Headway 15

15 headway

Issue

Spring 04

The magazine of Southampton Institute’s Alumni Association | www.solent.ac.uk/alumni

Graduation 2003 Volunteering In Mexico Zapcat Makes Waves

Courses for Careers, Learning for Life

Editorial

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elcome to the fifteenth issue of headway, the magazine of Southampton Institute’s Alumni Association.

I would like to give a special welcome to the class of 2003, who are now alumni having graduated from the Institute last November. The annual graduation ceremony is the highlight of the year, when around 2,500 students receive their awards. Read all about it in our special graduation feature in this issue.

Last November was also a busy month for the five Institute alumni who took part in the ‘Italian Job Rally 2003’ to raise money for charity. Travelling in Mini Coopers through six European countries over the course of 11 days was the challenge. Once again one of the drivers, James Proctor, shares his diary of the rally with us.

Earlier this year the Queen Mary 2 made her maiden voyage from Southampton. We report on Warsash alumnus Matt Suatt’s experience of working on this famous cruise liner as Carnival Corporate Shipbuilding’s Senior Marine Engineer. Staying with the sailing side of things, we also feature Helen King, who provided shore-support to Ellen MacArthur when she became the fastest female to sail around the world.

David Dickinson on BBC’s Bargain Hunt, while behind the scenes Craig Batty is making a name for himself as a budding young scriptwriter having become the first British person to undertake work experience for Australian soap, Neighbours.

Thank you to all of you who entered the website survey giving us your suggestions on what you would like to see on the alumni site in the future. All of your comments have been considered for the revamped site due to go live in the near future. Congratulations to Tracy Hallett (BA (Hons) Media with Cultural Studies 1999) who won the £50 in vouchers.

Lastly, but by no means least, don’t forget to have a look at the updates section at the back of the issue.

This is where you can find out what your friends have been up to since graduating. Keep sending the updates to us, either through our website or complete and return the enclosed pink form which is with this issue. We try to include as many of your stories as possible so keep sending them in.

Enjoy the issue.

Julia Fitzpatrick Public Relations and Alumni Officer

How to contact Alumni Office

the

Send your news, views, queries and comments to: The Alumni Office Southampton Institute East Park Terrace Southampton SO14 0RB T. F. E. W.

023 8031 9038 023 8033 4161 alumni@solent.ac.uk www.solent.ac.uk/alumni

headway magazine is published biannually.

Editor: Julia Fitzpatrick Printed by: Warwick Printing Company Ltd

Many of our alumni go into the television industry, undertaking a variety of roles. Charles Hanson, tells us what it is like to appear as an expert alongside

Polar recognition Andrew Cooney has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the youngest person to walk to the South Pole. He completed the 730-mile trek in temperatures of minus 30C in January last year, aged just 23. His expedition was featured in issue 13 of headway.

The BA (Hons) Maritime Leisure Management graduate of 2001 has also been recognised by the Royal Geographical Society with a Fellowship. Since returning from the South Pole, Andrew has been touring the country speaking to businesses, schools and charities to inspire people to achieve their dreams. During the

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tour he gave a public lecture on his experiences to over 100 guests at the Institute last April.

If you would like to know more about Andrew’s remarkable expedition or would like him to give a unique presentation to your organisation, please contact him on 01636 830 517, andrew@southpole23.co.uk or check out his website on www.youngestpersontothesouthpole.co.uk

Left: Andrew with some of his equipment at his lecture last April.

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HEADWAY

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CAMPAIGNING AGAINST RACISM Bob Purkiss MBE talks to Journalism students as part of Black History Month

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RHYTHMS OF THE TIDE Lottery-funded project to enhance the environment

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A HELPING HAND Institute volunteering projects update

14/15 GRADUATION 2003 Over 2,000 graduates celebrate their achievements

16/17 VOLUNTEERING IN MEXICO Pete Masters sets up his own volunteering organisation

20/22 ZAPCAT MAKES WAVES Behind the scenes of the world's largest powerboat series

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BUILDING ON AN ART FORM Colourful concrete

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No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the permission of the Editor. The opinions expressed may be those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Southampton Institute or the Alumni Office. Š Copyright Southampton Institute March 2004

26/27 ITALIAN JOB RALLY - REVISITED Did the Minis make it around Europe?

30/33 YELLOW PAGES Find out what your friends have been up to

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GIFT COLLECTION Benji Bear has graduated

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Principal’s Welcome

TOP-UP FEES AND ALL THAT

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thought it might be timely if I said something about the potential impact of the House of Commons vote in favour of top-up fees and about the Institute’s progress towards becoming a university.

In all my time in higher education I’ve never known an issue as controversial and politically high profile as topup fees. When, in September 2001 following his successful election campaign, Tony Blair ordered a review of university finance he can never have imagined that it would turn into one of the defining moments of his premiership.

At any rate, the Government’s proposal that from 2006 universities should be able to levy a tuition fee of up to £3,000, compared with the present £1,125, got through by five votes and will now presumably become law.

What effect will it have?

My own view is that the short term impact is likely to be relatively small. To be sure, there will be a stampede for entry in 2005 just as there was in 1997, the year before tuition fees were introduced. What happens in 2006 and after will depend very much on the level of demand for higher education, the state of the economy and various other factors.

Contrary to Government assertions, I do not expect to see much price competition between institutions, even in subjects where demand is weak; there may be rather more competition over bursaries and various forms of student financial support. This is because, with the maximum permitted fee being £3,000, the effective range is quite narrow: things would be very different if the cap were to be set at £5,000 or more as it very nearly was, and as I expect it eventually will be.

Even then, the long term impact of variable fees is more likely to be as a catalyst for things that are happening already. The parlous financial state of UK higher education – to which the revenue from top-up fees will make only a secondary contribution even if the Treasury does not claw the money back – the Government’s wish to see every institution doing

similar sorts of things, the blurring of the boundaries between higher and further education, and the appearance on the scene of aggressive for-profit providers will all in my view lead to a restructuring of the sector into a smaller number of larger and more comprehensive institutions, or institutional systems, consisting of linked universities and colleges with complementary missions.

This is why it is even more vital that the Institute gains the powers to award its own degrees, as the necessary precursor to acquiring university status. So I’m glad to be able to report that we had a very successful assessment visit from the Quality Assurance Agency in November. As a result we shall now have a further, hopefully final, visit in July. If all goes well then the Institute may be able to call itself a university college, the intermediate step to becoming a university. This would be a considerable boost for the Institute and everyone associated with it. Not only will it strengthen our market position, it will also enable us to consolidate our growing reputation as a high quality and student friendly institution with increasingly close links with the City and community of Southampton. This will be good both for the Institute and the City.

Roger Brown

Southampton Institute Alumni Association

What’s in it for you?

As a graduate of Southampton Institute you are a member of the Alumni Association. With a network of 22,500 members worldwide, the Association aims to maintain lifelong links with past students, promote your achievements and foster contact with old friends and colleagues.

In addition to continued links with the Institute, membership benefits include: ●

headway – the alumni magazine published twice a year

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News of reunions and events

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Continued use of the library and Sport and Recreation Service at preferential membership rates

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Use of the Careers Service for three years after graduating

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Inclusion in the online e-mail directory of graduates and/or professional networking directory

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Contact service which enables you to get in touch with old friends

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Discounts on IT training courses, postgraduate or professional study and use of conference or training facilities

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Free membership card

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Use of Students’ Union facilities for a year after graduating

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Mail order service of Institute memorabilia

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Alumni pages on the Institute website dedicated to all alumni members (www.solent.ac.uk/alumni)

Forthcoming events Thursday, 29 April Public Lecture by Dr Roger Brown, Principal Sir James Matthew Building, Above Bar Street, Southampton at 6.15pm A lecture on the current state of UK higher education and where it is heading. For further details and to book a place please contact Julia Fitzpatrick on 023 8031 9038 or e-mail: julia.fitzpatrick@solent.ac.uk

Keep in touch!

Write or e-mail in to tell us about your life after graduation. Whether you’re undertaking further study, travelling the world, running your own business or enjoying a successful career, we’d like to hear about it. Also, if you know of any other Institute graduates who do not receive headway, ask them to contact us so we can put their details onto our system so they can receive future copies.

For a copy of the alumni association benefits booklet which contains full details of benefits for members, please contact the Alumni Office on: 023 8031 9650 or e-mail: alumni@solent.ac.uk Don’t forget to let the Alumni Office know if you change address.

www.solent.ac.uk/alumni

Saturday, 8 May Paul Johnson Memorial Old Boys Day All Institute alumni are invited to join in this special event at Hardmoor playing fields, which consists of rugby, football and hockey matches against current Institute students. This annual event has been set up in memory of former Institute and rugby club member, Paul Johnson who sadly lost his fight against cancer in 1994 after graduating. There will also be a barbeque and raffle with all proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Research. If you would like to take part, contact Matthew Bishop on matthew.bishop@solent.ac.uk or call 023 8031 9671.

There are also a number of events taking place over the next few months to raise money for the Lisa Wilson Scholarship Fund. For full details visit www.lisathedaddy.com

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Above: Last year, the Institute beat the Old Boys in the Rugby match

BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING Contributors discuss the phenomenon of Reality TV, in a new book co-edited by Su Holmes, Course Leader in MA Media.

Understanding Reality Television (Routledge, 2004) is edited by Su along with her former Southampton Institute colleague Deborah Jermyn, who was the Senior Lecturer in BA (Hons) Film Studies. Although Susan has previously written many journal articles, this is the first book that she has edited.

The book examines a range of programmes, which trade upon their claim that ‘reality’ is crucial to their popular appeal. ‘Popular

Canada and New Zealand, discuss the rise of Reality TV in the context of the debates it has introduced to our social, cultural and televisual agendas, such as the construction of celebrity, fandom and surveillance.

Tracing the history of reality TV from Candid Camera to Big Brother and The Osbournes, Understanding Reality Television is one of the first books on this topic, which is becoming one of the major modules of media courses.

Above: Su Holmes, with the book she coedited Understanding Reality Television

Factual Programming’ has rapidly come to

Su comments:

study a popular cultural form, which

occupy a place at the forefront of

“Students are increasingly interested – both in popular terms and on an academic level – in the shifts in popular factual programming. It is a key opportunity to

continues to be at the forefront of debates

contemporary television culture on an international scale. Contributors from around the world, including America, Belgium,

about television, and its cultural significance.

I am very pleased to be able to contribute to the growth of literature in this field.”

CAMPAIGNING AGAINST RACISM the media and how his role in the European Union is helping overcome the problem of racist perceptions.

The Institute welcomed back alumnus and anti-racism campaigner Bob Purkiss MBE as part of Black History Month at the end of last year.

The Chair and UK Representative for the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC) spoke to year one BA (Hons) Journalism students on racism and

After growing up in Eastleigh, Hampshire, Bob studied Industrial Relations in 1969 when the Institute was known as the Southampton College of Technology. He went on to work as an advisor in the field and put in 25 years with the Transport and General Workers’ Union (TGWU). Until September 2000 Bob was the National Secretary for Equalities with the TGWU and he spent eight years in the position of Senior Commissioner at the Commission for Racial Equality. He also taught at the Institute, lecturing on many related subjects such as communication skills and health and safety.

It was this contribution to the fight against racism, particularly his involvement in the reform of the armed forces and firms such as the Ford Motor Company, which won him an MBE in 2000.

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Now settled in Winchester, Bob has taken on the position of Managing Director of Purkiss Associates Ltd, which helps companies to implement the requirements of the current legislation on all aspects of diversity, as well as resolving in-house disputes so to avoid employment tribunals.

Bob is still determined as ever to fight racism and he warns it is still a major problem: “Twenty-five years ago it was more open and blatant. Now there are new areas of discrimination. It’s sophisticated and very much under the counter. You have to be better countering it.”

Above: Bob spoke to journalism students about his work as an anti-racism campaigner

Faculty of Media, Arts and Society

ROYAL TELEVISION SOCIETY AWARDS The Royal Television Society Awards are the gold standard of achievement in the television industry and for the third year running in 2003, Southampton Institute won the ‘Best Animation’ in the student category.

Gemma Manger won the award for her three and a half minute film entitled The Birds and the Bees, a slight pastiche on Dumbo, with storks creating and delivering babies. Since winning the award she has graduated from the Institute with a first class BA (Hons) in Illustration and Animation.

The RTS Student Television Awards recognises the best audiovisual work, created by students as part of their course, that shows outstanding visual and aural

creativity, a mastery of craft skills, innovation and initiative.

Undergraduate entries were judged on a regional basis and these regional winners were then put forward for national judging.

The judging panel included a number of television industry dignitaries and they commented on Gemma’s film for its freshness, originality and audience appeal.

Nick Phillips, BA (Hons) Animation Course Leader, comments: “Our graduate films are gaining a reputation for interesting themes, animation virtuosity and strong narratives. Winning this animation award in three consecutive years confirms our position as one of the best animation programmes in the UK. Our films are featured and continually reviewed in World Animation Journal which offers an international recognition of our success.”

Above: Some scenes from Gemma’s award winning film, The Birds and the Bees

PRESIDENTIAL DECORATION

The President of the Italian Republic has bestowed upon Professor of Fine and Decorative Arts, Edward Chaney, the honour of ‘Commendatore’ of the ‘Ordine della Stella di Solidarieta’ Italiana’ ( Knight of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity).

Professor Chaney was presented with this decoration by the Italian Ambassador, Luigi

Amaduzzi, at his residence in a special ceremony in London last November. The ‘Ordine della Stella di Solidarieta’ has three classes and the title of Commendatore is the second of these, above a Cavaliere or Knight.

European University Institute, an Associate

This high and rare honour has been awarded to Professor Chaney in recognition of his publications and research interests in as much as they concern Anglo-Italian cultural relations; travel, taste and collecting (‘The Grand Tour’) and English/Italian architecture. Professor Chaney is a longstanding member of the executive committee of the British-Italian Society and honorary life member of the British Institute of Florence. From 1978-85 he lived in Florence where he was a Ricercatore at the

(1985), A Travellers’ Companion to Florence

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of Harvard University's Villa I Tatti, and lecturer at the University of Pisa.

He is the author of many books including: The Grand Tour and the Great Rebellion (1986; 2nd ed 2002) and The Evolution of the Grand Tour: Anglo-Italian Cultural Relations since the Renaissance (1998; 2nd, paperback edition, 2000) and The Evolution of English Collecting: Receptions of Italian Art under the Tudors and Stuarts, which was published earlier this month by Yale University Press.

Above: Professor Chaney with his new book The Evolution of English collecting

Southampton Business School

MARKETING IN THE 21st CENTURY Ashok Ranchhod, Professor of Marketing, has written an exciting new book that develops a new approach to marketing.

Marketing Strategies for the 21st Century

Ranchhod offers a wealth of new marketing case experiences from all over the globe.

many lecturers has been positive and it

(Prentice Hall, 2003) takes a strong casebased radical position and explores a unique

Professor Ranchhod comments:

gap in the market aimed at thinking

integrated approach to strategic development, incorporating current thinking and the impact of technology in a holistic manner. As a senior examiner for the Chartered Institute of Marketing, experienced in case writing and analysis, Professor

seems as though I have filled a particular marketers. Business leaders have also

“There are many books which tend to tread the same old ground of structured marketing strategies and they fail to take a wider perspective or an ethical stance, so I have attempted to do this with the book.

This was a risk, however the feedback from

welcomed the emphasis on stakeholders and marketing metrics.”

Marketing Strategies for the 21st Century is available from all main bookshops and online book providers.

OFF TO A FLYING START The Graduate Enterprise Incubator Unit is seeing the fruits of its labour as recent graduates become the entrepreneurs of the future.

with telecom security and sells consultancy services and encryption boxes.

New Line Solutions is the company set up

by SBS graduate Paul Gartlan and they have just secured its first contract to hire entertainment, such as pool tables and lasers to the leisure sector. It is not just business graduates who can benefit from the unit. Faculty of Media, Arts and Society graduate, Dominic White has set up his own company called Criminal Minds LTD, a subscription-based website which disseminates criminology articles to students across the UK.

Southampton Business School set up the SI Graduate Enterprise Incubator Unit as part of its Centre for Enterprise Development and Research (CEDAR), operating from the Basepoint Enterprise Centre in Southampton. The aim of the relationship is to build on the core competence of each organisation and help new and existing business entrepreneurs in the region.

The first generation of graduates from the project are now starting to make their mark and developing their own businesses.

Ayyathan Poilil Anilkumar (or ‘Anil’ for short)

Above: Left to right, Paul Gartlan, Mehendar Mohan, Anil and Gurish Dugala graduated in 2003 from the Master of Business Administration postgraduate course and he has set up his own company, Oria Commerce, an import and export business dealing in clothes and spices. Another business school graduate, Gurish Dugala, who along with Faculty of Technology graduate, Mehendar Mohan, has set up a company called Data Encryption Systems. The company deals

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Stephen Brown, Industrial Liaison and Placement Officer, comments: “It is immensely satisfying to see our graduates move forward over the last year or so from business infancy to being sustainable businesses on the verge of creating employment and wealth for the local Southampton economy. They have received support from a wide range staff across the Institute in reaching their goals and dreams.

We are indebted to Basepoint plc. which has so kindly afforded us the facilities to establish the Graduate Enterprise Incubator Unit.”

LISA WILSON SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS At the start of this academic year, five new students received scholarships from the Lisa Wilson Scholarship Fund, which was set up by the Wilson family, in memory of their daughter Lisa Wilson who died in a car crash in November 2002. Lisa graduated from the Institute with an HND in Business and Marketing (2000) and BA (Hons) Business Management in 2001.

Geeta Uppal, Widening Participation Officer, comments:

Kirsty Baulcomb, BA (Hons) Business Studies, Lucie Jones, BA (Hons) Business Management, James Denyer, HND Business and Finance, Charlotte Field, BA (Hons) Marketing with Media and Design, and Madina Hawa Boyo-Jalloh, BA (Hons) Health and Fitness Management, received a bursary to help them with the cost of higher education.

To date, the fund has raised in excess of £30,000 and there are many more fundraising activities due to take place this year. The proceeds from the annual Varsity rugby, hockey and football matches between Southampton Institute and University of Southampton in March have also been donated to the fund. For further details visit www.lisathedaddy.com

“The Business School is delighted that the Wilson family have awarded five scholarships to new students in its first year. Each applicant demonstrated a real commitment and motivation to study at higher education despite the barriers that they faced.”

Above: Students are presented with their awards. From left to right Kirsty Baulcomb, Charlotte Field, Clive and Tricia Wilson, Lucie Jones and James Denyer

MURDER HE WROTE The Law Commission has referred to work by Senior Lecturer, Simon Parsons, in a major consultation document outlining proposed changes to murder defence in the UK.

by Simon and notes his criticism of the above change in the law. The Commission has also asked Simon for further comment on these proposals.

Simon Parsons comments:

The two articles question the current defence of provocation, a defence to a murder charge that allows the accused to argue that the victim provoked the killing. If the provocation defence is successful then the defendant is convicted of manslaughter, which gives the judge discretion as to the sentence imposed rather than being obliged Above: Simon Parsons whose articles were quoted by the Law Commission

to impose a life sentence.

However, the defence requires a jury to accept that anyone could have lost self-

The Law Commission is the Government department responsible for law reform and it has issued a consultation document - Partial Defences to Murder A Consultation Paper Law Comm 173, in which it quotes articles

who are incapable, such as the mentally ill, should rely on the separate defence to murder of diminished responsibility.

control in the same situation. Simon’s articles on the recent changes to the law on this issue pointed out this was unfair because the purpose of the defence of provocation was to excuse capable defendants and those

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“The effect of the change in the law is firstly, the provocation defence is more likely to succeed when the defendant is incapable.

Secondly, there is now an overlap between the defences of provocation and diminished responsibility. Third, as the whole question of provocation is now for juries and not judges, the criminal law on provocation is uncertain so that citizens have no idea when provocation will succeed as a defence. This contradicts the legal principle that criminal law should be certain.”

Faculty of Technology

RHYTHMS OF THE TIDE Dr Paul Wright, Senior Lecturer in BSc (Hons) Marine Environmental Science and Dr Rhu Nash, Course Leader, BSc (Hons) Marine Environmental Science have advised on the setting up of a number of River Clubs for Chichester Harbour Conservancy and their ‘Rhythms of the Tide’ project. The Heritage Lottery Fund has just awarded the Conservancy a £1.27 million grant for the wide-reaching, harbour-focused initiative, which covers conservation, archaeology, education and recreation.

Two Institute academics are helping to implement a new lottery-funded project to help conserve and enhance an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The River Clubs are just one of 40 practical projects that will be undertaken to conserve and enhance Chichester Harbour’s habitats, landscapes, heritage and environment. They will allow local schools to get involved with the environmental monitoring of the harbour, using some basic physical, chemical and biological techniques. The idea has been carried forward

as a small part of the bid, with Dr Wright and Dr Nash advising on methodologies, equipment, locations and costing.

Dr Paul Wright comments: “The Conservancy contacted me asking for ideas of what to spend Lottery Funding on. I thought the idea of getting schools to engage with the study and monitoring of their local environment fitted the bill really well. The youngest will do simple species identification, whilst the older ones will investigate how environmental parameters like nitrate and phosphate levels vary throughout the year. All the data will be uploaded to a website for all participants to look at and download, thus widening the appeal of the project.”

Above: A school group working in Fishbourne stream, one of the River Clubs to feature in the project

SAFETY AT SEA

Warsash Maritime Centre has won a major contract to supply crew resource management training to Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO).

An innovative new training course provided

by Warsash Maritime Centre has been chosen by STASCO to ensure its fleet continues to be manned safely and efficiently. The initial enquiry about the training course came from STASCO after it heard about a paper presented by the

Southampton Institute Maritime Research Centre at the International Team Resource Management Conference, which was held in Florida.

“Maritime crew resource management is

STASCO is the principal trading and shipping business of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group, operating a large fleet of deep-sea tankers and gas carriers as well as chartering vessels.

officers and engineering officers are trained

The course is innovative in the way in which it integrates crew resource management theory with practical workshops, tactical decision simulations, and use of the centre’s bridge and engine room simulators.

The course culminates in a simulator exercise in which the bridge and engine room simulators are linked together to give a ‘total ship simulation’, allowing the course participants to work together as a complete ships team.

officers from the STASCO fleet engaged in a

David Gatfield, Senior Lecturer at Warsash Maritime Centre comments:

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relevant to all personnel onboard a vessel and this training programme has been developed to ensure that both navigating together as a complete shipboard team.”

The course lasts four and a half days with international navigating and engineering pioneering programme, aimed at facilitating increased levels of competence amongst employees. The course is also providing further support to Southampton Institute’s Maritime Research Centre to continue its research activities.

Above: Left to right, Mike Barnett, Claire Pekcan and David Gatfield whose paper prompted the initial enquiry about the training course

PROFESSORS UNDERTAKE THE CHALLENGE Professors Margaret Ross and David Johnson recently gave their Inaugural Professorial Lectures at the Institute.

Margaret Ross, Professor of Software Quality, discussed the issues surrounding the protection of children from computer and Internet chatroom hazards, computer viruses and projects that are late and over budget during her lecture ‘Quality – yesterday’s problems, today’s issues and tomorrow’s opportunities’.

In the lecture, Professor Ross looked at the way in which software quality is considered to be like an umbrella, using props such as an umbrella (which was cut to shreds by the end of the lecture) and a spider plant. This nontechnical presentation also included a number of interesting references to Harry Potter, Clint Eastwood, and William Shakespeare.

David Johnson, Professor of Coastal Management and Head of the School of Maritime and Coastal Studies, gave an

entertaining lecture which looked at the various efforts he has been involved in to conserve our coasts and oceans, raising awareness as to why the health of the oceans is critical to the future of the planet.

‘Blue is the Colour’ drew upon his own experiences and research on the Wadden Sea, Antarctica and the UK. Guests were asked to consider the impact of how the coast is portrayed, ethical values, what we take out of and put back into the ocean, global warming, and shipping impacts. His examples included work with the International Maritime Organisation and the National Maritime Museum.

The full lecture transcript from each Professor is available at http://www.solent.ac.uk/publiclectures/

THE CUTTING EDGE Southampton Institute had the honour of hosting the fifth International Conference on Industrial Tooling in Autumn 2003, with delegates coming from the highest profile manufacturing companies within the UK.

Austemperised Ductile Iron’. Dr Goldberg developed the website for the conference and is undertaking advanced cutting tool research at Iscar Cutting Tools in Israel.

Professor Graham Smith, Engineering

The speakers, presented their companies’ latest tooling-related research and development findings, which were backed up by a wide-ranging but focused exhibition.

One of the conference committee members includes Dr Moshe Goldberg who recently obtained his PhD from the Institute, having undertaken a joint study with Professor John T Berry at Mississippi State University on: ‘Machinability Research into the Mechanics and Surface Integrity Characteristics of

Degree Programme Course Leader and Conference organiser and Chair, comments: “Such a highly focused conference based on the latest research trends and applications in cutting technology is of prime importance to industry at large..

This conference addresses the needs of component industrial manufacture at source, where value-added activities take place.”

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Top: Professor Johnson explained why the health of the oceans is critical Bottom: Professor Ross demonstrating how software quality is considered to be like an umbrella.

COMMUNITY NEWS

A HELPING HAND Southampton Institute has been working hard on a number of imaginative volunteering projects through the Higher Education Active Community Fund (HEACF).

After the success of the test run in the summer, Institute students will be assisting Coalporters Rowing Club with Project Oarsome, a national initiative to encourage local schoolchildren into the sport of rowing.

Final-year law students have been delivering ‘Street Law’ sessions on auto crime, employment rights or child law to local youth centres. This involves the group in a role-play, debate, mock trial, quiz or similar activity.

Southampton Institute students on sports-related courses have volunteered to work with Southampton Football Club to help young people in schools and colleges improve their football skills. As well as giving students the opportunity to put their football coaching qualifications into practice, it enables them to work alongside Southampton FC in the community, putting student talent and qualifications where they are needed.

Gus Mckechnie, Student Volunteer Co-ordinator comments:

Above: The Celebration of Volunteering promoted new opportunities to staff and students

To recognise Southampton’s long and proud history of volunteering, the Institute organised a celebration of volunteering. The emphasis of the day was to get staff and students helping in the Southampton community and demonstrating how they can play a stronger role through individual and unique projects.

“The Institute has carried out a range of interesting and important projects involving both students and staff as volunteers over the last year and a half. I believe that higher education has a lot to offer local communities.”

Anyone who wishes to find out more should contact Gus by e-mail at: suvolunteer@solent.ac.uk

REACHING OUT The Widening Participation team continues to deliver a range of outreach work to local schools and colleges to promote the opportunities offered by higher education.

Geeta Uppal, Widening Participation Officer, recently attended the Specialist Schools Bid event at Regents Park Girls School. The school is bidding for Specialist School status with a specialism in Business and Enterprise with Humanities and English. This event was held to publicise the bid and to provide interested parties with information about how they could get involved with the school to promote this specialism.

Geeta also attended the Careers and Parents evening at Woodlands Community School with Ed Booth, Education Liaison Officer, to raise aspirations of the current pupils. There were short presentations by expupils giving their accounts of their experiences after leaving Woodlands, which included higher education and apprenticeships.

Students from Woodlands Community School, along with students from Totton College, also attended a variety of interactive Taster Sessions delivered as part of the ASPIRE project, which is one of the key objectives of the Institute’s Widening Participation Strategy funded by the widening participation premium money.

Geeta and fellow Widening Participation Officer, Sophia Birring, attended Weston Park Boys School to present certificates to a group of year 9 pupils who participated in the July Summer Schools. The evening was a followup event attended by the pupils, parents and teachers.

Geeta Uppal comments: “These types of events provide a continuous link between the Institute and its key widening participation schools and are interactive which enable the widening participation team to illustrate the benefits of higher education through engagement of such activities.”

Left: Taster sessions were delivered as part of the ASPIRE project to students from Woodlands Community School and Totton College

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Life Learning Living

DEVELOPMENT FUND

As the Fund is in its early days, there is the opportunity to

In the recent editions of headway, we reported on our new Development Fund, which has been set up to improve facilities and access for Institute students. This is in addition to funds currently available from public sources. Thanks to those of you who have already donated to the Fund.

indicate which part of the Fund you would like to support. You

With potentially new funding arrangements for higher education, this Fund will become more and more important.

Separate accounts have been created for sport and recreation facilities, library and IT, specialist workshop facilities, student bursaries and a general fund to be distributed by fund managers.

We would welcome input from alumni interested in getting

A vital part of the Fund, as in many other education institutions is the Alumni Fund, which relies on the generosity and involvement of former students.

become a Founding Supporter. Please use the form below and can of course choose any level of donation and we will keep you up-to-date on the progress of the Fund in future editions of

headway. Donations will be acknowledged and the fund will be independently accounted for and managed. involved in managing the fund. If you are interested, please indicate on the form below.

Thanks to those of you able to support.

Pat Mayward External Relations Service.

✃I would like to help kick start the Southampton Institute Alumni Fund as a: Founder Donor £10-£99

Founder Benefactor

£100-£499

Founder Patron £500+

And enclose a cheque for £…………… made payable to ‘Southampton Institute Development Fund’.

I would like my contribution to go to support: Sport & Recreation Student Bursaries

Library & IT Workshops General to be distributed by the Fund managers

Name Address

Please send to: Pat Mayward, Development Fund Manager, External Relations Service, Southampton Institute, East Park Terrace, Southampton SO14 0YN.

Find out more at www.solent.ac.uk/development 13

GRADUATION 2003

CELEBRATING STUDENTS

Southampton Institute welcomed back over 2,000 of its successful 2002-03 students and their parents, relatives and friends to celebrate their achievements, congratulate them on their hard work and to thank them for their contribution to the Institute.

The President of Southampton Institute’s Students’ Union, Ben Craig, graduated with BA (Hons) Sports Studies with Business. Ben also works in community projects, mainly with Southampton Football Club promoting the Institute and the Students’ Union. Ben enjoyed the practical nature of the course, obtaining qualifications to be able to teach sports to others and although, as yet, he has no clear path he wants to follow, the politics behind education really interest him.

Madina Hawa Boyo-Jalloh who graduated with BTEC Higher National Diploma in Leisure Management (Sport and Recreation) was also awarded the BTEC Student of the Year 2003 Prize from Edexcel. Madina, who has dyslexia, is continuing her studies at Southampton Institute on the BA (Hons) Health and Fitness Management course. She has received a scholarship from the Lisa Wilson Scholarship Fund after demonstrating a real commitment and motivation to study at higher education despite the barriers she faced.

After living and studying in London, Alexandra Bekeniova from Slovakia took the opportunity to study at Southampton Institute. Alex graduated in BA (Hons) Tourism Management and is following her dream to live in Italy and pursue her tourism career. Alex comments: “The Institute was such a positive place, with great buildings and I really enjoyed my course and my time working here through clearing and as a tour guide.”

Suzanne Westwood gained access to higher education through a Compact Agreement between the Institute and Hampshire Social Services and graduated with BA (Hons) in Photography. Suzanne was ill during her studies at Brockenhurst College, and thought that she would not be able to go on to higher education, but her senior tutor heard about the scheme and recommended Suzanne. Suzanne is fully aware of the advantage that the Compact scheme has given her and hopes that more people can benefit from it in the future.

BA (Hons) Fine Art graduate Norman Murphy who, at 70, is the Institute’s oldest graduate this year came into higher education later than most.

The pensioner enrolled aged 67 after abandoning his dream of university as a youth to support his family. Sports fans may recognise Norman’s name, as he has been a sports commentator on BBC Radio Solent for over 20 years. “It was a wonderful course and I had a fantastic three years,” says Norman. He is especially appreciative of the Gateway course and Study Assistance.

Another graduate who gained access to higher education through the Compact Agreement was care leaver, Debbie Mason. Debbie graduated with a degree in BA (Hons) Criminology and is now working for Hampshire County Council’s Social Services Family Support Team.

“Although I was aware that it would be a big jump study-wise, I really enjoyed my time at Southampton Institute.”

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Mature graduate Sarah Hand obtained a first class BA (Hons) in Photography and already her work has attracted the attention of Lord Lichfield. Lord Montagu of Beaulieu opened her two-year touring exhibition Rose Tinted Reflections which is showing at various venues across the South. Sarah says, “My partner Paul and our daughter, Emily, who has been the subject of my work, have given me unwavering support and I couldn't have done it without them.”

Auriol Stevens, the former editor of the Times Higher Educational Supplement and a major commentator and analyst of higher education, was made a Doctor of Letters for her contribution to the higher education sector, where she has also worked for the Times Educational Supplement and The Observer.

The highly successful film and television drama producer, Graham Benson was made a Doctor of Letters. Graham is the Chair of Screen South, Chairman of Blue Heaven Productions and the was Chairman of Channel 12, the Isle of Wight community-based television station. His current role in developing a regional strategy of funding and promotion, and a supporting infrastructure, provides opportunities to graduates seeking a career in the media industry.

Honorary Graduates Saints legend Matt Le Tissier was bestowed with an honorary Master of Arts degree in recognition of his contribution to Southampton Football Club and the City of Southampton, where he has been a leading figure undertaking fund raising work for numerous charities. Matt’s career stands as a symbol of loyalty to his club, commitment to his local community and the City of Southampton

Businessman and entrepreneur, Balram Gidoomal CBE, was the final honorary graduate, and he was made a Doctor of Letters. Ram’s major contribution has been to bring about a greater awareness of the involvement in, and contribution of, the Asian community in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK.

The ‘voice of Formula One motor racing’ Murray Walker OBE, was made a Doctor of Letters for his contribution to broadcasting. Murray is also a shrewd and successful advertising man, so has been at the top of two high profile and high-pressured professions, and the esteem in which he is universally held, has been recognised with a special BAFTA Award for his contribution to Television.

Above: 2003 graduates celebrate their achievements at the annual graduation cerermony

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VOLUNTEERING

IN MEXICO In 2001 Pete Masters left the UK to become a volunteer for six months in Mexico. During that time he worked with sea turtles, crocodiles, street kids and Mexican students learning English. This inspiring and enjoyable period of his life has given him the impetus to set up an organisation for volunteers who wish to participate in similar projects.

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After this, Pete moved to Puerto Vallarta, where he worked at a

fter graduating from the Institute in 2000 with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Corporate Communications, Pete initially worked as a personal assistant to the disabled so that he could fund his trip. In 2001 he boarded the plane to Mexico for his first project, and he spent three months working on a turtle conservation camp in the state of Nayarit. He recalls: “Our duties were to protect the eggs from natural predators and poachers along an eight-mile stretch of beach. We patrolled the beach at night on a quad bike either looking for nests or for laying turtles. Having collected the eggs from the nest or caught them as they dropped from the straining turtle, we returned to our camp where we incubated them in artificial nests. When the eggs hatched we took the baby turtles back to be released into the Pacific.”

crocodile sanctuary. “Catching a full grown male crocodile to treat it for a wound it got while fighting over a female was a memorable experience,” Pete recalls. “My job was to sit on its back and hold a towel over its eyes while the vet treated it. The feeling of potential power in the crocodile’s body as it protested against being treated was awesome and I have never felt quite as vulnerable as I did at that moment.” During this time he also helped at a home for street children, organising activities and sports.

When he came to the end of his volunteer work in March 2002, Pete had fallen so much in love with Mexico that he didn’t want to leave, so he took a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course in Guadalajara and found work as an English

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entering a project - a process which is being refined all the time.

“I enjoy the fact that I am my own boss as it drives me to do as well as I can,” says Pete. “The responsibilities and pressures of starting an organisation of this nature bring out the best in me and achieving good results are all the more enjoyable. I also like the fact that I am involved in this venture with friends who have a common goal.

Seeing volunteers embark on this kind of adventure makes me really happy, especially knowing that through their gap-year they are doing important community work in a country that I very much care about.”

teacher. During this time he met a number of English volunteers who were not entirely satisfied with the organisations that were organising their experience. This gave him the impetus to start up Echo Communities. “A gap-year can be extremely valuable and an amazing experience and volunteers should get the most out of this time,” he says.

The purpose of Echo Communities is to provide a link between people who wish to volunteer in Mexico and the projects themselves, as well as offering a complete service which covers administration, transport and living. The projects they currently partner are sea turtle conservation camps, a crocodile sanctuary, a rehabilitation centre for disabled people and a working permaculture (sustainable agriculture) farm. These projects are mainly targeted at school, college and university leavers, although they have no restrictions on who can apply.

There are many plans for the future. Echo Communities is looking to extend its project partnerships to Chiapas, (the poorest state in Mexico), while promoting the ideas of permaculture and ecological living techniques, which will enable projects to be more energy selfsufficient. Pete sums up: “This job provides me with the opportunity to travel, promote causes that I feel strongly about, and I enjoy myself at the same time. What could be better?”

Pete is director of the company, and has employed an assistant director and overseas projects manager. Part of Pete’s role is to visit projects periodically and source new projects. He also manages the website and deals with the volunteers who contact him, as well as being responsible for the selection process for volunteers before

For more information visit: www.echocommunities.org.uk Above: As a volunteer, Pete has worked with sea turtles, crocodiles and street children in an effort to improve life in Mexico

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SUPPORTING ELLEN MACARTHUR When Helen King applied for a job advertised in the local paper, which said “Interested in sailing?

Assistant required for sailing company”, little did she know that she would be helping provide shore support to a sailor destined to become the fastest female to sail around the world.

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elen joined Offshore Challenges shortly after graduating from the Institute in 1998 with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Maritime Environmental Management. Offshore Challenges had just been created by ocean yacht racer, Mark Turner, and the then unknown Ellen MacArthur, who had formed the company to try and find sponsorship for Ellen to compete in the Vendeé Globe race.

Above: Helen (far right) has an excellent relationship with the sailors. From left to right, Martyn Skelton (UKSA student), Nick Moloney and Ellen MacArthur. Photo: Mark Pepper

Helen is now General Manager for Offshore Challenges where, apart from running the company, her main role is race communications. “When the skippers are at sea, I live every moment with them and it is important they can make contact with us at any time – day or night,” she says. “Solo ocean racing is very hard and the skippers need to know that we are out there with them and that they have full shore support.” Helen is the longest-serving member of the company which looks after the skippers, boats, shore team, websites, logistics, event management, public relations, media communications, sponsorship management, marketing, consultancy, image distribution, television/video production, information technology and race communications. There are now three sailors on its books after Australia’s Nick Moloney and Great Britain’s

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Samantha Davies joined Ellen MacArthur. A team of professional sailors is also recruited for group competitions, such as the Jules Verne Trophy.

The turning point for the company came in 2001, when Ellen came second in the Vendeé Globe race, being the fastest female to sail single-handed around the world in 95 days, and a storm of fame followed. “The most memorable moment in this job was undoubtedly when Ellen crossed the finish line in the Vendeé Globe race. To be alongside Kingfisher as part of the team that lived every moment with her was an incredible experience,” exclaims Helen. “I was lucky enough to go around the world again in 2002 with Nick Moloney on board Orange, the 110 foot catamaran. Nick was the only Australian in a 13-strong French crew to take the Jules Verne trophy, sailing around the world in 64 days.”

Successes such as these have seen the number of staff at Offshore Challenges increase from four to 25 since Helen started, which also includes Institute graduate Josie Robinson (BA (Hons) Maritime Leisure Management, 2000).

“I took a job that looked interesting,” Helen remarks.

“Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined it would turn out the way it did.”

TRADING PLACES Last year, Alison Cottrell was approached to hold a one-woman exhibition at the Museum of Garden History.

lison Cottrell first became acquainted with the John Tradescants when reading Sexing the Cherry by Jeanette Winterson. The John Tradescants (father and son) became famous in the 17th Century as gardeners to royalty, horticulturalists, travellers and collectors of curiosities.

Alison had been set a brief when she was studying for her degree, to produce illustrations relevant to the Winterson text. The richness of imagery during the 17th Century whetted her appetite, furthering her curiosity to explore the Tradescants for her final-year degree show.

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Since graduating from the Institute in 2000 with a first class BA (Hons) in Illustration and Animation, Alison has put together a series of illustrations influenced by the Tradescants entitled ‘Trading Places’. These illustrations were on display at the Museum of Garden History, Lambeth last year, and are currently at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. The Tradescants were buried in the Museum of Garden History, and Elias Ashmole obtained their collection and established the Ashmolean museum in Oxford.

When Alison first started her work on the Tradescants, she became an illustrator-come-detective, searching for hidden clues among the text, which in turn was

revealed and interpreted into evocative imagery. She explains: “I attempted to examine relevant historical images and text, and assemble them in a way that depicts layers of information, rather as an archaeologist brushes away layers of sand to reveal subterranean antiquities.” Working in collage and mixed media, using conventional and digital methods of application, she has a particular interest in trapping and layering of images and ephemera within her work.

Last year, Alison was approached to hold a onewoman exhibition at the Museum of Garden History, Lambeth. She recalls: “The show was extremely successful and opened by the actress Celia Imrie, who had bought my ‘Dodo’ collage at my degree show.” She was then invited to display her work alongside the Tradescant collection in the Ashmolean Museum, where it will run until 14 June 2004.

Alison is thoroughly enjoying her new career, having been a teacher before she joined the Institute as a mature student. Since graduating, she has also worked as a part-time lecturer at the Institute and Winchester Women’s Prison, where her students have won seven Koestler Awards for Art. To find out more about her current exhibition visit http://www.ashmol.ox.ac.uk/

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Left: Tradescants Dodo Collage, Alison Cottrell Right: Tulip Girls, Collage, Alison Cottrell

Left to right: Euan McGrath, Tony Jones and Helen Saunders onboard a Zapcat

ZAPCAT

MAKES WAVES Euan McGrath lectured at the Institute between 1995 and 2001 on maritime, leisure and sports courses. In January 2001, he saw an opportunity not to be missed, so left the Institute to set up Zapcat Racing Ltd, which is the European distributor of the Zapcat boat and organiser of the annual National Zapcat Championships. The company, which employs many Institute alumni, has gone from strength to strength with the racing fleet doubling in size year on year, and running the world’s largest powerboat series with national coverage on Channel 5 and Sky Sports.

Maritime Leisure Management and is the National Zapcat Sales Manager. He first became involved with Zapcat Racing in 2001 when he purchased a Zapcat, enabling him to be a regular competitor in the National Championship. After coming 4th in 2003, he is already looking forward to the 2004 race, for which he has already secured sponsorship.

aving conducted extensive research, Euan found that there was a market for ‘fun affordable racing’, and saw Zapcat racing as having big potential. He says: “Zapcat Racing breaks down the barriers which would normally deter people from water sports, by offering a complete package from when the Zapcat is sold, to support in the form of training and licences. This can enable the buyer to take the boat out onto water within days of purchase and compete within weeks.”

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As National Zapcat Sales Manager, Tony’s role is to sell the boats to customers, give the after-sales care, demonstrations to potential purchasers and press, and handle agents. He sold 80 Zapcats in 2003 and his target is to sell 120 in 2004. Zapcat Racing Ltd is a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) approved Powerboat Training Centre, so Tony organises courses for Zapcat owners, as the company will not release a Zapcat to a new owner unless they have completed a RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certificate (or international equivalent). The company also prides itself on being there to support its customers long after the boat has been sold, so Tony has set up an on-line discussion forum to enable Zapcat owners to get in touch with each other and form their own groups. Enthusiastic about the sport which has paved the way for a career, he says: “I love the diversity of working for Zapcat Racing, which enables me to meet a variety of people who all come from different backgrounds. My plan is to sell more boats each year, and see the sport grow across Europe.”

In his role as Race Director, Euan manages and develops the company, by working with new venues, sponsors, public relations, keeping track of sales and targets, developing rules and regulations and exploiting new opportunities. Aside from the National Championships, the company generates most of its interest from the London Boat Show and Southampton Boat Show. He sees the business as having three key areas to exploit: selling boats, organising race venues and working with sponsors. “Having a job where I can play around with boats gets me out of bed in the morning. This job is brilliant,” he comments.

There are a number of Institute alumni who work for the company in various capacities, whether it be through helping out during the race season or as part of the full-time core team, as do Tony Jones and Helen Saunders.

Helen joined the company in 2003, so is yet to experience her first National Championship but is looking forward to the challenges it

Tony graduated from the Institute in 1999 with a BA (Hons) in

Continues on p22

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will bring. After graduating in 1997 with a BA (Hons) in Maritime Leisure Management, Helen stayed on at the Institute for six months to work as a researcher. In the period between this and joining Zapcat Racing, she had been travelling, and worked for Premier Marinas. Due to having such an interest in water sports, she had been involved with Zapcat Racing since it started in 2001, which led to her being employed full time as Marketing Manager in 2003.

Above: The Zapcat is a versatile leisure boat, which is very capable and ideal for racing, highly suited to a variety of conditions and is easily handled by two people October, the Championship takes place on flat water or in the surf; dependent on the sea state and location to ensure the day is fast and exciting. The course length is short and very close to the shore with competitors completing approximately nine laps with each heat lasting 10-15 minutes. The 12 rounds take place at various venues around the country, with each team competing for crucial championship points.

The first National Championship was held in May 2001 with ten Zapcats participating. In its third and most recent season, 70 Zapcats entered, making this tournament the world’s largest powerboat series.

The sport is media and spectator friendly and has a positive economic impact on the venues where the races are staged. Since its inauguration in 2001, the winners of the Championship have only been decided on the last round, reaching a climax that is far more exciting than any other motor sport.

Helen’s role involves promoting the company, securing race venues, looking for sponsorship, public relations and helping to run the

In its third and most recent season, 70 Zapcats entered, making this tournament the world’s largest powerboat series National Championships. “I enjoy the variety of this role which is very hands-on, working for a small company and being involved in such a fun sport,” she says. “I want to promote this sport and make it recognisable across Europe.”

The National Championship itself brings an array of emotions to all who are involved, whether it be as a participant, organiser or spectator.

Euan comments: “When we raced at Watergate bay, the waves were 12 foot high, making the conditions extremely difficult. Zapcat racing showed that, whatever the weather, this sport can be good fun.”

The Zapcat is a versatile leisure boat, which is very capable and ideal for racing, highly suited to a variety of conditions and is easily handled by two people. It is easy to store when not in use, uses a short shaft 50hp outboard engine and weighs under 150kg. Zapcats were first used in South Africa during the early eighties when local crews raced inflatable boats down treacherous rivers and along the rugged coastline. Having crossed the oceans of the world to many countries including New Zealand and Australia, Zapcat Racing now forms an integral part of the UK’s boating season.

Euan hopes that Zapcat Racing will continue to grow as rapidly as it has done since 2001, by encouraging participation at local, regional and national level. And for anyone who wishes to follow in his footsteps, his advice is: “Go for it – life’s too short! Put together a solid business plan. Make sure you know the industry, including the direct and indirect competition. And be prepared to work very hard.”

Zapcat Racing is a one-design championship, where no modifications are allowed to the Zapcat, the hull or the propeller. Between May and

For more information on how you could take part in the 2004 Championships, visit: www.zapcat-racing.com

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QUEEN MARY AND MATT It was a particularly poignant moment for the city of Southampton when the Queen Mary 2 (QM2) departed from her home port of Southampton on her maiden voyage earlier this year. But former Warsash graduate Matt Suatt’s affiliation for the largest cruise liner ever built, had started five years earlier when he first started working on this ship as Carnival Corporate Shipbuilding’s Senior Marine Engineer.

“I worked closely on the QM2’s initial powering requirements and then wrote the majority of the machinery specification for all machinery, piping and duct systems inside and outside of the engine room. I approved all the drawings relating to my areas and attended the acceptance tests on most of the major equipment. I was also the senior engineer in charge of the sea trial acceptance protocol for the engine room systems pertaining to my area of responsibility.”

Before joining Carnival Corporate Shipbuilding in 1997, Matt had been in the Merchant Navy for ten years. During this time he was a Warsash cadet, studying for the OND and HNC Marine Engineering followed by the Class four and Class two certificates in competence, completing the latter in 1993. After leaving Warsash he sailed as Fourth Engineer with Blue Star then Third and Second Engineer with P&O Containers.

on the infamous QM2, his projects have included the Carnival Fantasy Class, Carnival Destiny Class, Holland America Rotterdam, Rotterdam Class and the new Vista Class.

“The QM2 saliing for the first time was a highlight of my career.”

As Senior Marine Engineer, Matt is involved with the writing of the ship specifications, plan approval, machinery selection and testing of machinery in the factory and on board the ships. As well as working

Left: Matt Suatt Above: The QM2 in all her glory. Photo: Chantiers de L’ Atlantique

YACHTING AROUND A full time passion for yachting, sun and sea has taken much travelled yacht broker, Russ Parker, to many exotic places. After A Levels, he delivered a 32ft yacht through the Mediterranean from Sicily to Turkey, then studied HND Yacht Manufacturing and Marine Industries Management, graduating from the Institute in 1992.

Russ has found the most rewarding moments of his career in building strong relationships both in Hong Kong and overseas. He especially likes introducing first timers to “the joys of boating and a new way of life”.

Yachting is also Russ’s favourite leisure activity. He comments: “Most of my free time is spent involved with yachts, either racing or cruising in Hong Kong and around the region. I mainly race on a Magic 25 sports boat for local racing and recently won the National Championship. I'm also skipper of a 70ft offshore sled on which we do long distance passage racing, recently winning the Hong Kong to Hainan race.”

Russ holds the position of Yacht Broker, at Simpson Marine in their Hong Kong head office. He deals with buyers, sellers, shipyards, surveyors, shipping companies, and after-sales work.

“Simpson Marine is a very international business,” he comments. “It was established in 1984 and has grown to be the largest yacht sales brokerage in Asia, with its head office in Hong Kong, subsidiary offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, Monaco and a sub-dealer in New Zealand. We are also the leading megayacht specialist in the region and have been involved in many new builds.”

“Hong Kong, is a great place to live and work, it’s fairly fast-paced but the opportunities are here and the lifestyle is great.”

Above: Russ and the Aberdeen Marina where Russ is based

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CREATING HAPPY CLIENTS Alison Morse’s graduation from BA (Hons) Fashion in 1998 launched her into a career in fashion. After leaving the Institute she gained a range of valuable experience in the fashion industry, which has led to her starting up her own business.

Her career began with working for a commercial ladieswear company. She then designed for a number of well-known brands including Designers at Debenhams and Ozwald Boating Menswear. Some of her designs reached the catwalk during the Paris and Milan fashion weeks and have been sold in Harvey Nichols and Selfridges.

Alison then decided to get back into her first love, ladieswear, so freelanced for an embroidery company dealing with Paul Smith women, Emma Hope shoes and Lulu Guinness bags. It was during this time, she made the decision to set up her own business Morse

Design (www.morsedesign.com) which produces bespoke ladieswear, made to measure originally designed bridal gowns and occasion wear.

Her typical day is now full of variety, which Alison refers to as “the highs, lows, the buzz and the accounts”. Her work at Morse Design involves designing, sourcing fabrics, meeting clients, marketing, accounts, and production from her design lounge where clients can come and have a consultation or fitting. She comments: “The greatest thrill is seeing my designs worn by happy people, twirling in front of mirrors who don’t want to take off their creations. I intend to continue expanding my business and possibly to employ other people in my own ladieswear store in the future.”

Left: Alison puts the finishing touches to one of her designs

BARGAIN HUNTER Since graduating from the Institute with a first class BA (Hons) in Fine Arts Valuation in 1999, Charles Hanson has enjoyed a fruitful career. He now works as a Fine Arts Manager for an auction centre and appears regularly on BBC’s Bargain Hunt as their youngest expert alongside the infamous David Dickinson.

Above: Charles Hanson works alongside David ‘The Duke’ Dickinson as an expert on BBC’s Bargain Hunt

Charles manages Wintertons Fine Arts, in Lichfield, Staffordshire. He runs the professional written valuation side for probate, insurance and current market valuations, visiting clients daily to appraise their items or collections. He is also an auctioneer and sells in the company’s fortnightly Victorian sales and bi-monthly fine art sales. He has qualified as a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and is a member of the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers and Association of Valuers and Auctioneers.

Charles first became involved with Bargain Hunt in 2002 when the BBC approached his department to enquire if they could do a two-day broadcast on BBC1.

Bargain Hunt is an antiques game show, where two teams of bargain hunters are let loose in an antiques fair with £500 (primetime) or £200 (daytime) and just one hour to bag themselves a bargain. An antiques expert is on hand to give them advice on what to buy and how to haggle. The ‘finds’ are later sold at a local auction, and the team with the most profit wins.

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Charles was naturally delighted to become involved: “I think it is my flamboyant style on the rostrum which they like. I throw my arms around and jump about in a way to stir enthusiasm, which aids the selling price of an item.” After his first auctioneers chat with David Dickinson, they asked him to become one of the regular experts on Bargain Hunt. He also has the Bargain Hunt record for the best buy – a Victorian walnut dressing cabinet, bought for £200, and sold for £1,250.

Working with the Bargain Hunt team is an enjoyable but busy time for Charles. “The shows are filmed at weekends, fitting in four shows to a tight schedule. It can be quite frantic trying to find that bargain. David Dickinson is fun to work with. When I won a £1,500 profit, he got on his hands and knees bowing to my success.”

And in his spare time, Charles, does charity auctions, talks for local societies, Women’s Institute groups and other clubs as well as collecting various antiques for his cottage. He has also been involved with other BBC productions; Flog it and Cash in the Attic.

With more people seeking out an item that is a ‘right bobby dazzler’ or as ‘cheap as chips’, the trading of antiques is more fun than ever.

BUILDING ON AN

ART FORM David Undery produces artwork with a difference by creating handcrafted colourful concrete panels.

“Many people still see concrete as functional, drab and uninteresting. They are totally missing its everyday beauty,” says David, who was originally an oil-painter until he was inspired by the City of Southampton to turn his attentions to concrete.

avid explains: “When I started studying at the Institute, I moved from the country life of Hertfordshire to the urban area of Southampton, and couldn’t help but be affected by my new surroundings. Instead of figurative work, I was painting landscapes of Southampton and buildings in the area. I also undertook a summer holiday job as a building site labourer, which totally coloured my view of the cold, bland substance. It was only a matter of time before my cityscapes were to contain cement dust in them as a pigment. I realised that the elements that excited me most were the concrete panels, so from then on, cement became the medium of my choice. It is highly versatile, allowing me to produce completely original and unique work.”

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large as well as my small work, and gives me a great excuse to really go to town and get my teeth stuck into something really challenging,” David comments. ”The ‘Discerning Eye’ exhibition was particularly hard to get into, as around 1,600 artists from all over the UK applied to show their work, but one of the selectors had seen my display at another exhibition and invited me to show there, which was a real honour.”

In the future, David hopes to break into the USA and become known worldwide. An art dealer has already exported some of his work to Miami and is looking for other galleries to show his work. For more information visit www.artrageous.co.uk

Since graduating in 1997 with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Fine Art, David has set up his own company, Artrageous.

He works closely with interior designers, architects, corporate and private clients to create abstract paintings in concrete, which combine lustrous colours with satin soft or highly polished surfaces. Rough-cast and textured finishes are acid-etched, hand ground or carved and the creative addition of minerals and metals is both highly visual and extremely tactile.

Breaking away from the norm, he has produced work that has been displayed in a number of venues in the UK, including the Institute’s very own Millais Gallery, ‘Sheene Mill’ restaurant (owned by TV chef Steven Saunders from ‘Ready, Steady Cook’), Chelsea Flower Show, the exclusive ‘Alloro’ restaurant in London’s Mayfair, Affordable Art Fair, Battersea, ‘Discerning Eye’ exhibition at Mall Galleries, London, and most recently – the Farmilo Fiumano Art Gallery, Mayfair, London. “I have regular exhibitions there and am one of their gallery artists. This gallery loves my 25

Below: Cream concrete with relief sculpture, David Undery

ITALIAN JOB RALLY REVISITED… In issue 11 of headway, we reported on a group of Institute alumni who undertook the challenge of the ‘Italian Job Rally’ in 2001. Well, not to be put off by the experience, they took part again in 2003’s race, and recruited another two Institute alumni for the cause.

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he ‘Italian Job Rally’ is a charity car rally, which started in 1990 as homage to the 1969 (and more recently 2003) cult movie, which starred Michael Caine and the most famous trio of Minis in the world. Every year 100 cars cover the 3,000 mile round trip, which takes them through six countries across Europe in 11 days. The event is open to any vehicle featured in the film, although the majority of cars are Minis.

The aim of the rally is to raise money in a fun way, for the NCH (formerly the National Children’s Home).

The Institute alumni (graduates of 2000) formed three teams for the 2003 rally. The Gooding brothers, Ben (BA (Hons) Real Estate Valuation) and Mark (BSc (Hons) Construction), who had finished fourth in the 2001 rally, formed Team 84. James Proctor (BA (Hons) Real Estate Valuation), who had been taking part in the event for some years and came 30th in 2001, formed Team 85 with his girlfriend. Debutants to the 2003 rally were Team 86, which comprised Paul Cutler (HND Electronics and Communications) and Georgina Chapman (BSc (Hons) Environmental Science). All three teams competed in Mini Coopers.

Since 2001, and appearances in Miniworld and Classic Car Mart magazines, Ben and James have sat their professional exams to become fully qualified Chartered Surveyors, and work for prestigious asset management companies. Mark is a Project Manager for Ridge and Partners in Oxford who specialise in retail construction, Paul is a Sound Assistant for the BBC, and Georgina is a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Cartographic Designer for Posford Haskoning.

James once again kept an interesting account of the rally, which outlines how the three teams got on.

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The sections were mainly uneventful, except for our wrong turn in a small town, which almost sent us flying down a flight of steps (in true Italian Job style). Lunch marked the end of the Navigational Rally. To keep us in suspense, the organisers had decided to announce the results, back in England, at the end of the rally.

Day 1 - Edenbridge, Kent, UK to Epinal, France (474 Miles) Teams 84 and 85 awoke at an early hour and preceded to the rendezvous point (Clacket Lane services, M25), where we joined up with Team 86 and some other competitors. After a quick pit stop, we passed through the check-in and were waved straight onto the ferry, at Dover. We agreed the route as we were docking in Calais, reaching Epinal just after 7pm for the first overnight stay.

Day 8 - Imola, Italy to Turin, Italy (247 Miles) We checked out of the hotel in Imola and headed off towards Turin, but soon after we left, we were caught in a huge traffic jam following an accident. Once we cleared the traffic, we had to get our foot down in order to rendezvous with all the other cars in the centre of Turin, which we made with five minutes to spare. We then drove in a convoy, with Police escorts to the old Fiat Factory, which has now been converted into a shopping centre and hotel. The roof of the building has a banked test track (which was used as part of a sequence in the Italian Job movie).

Day 2 - Epinal, France to St Moritz, Switzerland (284 Miles) We headed out of France into Switzerland, proceeding south towards St Moritz. Once off the motorway we were soon on alpine roads, negotiating hairpin bends. The roads were mainly dry and clear, but as we gained altitude there was an ever-increasing amount of snow.

By 5pm we had arrived in St Moritz.

Day 3 – St Moritz, Switzerland to Imola, Italy (283 Miles) We drove off at 10am towards Italy negotiating a pass on our way.

Half way up and struggling as the snow on the road was getting thicker and our wheels were starting to spin, (even in top gear), we made an executive decision to abandon the road and try another.

After several sideways moments and having to descend endless hairpin bends in first gear at 5 mph, we finally left the snow behind us.

We were soon aqua-planning down the Italian Autostrada in torrential rain past Milan and eventually made Imola by 6pm.

Day 9 - Turin, Italy to Beaune, France (339 Miles) On checkout of the hotel we were informed that there was a national petrol strike. Fantastic! 85 rally cars and support vehicles in the centre of Turin with no fuel! Fortunately, we were carrying a Jerry can with enough fuel to make it out of Italy. After driving around Turin, we headed straight for France.

Day 10 - Beaune, France to Paris, France (224 Miles) Our first port of call was a local vineyard, where some wine tasting and a tour of the cellars had been arranged. We then refuelled and headed for Paris. By lunchtime we had arrived at our hotel in the centre of Paris, close to the Eiffel Tower.

Day 4 – Imola, Italy – Driving trials at the Grand Prix Circuit (36 Miles) We passed scrutineering, and headed towards the Imola Grand Prix Circuit. We spent the rest of the day taking part in timed driving trials, and due to the torrential rain which poured all day, were restricted to three laps of the full GP Circuit. Out of 78 cars that had passed scrutineering, Team 84 were in pole position, followed by Team 85 in 13th and Team 86 lying in 20th.

Day 11 - Paris, France to Ashford, UK, via Dover/Calais (223 Miles) We left the hotel at 9am for our dash across downtown Paris, where we took in two flying laps of the Arc de Triumphe and two lengths of the Champs Elysees. We eventually got our bearings and headed north out of Paris towards Calais for the ferry back to Blighty. When we arrived at Ashford, we were greeted by our guests and sponsors and presented with our Finishers Award. At dinner the results of the Navigational Rally were announced, where we learned that Team 84 had finished in 5th place, closely followed by Team 85 in 6th place.

Team 86 brought up the rear in 16th place. All in all, a pretty good result and we partied into the night.

Day 5 - Imola, Italy – 1st Stage Navigational Rally (177 Miles) The first few sections of the day were reasonably uneventful, but soon we were heading into the hills on tight hairpin bends. The route took us very close to the principality of San Marino and, several sections and special stages later, we arrived in Rimini on the Adriatic coast for a late lunch. We decided to go up into the heart of San Marino to do the tourist thing, before heading back to the hotel for dinner and to see how we had fared that day. Team 84 were still in pole position but Team 85 had closed the gap, climbing up to 8th position. Team 86 were still languishing back in 20th place.

Day 12 - Ashford, UK to Edenbridge, Kent (51 Miles) In the morning, we said our goodbyes to each other and other rally goers, and made our own way back home. I would definitely recommend the event to anyone with a sense of adventure, even if they are not car fanatics. It is a fantastic opportunity to have a great laugh and raise some money for a worthwhile cause at the same time. We raised a grand total of £4,000 between the three teams for the NCH. I am considering competing in the World Cup Rally and doing some historic rallying.

Day 6 - Imola, Italy – 2nd Stage Navigational Rally (124 Miles) The second stage spelt disaster. A car crash involving another competitor (just over the start line), combined with faulty timing gear and an almighty traffic jam, led to the second section being abandoned. So, all drivers were to head straight for the third section without penalty. Getting back on track and arriving at the time control at the appointed time was a challenge in itself. The end of the third section was in the centre of Ferrara - a picturesque walled city. The news then came through that Team 84 had been knocked off pole position and were now in 2nd place. Team 85 had managed to hold onto 8th place, but the team on the move was Team 86, who had climbed up to 15th place. With one last day left, everything was still to play for.

For further information on The Italian Job, please contact the organisers on 01273 418100 or visit: www.italianjob.com Top: The three alumni teams fill up with fuel before the start of the race Middle: Ben and Mark finished in 5th place

Day 7 - Imola, Italy – 3rd Stage Navigational Rally (151 Miles) The final day saw some of the best roads yet with large sweeping roads through valley floors and some narrow mountainous roads.

Bottom: James improved on his 2001 position to finish 6th in the 2003 rally

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Washington winner Across the Atlantic, lotteries have been in existence for more than 300 years but they have the same concept as the UK and support a variety of causes. The Washington Lottery was created in 1982 and was the second state-run lottery founded west of the Mississippi. headway caught up with their Marketing Manager, David Farris, who is one of our alumni.

“At Washington Lottery we have numerous jackpot games, however our two core brands are Lotto, and Mega Millions. Our main purpose is to generate funds for education and sports stadiums across the state of Washington,” explains David.

Above: David loves seeing a new campaign generate more sales

After graduating from the Institute in 1999 with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Marketing, David saved up enough money to go travelling before settling in Seattle. He landed an 18-month training contract with the Washington Lottery, and was then promoted to Marketing Manager. He has also completed the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing.

David knows he is now in the right job for him. He

remarks: “I manage our advertising agency, market research, product development, corporate branding, PR, new promotions and sports sponsorships. I love seeing a new campaign generate more sales, which means more money for education. It’s definitely a varied job, my day is rarely predictable.”

There are many promotions that David works on to increase sales. Washington Lottery is currently involved with Pepsi and has also partnered with Harley Davidson, Ford, Tabasco Hot Sauce, Caesars Palace, Delta Airlines and Corvette.

David was also instrumental in the re-launch of the Lotto brand, which won the ‘campaign of the month’ award from Adweek publication. “It was a great achievement, especially as we were working with a very limited production budget,” David comments.

One thing is for sure; David is certainly enjoying life . He isn’t planning to move back to the UK for the time being, and while he is working in Washington, he feels like it’s the next best thing to winning the lottery.

A change of climate Candice Collier has been appointed the UK’s first ever Climate Change Officer as part of Southampton City Council The former BSc (Hons) Maritime Environmental Management student secured the prestigious position in September last year and is now focused on devising a climate change and air quality strategy, and action plan for the city. Candice is also working on a coastal defence strategy to limit the threat of erosion to nearby coastline and is running an initiative promoting the use of renewable energy in Council buildings. Moreover, she is establishing links with groups at regional, national and international levels in a bid to address environmental problems in the South.

Above: Candice’s role will have an impact on the city of Southampton

However, this isn’t Candice’s first success in the field.

Since graduating in 2000 she has volunteered with the Southampton Sustainability Forum and worked with the city’s Environment Centre (tEC) for three years. Here she was involved in numerous projects, such as the Solar Hot Water Discount Scheme and a waste minimisation programme for local businesses,

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as well as working as the tEC Business Co-ordinator and later as Marketing and PR Co-ordinator.

Her experience helped her beat off 65 other candidates for the present job and she says it was her knowledge of local government and her Institute degree that tipped the balance. And Candice obviously thinks this new step in environmental management is important. She says: “There is no doubt that many of the climate change scenarios, such as flooding and extremes in temperature, are challenging and doing nothing is not an option. With this new post, Southampton City Council is leading the way in tackling ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the main cause of climate change. It is my role to ensure that the impacts of climate change are considered in everyday decisions by organisations and individuals.”

Credits down under “Writing for soap operas is the best way to get your foot into the door of the television script writing industry,” says Craig Batty, who has had experience of putting scripts together for Neighbours, Hollyoaks and Coronation Street which he hopes will get his career as a successful television script writer off the ground.

is first experience of writing for a soap opera came when he was studying at the Institute in the summer of 2001. He was chosen from hundreds of applicants to take part in Television and Young People which resulted in him putting together a mock script for the cast of Coronation Street to act out live on stage.

H

This gave him a taste for more, so he wrote to the soaps to ask for work experience and was delighted when Hollyoaks responded to say he could work in their script office for a week. During this time he wrote

With this determination, it won’t be long before you see the name of Craig Batty appearing in the credits of your favourite television programme. summaries for newspapers, attended writer director meetings and worked on the set. This gave him a chance to read scripts and see how they were put together as well as to make good contacts in the industry for the future.

Craig then went on to graduate from the Institute in 2002 with a first-class BA (Hons) in Media with Cultural Studies, which enabled him to gain a place at Bath

Spa University College on their MA in Creative Writing, where he specialised in script-writing.

When he finished his MA, he decided to contact Neighbours to see if he could get some work experience and got a positive response. He was the first person to travel all the way from England to Australia to undertake work experience there, funding his own flights and accommodation in the process. “I spent the first week in the story-lining department working with story editors who plot the story into episodes. Everyone throws in ideas to a forum and they get written up into dialogue to be devised into 17 scenes per episode,” he recalls. “In the second week I worked with the script editors, looking at scripts, making changes and updates. I also saw rehearsals for some of the scenes I had worked on.”

Having gained a greater understanding of how the industry works and through his recently appointed agent, Craig is optimistic of acquiring script-writing work for a major television programme in the very near future. Meanwhile, he is working for the Institute as a part-time lecturer on the film, media, TV and scriptwriting programmes, so he can share his knowledge with other students.

Craig comments. ”I would eventually like to write my own drama, and win a BAFTA for best new screen writer”.

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Above: Craig in Australia on the Neighbours set

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YouL are here

This is your chance to let everyone know where you’ve been and what you’ve been up to since graduating from Southampton Institute. To appear in the next issue just fill in the ‘Alumni Update Form’ on the address sheet with this magazine or e-mail your update to: alumni@solent.ac.uk

1970

1995

Bob Hart

Karl Reynolds

HND in Production Engineering

BA (Hons) Business and Law

Hi, I am seeking any other members of my course. E-mail me at: In2Connect@aol.com

I have come full circle and returned to Southampton as a solicitor at Trethowans. I hope everyone is keeping well. Still in touch with a couple of people but it would be good to hear from anyone who remembers me.

E-mail Karl.Reynolds@trethowans.com

1991 Captain Paul Bowett Warsash Maritime Centre

Tom Watson

I am now working as Master of Ostend Way – a roll on roll off ferry service operating from Ipswich to Ostend. My best regards to all fellow students and teachers from Warsash who remember me.

PhD In March 2003, I took up the position of Associate Professor and Head of the School of Communications at Charles Stuart University, New South Wales in Australia.

Caroline Beach

1993

BA (Hons) Business Studies

Alan Skinner PhD As one of the two first students to be awarded the PhD, I look back on that occasion with a great sense of achievement.

It was an academic level I had long dreamt of and the opportunity which Southampton Institute gave me could not be taken up until early retirement through ill health. I remember so vividly the experience of being the only OAP graduating in a class of mainly young graduates. I had achieved a lifetime ambition in spite of setbacks through ill health and a busy career, which had come to an end. Thank you for giving me a new lease of life ten years ago.

I am still working at the Oracle, here in sunny California, and teach country line dancing once a week. I just recently got engaged to an American and we are getting married in September 2004. I miss Southampton but I now get to visit as my nephew is at the University. I would be happy to get in touch with anyone from my course, e-mail me at: caroline.beach@oracle.com

Richard Schmidt BEng (Hons) Yacht and Powercraft Design I changed from boats to wind turbines and am mostly busy with composite rotor blades, now up to 56m long.

1997

1994

Joanna Rothschild (nee Sideri)

Jon Collins

After graduating in 1997, I worked for a couple of years in Greece as a lawyer but couldn’t resist coming back to the Institute to do a LLM, where I graduated in 2003. I

LLB (Hons) Law

BA (Hons) Business Studies Now living and working for myself on Anna Maria Island on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

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there and everywhere… enjoyed my studies at the Institute and would like to thank the excellent staff that taught me.

1998 Rachel Hewitt-Hall

see that Sue Dawkins received an MBE. Well done Sue. I wish everybody luck in life and stay well.

1999 Jacqueline Points

I quit the unglamorous world of television almost two years ago, and am now working in education. I organise teacher-training conferences for a charity on behalf of the DfES. I moved to Reading just over a year ago with my fiancé. He popped the question on Valentine’s Day in Dublin and we’re getting married on 29 May 2005. I’m sure that will be a bit of knees-up and a reunion. Would be great to hear from anyone who remembers me. My e-mail is: rhewitt-hall@lycos.co.uk

BA (Hons) Fine Arts Valuation

BA (Hons) Media with Cultural Studies and MA Media I’ve now completed all of my teaching qualifications – not bad for a dyslexic. I am as surprised as you and what’s more, I love it. Still – it only took me 30 years longer than most and a computer for spell checking.

There are a handful of people I’ve lost touch with because I’ve moved. You know who you are, so if you contact the alumni office, they’ll give you my details. I would be delighted to hear from any fellow students.

Martha Makoi BA (Hons) Accountancy Since graduation, I came back home to Tanzania, and started working for a British company, Standard Chartered Bank. I left this company in 2001 and joined a Canadian mining company, Barrick International, which has a subs company here in Tanzania. I still have plans to do my ACCA. I am now married with a beautiful daughter, Marriella, who is three years old. It was good news to

Robert Rovatti BSc (Hons) Shipping Operations

BA (Hons) Media with Cultural Studies

Rosa A Chapman

2000

I am working as a trainee valuer for jewellery with an ex-tutor from the Institute, Roy Eggington. Since joining the firm three years ago, I have completed a diamond-grading course in Antwerp, the NAG Gemmology Diploma, and have just started the Professional Registered Valuers course. At the NAG conference for valuers this year I met up with Nina Wyckans, and I also work with Norma Rawlings – so I keep in touch with a few graduates. We would like to get together with other graduates from our course, particularly Emma, Jane, Jean, Debbie and Amanda. My e-mail is: jakip53@msn.com

I am currently working as a warranty engineer for Wartsila Italy. I’m responsible for the 2stroke Sulzer marine engines and our Wartsila 64 4-stroke engine.

Katherine Russell BA (Hons) Human Resource Management Back in 2001 I left Blighty to travel the world, arriving in Sydney, Australia, where I met my boyfriend and decided to set up life. Am working for a fantastic beer/wines/spirits company and, as of last October, finally made my grand entrance into Human Resources. I love my life here but miss home and often think of old friends from the Institute, so would love to hear from a certain Brummie Paul and Charlie L. My e-mail is: katherine.russell@lionnathan.com.au. Take care all.

Michael Charlton Lisa Chan

BA (Hons) Maritime Leisure Management

BA (Hons) Business Administration

I am now an Operations Manager for Coca Cola in London and although it has nothing to do with what I studied, I really enjoy it. I work hard but play hard so nothing has changed.

After graduating, I moved back up to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. I am employed as the Area Fundraising Manager for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. This involves anything to do with fundraising for the lifeboats, from Berwick-upon-Tweed on the Scottish borders, down to Hartlepool in Teeside. I got married in December 2003, so by the time you read this I will be a henpecked husband. If anyone wishes to get in touch, e-mail me at: mikejanchar@hotmail.com

Naomi Smith

Vladimir Babac

LLB (Hons) Law

BA (Hons) Maritime Leisure Management

I am now working as a solicitor in Milton Keynes. Anyone who wishes to get in touch, e-mail me at: naomi.smith78@hotmail.com.

After graduating, I got an opportunity to work for a consulting company, Intercai Nederland BV in the Netherlands. After a few months, I went on to work for a company called TetraNed. I am about to build upon the

After graduating in 1999, I took up the role of Relationship Manager at Barclays Bank. I look after approximately 250 customers and really enjoy my work.

Amanda Webb BA (Hons) Sports Studies with Business

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YELLOW PAGES UPDATES YELLOW PAGES UPDATES YELLOW PAGES UPDATES experience I have gained and go and work in Baker YELLOW PAGES UPDATES the PR and Marketing department for Adriatic John BA (Hons) Photography doo, the biggest charter company in I have recently been promoted to store YELLOW PAGES UPDATES Charter Croatia. I am planning to combine my office manager of a well-known photographic YELLOW PAGES UPDATES job with skippering duties and, who knows, retailer, which I joined in July 2002. I am also we could meet up somewhere on the doing more freelance photography including YELLOW PAGES UPDATES maybe Adriatic sea. I would like to use this weddings, fashion and contemporary to salute all the friends I made portraits. I have exhibited some photographic YELLOW PAGES UPDATES opportunity during my unforgettable years at the Institute work in an exhibition in Brighton.

YELLOW PAGES UPDATES and if anyone wishes to get in touch, my Day YELLOW PAGES UPDATES e-mail address is: vlababac@hotmail.com Kirstie BA (Hons) Human Resource Management Holland I have been working for a training consultancy YELLOW PAGES UPDATES Steven BEng (Hons) Yacht and Powercraft Design company in Dorset, and have just been YELLOW PAGES UPDATES I did a stint as a student maths teacher in promoted to set up and run a branch in Folkestone, Kent before taking a job in Southampton. The company I work for is YELLOW PAGES UPDATES Florida as a design engineer rising to contracted by the government to deliver the shipyard manager. After two years of sun YELLOW PAGES UPDATES and sea, I moved back to England and now New Deal for Disabled People programme.

This involves advising and guiding people YELLOW PAGES UPDATES work for Devonport Royal Dockyard (DML) in with disabilities into suitable and fulfilling Plymouth, Devon as a design engineer. My YELLOW PAGES UPDATES work is incredibly varied, working with RNLI retraining or employment.

Strangely enough, my first client is a disabled to megayachts and nuclear YELLOW PAGES UPDATES lifeboats student at the Institute, so I am to return to submarines. the Institute, but not as a student – hopefully YELLOW PAGES UPDATES as a referrer and contact for its disabled YELLOW PAGES UPDATES 2001 students.

YELLOW PAGES UPDATES Frances Francis 2002 YELLOW PAGES UPDATES BA (Hons) Fine Art My experience of working in my son’s Kevin Chimusaru YELLOW PAGES UPDATES school, playschemes, youth work and BEng (Hons) Electronics and Engineering have all come in handy to enable YELLOW PAGES UPDATES scouting A year after graduating, I was offered a job me to study for the PGCE in Art and Design YELLOW PAGES UPDATES at Goldsmiths College, London. It has taken working for a company called Contacta, which deals with security systems. The a lot of perseverance to get onto this course, YELLOW PAGES UPDATES but it has been well worth it. significance of this was that my final-year project was entitled ‘improving a burglar YELLOW PAGES UPDATES Matthew Saunders alarm system’. Further miracles occurred as I (Hons) Maritime Environmental was offered a position on a one-year YELLOW PAGES UPDATES BSc Management Master’s degree entitled ‘Master of YELLOW PAGES UPDATES Would like to meet up with the group. Miss Enterprise’, MENT (Tech) at the University of old days. Get in touch with me at: Salford. In addition, this wasn’t just an offer of YELLOW PAGES UPDATES the matthew.saunders@hart.gov.uk a place; it was a scholarship to start an entrepreneurial business within the security YELLOW PAGES UPDATES Pete Graham systems market.

YELLOW PAGES UPDATES BA (Hons) Sports Studies with Business big hello to all of those who know me. I YELLOW PAGES UPDATES Awould 2003 like to take this opportunity to YELLOW PAGES UPDATES announce that on the 24 August 2003, I finally Mark Lainas my act together and after nearly five years BA (Hons) Marketing Design YELLOW PAGES UPDATES got together, got engaged to Anna Sawford, who I am now working in Marylebone, London at also on the same course. It has been a YELLOW PAGES UPDATES was long time coming but we got there in the end. a direct marketing agency called Proximity YELLOW PAGES UPDATES If anyone wants to get in touch, my e-mail London. The position I have been offered is Graduate Account Executive. The company YELLOW PAGES UPDATES address is: bigpetegraham@hotmail.com is not only spending a year training me in this YELLOW PAGES UPDATES 32 YELLOW PAGES UPDATES

role, but it is also putting me through the IDM diploma, as well as holding development weekends with its parents and affiliated agencies AMV, Tribal DDB and BMP DDB. I have been assigned to working on the Volkswagen account, which entails both classical direct mail production and distribution as well as database management and on-line marketing.

also have a daughter Ella, who is nearly three years old.

the forerunner of the current, very successful, BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology. He also taught on degrees in Computer Studies, Software Engineering and Computer Networking together with the MSc in Software Engineering.

All obituaries received for staff and alumni are posted in full on the alumni website.

WEDDINGS Kevin Fitzgerald, BA (Hons) Business 2002 and Vicki Flowers, BA (Hons) Journalism 2003 On 2 August 2003, 150 people attended the wedding of Kevin and Vicki who met while studying at the Institute. They shared the day with many familiar faces from their Institute days, some of whom were bridesmaids and ushers. Vicki has recently started working as a reporter for the Weston edition of the Bristol Evening Post and Kevin is a financial analyst in the duty-free department of Allied Domecq. The couple have set up their marital home in WestonSuper-Mare with their two cats.

Caroline Adams and Monty Smedley BSc (Hons) Maritime Studies, 1997 After seven years together, on 5 April 2003 Caroline and Monty tied the knot at the Bartley Lodge Hotel in the New Forest. The happy wedding occasion was attended by many fellow Institute mates, including Mark Sherman, Lucy Adams, Jenny Lampert (formerly Zobel), Andy Pearce and James Cheesman. The couple both work and live in Southampton.

Dan Warner and Caroline Morris, BA (Hons) European Policy and Modern Languages, 1996 Last year’s wedding in Devon was well attended by many of the couple’s friends from the Institute, including Richard Edmondson who fulfilled the role of best man. The married couple, who both work in the public sector and reside in the Midlands,

OBITUARIES We are sorry to have to report on the passing away of two former Institute staff.

Cliff Rogers – Died January 2004 Cliff Rogers passed away in January 2004, aged 69. He had a stroke last year, which prevented treatment for cancer, to which he succumbed after a very brave fight.

Cliff joined the Institute in 1969. He was the instigator of digital computing, designed and ran the first postgraduate course, and was one of the small team who got the first degree course (validated by CNAA) underway. He was recognised for the way in which he contributed to the progress of the Institute, by gaining promotion to Head of the Mathematics and Computing Department in 1979 (where he was highly thought of by his staff), and then Vice Principal in 1982 until he retired in 1992.

Vlad Petruv – Died September 2003 Vlad Petruv passed away in September 2003. He had a suspected heart attack and died while on holiday with his wife Zdenka in Majorca.

Vlad had worked at Southampton Institute for 30 years, the last six of which he was part time. On arriving here in 1972 from Czechoslovakia via the West Indies, his first responsibility was as Course Leader for the then new BSc Mathematics course, which was the very first degree to be validated at the Institute. Later he designed and led the BSc Information Systems course, which was

33

CONTACT SERVICE If you’d like to contact a fellow former student then the Alumni Office can help. Whether it’s for social or professional purposes, we’d like you to stay in touch.

Although we can’t give out addresses (unless given permission to do so), we are happy to forward mail or write to the respective graduate on your behalf. Contact the Alumni Office with the name, course studied and graduation year (if known) of the person(s) you’d like to get in touch with and we’ll do our best to track them down for you.

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To order your Southampton Institute gifts, please complete the order form in full and return to: Public Relations & Alumni Officer, Alumni Office, Southampton Institute, East Park Terrace, Southampton SO14 0RB. All prices include VAT and are valid until 31 October 2004.

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FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS

MILLAIS GALLERY School, working with the BBC to produce a monthly oral report on the regeneration of the youth facilities in the Golden Grove area of Southampton (the area surrounding the school) past, present and future.

Dyed in the Wool: Julie Henry

Southampton Institute Degree Exhibitions

17 April - 29 May

4 – 11 June

Dyed in the Wool highlights the sense of belonging and identity that permeates football and fan culture. Artist Julie Henry, has worked with football fans from many Premiership clubs across England to design and knit a cardigan to represent their team.

The Millais Gallery presents a selection of artwork from Southampton Institute’s finalyear BA (Hons) students in Fashion, Graphic Design, Graphic Image Making, Multimedia Design and Product Design, held in conjunction with the larger Degree Show.

The cardigan became a fashion item during the 1970s when there was little opportunity to buy pre-designed items of clothing to show one’s allegiance to a football club.

Consequently, fans appeared all over the country in a hotchpotch of different and original cardigan designs. The colours and lettering of the outfit spoke a unified message in a thousand different ways.

The exhibition is diverse and eclectic, showing a broad range of mediums and ideas, the centre of all that is exciting and valuable about the three years of the students’ studies. It is an opportunity to see innovative and creative work from talented individuals.

This exhibition contains all the individual cardigans alongside photographs of the designers modelling their creations. The accompanying catalogue includes the original cardigans knitting pattern and interviews and photos of the fans wearing their creation.

Dyed in the Wool is a Millais Gallery, Southampton Institute National Touring Exhibition, funded by the Arts Council England, South East.

Golden Grove 19 July – 28 August This exhibition in the foyer of the Andrews Building at Southampton Institute profiles the year-long project and partnerships between St Mary’s Primary School, the BBC and the Millais Gallery.

Alongside the oral reports, the children will be working with two graffiti artists ‘Beyond Graffiti’, through art workshops to create visual ideas which lend themselves to a large mural which will be produced in the walkway of the tower block, Albion Towers,

Counter Photography 10 September – 23 October situated in the Golden Grove area.

Eikoh Hosoe, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Miho Akioka, Miyuki Ichikawa, Akiko Sugiyama, Chie Yasuda, Kazuo Katase, Hiroko Inoue, Tomoko Yoneda, Tomoaki Ishihara, Michihiro Shimabuku.

This exhibition profiles internationally renowned artists and emerging artists working with photography or film/video media. It contains 60 works, based around the ideas of the spiritual dimension beyond our living world, attempting a redefinition of relationships between individuals and between the individual and society. It is more than a photographic documentary, more than mere reflection of reality as we see it, but an attempt to capture the invisible; something of the essence of life itself.

Touring exhibition from Japan Foundation, Embassy of Japan, London

Golden Grove is a project for 40 children aged ten (year 5) from St Mary’s Primary

CONTACT THE GALLERY If you would like any further information or would like to receive details of forthcoming exhibitions, invitations to private views, gallery talks and other events at the Millais Gallery, please contact: Millais Gallery, Southampton Institute, East Park Terrace, Southampton SO14 0YN T. 023 8031 9916 F. 023 8033 4161 E.millais.gallery@solent.ac.uk U. http://millais.solent.ac.uk Exhibition dates & details correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change. The Millais Gallery, part of Southampton Institute, is a city centre public art gallery committed to the exhibition of mainly contemporary visual arts which addresses issues of relevance to culturally diverse communities locally, regionally and nationally. Its dynamic programme of exhibitions and events complements the work of staff and students in art, design and media: theory, practice and cultural histories.

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