Headway 19

Summer 2008

HEADWAY Alumni Association Magazine Issue 19

SURF’S UP

MAKING MOVIES POSEIDON ADVENTURE GRADUATION PULL-OUT

WELCOME

HEADWAY - Southampton Solent University’s Alumni Association Magazine

W

elcome to the nineteenth issue of HEADWAY, Southampton Solent University’s Alumni Association magazine.

Another year has passed and with it a new edition of HEADWAY and my first issue as Editor. As a fellow alumnus I am really excited about this edition and have enjoyed speaking to some of you and reading about the fantastic things you have been up to. It has been a challenge trying to fit in all of your achievements and news.

Our alumni have been busy; in particular, champion Kite Surfer Johara Sykes-Davies who is featured on the front cover, and fashion photographer Jack Eames who lets us in on the secret of his success. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the class of 2007 to the Alumni Association; you can read all about their graduation ceremony in this issue.

Since the last edition of HEADWAY our current students have been making the headlines with their achievements. The University welcomed its new faculty – Warsash Maritime Academy (formerly College of Nautical Studies) – it has been host to some exciting events and seen music mogul Trevor Horn and iconic film director Ken Russell passing through its doors.

Keep us updated with your contact details and career information. We are always looking for alumni to feature in this magazine and we love to hear from you, so do get in touch. Either complete and return the carrier sheet enclosed with this issue or update us online at www.solent.ac.uk.

Jacqui Mair, (detail) Bank, Collage

HOW TO CONTACT THE ALUMNI OFFICE Send your news, views, queries and comments to: The Alumni Office Southampton Solent University East Park Terrace Southampton SO14 0RB UK T: +44(0) 23 8031 9038 F: +44(0) 23 8033 4161 E: alumni@solent.ac.uk

HEADWAY | Summer 2008

SUNBEAMS GIVING THE AIR A KISS: BIRDS IN CONTEMPORARY ART 25 July – 6 September 2008 Shaun Doyle & Mally Mallinson, Alec Finlay & Jo Salter, Jacqui Mair, Greg Palmer, Jane Watt, Eileen White, Laetitia Yhap, Chris Cudlip

SOUTHAMPTON SOLENT UNIVERSITY ART COLLECTION

www.solent.ac.uk/alumni Produced by: Southampton Solent University Marketing and Communications Service Printed by: Print Dimensions.

HEADWAY is printed on Regency Satin (Howard Smith paper) which contains material sourced from responsibly managed and sustainable commercial forests. Regency Satin is made from totally recyclable, biodegradable and acid-free material.

Front cover: Johara Sykes-Davies

Please keep in touch and I hope you enjoy this issue.

Melissa Reddington-Cartmell Public Relations, Events & Alumni Officer

MILLAIS GALLERY

Alumni Association

19 September – 18 October 2008

CONTACT THE GALLERY For further information or if you 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 Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton SO14 0YN T: 023 8031 9916 F: 023 8033 4161 E: millais.gallery@solent.ac.uk W: www.solent.ac.uk/millais Exhibition dates and details correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change.

millais gallery

CONTENTS HEADWAY - Southampton Solent University’s Alumni Association Magazine

…fashion “photography has real depth...

”

FOCUS ON FASHION, page 12

REGULARS

FEATURES

2 VICE-CHANCELLOR’S WELCOME

9 SPIRIT CHILD

3 UNIVERSITY NEWS

11 SURFING THE SKIES

A round up of what’s going on in and around the University

Elinor Geller’s animation

Johara’s thrill seeking sport

12 FOCUS ON FASHION 15 GRADUATION

Jack Eames on Tantrums and Tiaras

with 2007 pull out

20 POSEIDON ADVENTURE 19 A LIFE OF CRIME Writer Pauline Rowson

28 WHERE ARE YOU NOW? Updates, weddings and other news

32 EVENTS ROUND-UP/ MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Ocean loving Chris Smith is living the dream

24 SPLASHING OUT Cadets celebrate graduation

30 UNIVERSITY ART COLLECTION 10th anniversary

Summer 2008 | HEADWAY | 1

VICE-CHANCELLOR’S WELCOME HEADWAY - Southampton Solent University’s Alumni Magazine

’m sure many of you will feel nostalgic when you open the centre page graduation pull-out in this edition of HEADWAY. But, although it may seem a long time ago since you held your scroll and posed for a cheesy picture with your mortarboard askew, your role in the University doesn’t have to end with graduation.

As an alumnus, you are not forgotten here. It is heartening for us – and inspiring for our current students – to hear of the breadth of your achievements and the diversity of your experiences.

You probably do not realise it, but you could be a valuable role model for current Solent students, as well as those in schools and further education who may not be decided about the benefits of university. Your

I

experience demonstrates how the skills you learnt during your time at Solent have enabled you to be successful in your chosen fields.

Throughout this issue of HEADWAY, you’ll get a taste of the qualities which make Solent graduates great. When you left Solent you were highly employable, in such exciting and growing sectors as design and media, business, computing and technology, maritime, sport and tourism.

The people we feature are all enjoying life to the max; involved in careers that thrill them, in areas that are vital to the modern global economy. You can read about alumni from fashion photography and watersports whose careers have taken them all over the world; alumni whose entrepreneurial ideas are improving the lives of thousands of people across the UK. Meanwhile, one illustrator is quite literally leaving her unforgettable mark, and dozens of officer cadets are putting their stamp of quality on to the world’s shipping sector.

Solent has always been known for its strong links with industry, and this, with our growing portfolio of distinctive courses, is getting people talking and, I am delighted to report, applying in record numbers to follow in your footsteps Since I became Vice-Chancellor in August 2007, the University has witnessed another major growth in applications to

undergraduate courses. We’ve had input from the big names – including top music producer Trevor Horn and film producer Ken Russell.

Students have enjoyed working out in the field at premier events. They’ve worked alongside BBC technicians, covering the Glastonbury festival; and they’ve won over top writers from Paramount in national comedy awards.

So help spread the word – you’re in good company! I’m incredibly proud of your accomplishments and achievements – and we would like to think that, as a University, we have added value, not only to your professional lives, but also your personal enrichment – encouraging you to nurture a passion for sports and arts; to gain confidence and to meet lifelong friends.

As we move forward into the exciting but often challenging times ahead, we want to take you with us. Graduation was just the beginning. We shall keep in touch. So keep in touch with us!

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Van Gore

UNIVERSITY ART COLLECTION IN NATIONAL PUBLICATION The Southampton Solent University Art Collection has been recognised for the quality of its holdings by the Public Catalogue Foundation, a registered charity based in the National Gallery, London. The charity, backed by the Prince of Wales and sponsored by Christies, is publishing a series of illustrated catalogues of the UK’s publicly owned paintings.

T

he Solent University collection, which includes 87 paintings by staff and former students, is to be included in the charity’s Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight publication.

The collection’s Custodian, Ron McCormick, said: “More than 80 per cent of paintings in public ownership are in storage.

Our policy is to put as much of our collection as possible on display, with works being hung throughout the campus. Inclusion in the

2 | HEADWAY | Summer 2008

Hampshire catalogue is an indication of the growing recognition of the importance of our collection, and proceeds from sales will help maintain it.”

Copies of the Hampshire Catalogue may be purchased for £25 (plus £3.50 post and packing) from the Millais Gallery, Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton SO14 0YN. Tel: 023 8031 9916 See page 30 for more on the collection.

UNIVERSITY NEWS

Top row (l-r): Commodore Ronald Warwick, Andrew Cassell, Allen Jones, Fiona Phillips, Ben Ainslie Bottom row (l-r): Professor Roger Brown, Wasfi Kani, Greg Dyke, Professor Silas Lwakabamba

HONORARY ACHIEVEMENTS Last November, Southampton Solent University awarded nine honorary degrees to inspirational people who have made outstanding contributions to education, arts, sports, media, maritime studies and engineering.

I

n a twist on the traditional university graduation ceremony, double Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie MBE was awarded an honorary doctorate on the opening day of the Southampton Boat Show. Ben, now a Doctor of Sport, was awarded the honorary degree in recognition of his international achievements in the world of sailing.

Meanwhile, GMTV’s star of the studio sofa, Fiona Phillips, received her honorary degree for her achievements in broadcasting.

The former pupil of Southampton’s Millbrook Community School told viewers of her delight in receiving the Masters of Arts, and shared her surprise with readers of the Daily Mirror, through her column. With her trademark smile, the popular presenter mingled with graduates at the Guildhall.

Commodore Ronald Warwick received an honorary Doctor of Maritime Studies in recognition of his distinguished career in the maritime industry when he commanded the QE2 and the Queen Mary 2 before being made commodore of the Cunard Line fleet.

Paralympic sailing gold medallist, Andrew Cassell, was awarded a Doctor of Sport for his outstanding sailing achievements, and for

promoting sailing as a competitive sport for disabled people through the Andrew Cassell Foundation.

Internationally renowned artist, Allen Jones, received an honorary Doctor of Arts for his contribution to the visual arts. His work features in more than 50 major public collections around the world, including the Tate Gallery and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam.

Greg Dyke received an honorary Doctor of Arts in recognition of his contribution to the television industry. One of the most powerful leaders among the British independent television companies, he headed up TV-AM, Television South, and London Week-End Television, and guided the consortium which created Channel 5. He was Director-General of the BBC from 2000 until 2004.

Wasfi Kani was awarded a Doctor of Music for his contribution to the world of music, especially through making opera accessible to a wider audience.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Southampton Solent University, Professor Roger Brown, was made Doctor of the University in recognition of him leading Southampton Institute to

The University has “introduced innovative new degree courses, and it seems fitting to honour some of the most inspiring individuals in these fields.

”

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Van Gore university status.

Professor Silas Lwakabamba, Rector at the National University of Rwanda, was awarded a Doctor of Engineering for his contribution to higher education.

Summer 2008 | HEADWAY | 3

UNIVERSITY NEWS

PERFORMANCE SPACE

Student does the leg work in the lab

SPORT GETS SCIENTIFIC Football legend Lawrie McMenemy MBE officially opened Southampton Solent University’s new state-ofthe-art Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Science (CHESS) last autumn.

The £1.3 million hi-tech physiology, biomechanics and motor performance laboratories will give students on the sports science courses the opportunity to carry out the latest fitness testing and research.

The facilities are also available to the wider community, which is set to benefit from the new kit that caters for a wide range of athletes, including runners, cyclists and wheelchair users.

The University is already working with the south coast’s largest medical and fitness centre, Therapeutics, who send clients with back complaints to take part in a series of studies.

Exposure to the latest technologies in sports science, as well as working partnerships with elite athletes and health organisations, will ensure excellent work experience for Solent’s sporting students.

4 | HEADWAY | Summer 2008

The curtain went up this year on Southampton Solent University’s new performance space. It boasts versatile seating for up to 200 people, Harlequin spring flooring, a full lighting rig, High Definition cameras for filming performances, and dressing rooms.

The space is flexible enough to meet the needs of students involved in drama, musicals, dance, live music and stand-up comedy performances, as well as events organisation and the technical side of performance. It can also be used as a photography studio, exhibition hall and a television and film studio.

The performance space has already echoed to the sound of rapturous applause, with a hat trick of theatrical successes put on by our talented

performance students, who received rave reviews in the local press.

Third-year students gave the first production in the new space with John Gay’s bawdy musical The Beggers Opera, followed by second-year students staging a performance of Lulu: A Sex Tragedy, who went on to receive glowing accolades with their hugely successful performance of Seussical the Musical. The musical adaptation of the Dr Seuss ‘Cat in the Hat’ books took the audience on a magical journey through the world of the young Jojo’s ‘thinks’.

Students stage an intensive scene in ‘Lulu:A Sex Tragedy’

SOLENT GOES GREEN There was food, fun and fashion at Southampton Solent University when it celebrated Fairtrade Fortnight, and its first anniversary of being awarded Fairtrade University status last year.

The events kicked off with a screening of Black Gold, a film exposing the darker side of the coffee industry.

Throughout the fortnight there

were stalls featuring promotions on Fairtrade products at the University and Warsash Maritime Academy. The Student Fairtrade Committee gave advice about ethical shopping and organisers held a fashion show.

The University has also launched a Fairtrade Cafeology coffee bar, the first of its kind on a university campus.

Frothy and fair at Cafeology

UNIVERSITY NEWS SPORTING SUCCESSES It’s been a fantastic few months for Team Solent, with students shining in events ranging from American Football to sailing.

The men’s indoor cricket team won the prestigious South Hants cup final at Fleming Park, while the men’s football team reached the final of the Hampshire Premier League Cup. Southampton Solent’s yachting crew won the BUSA Yachting Championships, after clinching first place for the third year in a row. They successfully defended their national title after a challenging week of eight

races on the Solent. Winning the long inshore race ensured the team was crowned national champions for the seventh time in nine years.

Meanwhile, The Stags, the combined team of Southampton Solent University and the University of Southampton, celebrated a successful season and the sport’s growing popularity on this side of the Atlantic.

The Stags are now bathing in their glory

HORN HAILS NEW STUDIOS

COMEDY STUDENT CROWNED

Grammy Award-winning producer, song writer and musician, Trevor Horn, set the University buzzing in January when he opened the new cutting-edge recording studios.

The £1 million studios will enable students on the new BA (Hons) Popular Music and Record Production, Urban and Electronic Music, and Music Promotion courses to practice the craft of music production to a professional standard.

Trevor Horn – the man behind the 1979 single, ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ and co-writer on Seal’s worldwide 1995 hit ‘Kiss from a Rose’ – said:“The facilities Southampton Solent University have developed are amazing.

Some youngsters dream of Ferraris, but young musicians dream of studios. I’m sure the new studios will nurture their enthusiasm and creative talents and bring them on in an increasingly competitive but exciting industry.”

Paul Rutter, Senior Lecturer in Popular Music, added: “We’re delighted with these studios.”

after winning the American Football University Title, the College Bowl.

Director of Sport Solent, Phil Green, said: “It’s great when lots of hard work in different areas comes together.”

Locking horns with The Stags Picture supplied by: Leigh Morris

They say things aren’t funny the second time around, but Solent’s double victory in Paramount’s Comedy On Tap Funniest Student competition has given the University plenty to smile about.

BA (Hons) Comedy degree student, Ric Wharton, was awarded the 2008 title, following Solent student Hannah George who won last year.

Ric, who has just completed his first year on the UK’s only Comedy degree course, won the award during

the hotly contested finals at the world-renowned Comedy Store in London, in front of judges Ant Butler from Off The Kerb management, Paramount’s Head of New Comedy Kathleen Hutchison, and acclaimed stand up Robin Ince.

Raucous Ric cracks a smile

OB TRUCK It’s gone from symphony hall to Somerset mud, and Southampton Solent University’s new outside broadcast truck has passed its first tests with flying colours.

The new truck took its maiden trip to the Silver Jubilee concert of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain at Birmingham’s famous Symphony Hall, where media technology students and lecturers produced the

25th anniversary gala official DVD. The truck went on to Glastonbury, where students produced a series of films commissioned by Glastonbury TV, and used the truck’s cutting edge technology to film and edit high definition documentaries and live coverage.

Both events gave students invaluable professional work experience, which will kick-start their careers in the media technology industry.

“

...The students are getting a fantastic experience out on the field...

”

Summer 2008 | HEADWAY | 5

DEGREE SHOWS 2008

A

s the 2007/08 academic year drew to a close, the University’s final-year students put their talent on public display in a series of showcases. Parents, peers and potential employers flocked to the shows, including the flamboyant Fashion Degree show at Southampton Guildhall, animation and film and television shows at

6 | HEADWAY | Summer 2008

the Harbour Lights cinema, and technology, fine art/fine art media/illustration, graphic and product design and photography shows at the University. From feathers and frills to ergonomic chairs and tiles made from tyres, the quality of the work was a credit to students and staff.

UNIVERSITY SURVEY

GRADUATE DESTINATIONS: WHERE HAS YOUR UNIVERSITY QUALIFICATION TAKEN YOU?

E

very year SSU carries out a survey of everyone who has recently graduated from the University, on behalf of the Higher Education Statistics Agency. The survey gathers information on the employment and study circumstances of graduates six months after graduation; statistics are then published for all UK higher education institutions and employment figures are used in higher education league tables, including those published by The Times and The Guardian newspapers. Any

information that you provide will also help in reviewing and promoting courses, and giving current students an insight into early career progression. For example, the information will inform students about the kind of jobs and salaries they might expect after graduating.

This year’s results showed one of the highest ever increases in employment among SSU leavers; and the number of leavers finding graduate level jobs or going onto postgraduate/professional

study increased by 2%. Further, SSU scored 1.6% above its benchmark for employability set by the Higher Education Funding Council.

The survey will initially be posted out to all graduates at the end of this year to give you the opportunity to let us know what you have been doing since you graduated. We would be extremely grateful if you could find a few minutes to complete and return the survey.

Summer 2008 | HEADWAY | 7

SPIRITED ELINOR’S IN THE SPOTLIGHT A moving piece of animation, telling the story of a child’s wavering soul, has put Elinor Geller on the map.

T

he Spirit Child – which was part of Elinor’s final-year BA (Hons) Animation degree project – won a string of awards in festivals across the world, including the BBC Big Screen Film Festival’s Best Animation.

Although the accolades are fuelling Elinor’s impressive portfolio, it’s the film’s heart-warming humanity that caused a real stir. Renowned film critic Mark Kermode, who judged the BBC Big Screen Festival, is among a growing number of people moved

by Elinor’s poignant portrayal of childhood death.

“Just before I started my final-year animation project my sister’s friend lost her baby. I tried to imagine a nice place for the spirit of the child. I imagined angels, fairgrounds and play, the sort of things you don’t associate with cemeteries. The title, The Spirit Child, had formed in my mind, and the ideas flowed.”

Elinor wrote a touching poem and began work on the film. The frames were hand drawn before being individually scanned into a computer programme for editing.

“I went for walks through the cemetery in Southampton and discovered a cheerfulness flourishing through wild grasses and flowers. It helped me to illustrate the brightness in what is often seen as a dark subject,” explained Elinor.

In scenes reminiscent of the sources of her inspiration – Tim

8 | HEADWAY | Summer 2008

Burton, and Dr Seuss – Elinor’s film presented the cemetery as a place where “what may seem dead comes to life in moonbeams.”

Elinor, who graduated with a first class honours degree, said: “I chose to focus on traditional 2D animation as I believe it reveals a real spirit, whether that of the animator or the drawing itself.

“My family and my tutors were fantastic. The feedback from individuals was very encouraging. Bereaved parents told me they found the film comforting. If you can touch people with your art it makes it worthwhile.”

Elinor is now working on follow-up projects, including individually drawn pictures of people’s pets. More information is available at www.elinorgeller.com.

art, films about “whatI likewetomaycreate believe impossible, about magic and the spirit of the human race

”

I managed to “stayTheup day wind and turn around, I was hooked.

10 | HEADWAY | Summer 2008

”

SURFING THE SKIES An early passion for sailing and skiing had such an impact on Johara Sykes-Davies, it changed the course of her life.

F

or the thrill-seeking Johara, the slopes and the waves were as vital as food and water. And although it was difficult, all through her childhood, Johara found time to juggle both.

Now the BA (Hons) Maritime Leisure Management alumnus has found the perfect life balance – through the incredible sport of kitesurfing.

“Throughout my school years I made time for ski racing and dinghy racing and by the time I got to higher education, doing a BA in Maritime Leisure Management was an obvious choice. The outdoors was my passion and the course content was an excellent balance of everything I needed to know for my sporting life ahead,” said Johara.

While studying for her degree, Johara taught sailing and raced dinghies – and she had her first taste of flying kites at nearby Calshot.

A ski season in Canada and a job managing a windsports site gave Johara the chance to learn the sport.

“The instructors gave me my first proper introduction to kitesurfing.

The day I managed to stay up wind and turn around I was hooked. I saved up for my first kite, board and a flight to Mexico where the conditions were perfect. Kitesurfing had everything I wanted in a sport – adrenaline, excitement, freedom, humility for the elements, a massive scope for travel and a wide variety of people with a common passion.”

Kiting has taken Johara all over the world. She rounded up by taking the BKSA Professional Ladies’ Championship title in 2007 and is currently ranked seventh on the PKRA World Tour. She was ranked first in a recent tournament in Portugal until she was hampered by a serious foot injury.

Now, with her two friends Zoe Burgess and Sheryl Confue, Johara runs the Turbulence Angels kiting team, which mixes competing with teaching. “It didn’t feel like we were starting a business – we just wanted to get more girls out kiting,” she said.

More information on the Turbulence Angels is available at www.turbulenceangels.com and to check out Johara’s progress on the world tour keep an eye on www.joharafreedom.com

Summer 2008 | HEADWAY | 11

People think fashion “is shallow, but fashion photography has real depth, which I was hugely attracted to.

�

In an industry of tears, tantrums and tiaras, pure talent has catapulted mild-mannered fashion photographer Jack Eames to a top spot.

FOCUS ON

FASHION T

he BA (Hons) Journalism alumnus has an impressive array of clients – including beauty brand giants, Wella. But Jack’s unflustered attitude and modesty – borne from methodically working his way up the ladder – is a refreshing antidote to fashion’s hissy fits

and histrionics.

He said: “Life is fantastic. It’s been five years since I set up shop in Sheffield. With its creative work ethos and energetic vibe, there couldn’t be a better place.

“But I can trace my success back to the experience I gained through doing my degree at Southampton Solent University where I learnt to be driven and focused. I also picked up valuable knowledge in selling through my work experience.”

Jack worked at a small photographic studio in Southampton before starting up his own business, Jack Eames Photography, with Prince’s Trust Funding. He went into fashion photography after a stint in press work – an experience that allowed him to use photography to tell a story.

Moving from hard news to haute couture was not such a huge leap for Jack. He said: “People think fashion is shallow, but fashion photography has real depth, which I was hugely attracted to.”

Business is going great for Jack. His shoots for fashion and hair magazines have taken him to New York and all over the UK and he is talking with major fashion houses. There may be a lack of tiaras in Jack’s studios, but with his camera posed to conquer Europe, Jack is set to be crowned king of fashion photography.

Summer 2008 | HEADWAY | 13

Talented illustrator Martyn Warren had two reasons to celebrate last November – he graduated with a first class honours degree in Illustration and his first book Velcro Cows hit the bookshops.

M

artyn produced the humorous ‘coffee table’ book – aimed at an adult audience – during his second year and landed a book deal with The Friday Project.

He said: “I was at Solent University looking at a student’s piece of work made of fabric birds when I had this image of a field of Velcro cows on a windy day with objects sticking to them. The idea sort of evolved from there.

“I wanted to produce a handcrafted book that resembled a kid’s science report, with crossing-outs and smudges.”

Martyn’s off-beat illustrations are already popular with students, but he’s now hoping to introduce them to a wider audience, and literary agency Green & Heaton – whose clients include Bill Bryson and PD James – has signed him up.

John’s latest project, Why the Nazis Lost, is a series of postcards

14 | HEADWAY | Summer 2008

depicting nonsensical and derivative observations of WWII. He is hoping to make these deeply bold and original illustrations into a book.

Martyn is modest about his accomplishments but his talent and determination are constantly getting him noticed. His work has appeared in the Refresh! 2007 Exhibition at the Conningsby Gallery in London, and his images have been included in Images 32, The Association of Illustrators’ yearly tome of awesome illustrative talent.

“I’ve got a long way to go but thanks to a great course, supportive lecturers and good advice from visiting professionals I hope to achieve my ultimate goal of having a bookcase packed with my own books,” said Martyn.

To find out more and view samples of Martyn’s work visit his website at www.velcrocows.co.uk.

GRADUATION 2007

More than 2,000 students celebrated their hard work and dedication at Southampton Solent University’s graduation ceremonies last November.

S

tudents and their families packed Southampton Guildhall for the 10 ceremonies where degrees and professional qualifications were awarded in a range of areas, including maritime education and training; fashion and design; media and television; law; sports and leisure.

Professor Van Gore was officiating at the degree ceremonies for the first time as Vice-Chancellor.

He told graduating students: “To achieve your success you will have had to navigate a difficult journey, involving hard work, personal cost, perseverance and commitment.You are now equipped intellectually and in every other way for the professional career that lies ahead.”

First class performances • It takes two to tango – and when Eve Taylor’s ballroom dancing partner hung up his shoes for the last time, going solo wasn’t an option. But Eve swapped the ballroom for the bar, and with a first class law degree she is now stepping towards a bright career.

Eve – who left school at 17 to fund her dancing career – took an evening Access course in a bid to explore alternative options when her dancing partner moved on. Although she was earning money as an administrator at the time, Eve began to think about going to university.

She said: “Like many people, I was unsure at first whether I wanted to swap a regular wage for student life – but now I’m so glad I made the leap.”

Eve was delighted to achieve a first class honours degree in law.

Now she is awaiting the results of her bar exams, which will take her one step closer to becoming a barrister.

• After graduating with a first class degree in BA (Hons) Graphic Image Making, Duncan Wyatt has landed his dream job working for the Disney Channel.

An avid Disney fan, he never dreamed he would be working for the global corporation. “It was great to get such a good job so quickly and I’m looking forward to a bright career,” said Duncan, whose favourite Disney film is Robin Hood!

GRADUATION 2007 To achieve your success you will have had to “navigate a difficult journey, involving hard work, personal cost, perseverance and commitment. You are now equipped intellectually and in every other way for the professional career that lies ahead.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Van Gore

�

ALUMNI NEWS – in brief

A LIFE OF CRIME-WRITING When Pauline Rowson studied for a Marketing diploma at the University ( then Southampton Institute) she had no idea she would move into maritime murder mysteries.

P

auline, 52, started writing as a child, and credits Enid Blyton for inspiring her to pick up her pen. But her first career as a marketing and public relations manager gave her the extra skills to kick-start her writing career more than 20 years ago.

She said: “I was juggling my full-time work with weekend writing. It was a slow process but my background in public relations helped me to be disciplined and organised. I’m still using those skills now – and they’ve helped me to keep on track and publish five books in the past two years.”

She added: “I started writing historical sagas, but I couldn’t get them published. It was only when I turned my attention to crime fiction that I became successful. I was living by the Solent and I was inspired by the marine industry. I wrote about wealthy yacht owners and fishermen and I set my scenes around the sea.”

Pauline’s propensity to soak up snippets of overheard conversations has added to a plethora of interesting people on her

pages, but the hero of her novels, the sea-loving Harley Davidsonriding detective, DI Andy Horton, is based on her own husband. She said: “Being a fiction writer is like being an actor. You have to think, act and behave like someone else in order to fully understand your characters – and I do observe.”

Pauline’s five watery-themed bestsellers – which have given rise to a newly identified genre, ‘marine mysteries’ – regularly feature in best read promotions, while In Cold Daylight was short-listed for the World Book Day Prize 2008.

Pauline's international readership spans Asia, South Africa and the USA – but her biggest fans are just a stone’s throw from the shores of the Solent, where things may not be as serene as they look!

Summer 2008 | HEADWAY | 19

all about having fun, I’m “notIt’sdriven by money. My job is about passing on my knowledge and enjoyment of the sea.

”

20 | HEADWAY | Summer 2008

THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE Ocean-loving Chris Smith is living the dream – with a thriving Greek business which mixes sun, sea and sailing.

B

A (Hons) Maritime Leisure Management alumnus, Chris, is soaring into his second season with his own Greek watersports company. Based in the historical town of Port Heli, Poseidon Sports evolved when Chris took over a failing boating business nearly two years ago – and transformed it into a successful enterprise.

“Business is booming. We are starting our second busy season with lots of forward bookings. We’ve worked hard to improve the beach environment to make sure it’s inviting for our adventure-seeking clients – and we have an assortment of elite watersports equipment,” said Chris, who brought the boating business back to life after injecting his own brand of passion and knowledge.

With a client base varying from a two-year-old canoeist to an 83year-old windsurfer, Chris ensures all who set sail from Poseidon have a smile on their face.

“It’s all about having fun. I’m not driven by money. My job is about passing on my knowledge and enjoyment of the sea. Helping others gives me great satisfaction.”

Chris’s Greek voyage now sees him joining forces with Southampton-based Storm Force Coaching, founded by fellow alumnus Doug Innes. “Every day I’m doing something I love. I feel very proud of what the business has become,” said Chris.

Summer 2008 | HEADWAY | 21

UNDERTOW MAKESWAVES Film graduate Neil McEnery-West rubbed shoulders with movie legends Stephen Spielberg and Robert de Niro at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

W

ith two international awards and an appearance at Cannes under his belt, Neil is starting to make a name for himself.

Inspired by the likes of modernist film director Michelangelo Antonioni, the BA (Hons) Film Studies graduate spent five years making Undertow, which won him ’Best Director’ and ‘Best Actor’ at the New York International Film Awards.

The 30-minute short film – a tragic love story about two people coming to terms with loss – was made on a budget of a couple of

22 | HEADWAY | Summer 2008

hundred pounds with a crew of dedicated family and friends. Its atmospheric backdrop of a deserted London was filmed over three summers, sometimes at the crack of dawn.

“Undertow is an unusual film that is reminiscent of a visual poem.

It hooks into people’s individual personal experiences and leads to varied interpretations,” said Neil.

Undertow received critical acclaim at the Cannes Short Film Corner when renowned UK film critic Peter Bradshaw singled it out for its ‘gutsiness’ and Neil’s ‘guerilla filming approach’. He said: “Undertow has polish, and inhabits the short-film space with panache. I hope the Cannes Short Film Corner showcase brings Neil McEnery-West the

Undertow has polish, and “inhabits the short-film space with panache.

”

attention and future assistance he deserves.”

Neil is thrilled with the positive attention: “Festivals give film makers the opportunity to meet actors and other film makers. If you’re lucky enough to win awards and get good critiques it really boosts your career – people take you more seriously.

“Bradshaw’s comments opened several doors for us. We’ve submitted the film to festivals around the world, and had requests from several key figures, including the editor of a high profile film magazine and BBC Films.”

Neil – who balances his freelance directing with his job working in a research institute – is already working on his next project, Alpha, a

psychological urban thriller about paranoia and fear.

Neil has deservedly achieved much since graduating from Solent in 1999 – and he has sound advice for budding film graduates. “Get a camera, go out there and make as many films as you can. Film-making isn’t easy but if you hold on to your passion and belief you have the potential to succeed,” he said.

Stills:Visual poetry: Neil’s film, Undertow, has atmosphere Words: Lucy Pearce

Summer 2008 | HEADWAY | 23

ON THE CREST OF A WAVE Eighty-five Navigation, Marine Engineer and Electro-Technical Officer Cadets from Warsash Maritime Academy celebrated their graduation to fully qualified officers at Southampton Guildhall in June.

T

he newly qualified officers will be embarking on their chosen careers in worldwide shipping, working with some of the most prestigious employers in the cruise, cargo, container, oil and gas sectors.

With the booming British shipping industry worth more than £1.3 million an hour, and Southampton’s own cruise industry generating more than £300 million per year for the local economy, these officers are certainly looking at a buoyant future.

Top employers Anglo Eastern Group, BP Shipping, Carnival UK, Celtic Pacific (UK) Ltd, Clipper Marine Services Ltd, Clyde Marine Training, Foreland Shipping (Guernsey Ltd), Hapag-Lloyd, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Shell Ship Management, Ship Safe Training Group, and Viking Recruitment were represented at the ceremony.

24 | HEADWAY | Summer 2008

John Millican, Dean, Warsash Maritime Academy said: “At Warsash we are very proud of our cadets’ achievements and are delighted to see such capable and confident young officers launching exciting careers in the international shipping industry. The passing out ceremony is the culmination of three years’ hard work and I congratulate all our graduating cadets.”

The passing out ceremony rounded off a hugely successful year for the Academy. In January it officially became the University’s fourth faculty, it caught the eye of the world’s media with its manned-model lake, and a record breaking 204 cadets are joining up this September with another 100 starting in January 2009.

the booming “BritishWithshipping industry worth £1.3 million an hour, these officers are looking at a bouyant future.

”

Summer 2008 | HEADWAY | 25

ALUMNI NEWS – in brief

SISTER ACT NETS REWARD Most sisters have barely finished fighting over make-up when they hit their twenties – but Solent alumnus, Emma Hursey, has had nothing but success from the website business she set up with her sibling.

E

mma Hursey used the skills she learned on her BA (Hons) Business Management degree to set up an online counselling directory with her sister, Aimi.

And now in its third year, the directory attracts 4,000 visitors a day and lists more than 1,500 counsellors from all over the UK. “I had the idea for the website just before starting the third year of my course at Southampton Solent University,” said Emma.

“It seemed natural to go into business with my sister, who was learning how to design websites at college. Our relationship is great. But we do have a rule that we don’t mention work outside of the office.”

The website, www.counsellingdirectory.org.uk, provides a quick, clear and discreet way for people to find qualified counsellors suitable for their individual needs.

Users type in their postcode for instant information about local counsellors, complete with contact information, qualifications and experience.

“Most people are uncomfortable talking about their problems. They don’t know where to go for help and they are too embarrassed to visit their GP. Our website provides a directory of professional counsellors who can be contacted confidentially,” explained Emma.

seemed natural to go “intoItbusiness with my sister, who was learning how to design websites at college.

Our relationship is great.

”

26 | HEADWAY | Summer 2008

ALUMNI NEWS – in brief

TALKING ABOUT A REVOLUTION It’s the closest thing to having a nurse on hand, and for the thousands of people who have accidents in the home, Brian Stickley’s talking first aid kit is literally a lifesaver.

T

he kit – the first in the world – offers push-button visual and audio instructions on everything from bottles of aspirin to packs of bandages.

The talking technology – which has become a vital tool for the visually impaired community – is the latest in Brian’s innovative ‘talking products’ range, which extends from food tins and greetings cards to photograph albums.

Brian – BA (Hons) Business and Finance alumnus – initially developed the technology for recording personal messages in birthday cards.

But now his range is sold all over the world through top chain stores.

Brian runs his company, Talking Products, from Romsey in Hampshire. He said: “It all started from a device we designed to record personal messages in greetings cards. Organisations for the blind were buying our products and adapting them as talking labels.

“We decided to design talking labels which could be attached to the top of tins and, at the press of the button, reveal what was inside.”

It wasn’t long before Brian, who worked closely with Southampton Solent University’s design team, moved to medication. “Not knowing what’s in your medication pack could lead to serious problems. We designed a talking label to sit on the back of a pill packet on which a pharmacist could record details and dosages.”

Royal National Institute for the Blind senior sales and product manager Sandra Taylor, said: “The Talking Products range provides people with cost effective ways of making life that little bit easier.”

Talking Products can be found on talkingproducts.co.uk. It also offers education resources to schools, and labels for the non-English speaking community.

“what’sNotinknowing your medication pack could lead to serious problems.

”

ALUMNI Where are you now?

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

1991

1999

Maria A Hares Fine Art Diploma After retiring in 1983 from the Civil Service, I decided to dedicate my retirement years to the study and practising of art. Since graduating I have exhibited and sold some of my work and now enjoy ceramic work.

David (Ben) Swain BSC (Hons) International Transport Management I recently left Station Management for Network Rail to set up ‘Quay Stage Training’, which specialises in leadership and teamskills for postgraduates and school leavers through sail training.

1998 John Anagnostopoulo BSc (Hons) Shipping Operations I recently decided to relocate with my wife and our two children to Singapore. This was quite a challenge for us. I am now the Insurance Manager of Tanker Pacific and the work is, as always, demanding and very interesting. The humidity is not that bad, the food is excellent and the people are lovely.

Whenever you are in Singapore, seek me out!

Simon Kane BA (Hons) Business Studies I am now working for arguably one of the largest law firms in the world, Linklaters LLP, as the Global Manager for the Energy and Utilities Sector. It is a challenging role in a highly competitive market and one that I am enjoying immensely. On top of that, my wife and I have recently had our first child so it is an incredibly exciting time for me.

28 | HEADWAY | Summer 2008

Simon E Harrison HND Nautical Science After completing a Master’s, I have now left working at sea, opting for London where I work for a ship operator, travelling to weird and wonderful shipping ports. I am now firmly settled down and enjoying family life with my wife of 11 years and two year old son.

2001 Sylvester Anso HND Nautical Science Since graduating seven years ago I have worked in the Marine and Shipping arm of LNG Ltd. I have been promoted through the ranks, obtaining a Chief Officer’s role in 2005.

In January 2007 I was given a shore secondment serving as a Marine Supervisor at our Bonny LNG Terminal, Bonny Island.

I am currently studying for my MSc in Maritime Operations and Management at City University, London, in preparation to take a management role in our shipping department.

Robert Hannent BA (Hons) Media Technology After graduating I took my time looking for the right start and in November 2001 I started with Norwegian telecommunications company, Telenor, as a broadcast MCR Engineer.

I eventually decided to move on and took a job at BBC Technology as a Systems Specialist in satellites. I then decided to teach my trade at Ravensbourne College.

I am now Chief Technologist for consumer electronics company, Humax Electronics, and enjoying the challenge and travel opportunities that come with the job.

Lisa Hunniford HND Business After completing my HND, I pursued a career in retail management. However, I felt that the time was right to embrace a new challenge and I am now a Finance Business Administrator for Hampshire Constabulary.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Southampton Solent University (then the Institute) and would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. My e-mail address is: lisahunniford@yahoo.co.uk Frances M Francis BA (Hons) Fine Art Since graduating I have become a supply teacher, which throws me into many surprising situations on a daily basis. I have recently been working with children with severe learning disabilities, from which I am gaining a great deal of knowledge. I have also come from being dyslexic to articulate through my continued learning.

2002 Jonathan Butler BA (Hons) Business and Law I am currently working as a Guards Manager for Southwest Trains. In 2007 I completed my third London Marathon and am about to embark on a charity walk in Egypt.

Rose Amy, into the world. Delphine now looks after their daughter at home in Western France whilst husband David teaches English at the Wall Street Institute in Rennes.

Obituary

2003 Joelle Camilleri BSc (Hons) Psychology After graduating I worked in Southampton for two years in a residential home for adults with learning disabilities, in which time I completed an NVQ3 in Health Care and an ASET VRQ (Level 2) in the Managing and Safe Handling of Medication. I then moved back home to Gibraltar and am currently working for the Ministry of Defence. My degree has thoroughly aided me by giving me an insight into human behaviour, which helps me in my day-to-day life.

2006 Louisa E Foreman BA (Hons) Sports Studies with Business Since graduating, I worked in Greece as a dancer in a cabaret show called ‘Paris for Ever’ around various hotels in Kos. I then worked as a fitness instructor and in February 2008 joined the Royal Navy as a Warfare Officer.

including best man, Brett Bundy, bridesmaid Nicky Faulkner, and usher David Truckle. Guests celebrated with the happy couple by dancing the night away to Reyes, the band of another former Institute student, Liam Fahy. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in Kenya.

Kerry Agar-Hynd BA (Hons) Fine Arts Valuation, 1999 Kerry has recently married long-term partner Duncan, who she now has a two-year-old daughter, Elodie, with. After completing her MA in Museum Studies, Kerry now works as a Digitisation Officer at Chertsey Museum where she is currently working with its outstanding costume collection.

Marriages and Births

Ian Atkinson died suddenly on 21 September 2007 (HND Engineering – Nautical Architecture, 1995).

Ian, from Jersey, was a keen musician, who played guitar in a band. But his biggest passion was watersports. While at Warsash, Ian was successful in a number of windsurfing events – and this continued. He competed in South Africa, the Channel Islands, Rhodes and the West Indies.

Ian, who was president of the Jersey Association of Windsurfers for many years, also competed in many yacht sailing events, including the Dresdner Jersey to Guernsey annual regatta. He was part of the winning crew in the Tournoi Sailing Challenge.

Ian, who worked in finance, married Donna on 1 July 2006. The couple honeymooned in Mauritius before enjoying many more trips abroad.

Above all, Ian, who kept in touch with his many Southampton friends, is remembered as a lover of people. His wife Donna, family and friends have set up two websites: www.teamatko.org and www.justgiving.com/team_atko where you can make a donation to the RNLI St Helier Lifeboat Appeal in Ian’s memory.

Contact

Delphine Creber-Ridet BA (Hons) Journalism, 2002 On a beautiful summer’s day in September 2006, Delphine tied the knot with David Creber after seven years together. The following year they welcomed their baby girl,

Alex Revell, BA (Hons) Business Management, 2003 Jane Revell, BA (Hons) Corporate Communications, 2002 Married on 8 September 2007 in Islington Town Hall, London. Alex and Jane met more than 14 years ago at school in their home town Warminster, and then both went on to attend Southampton Institute.

Many alumni attended the wedding,

If you’d like to get in touch with a fellow former student, contact the Alumni Office with their name, course studied and graduation year and we’ll do our best to track them down for you.

Please note, contact details will not be released without permission.

Summer 2008 | HEADWAY | 29

30 | HEADWAY | Summer 2008

FACE TO FACE WITH UNIVERSITY ART COLLECTION The Millais Gallery will be displaying a home grown visual feast this autumn, as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of the formal launch of the University’s Art Collection and 150 years of the Art College of Southampton.

F

irst established in October 1998 – to celebrate the formal dedication of the newly completed Sir Michael Andrews Building by HRH The Princess Royal – the collection has steadily expanded. Regular purchases have been made from the University’s annual degree shows, local and visiting artists and University teaching staff.

The collection now holds more than 450 artworks and was recently selected for inclusion in the Public Catalogue Foundation survey of art in public collections.

Regularly rotated throughout the University, the collection not only supports teaching and

research in the visual arts but also enhances the visual environment of the campus.

Ron McCormick, the collection’s Curator, said: “In just a short time the collection – characterised by its superb craftsmanship, vision and humour – has become a significant feature of the University’s cultural landscape, attracting favourable comments from students, staff and visitors alike.”

The main body of the exhibition is devoted to the work of students, staff and a selection of artists, including Piranesi, Peter Blake and Maggie Hambling. In celebration of 150 years of the Art School of Southampton there will also be a selection of artists’ prints drawn from

portfolios published in the early 1980s.

The exhibition runs from 19 September to 18 October 2008. Anyone wishing to find out if their work is being exhibited can contact the Millais Gallery on 023 8031 9916.

Above: (Detail) Dee Young, Extreme Conditions, 2001, Oil on canvas.

Left: Thomas Bown, Satie gymnodie No2, 2008, Silk screen print.

Far left: Emma Kingston, Lucy Mono 1, 2004, Monoprint

Summer 2008 | HEADWAY | 31

EVENTS

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

round up

During the past year the University has played host to a variety of cultural events, including black history month, Chinese New Year and a celebration of Polish culture.

We were also lucky to have had an evening with pioneering film director and honorary graduate Ken Russell, who treated guests to his ‘life in film’ with the help of his friend, film critic Mark Kermode.

Rwandan Celebrations A colourful celebration of Rwandan culture began with a lecture by His Excellency, Ambassador Claver Gatete, on Rwanda’s progress since the genocide, and its future. The event, in October hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Van Gore, featured traditional Rwandan dance displays, and an exhibition of Rwandan handicrafts and gifts.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION – what’s in it for you?

Membership of the Alumni Association is free and automatic for all graduates of Southampton Solent University, Southampton Institute, Warsash Maritime Academy (formerly College of Nautical Studies), Southampton Technical College, Southampton College of Technology, Southampton College of Art and Southampton College of Higher Education.

With a network of 28,000 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 Southampton Solent University, membership benefits include: • • • • • • • • • • •

HEADWAY – the alumni magazine news of reunions and events continued use of the library and Sport Solent at preferential membership rates use of the Careers Service for three years after graduating inclusion in the online e-mail directory of graduates and/or professional networking directory contact service which enables you to get in touch with old friends discounts on postgraduate/professional study and use of conference/training facilities free membership card use of Students’ Union facilities mail order service of University memorabilia dedicated Alumni pages on the University website:

Full details of our benefits can be found at www.solent.ac.uk/alumni/benefits

Minette shares life of crime Would-be authors and amateur sleuths were treated to an inspiring and revealing evening at the University in May, when bestselling crime novelist, Minette Walters, took to the stage. Minette – an honorary graduate of the University – entered into a ‘Parky’ style interview on stage, with BA (Hons) Writing and Contemporary Fiction degree course leader, Sandra Cain. Minette – who hosted the BBC2 series, Murder Most Famous – talked of her love of the Dorset countryside, her interest in psychology and trauma and her writing techniques.

She told a captivated audience: “When I start a novel, I truly don’t know who will end up being the murderer.”

See our website for future events.

32 | HEADWAY | Summer 2008

KEEP IN TOUCH! We really want to know what you have been doing. Write or e-mail us to tell us about your life after graduation. Whether you’re undertaking further study, travelling the world, running your own business, organising a reunion or raising a family, we’d like to hear about it.

Also, if you know any graduates who do not receive HEADWAY, ask them to contact us so we can ensure we have their correct details on our database.

Don’t forget to let the Alumni Office know if you change your address!

T: 023 8031 9038 F: 023 8033 4161 E: alumni@solent.ac.uk

www.solent.ac.uk/alumni

GIFT COLLECTION

HEADWAY - Southampton Solent University’s Alumni Association Magazine

To order your Southampton Solent University gifts, please complete the order form in full and return to: Alumni Office, Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, SOUTHAMPTON, SO14 0RB, UK. All prices include VAT and are valid until 31 December 2008.

1

2

3

5

6

7

4

Ê DESCRIPTION 1 Benji Bear (with t-shirt only)** 2 Graduation Bear (with t-shirt, mortar board and cloak)

UNIT PRICE

P&P*

TOTAL

£8.99 £10.99

3 Silver Plated Business Card Case

£8.99

4 Golf Umbrella

£9.99

5 Silver Plated Key Ring

£3.99

6 Rollerball Pen in Black Presentation Case

£6.99

7 Mug

£6.99

*Postage and packaging extra. Please add per item: £2 UK and Europe; £3 outside Europe ** Please note, mortar board not included on standard Benji Bear

QUANTITY

Order Total: £

Please make your cheque payable to ‘Southampton Solent University’.

Name (in full): .................................................................................................................................. Daytime Telephone: ..................................................................................

Address: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Post Code: .......................................................................................................................................... E-mail: ............................................................................................................

Please allow 28 days for delivery from receipt of order. All orders must be accompanied by full payment. Refunds will only be given if the goods are faulty or out of stock.

Summer 2008 | HEADWAY | 33

15% REDUCTION ON FEES FOR ALUMNI s Graduates of any Southampton Solent University (formerly Southampton Institute) First Degree or Master’s Degree course, who return to study here, are eligible for a 15% reduction on the annual tuition fee for the first year of any Postgraduate course, including Research or Professional courses*.

Postgraduate courses for 2008 include: Masters of Business Administration (MBA) MA Fashion Merchandise Management MA Industrial Design MSc Six Sigma Quality MProf Visual Arts

Visit: www.solent.ac.uk/courses to find out more information about each course and to see a full list of courses that are available.

Or call: 0845

676 7000

Or come to one of our Open Days.

Visit: www.solent.ac.uk/opendays to book a place. *Alumni are only eligible to apply for this discount once and this is only available to students who are self-funded.

15 %

av e