prestigious posts including Director of Public Prosecutions and Head of the Crown Prosecution Service. He is now back in private practice
as a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers and a consultant with the law firm, Mishcon de Reya. Keir has also written several leading textbooks, including Criminal Justice, Police Powers and Human Rights (2001) and the Human Rights Manual and Sourcebook for Africa (2005). ‘It is a very special honour to be able to formalise an association with the University of Reading through this award. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of this great University.’ Sir Keir Starmer
Honorary Graduate SIR CHARLIE MAYFIELD Charlie Mayfield joined the John Lewis Partnership in 2000 as Head of Business Development. He joined the Board as Development Director in 2001, became Managing Director in 2005 and took up his appointment as Chairman of the Partnership in March 2007. He is the Government appointed Chair of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, President of the Employee Ownership Association and a Director of Central Surrey Health Trustee Limited. He received a knighthood in June 2013 for services to business.
Sir Charlie’s connection with the town of Reading goes back to the year 2000 when he first joined the Partnership and John Lewis Reading was his training branch. The Partnership are also working towards becoming full scale sponsors of the UTC, and Charlie initially made the link with the Baker Dearing Trust. Waitrose are also sponsors with Reading Football Club. ‘I am honoured and delighted to accept the honorary degree and become an honorary graduate of the University of Reading.’ Sir Charlie Mayfield
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MERL FETE MAY 2014
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.
SPORT RELIEF MILE MARCH 2014
HOUSE OF LORDS
UPCOMING EVENTS
OCTOBER 2013
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PUBLIC LECTURE SERIES 2014 – 2015 October 2014 – March 2015 Palmer Building, Whiteknights campus
PUBLIC LECTURES AT THE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION: School Mathematics? Potential, policy and practice MUSIC CONCERTS AND EVENTS October 2014 – July 2015
Our Public Lecture Series showcases research highlights from across the University. The lectures are given by Reading academics eminent in their field and cover a wide range of topical subjects. The 2014 – 2015 series will begin with: Iraq’s wars. Past, present and yet to come by Dr Patrick Porter from the Department of Politics & International Relations.
Music is alive at Reading. Throughout the year, we organise a diverse mix of exciting concerts and events for everyone to enjoy, including free lunchtime recitals on Tuesdays during term time. The 2014 Winter Concert on Saturday 6 December will feature the University of Reading Chorus, Chamber Choir, Symphony Orchestra and Big Band performing music by Duke Ellington and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite.
For more information visit: www.reading.ac.uk/publiclectures
For more information about music events, visit: www.reading.ac.uk/music
Tuesday 11 November, 6.45pm (doors open 6.15pm), Building L22, London Road campus The Institute of Education is delighted to present its annual series of Public Lectures, given by visiting academics and Reading professors on a range of topics that affect the work of education today. This thoughtful and inspirational lecture series aims to explore the important issues around teaching today. Admission is free. For more information and to book a place, contact: education-events@ reading.ac.uk | 0118 378 2612, or visit: www.reading.ac.uk/ioe-publiclectures.aspx The Institute would like to thank CfBT Education Trust for their generous support of this series of lectures www.cfbt.com
ALUMNI EVENTS IN KAZAKHSTAN, HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE FEBRUARY – MARCH 2014
HENLEY REGATTA JULY 2014
DONOR DAY MARCH 2014
READING POETRY FESTIVAL
STENTON LECTURE 2014: Writing the History of One’s Own Times
Friday 7–Sunday 9 November, London Road campus
Thursday 27 November 2014, 6.30pm, Henley Business School, Whiteknights campus
Presenting the second Reading Poetry Festival, a celebration of poetry, performance and the printed word. This year’s programme will feature many of the most exciting voices in contemporary poetry, from Don Paterson to A.F. Harrold.
Peter Hennessy, Baron Hennessy of Nympsfield, Attlee Professor of Contemporary British History at Queen Mary, University of London
For more information and to book tickets, visit: www. readingpoetryfestival.org
The Department of History is delighted to present the 2014 Stenton Lecture, this year to be given by author, historian and Reading Honorary Graduate Professor Peter Hennessy. Admission is free but places are limited. For more information and to book a place, please visit www.reading.ac.uk/history/ stentonlecture
DIDO AND AENEAS JUNE 2014
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS LECTURE 2014 Reading’s wild predators: deathdealers on your doorstep Tuesday 16 December, 4.30pm Palmer Building, Whiteknights campus We all love learning about the world’s deadliest creatures, and most think that we have to travel far to see these awesome predators. But we have animals just as deadly to their prey on our doorstep! In this fun and interactive lecture, learn about the predators that live with us in Reading. Our annual Children’s Christmas Lecture is for children aged between seven and twelve. Admission is free but places are limited. Booking is essential for this popular event, visit www.reading.ac.uk/events or contact: events@reading.ac.uk | 0118 378 4313
GRADUATE SCHOOL FAIRBROTHER LECTURE Wednesday 11 March 2015, 7.30pm Henley Business School, Whiteknights campus The Graduate School is delighted to present the second annual Fairbrother Lecture, named after Jack Fairbrother, who in 1929 became the University’s first PhD graduate. This lecture will showcase an area of current or recent postgraduate research at our world-class University. For more information, contact: events@reading.ac.uk
For details on all of our events and to find out more, please visit: www.reading.ac.uk/events or contact: events@reading.ac.uk | 0118 378 4313
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SHARE YOUR STORY!
Having a great work life balance. I was able to study hard and meet leading industry figures, as well as work part time and have a few good nights out!
We asked you‌ What is the best bit about living and studying at Reading?
The University offers innovation and autonomy, which is a key motivator and encourages a creative spirit.
PADDY ALLEN
AMY STEVENS
BSc Land Management, 2005
Ancient History and History of Art, 2009
Where are you now?
Where are you now?
I started my own business in 2012 as a result of wanting to take my skills and experience into a particular sector of the market. My studies and work experience have given me the confidence to do this and to set my goals high.
I am an account manager at a digital technology PR agency in Reading, which is one of the top 15 tech agencies in the UK.
There are so many beautiful places within easy reach of the University. It is so accessible to London and also Oxford.
SU SAYER BSc Chemical Physics, 1969 Where are you now? I co-founded the charity United Response 40 years ago. It now employs over 3500 staff and helps people with disabilities across the UK. I am a senior visiting fellow at Cass Business School, City University and on the SUEI Advisory Board.
BRITI DEB Access to top researchers, community feeling in the campus, good social life in the town, proximity to London, and plenty of cultural and sports events. 44
Msc Network and eBusiness Centred Computing, 2009 Where are you now? With the knowledge I gained during my postgraduate degrees, I decided to study the application of computing technologies to solve real world problems. In particular I study novel methods for big data analytics in the current renaissance of computing.
If you haven’t yet published your own profile please visit alumni.reading.ac.uk/ alumniprofiles and add yours.
FRIENDS AND COMMUNITY NEWS
THE FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY, 2013–2014 The highlight of our year was the heritage event Reading and the Great War on 27 April 2014, our multifaceted commemoration of the centenary of the outbreak of WWI. We are deeply grateful for all the diligent and imaginative preparations, and splendid participation on the day, that we received from across the University and its neighbourhood. This most successful heritage venture epitomised the Friends’ efforts to promote the University’s profile in the community, which is part of a dual-track process whereby, as our constitution states, the Friends ‘…promote the welfare of the University, and maintain and develop public interest in its work and progress.’ Another constructive duality is the combination of the support and assistance that we provide to the University, and the remarkable benefits that our members derive from doing so.
It was particularly pleasing to continue the series of Friends’ Recitals, with Ashley Riches’ brilliant performance in February 2014 of Schubert’s Die Schöne Mullerin. We received excellent co-operation in this from Rebecca Ranson, the University’s newly-appointed Arts Administrator. Our regular departmental talks and visits continued, with Teas provided by the University. In the autumn of 2013 Professor Ben Whalley whetted our appetite for our excellent summer visit to the School of Pharmacy. In March 2014 Dr Alastair Culham and Dr Stephen Jury arranged a fascinating tour of the Glasshouse at Biological Sciences. The Yearly Meeting in June 2014 again enjoyed an address from the Vice-Chancellor. Members agreed increases in subscriptions from £12 to £20 (for individuals) and from £20 to £30 (for couples living at the same address). These will enable us to step up our programme of annual Grants, which in 2014 totalled £8000. We retain close links with the Campaign and Supporter Engagement Office, including reciprocal attendance
at disbursement decisions. Once again Lord Carrington, our President Emeritus, invited members to visit his wonderful gardens at Bledlow, where we were also were treated to tea thanks to the Chairman’s wife and helpers. Our year of activities ends with a coach trip to the Museum of London Docklands and West India Docks by kind invitation of Martin Kaufman and the autumn talk is scheduled for 22 October. More details are on our website www.reading.ac.uk/thefriends.
COMMUNITY NEWS VISITORS FROM TALFOURD AVENUE GO TROPICAL
Glasshouse project supported by our donors in 2009
This year we have made improvements to our Tropical Biodiversity Glasshouse tour. This project was designed and created as part of a project in ‘teaching, learning and outreach’ and is specifically aimed at children in Key Stage 1 and 2. It includes real hands on activities, fun worksheets to complete and a chance for children to create their own tropical jungle noises! We are very grateful to our official ‘testers’ of this tour, the families of the Talfourd Avenue Group, who took the first ‘new and improved tour’. The Glasshouse is available for school and community visits and proves to be a very successful way of introducing children to the wonders and diversity of life in the tropics. 45
YOUR NEWS 1940–49
1950–59
is concerned about the publishing of research arising from work in developing countries, with the implementation of Open Access to publicly funded research, with environmental issues (such as climate change). The e-publishing platform for developing country research articles, Bioline International, started by herself and others, celebrated its 20th birthday in December 2013. The project is very widely used, recording several million full text downloads of peer reviewed articles from developing country journals each month. It thus helps to narrow the knowledge gap between the rich and poorer nations, to the better advancement of science. Elizabeth Barton (Lady Hamilton) Phil/Engl 48, GE has published her seventh book, The Warwickshire Scandal, which is the third book about her husband’s family, the Mordaunts, as well as four historical biographies. She still plays tennis. She is widowed, but still lives in the same house and enjoys having all the family to stay. She has completed another book about her husband’s great great-grandfather who worked in India during the mutiny and her own father who was also in the political service and had 20 years on the North-West Frontier. She has seven grandchildren.
sites in South West Turkey in September 2013 with RSD tourist company. It was a very extensive tour, mainly following in St Paul’s footsteps, visiting the turtle beach at Iztuzu passing tombs of 4000 BC. Ephesus was moved three times and is essential viewing. The Temple of Artemis (Diana) followed on and Aphrodesias was next with its elongated stadium for 50,000 seats and still intact. He spent too long in the tropics, so escaped in November with five weeks in Fuerteventura. Katharine Collinson (Mrs Sands) Art 57, GE. After a stint at the Graves Art Gallery, Sheffield, she married a naval officer and picked up work wherever she travelled, in illustration, ceramics, portrait painting and printmaking, finally settling in London where she helped found the Greenwich Printmakers and was largely responsible for the first big print exchange with Russian artists after Perestoika. With her three children grown up and foster and adopted children off her hands, she and her husband moved to Pembrokeshire where she holds workshops and has her own press. (Her latest print ‘Flight from Homs’, a reaction to the plight of ordinary Syrian people.) She exhibits prints and paintings both locally and in London; her subject matter often drawn from yearly visits to India, land of her birth, as part of the ‘Friends of Mettupalayam Trust’ which looks after two small village schools in Tamil Nadu. Next year
Barbara Abbott (Mrs Kirsop) Dairy 49, GE
David Hughan Ag 54 visited the ancient christian
MANSFIELD HALL ‘LADIES’ MEET AGAIN If by any chance you saw a group of girls laughing and causing chaos in a restaurant in Reading recently, or inadvertently driving on the wrong side of a roundabout, you might have thought they were ‘freshers’ and just up to University.
The Group (r to l): Kim Lyal (Clark), Maths and Physics 1957 Ruth Melling , History 1957 Ingrid Read (Woldemar), Fine Art 1957 Jane Ockenden (Mumford), Chemistry 1957 Anne Seth ( Rawlings), German 1958 Elaine Nye (Lyon), Maths and Physics, 1957, Physics 1958; Gabriele Reifenberg, German 1958.
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she is running a monoprint workshop in Delhi. She is in touch with several colleagues including Anne Leane, Ann Presswood (Phil 53), Pauline Baillie-Reynolds, Roger Kingwill (Ag 56) and John Labalestier. She misses Jane Lentaigne and Jill Brodrick (St Georges) who sadly died some time ago.
Brian Stenning Maths/Phys 57, WG was in the RUBC first eight 1955–56. He retired from lecturing at Cranfield University 15 years ago, but is busy furniture making, church organ playing, domestic gardening and is a member of the local (Bewdley) Rowing Club. He is seen here sculling with daughter Melanie, on the River Severn. Sarah Garrod (Mrs Stille) GenSc 59 has moved to Preston to live with her new partner. She plans to continue as Vice-County Recorder, Merioneth, for the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland [BSBI,] for as long as her knees hold out! Bryan Thomas Ag 52, DA would love to hear from any other alumni of his era. Email alumni@ rdg.ac.uk if you would like to get in contact.
In a way they were, 60 years ago. Seven of the old ‘Mansfield Ladies’ met for a three-day reunion at the Cedars Hotel, Whiteknights Park, to renew old friendships and catch up with their varied lives. Their talk covered the world from Antarctica to Russia, from flowers and birds to space and beyond. Visits were made to the Harris Gardens and Mapledurham (by river) and a glorious day at Greys Court; a quick look at Mansfield (now flats) on the way home from there rounded off the weekend.
‘The question was posed, ‘What did Reading do for us?’ My personal view is that it gave us a head start in our chosen careers, a safe and pleasant place to study and have some fun and above all the chance to meet like minds and develop lasting friendships.’ Kim Lyal Those usually in the group who were unable to come: Mary Blyton (Mills), Maths and Physics; Polly McLennan (Hall), Biology; Jean Shaw (Moss) History; Liza Steel, Geol, Geog & Zoology.
Dorothy Preedy (Mrs Williams) Engl 56, AN. She and her friends agree that university, especially Reading, was the time of their lives – and now in their blood! Reading had equality in student numbers, 600 women, 600 men in her day. All the teaching was at London Road, even dairying, although they and agri students would spend time, also, at the university farm. A Saturday eve hop in the Great Hall and Hall Formals were popular as were the fireworks of Sheep Night. Everything stopped in Reading for Rag Day or River Events. Degrees were hard – no Firsts were awarded in any Arts subject when she graduated. Jill reported for Shell, especially debates. Lots of her colleagues still return to Reading. Jill celebrated her 80th this year and many family, friends, uni colleagues and uni staff members who have remained firm friends attended.
ROGER WOTTON Zoology, BSc, 1968 and Biology, DSc, 2008 I had a very happy time at Reading and graduated in 1968 with a BSc in Zoology and with a DSc in 2008. After an academic career, I am now Emeritus Professor of Biology at UCL and the author of the ‘Natural History, Creation and Religious Conflicts’ blog: www.rwotton.blogspot.co.uk The picture on Facebook of one of the Library Reading Rooms brought back a lot of memories – it was one of the newer buildings in Whiteknights when I was there, while lectures and practical classes in my subjects were held on the London Road campus. I was a founder member of Childs Hall and enjoyed walking around the lake in Whiteknights Park to look at dragonflies and other insects. I hope that current students appreciate the parkland as much as I did. My connection to Reading continues to grow. My daughter studied History of Art and Architecture at Reading (she didn’t know, when attending an Open Day, that Reading was my alma mater, and I wanted her to make up her own mind as to choice of course); and I published a book Walking with Gosse and only realised, after publication, that both the publisher (Dr Susan England) and my agent (Dr Bob Carling, who also looks after my website – www.rogerwotton.co.uk) were Reading graduates.
1960–69
Rodney Ellis AgSc 64, WG met up with Roger
Bailey (AgBot 64) and Keith Sanderson (AgSci 64) in Durban, South Africa, in January. They were celebrating the 50th anniversary of their graduation in 1964. They had lots of great memories to share of their times together at Reading and in Zimbabwe, where they worked together for a while. Roger and Keith live in Durban, whilst David was visiting from the UK and stayed with his son, at whose restaurant they met. Alan Griffiths Ger 61, DA defended his PhD thesis, in public, in June 2013 at Leiden University, A Family of Names: Rune-Names and Ogam-Names and their Relation to Alphabet Letter-Names. He graduated from Reading in 1961 (Ger) and since 1962 he has been living in The Netherlands. He worked for Shell until 1994, when he retired early. Since then he has been studying various languages at Amsterdam and Leiden universities, in the course of which he has published a number of articles in various books and journals. He says, ‘The PhD thesis is not the end, however!! Once hooked, you remain hooked, even at 74.’
John Lingard Ag & Ec 67, PA retired as Senior Lecturer in Agricultural Economics, Newcastle University in 2010. Previously he worked at Manchester Polytechnic, London University and the Ministry of Agriculture, Northern Ireland. John also worked as an agricultural policy and rural development adviser worldwide in Afghanistan (cotton marketing), the Philippines (rice farms), India (fertiliser use), Pakistan (irrigation economics), Bangladesh (food grain production), Sri Lanka (rural livelihoods, aquaculture and irrigation), Indonesia (rural development in transmigration villages), Outer Mongolia (agricultural market liberalisation), Uganda (sustainable land management), China (traditional Chinese medicines) Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Kosovo. He was awarded The Agricultural Economics Society Award for Excellence in 2005, for his Outstanding Contributions to Teaching, Learning and Research. John is an avid Guardian reader, real-ale drinker and dedicated sports fan of Burnley FC and Yorkshire cricket club. In October 2013 he organised a reunion of fellow Pats sportsmen Roy Peters, Bob Evans, Nigel de Gruchy (Econ 65) and partners at West Witton, Wensleydale. He is also in contact with Geoff Medland (Fr 66) and Kate Foster (now Harvey). He is married with two daughters, John Marsh Geog 63, PA has had conferred on him, by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, the J B Harkin Medal for Conservation, for his extraordinary commitment to parks, wilderness and large landscape conservation, and for the sharing, as an educator and mentor, of his love for wild places. For over 50 years he made and continues to make strong conservation contributions at the local, regional, national and international level. He was an early strong proponent of wilderness in Canada, writing articles and making presentations in national publications, such as the 1968 and 1980 proceedings of the Canadian National parks Today and Tomorrow conferences and the 2001 Wilderness Britain conference in Leeds, UK. He taught Wilderness Resource Management at Trent University, 1980–2007 and was an early voice for marine parks with Jon Lien of Newfoundland and Bob Graham of Waterloo. As a Trent University Professor he led in the
development of a master’s degree in Canadian Heritage and Development Studies and founded and directed the Trails Study Unit, a resource centre for thousands of trails across Canada. John has taken a strong interest in education and interpretation programmes in Canada and elsewhere. He was instrumental in the establishment 37 years ago of Interpretation Canada, which involves promotion of direct involvement with cultural and natural heritage. He has spoken and written frequently about protected areas, wilderness, and ecotourism in Canada, the Middle East, China, Chile and UK. He was heavily involved in the 1989 Master Plan for Parks and Recreation in Peterborough and contributed to protection of Ganaraska Forest, Crowe River Conservation Area and the Trent-Severn Waterway. John’s strong and enduring legacy will be the influence he has had through his words, writings and actions with his students, and the many individuals he has touched throughout his lifetime. Elizabeth Metcalfe 62, MN is enjoying retirement, going to classes and singing in a choir. Peter Phillips Engl 66, WI has been awarded a PhD at Cardiff University for his thesis, Roles and identities of the Anglican chaplain: a prison ethnography. The data was gathered from semistructured interviews with chaplains in 32 prisons. Whilst the work is situated in the field of practical theology, it is also a contribution to the sociology of work and occupation. Peter’s work was supervised by Dr Sara Delamont and Dr Andrew Todd of Cardiff University, but he was also greatly encouraged and supported by Emeritus Professor James Beckford (Fr67). Anthony Poole GenSc 61, WG has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Cartilage Repair Society, for his research on the control of joint destruction in arthritis. This work was done between 1977 and 2005 at the Shriners Hospital and McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
YOUR NEWS | 47
1970–79
Rhian Samuel Mus 66 has retired from fulltime teaching and is now Professor Emeritus at City University, London. She lives in Oxford, teaching composition part-time at Magdalen College, while continuing to compose, with over 100 compositions now published. A number of her works are available on CD on the Deux-Elles label, with two new CDs being issued this year by Stone Records. In 2012, her commissioned work, ‘Haze and the Absence of Clouds’ was performed at the Reading Weather, Art and Music Festival at Reading Town Hall, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Met Office. Amongst her newest works, a commissioned song-cycle will be performed next year at the Oxford Lieder festival. Peter Van Blokland Ag 63, WG retired from the University of Florida in 2008. He now spends time exercising, gardening and travelling, but he still misses Wantage Hall and his Reading friends from 1960–63.He wishes email had been around then, as he wouldn’t have lost touch with so many. He would love to hear from anyone who remembers him, particularly those who want to go on a 5K run with him (email: pjvb@ufl.edu).
Timothy Balmer Geog 76, CH is retiring in 2014 having moved to Marlborough. He now has four grandchildren and in retirement he plans to spend more time with them, walking and cycling. William Cherry Ag 70 is pretty much retired from Business Consultancy. He is now an active skier/ski mountaineer/tennis player/singer-songwriter, recording and producing songs,including his, connected with climbing and exploration, including ‘Wanderlust’ charity CD in aid of The Mount Everest Foundation. Caroline Clifford Ag & Ec 75, DA is still passionate about travel and collecting countries, probably about 170 to date. She is searching for a definite list and asks readers of the magazine if they can help. She always has an opening for fun loving travel companions, cruising or overland. Her next venture is Sumatra and East Timor. Jane Rhodes (Mrs Collins) Ag 74, WG has moved from Leicestershire to Devon and is enjoying a new country lifestyle with her new partner. Rosamund Morgan (Mrs Dunlop) Bot/Zoo 71, AN gained a PGCE in Bath, then married and taught Biology for four years. She has four married children and five grandchildren, and although now retired, works in inner healing in the UK and abroad. She is currently travelling with her husband Trev, to India, to teach in churches there. Ian France Pol 74, CH graduated from Keele University in 1991 with an MA in Industrial Relations. He moved permanently to France in 2006.
GRADUATES OF 1974 REUNION June 2014 ‘Having met up for (a long) lunch at the Queens Head, the tour was a very pleasant way of spending the afternoon with old friends, and thereafter the dinner at the Bel and The Dragon in town was also a success. The whole day worked out even better than I had hoped, and the six months of effort since setting out on the quest of finding everyone after 40 years and getting us all together was most rewarding.’ Paul Gilkes One of the group, Peter Martinson, has published a book of ‘then and now’ photos of students from Childs Hall 1974. More information can be found at http://blur.by/TfwU04.
48 | YOUR NEWS
Charles Frean Ger 72, WK is working to promote the use of renewable energy in the Boston area – enabling homeowners to leverage solar power, where feasible, and other forms of clean energy such as, ductless air-heat-pumps. It’s green, it’s efficient, it’s the future! Deborah Fyrth Fr 76, WI qualified as a counsellor in 2005 after a successful career in business management. She now has her own private practice and also works as a school counsellor at Gordon’s School and as a student counsellor at Royal Holloway, University of London. Last year she hoped to start studying for a qualification in Solution Focussed Brief Therapy, but also contemplated doing her masters this year. Donald Macauley History of Art, 72, St Andrews took early retirement from government service in 2005 and has since spent most of his time painting pictures. He had a retrospective exhibition in Bristol in 2010. His work may be viewed on the website www.donaldmacauley.com. He has also published The Power of Robert Simpson, a biography of the distinguished British composer. For details see www.donaldmacauleybooks.com. Jennifer Palmer Ger 70, GE has published her family history called Whipps, Watsons and Bulcocks: a Pendle family history, 1560–1960 about the family who have lived in the same house for 400 years. Richard Popper Chem 79, BR. After 17 years in financial services, he was allowed out for good behaviour! He then worked as Head of Central Fundraising & Communications for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in Poole for seven years, before leaving last year. He is now taking part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 13/14 on Derry-Londonderry-Doire, with the Legenderry Crew. Denise Preston Fr/Ital 77, WX completed a PGCE at the London Institute of Education and then taught in Modena, Italy, for two years. She then worked as a USA liaison officer for the leading ceramic tile manufacturers, Marazzi, Italy, focussing her career on using language skills. Since returning from Italy, she has worked in industry and education in the UK, promoting Italy and Italian products, as well as the language and French. She now works in management at a Government Department. Philippa Goldsmith (Mrs Reay) LLB Law 79, MN became a partner in a large provincial firm in the South East, specialising in Private Client work, before taking a 12 year sabbatical as a full-time mother. She then resumed her career, first in private practice and, since 2008, in local government. She is now working part-time as a Senior Property Solicitor with her local District Council in West Sussex, specialising mainly in Commercial Property. She has been married to Gordon since 1984 and they have two daughters. Pippa would like to hear from any fellow Reading Law graduates of 1979 or any old friends from Mansfield. Jeffrey Ware Geol 70, WI is retired and living in Worthing West Sussex. Anthony Watts Engl 74, WG was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List this year, for services to older people.
1980–89
Marian Dalgleish (Mrs Bough) Archaeol 85, WG lives in the Brecon Beacons National Park. She is married to Tim and has two children at Cambridge University and one doing A-levels. She still works for the NHS, now in R&D management, and enjoys riding and competing on her horse in her spare time. David Brown Geog 83, CH is accustomed to walking down the street and being pursued by cheering crowds. That is to say, in his previous role as managing director of Surface Transport for London, he occasionally accompanied the Mayor of London on his walkabouts. He says, ‘both Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson are very public figures. My more recent experience was with Boris and if you went down the street with Boris, you didn’t do that on your own, it attracted a lot of attention. You realise what it must be like to live in the public eye.’ But David, as head of a group which runs buses and trains, has spent his career in public transport and, while he personally may not be of interest to the public, he concedes that Go-Ahead Group, and the sector in which it operates, certainly are. Public transport, by its nature, is political. ‘Most transport operators would like to be able to just get on and run the transport and provide a good service to passengers and not have interference, but the reality is that transport receives public funding and it’s something that can improve or not improve people’s quality of life and on that basis it becomes a political issue.’ Not that it seems to faze him. He comes across as collected and humorous. He is 53 and married with a wife and two children, a 14-year-old boy and an eight-year-old daughter. As a Londoner, he has a noticeable accent, but it’s hardly what you’d call broad cockney. He has been chief executive of Go-Ahead Group since July 2011. David’s CV would seem to qualify him for the role. He describes himself as ‘a career transport guy’, who started 30 years ago as a trainee with London Transport. Under Livingston, he introduced the Western extension of the congestion charge and, two years later, under Johnson, removed it. He also personally introduced the Boris Bike scheme. He was behind the transport preparation for the London Olympics, which included moving three bus depots. ‘That was a fascinating period because I either worked directly for Ken or for Boris. Both are very charismatic people and very strong-minded about what they want to do,’ he says. His working day consists of, taking the tube into central London; stopping at Victoria station where Southern is holding its monthly Meet the Manager session and talk to passengers and staff; arrive at Go-Ahead’s office in Westminster; check the real-time trainrunning information screen in the office to see how Go-Ahead’s and other UK train companies are running during the busy morning peak; deal with emails; check the daily media summary and prepare for the day ahead; bus business steering group meeting, quarterly meeting with bus company MDs to discuss business progress and strategy; one-to-ones with managing director rail development, to discuss rail franchising, and managing director bus development to discuss acquisitions; working sandwich lunch with group finance director and a few investors to keep them up to date with company progress; monthly GoAhead Forum: update HQ staff in both Newcastle (via Skype) and London on key business issues;
Q&A session at the end of the update; spend time on emails and preparing work for the following day; depart for home in West London or head to an industry event, reception or awards function to meet and network with industry colleagues. William Daunt Engl 82, AN had his sixth poetry collection, Landed, published by Lapwing (Belfast) in the summer of 2013. Carenza Ellery PGCE 85 is Head of Art at an international boarding school for the second year, plus teaching in further education (classic car and bike restoration). She continues to enjoy hosting visitors from around the world through Servas – see the website – and is writing short stories and plays and performing. Anne Harris (Mrs Brown) Ag 82, GE and her family are busy running their mixed farm on the South Downs in Sussex. The farm is in Higher Level Stewardship and they are keen to grow commercial crops while making space for nature. She enjoyed visiting Reading Agricultural Department early in 2013 with one of her sons who was doing the rounds of the universities. They were seriously impressed by the investment at the Earley Gate site, as well as on the whole campus. A fabulous resource for learning and research, and a far cry from the ‘huts’ that she remembers studying in many years ago!
CHRIS BRANCH BA Archaeology 1983 Fiona Knatchbull (Mrs Holmes) Micro 83,
AN organised a get together of Reading University friends, sadly no other microbiologists, in December 2013. After graduating, Fiona went straight into her first job with Courage Breweries in Reading, at Berkshire Brewery, the job her tutor, Dr John Grainger, urged her to apply for. Her starting salary in July 1983 was £6,495, which was equivalent to the combined salary of both the Post Grad posts at Cambridge which Martin (Maidment?) and another blonde girl secured. She met her future husband (biochemist and microbiolgist) on her first day – he was then Fermentation Manager. He made no impression on her, except that he was wearing a bottle green shirt, and he thought ‘She won’t last five minutes’! Fiona then gained the Courage Breweries Scholarship, fending off nominations from the other three breweries, and so spent a year in Edinburgh on her full salary, whilst she gained an MSc in Brewing Science at Heriot-Watt University. She was asked to continue her research, to gain a PhD, but decided to return to Courage, where she was promoted into the Production team and published in the Journal of the Institute of Brewing. She then moved jobs within the Berkshire Brewery to gain the hands-on experience she needed to attempt the very difficult Master Brewer exams, which she managed to pass first time. By now she had married her boss, then Brewing Manager. He had been overruled at her panel interview, so she worked directly for him, her best boss ever! Fiona then moved to Guinness in Park Royal, as Project brewer working on developments, during which time they started a family,and she managed to work a part week. Her husband followed her to GNS, as Head Brewer. After their third child she took a few years break, and they moved to Dorset where she became Brewery Manager with Hall and Woodhouse, having been approached by the Head Brewer. (He sat on the Inst of Brewing Examinations Committee with her in London).With three children aged 9 to 12, she took another break, and then retrained to teach Chemistry A
While following a career in the City of London, I’ve been moonlighting in the movie business since 1997 when I set up a production company with an LA scriptwriter and made my first film Labor Pains, starring Mary Tyler Moore, Kyra Sedgwick, and Rob Morrow in 1999. The Lady in Number 6 was my fifth film project, and the first in which I received the Producer credit. I produced the documentary along with my great friend Nick Reed, and the Oscar-winning director Malcolm Clarke. The documentary took us four years to make, due to a number of unforeseen events, but it was worth waiting for, and all who worked on the project are very proud of what we have achieved The Academy first produced a short list of eight films back in the Autumn of 2013, and then the nominations came out in early 2014, when the list was whittled down to five. However excitement really intensified when I flew into LA for Oscar week. The British Consul threw a party for all British nominees, and there were screenings to attend and the odd journalist to talk to. I felt there was a bit of an omen in our favour as the 86th Academy Awards fell on my birthday, although there was a tinge of sadness as Alice had died exactly a week earlier, at the age of 110, surrounded by her family. After the ceremony there was the Governor’s Ball and the Vanity Fair Party, and finally wandering up Sunset Boulevard at 4am clasping a small golden statue! The Lady in Number 6, can be seen on British Airways and Sky Arts, or downloaded from the website, and I am now producing my first feature film, entitled Definition of Fear that starts shooting in October in Canada. 49
SILVER JUBILEE FRENCH REUNION
50 | YOUR NEWS
‘After well-attended 10 and 20 year reunions for those of us who graduated in French in 1989, six of us gathered on 28 June for lunch in the newly-refurbished Queen’s Head. We were joined by four staff from our era (all now retired). We had an opportunity to congratulate Jim Knowlson in person on his OBE and on persuading the University to make the recent Samuel Beckett purchase. Jim Walling, whose retirement party we had all attended as it coincided with our graduation, joined us at the age of 90. After a nostalgic tour of the campus with one of the alumni team, we had
tea in the Library (no such things allowed in our day!) and one of the current staff enabled us to see the current French section, so much smaller than its heyday when it was two floors of one side of the Faculty of Letters. Although relatively few in number, one had flown in especially from Geneva and the rest of us were from all corners of the country – a day that brought back many happy memories.’
Level. Her husband now works a lot in Nigeria, with South African Breweries Miller (SAB Miller), so she has been out eight times in the last 18 months. Their youngest child has just left school, and goes to university in September, when they will have all three at university, sadly no scientists! She was delighted to have had the chance to contact Dr Grainger, as she had often thought she would like to thank him for getting her started into a long and happy brewing career, as a result of his mentoring. Fiona Howe Engl 83, BR is joint MD and producer at her own company, Scenario Films, and is launching the second film in an award-nominated trilogy directed by Gareth Jones. Delight just had its UK première in Cambridge, and was nominated for the Golden St George at Moscow International Film Festival earlier this year. More details at www.scenariofilms.com. On the family front they have two lovely children (13, 11), and two older step-children who are both academics. Bruce McCandless III MA 84, WK lives in Austin, Texas, the City of the Violet Crown, and practices law as a partner with the firm of Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates, and Woodyard, PLLC. His novel, Sour Lake (Ninth Planet Press), is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and is quite scary – not to be read alone! On those days when he is able to remember anything, he recalls his days at Reading fondly. He still corresponds with two of his Reading friends and wishes he knew the whereabouts of several more, so he could bother them as well! His first experiences with ‘soccer’, courtesy of friends at Whiteknights, left him a fan for life, and to this day he roots for England whenever possible (ie, whenever the team is not playing against the US or El Tri). He is happy to pass on thoughts/suggestions to anyone visiting Austin. Martin Newstead Maths/CompSc 86, WL is in Yorkshire. He is still messing with computers and is still married. He asks for any colleagues who know him to get in touch. Derek Outridge QS 86, BR. From 95–97 he was a Board Member on the Joint Consultative Council for Construction Industry; 98–00 he became President of the Institute of Surveyors of Trinidad and Tobago; 99–01 he was a Board Member on the Rotary Club of Piarco, Trinidad; then 00–01President Greater Tunapuna Chamber of
Industry and Commerce; from 03–present he was Senior Lecturer at the University of the West Indies on MSC Project Management, MSC Construction Management, BSc Land Management in the Faculty of Engineering; 00–03 he becameTemporary Senator in the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago; then gained the following qualifications, BSc Quantity Surveying, MPhil Surveying & Land Information, GDL(CPE) Masters Diploma in Law; Masters Legal Practice Certificate in Law; Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Chartered Arbitrator, Mediator, Attorney at Law, Project Management Professional.
Mark Humphriss
Karl-Heinz Steinmann MA RurSocDev 83, MN is back in Germany after 35 years in development cooperation. However he is still doing short term assignments. In 2013 he travelled to Peru for a type of project monitoring in the Amazon region. Fiona Talkington MA 89 is a UK based broadcaster, presenter, producer, writer and speaker, best known to radio audiences as a presenter of BBC Radio 3’s award winning music programme ‘Late Junction’. Since its launch in 1999, it has gained fans across the world for its eclectic programming from classical to electronica, from traditional music to experimental, from jazz to folk. Fiona has been a presenter for BBC Radio 3 since 1989 working across a wide range of programmes, from the Breakfast show, to live broadcasts of concerts from the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, and London’s premier chamber music venues, Wigmore Hall and LSO St Luke’s. She has produced and presented documentaries
for BBC Radio 3 and the BBC World Service and presented programmes about Festivals including in Norway, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, and the USA. Fiona is also more and more in demand as curator and artistic adviser. In 2008 she curated a 10 day festival of Norwegian music, literature and film at Kings Place, and since then has curated an Estonian Festival and at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden for its Voices Across the World Festival. She is currently curating a series for Nasjonal Jazzscene in Oslo called connexions, celebrating musical partnerships between the UK and Norway. Her work has seen her increasingly involved in the Norwegian arts scene working on close collaboration with a number of Norwegian musicians and in particular with the Punkt Festival where she is their regular on-stage presenter. In 2004 she was presented with the Molde Rose award at the Molde Jazz Festival, and in 2009 she was honoured to be awarded the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for her services to Norwegian arts. As a writer she has recently contributed a chapter to NOPA’s (performing rights society) 75th anniversary book in Norway. She is a regular contributor and reviewer for Songlines magazine and for the BBC Music Magazine and has written for the Guardian and Independent newspapers, as well as many CD liner notes. She is currently working on other book projects. Originally studying classical piano, Fiona’s own musical activities have ranged from choral and opera singing to playing in a medieval band. She has taught for Reading University and for the Open University. Ian Williamson ElecEng 80, WI is Vice-President with AECOM, based in the United Arab Emirates, leading design and project management teams on major infrastructure and building projects in the Middle East. He is living in Dubai, an adults playground, which is easy living. He has two daughters Camilla (graduated) and Chloe (at uni), aged 22 and 20. Lesley Addison (Mrs Yates) MSc LandMan 80 is still in Aylesbury. She was made redundant and then retired, then bought a house and is now enjoying a life of leisure.
1990–99
Lyn Attwell Econ & Soc 95 is iving in Kilconly, Co
Galway, ROI, and working in husband Steve’s artistic ironwork business.
Christopher Bennett
Cyb/ContEng 96, WK moved to Boston, MA, USA, in June 2013 with his wife Martine and one year old son Kit. In March 2014, Martine gave birth to their second son, Theodore (Teddy); so it’s been a very exciting and busy year for them! They are really enjoying Boston, but more so, now that the warmer weather has arrived. Yohann Chanoir Hist 91, WI has three degrees and is Professor in History & European Class in France. He enjoyed Reading and life in Foxhill House and calls Reading his home town. He is also editor of the international revue Historiens et Géographes. He is a member of the ATHG (Association of Teachers in History and Geography), and belongs to the ones who defend the teaching of these two topics in French High schools. As a researcher in history, he writes many papers about cinema and history. He has written a book about Reims, his home city, during the Great War, Reims 14–18, de la guerre à la paix, Strasbourg, La Nuée Bleue, 2013. He has a publication (with Yann Harlaut as co-author) of a book upon Jean Jaures (Eyrolles, 2014). Joy Clancy PhD Eng 91, AN has had a book published by Earthscan entitled Biofuels and Rural Poverty’. Martin Coslett MA 96 has formed a company called Echo Time Productions. He took the company’s first show to Friends (Quaker) Meeting houses in the South East in May this year. The Perfect City production is about the birth of Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. The show tells the story of how the persecuted Friends in England were helped to emigrate to America by William Penn and build a new city and the state of Pennsylvania. Sarah Evans Hist/IR 98, GE is an influential woman in digital careers and is head of online creative and user experience with Telefonica. Her career so far has seen her lend to digital products which have revolutionised the way we live and work. According to her the pace of change is as such that job titles now may not exist in five years, and the ones that might exist in the future don’t exist now. She cut her teeth on a graduate programme for Andersen Consulting, now Accenture, before moving to Cable and Wireless to assist with the roll out of digital TV. It was those early days when she first experienced what it was like to be a woman working within a male dominated industry. She actually gained insight into how other women might feel when she decided to take up golf! She made the assumption that she was the only amateur and people forget that a lot of people feel like that with work. She says we all have a job on our hands to build confidence amongst young women in schools, colleges and universities teaching them to step up and learn what you like and dislike. Michael Farr MSc Hort 98 is Director of Studies in Horticulture for distance learning with BSY Ltd in Holsworthy, Devon. Oliver Gledhill MA 98 has completed a PhD at the Royal Academy of Music on W H Squire, his cello miniatures and the portamento. Sze Goh BldSurv 92, AN is a Serial Business Entrepreneur who has created, managed and invested in multiple companies, in various field of industries, ranging from social media consultancy, online marketing, digital media publishing, derivative trading to venture capital funding for over 20 years.
Marion Shadbolt (Mrs Kemp) CombSt 92 would
really love to hear from any fellow classmates. Email alumni@rdg.ac.uk if you would like to get in contact. Dimitrios Kourbetis MSc 99, PA is currently looking for new additions to his internal Audit departments in various offices in the US. Eligibility to work in the US is a must. Mary McDonald-Rissanen Diploma TEFL 93. In February 2014 her book, In the Interval of the Wave – Prince Edward Island (Canada) Women’s Nineteenth and Éarly Twentieth-Century Life Writing was published by McGill-Queen’s University Press. Lynne McVernon Engl 94. Her first novel, Terrible with Raisins, was published in July 2013 on Amazon. Vincenzo Raimo Ital/IR 90, BR has been appointed the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement at the University of Reading from 1 August. He has been Director of the International Office at the University of Nottingham for the past eight years. His new role will involve leading global strategy including developing new markets; building academic and business partnerships overseas; and raising its profile internationally. Lloyd Reeve-Johnson PhD Ag 99. After his term as Head of the Veterinary School at the University of Queensland, he became Principal of NGO Pacific Animal Consulting and Agribusiness, delivering primary infrastructure and microbusiness solutions into developing countries. He is also involved with the UK’s Stabilisation Unit, providing immediate livelihoods in post conflict zones and has been appointed Professor of One Health, Faculty of Population Health at Queensland University of Technology. He has just published his first novel Spindrift – swept from Zimbabwe, based on personal experiences in that country. He welcomes thoughts and comments on this book from those with similar experiences or interests in primary infrastructure in developing countries. Terry Smith 81 is a respected asset manager. A Swedish match company was his largest purchase or his Fundsmith Equity fund in the first half of the year. He spent almost £39m on shares in Swedish Match, a century-old company that produces snuff and cigars as well as matches and lighters, to make it the eighth largest holding in his fund at 4.5% of total assets. Terry also spent nearly £32m topping up his stake in Dr Pepper Snapple, the American drinks company. It now makes up 5.7% of his fund, compared with 5.6% at the end of last year. The company was his third largest holding at the end of June, behind Domino’s Pizza and Stryker, the US medical technology company. The fund’s biggest sales in the six months to June were Sigma Aldrich, the life sciences company, Serco, the British-based outsourcing business, and Schindler, the lift company. Josephine Spring MSc Hort 98 is still in the Research Department at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in Putney. She has been awarded a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship to study therapeutic horticulture in Scandinavia. She has written a blog and published in peer reviewed journals on therapeutic horticulture. David Winterburn Diploma Man 95 is the Certification Manager for the British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC) based in Milton Keynes. BASEC is accredited by UKAS against EN 45011 for Product Certification and against ISO/IEC 17021 for Quality Management Systems Certification and for Environmental Management Systems Certification. BASEC is a Notified Body under the Low Voltage Directive and is a member of the HAR agreement group of CENELE, and can license manufacturers in the UK and Ireland to use the <HAR> mark.
2000–09
Edward Baleni MSc 09 is one of the main drivers, along with Ninon Nkula, programmer, of the mass appraisal software (Primesoft) developed by Primeland Properties. It assists small municipalities in South Africa and the continent prepare valuation rolls for rating purposes. The idea of this software was triggered by the desire to bring about a robust and reliable platform for conducting these valuations, after experiencing a lot of shortfalls in the existing platforms. With Primesoft they are able to develop a property database consisting of a GIS layer, asset register and valuation rolls which can easily be linked to the available billing systems. The valuation programme relies on univariate and multi-variate regression modelling and contains the traditional valuation algorithms.
SIMON FERN Bsc Chemistry 2006, PhD Pharmacy 2010 After graduating from my PhD at Christmas in 2010 I moved to Kent to work in the hop industry. Being possessed of a healthy imagination I’d always wanted to write my own novel and so, shortly after taking up my post as a development chemist, I decided to start. My time at Reading provided me with the confidence and self-belief I needed to see such a potentially daunting project through to completion. A dark fantasy novel inspired by the likes of Michael Moorcock, Robert E. Howard and H. P. Lovecraft, Pandemonium Ascendant is a fast paced adventure with twists and turns aplenty. With its recent publication and availability via a number of well-known internet book-stores, I am now able to say that not only am I a Reading graduate but also a published author! I would like to express my thanks to the University for the part it played in helping me to get this far.
YOUR NEWS | 51
KATY JACKSON BA History 2010 Having graduated with a BA in History from Reading in 2010 and completing a Masters at the University of Manchester in 2011, I’ve now been working at the Wiener Library for the Study of the Holocaust and Genocide for two and a half years. My role as Community and Outreach Officer is diverse, challenging and fascinating. I’m responsible for events programming, informal education, partnership brokering, volunteer management and marketing. Recently I was fortunate to be part of the team launching a brand new exhibition at the Library to mark the centenary of the First World War,
Dogukan Dudaroglu BusEc 07, WK. After
Reading he had a four year career in Private Equity. In March 2013, he founded the biggest online doctor appointment web-page in Turkey; www.doktorburada.com. Rod Judkins Certificate 04, has had a book published called, Change Your Mind: 57 Ways to Unlock Your Creativity. Robert Knowles PG Certificate 05. Since being short-listed for an English Language Training in 2012 with a ‘Dictionary of Vowels and Their Sounds’ (which he didn’t win, though he made it to the last four), he has been working on a collection of English words that use pairs of vowels. He is publishing it on Kindle, and for the past year it’s been available in several workin-progress versions, the latest of which is now in the Kindle Store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/ When-Vowels-Get-Together-Knowles-ebook/ dp/B00GSVKUL4. Erica Mantovani MA ChildLit 02 , teaches English, Italian, History of Italian Art, Geography of Italy, differences between Italian culture and British/American culture classes and is a tour guide for students. Sharon Noviss 07, WK has had a book published by Troubador entitled Infinite Wisdom: a history of Christian Art. She has also published an essay on history.
52 | YOUR NEWS
featuring the lives of German Jewish soldiers who fought and were later persecuted during the Second World War. It’s an absolute privilege to work with the Library’s unique collections including photographs, diaries, postcards, letters and incredible personal testimonies. Being able to help visitors from many different backgrounds learn about this important part of history is the highlight of my job. I wouldn’t be where I am without the opportunities offered to me at Reading – transferable skills gained through studying and hands-on experience through volunteering at MERL.
Sara Morling (Mrs O’Connor) MA ChildLit 01, SH. After twelve years in the children’s publishing industry, working on more than 300 books and writing four herself, Sara has launched a children’s fiction writing retreat called Book Bound www. bookboundretreat.com. The successful first weekend at gorgeous Oxon Hoath Manor in May 2014 featured on BBC Radio Kent and the next retreat is scheduled for 17–19 June 2016. Aspiring children’s fiction writers can sign up for the newsletter on the website for information on day and evening events in 2015. Clare Oatley EnvEarthAtmos 04 , is a Meterorologist – Energy Trading. He has changed jobs and moved from Deutsche Bank to Trailstone in London. Helen Shearer (Mrs Rushworth) LLB LawwLegStEur 00, WK. Following a career in construction litigation with an international law firm, she has taken a career break to start a family. During the break she has set up her own illustration company, Ibex Illustrations. Her illustrations include those for the children’s storybook OpenWide, What’s Inside?. Elsa Sattout PhD Ag & Bot 04 , has published a book about native trees in Lebanon and neighbouring countries. The book provides a comprehensive study of the 68 tree species found in Lebanon and the eastern Mediterranean region. Along with rich colour photographs, the book compiles detailed information for each species including a botanical description and distribution, information on ecology and conservation status, and spohisticated propagation methods along with the flowering and fruiting season for each tree.
CONDOLENCES We are very sad to have been informed of the following deaths: John Leonard Bawtree (Diploma in Agriculture 1945) Phyllis May Spence (née Chart) (BA Latin 1949) Elizabeth Barnard (née Sargent) (BA Fine Art 1951) John Kirton (BSc Physics 1956) Bruce Rigby (BSc Horticulture 1966) Beryl Foote (BSc Maths 1969) Neil Entwistle (BA English 1971) Keith Ambrey (BA Geography 1974) Pamela Gulliver (née Glasby) (BA History and Geography 1979) Christos Kafasis (BA Sociology 2000) Sir William Benyon (LLD Law 2001) Nicola Davis (née Humm) (MSc Wildlife Management and Control 2001) Oliver Thomas (BA War, Peace and International Relations 2009) Emiel Roland Mahler (MSc Real Estate Finance and Investment 2011) Clare Snow (former member of staff and a Friend of the University)
GIVING TO READING
IMPACT | RESEARCH | OPPORTUNITY For over ten years supporters of the University have been committed to Furthering Impact, Developing Research and Providing Opportunity. Those Giving to Reading are helping financially struggling students and enabling 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 believe in creating the best possible opportunities for our students, so they can go on to do great things with their degree. We produce teachers, researchers, engineers, artists, meteorologists, historians and countless other professionals. The experiences they have at Reading and the enhanced opportunities our donors provide give them the skills they need to make a difference. Finally, Giving to Reading is a celebration of all those who have a connection with Reading’s past, present and future. Join our community of donors and help ensure future generations of students continue to thrive here at Reading and beyond.
‘I started donating to the University when I was 21 – not much; just a little amount each month. I wanted to support the institution which gave me firm friendships and started my career. The cost of attending University has soared since I graduated, but I know my donation will help provide more bursaries to those individuals who need the support most.’ Laura Garman, 2008 English
donation a e k a m To ut to find o r o , lf e s your contact: e s a le p more, c.uk eading.a r @ g n i giv 63 8 378 82 1 1 ) 0 ( 4 or +4
‘I gave because I have seen for myself all the good work that RUSU and the Student Services Centre does and I wanted to do my bit for that.’ James Fletcher, 2012 Politics and International Relations
‘I give because I know universities make a real difference by helping to solve global issues, I wanted to see these issues being addressed by Reading.’ Natasha Ratter, 2012 Zoology
MEET YOUR UN ALUMNI TEAM IVERSITY
There have bee n some change s to the Alumni Te am this year. Here are the na mes and faces you need to kno w.
CAROLE LOFTUS Alumni Events Officer
SAMANTH
A
HORSFIEL C om mun D ications a n d Su p po E ng age m r t er ent Office r Sa
mantha is responsibl e for comm on and offl unications ine – she is both the Editor Giving Mat of Connect ters and eed, Connected social med , and runs ia channels the . She com MA at Read pleted her ing and is BA and delighted of staff he to now be re as well as a member an alumnu s!
GUJA BANDINI
Alumni Volunteering Officer a For the last eight years Guja has been of staff ber mem a and nt stude a teer, volun ng at the University and she is now looki Reading forward to working with her fellow siasm, Alumni, making the most of their enthu rtise. expe and e experienc
Contact S
a
mantha if You want to … contribute to and e-mag azines or yo the magazines u have feed the comm back on unications you receiv e s
Contact Guja if…
You would like to learn more about volunteering opportunities or if your company could offer a work placement
.l.horsfield @reading .ac.uk 0118 378 4 480
Contact Carole if…event, would like to attend
an You have a query about set some advice on how to an event or you would like nt eve up and organise your own
k
c.loftus@reading.ac.u 0118 378 8058
g.bandini@reading.ac.uk
ALEXAND
Internatio
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nal Alumn
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an age r Alexandra is responsi ble for all al reside outs um ni who ide the UK and ensurin connected g they stay with the Uni versity and predominan each other. tly focuses She on engaging internationa alumni with l life of the the U niversity. A to the UK as le xandra cam an internat e ional studen never left! t herself an d Contact A
le
xandra if… you would like to give the Univers of your tim ity a little e and skills in your own country.
a.e.broeke ma@readin g.ac.uk +44 118 378 4396
54
all alumni events at Carole is responsible for h , from large events suc ding Rea of ity vers Uni the Reception through to ks Drin ds Lor of se as the Hou has working events. Carole small reunions and net rs and yea ten r ove for nt me worked in event manage of ety vari e wid a h suc ing is proud to now be organis ni. alum ding Rea age eng events to
TRISH O’NEILL
orter Head of Supp and t en Engagem ns io at el R Alumni
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NOTICES
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RESEARCH
FUNDING
The Univers ity continue s to receive a broad ran funding for ge of subje research ac cts with gra in 2013/14. ross nts totalling over £40 m illion
Highlights
include
• European Research C ommission Professor Te Advanced G d Shepherd rant (£1.7 m (pictured) in illion) to • £1 million the Depart grant from ment of Me th e teorology C a lle in Archaeo va Foundati logy on to Profe ss o r Michael Fulfo • £1.1 millio rd n EPSRC Pla tform Gran members o t to Profess f the Depart or Ian Ham ments of C ley and • £613,000 hemistry an award from d Mathema th tics e Templeton Dr Berry Bill World Chari ingsley in th ty Foundati e Institute o on to f Education .
GET INV OLVED
Here are just som e of the w you can g ays that et involve d with Re alumni@ ading. Em reading.c ail o.uk to fi • Share y nd out m our expe o re. rience an to future d give ad students v ic e . • Transfo rm lives b y donatin to Readin g g’s Annu al Fund • Becom e an inte rnationa or join a n l voluntee etwork r • Provide a work pla cement o opportun r employ ity for stu ment dents • Particip ate in eve nts
THANK YOU! mni who donate To all of our fabulous alu University of their money or time to the are making a Reading – thank you! You dents’ lives, huge difference to our stu carry out and, the research that we can therefore, the world.
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Connected Magazine is published annually and is circulated free to Reading alumni and Friends. It is produced by the Campaigns and Supporter Engagement Office Š University of Reading
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The opinions expressed in Connected are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the University of Reading. Editor: Samantha Horsfield
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Photography: With special thanks to Martin Cleveland Photography and Laura Bennetto Design: Ash Smith Print: Warners
CONNECTED For more information, please contact: Campaigns and Supporter Engagement Office University of Reading Whiteknights Reading, RG6 6AH, UK alumni@reading.ac.uk Tel +44 (0)118 378 8006 www.reading.ac.uk/alumni 56