Headway 21

Summer 2011

ILL

HEADWAY

US SP TRA EC T IA ION L

Alumni Association Magazine Issue 21

WINNING ON THE WAVES MAKING SEAFARING SAFER

HOME RUN ILLUSTRATORS HIT MAJOR LEAGUE

WELCOME

HEADWAY – Southampton Solent University’s Alumni Association Magazine

W

elcome to the 21st issue of HEADWAY, Southampton Solent University’s Alumni Association magazine.

It’s great to be able to share the achievements of our alumni. In this edition you can read about comedian, Mark Gale and Newsround presenter, Ricky Boleto.

We’ve also got stories about former students who are enjoying top careers in illustration, journalism and sport.

We also catch up with alumni who received the Lisa Wilson scholarship. Their stories are diverse, but they all recognise how their time at Solent helped them to reach their goals and pave a future.

Solent students get great opportunities to follow their careers. It can be especially difficult during a recession for those thinking of going into higher education, so it’s inspiring to hear how well you are doing.

As part of its drive to support students into employment, Solent University’s intern scheme has entered its second year.

We are pleased to welcome Journalism graduate, Ben Keeley, as the new Alumni Relationship Management Intern. Ben is developing the alumni association, bringing you even more benefits; upgrading the website and helping to produce this magazine. He has also set up a Southampton Solent University group on LinkedIn. We’d love to hear from you. So please keep us updated with your contact details and career developments and let us know if you would like to be featured in Headway.

You can complete and return the carrier sheet enclosed with this issue or update online at www.solent.ac.uk.

Alumni Office

HEADWAY | Summer 2011

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

DEGREE SHOWS

Each year the University showcases its students’ work in a programme of final year degree shows. The shows highlight the cream of student talent, and are open to the public and employers.

Promotional Media Degree Show Wednesday 11 May, 2pm – 5pm.

Herbert Collins Building, HC 016 – 017.

Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, SO14 0YN.

Graduate Fashion Shows T: +44(0) 23 8031 9038 F: +44(0) 23 8033 4161 E: alumni@solent.ac.uk www.solent.ac.uk/alumni

Friday 10 June, 7.30pm.

John Everett Millais Building, JM315, Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, SO14 0YN.

Produced by: Southampton Solent University Marketing and Communications Service

Thursday 1 June, ‘Truman Brewery Show’, Free Range. Boiler House, Brick Lane, London.

Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm.

Front cover: 'Jackie Robinson' drawn by Edward Brown and coloured by Ryan Gillett

Art & Design Degree Show Friday 10 June – Thursday 16 June (excluding Sunday 12 June), 10am – 4pm excluding the preview evening.

John Everett Millais Building, JM117 and JM119. Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, SO14 0YN.

Technology Degree Show Friday 10 June, 11am – 2pm.

Herbert Collins Building, Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, SO14 0YN.

Alumni Association

For further information on the degree shows please email ask@solent.ac.uk

2 Vice-Chancellor’s welcome 3 University news A round up of what’s going on in and around the University

6 Illustration special A look at some of our brilliant illustrators

10 Wild at heart Safari dream for engineer

12 Winning on the waves Reclaiming the World Championship

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16 Graduation with 2010 pull out

18 Newshound to Newsround Broadcast journalist Ricky Boleto

24 A legacy Lisa Wilson Scholarship profiles

30 Where are you now?

Updates, weddings and other news

32 Events round-up/ membership news

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Inside

this issue

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

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nce again I am delighted to share with you news about the University and to highlight, in particular, examples of your achievements.

In this edition you can read about Ricky Boleto, a Solent University journalism graduate whose decision to choose Solent after attending an Open Day was the first step to becoming a youth programme presenter with BBC Newsround. We also cover Natasha Rigler’s story about how she became senior celebrity writer at ‘Reveal’ magazine, after embarking on our BA (Hons) Media with Cultural Studies degree.

Headway 21 includes an ‘illustration special’ with a variety of our most creative and successful illustrators, including quirky Southampton-based illustrator Ollie Stone, dynamic duo Edward Brown and Ryan Gillett, and renowned wildlife illustrator David Thelwell.

The common denominator of all these alumni is recognition of how their time at Southampton Solent University inspired them to achieve extraordinary things.

These and other stories encapsulate our commitment to empowering student development through creative expression and practice. Our lecturers have the right industrial background and professional contacts that ensure ‘real-life’ projects and other high quality work experience opportunities ‘as you learn’.

For us, the greatest endorsement of Southampton Solent University is to see our former students applying with confidence the new skills they have acquired within their chosen careers. More and more at Solent we are using our extensive employer links to give students ‘an edge’ in finding that vital first job.

‘The Browne Report’ on higher education funding and the UK government’s ‘Comprehensive Spending Review’ marked major changes to the ways in which higher

education will be funded in future. The 40% reduction in funding announced in the CSR and the decision to increase fees up to a maximum of £9000 (from 2012 onwards) means that the direct funding of universities will be greatly reduced or even removed entirely.

As I write, there is still much important detail to be established in the government’s proposals which, whatever your politics, look very challenging for the university sector. But we are confident that Solent is well-positioned to respond. Financially strong and with an attractive portfolio of courses, we shall continue to develop our distinctive offer of exciting courses and excellent career opportunities.

I hope you enjoy reading about the University and the achievements of your fellow alumni.

Please keep in touch and tell us about your own achievements, so we can share them and inspire a new generation of Solent students.

Professor Van J Gore Vice-Chancellor

Add value to your career...

You could earn up to £15k* more with a postgraduate qualification Professional and Postgraduate courses in: • Accountancy • Film • Business • Journalism • Computing • Law • Engineering & Maritime • Human Resource Management • Fashion • Management

• • • •

Marketing Media Sport Tourism

Find out more at www.solent.ac.uk/courses Tel: 023 8031 9039 Email: ask@solent.ac.uk *Based on average salary of our business-related graduates with a postgraduate qualification (DLHE survey 2007/08)

UNIVERSITY NEWS

Top Left: Jo Brand, Bottom Left: Geoff Holt, Middle: Atul Kochhar, Top right: Theo Paphitis, Right: Terry Butcher

Brand of S honour More than 2,000 Southampton Solent University graduates took to the stage for the 2010 ceremonies at Southampton Guildhall, including the first ever cohorts from BSc (Hons) Applied Sport Science, BA (Hons) Sport and the Media, and BA (Hons) Fashion Styling.

outhampton Solent University Chancellor, Lord West of Spithead, presided over graduation ceremonies broadcast on live webcast.

The University presented honorary degrees to academics and professionals for outstanding contributions in their field of expertise, including: • Comedian Jo Brand (Doctor of Media) • Chairman and Chief Executive of Hampshire Rosebowl, Rod Bransgrove (Doctor of Business) • Football legend Terry Butcher (Doctor of Sport) • Oscar winning actor, writer, director and producer Julian Fellowes (Doctor of Arts) • Inspirational sailor and Solent University alumnus Geoff Holt MBE (Doctor of Sport) • Celebrated typographer, Richard Kindersley (Doctor of Design) • Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar (Doctor of Arts) • Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor John Latham (Doctor of the University) • Managing Director of the world’s oldest privately owned motor manufacturing

company Charles Morgan (Doctor of Business) • Business mogul and Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis (Doctor of Business) What they said “Working in the creative industries is a dream of a career, but it is not a career for dreamers. It takes hard work, tenacity and determination.” (Julian Fellowes) “Graduating right here in the Guildhall in 2002 was one of the highlights in my life. I used what I learned at Solent to earn enough money to fund my sailing exploits.” (Geoff Holt) “Morgan has been running for more than 100 years and we encourage the younger generation to get involved in the car building process. These young people – including graduates – are our future. They bring innovative ideas.” (Charles Morgan) “It’s important as a graduate leaving university – when you’re finally acknowledged as an adult standing on your own two feet – to be strong in your beliefs.” (Jo Brand)

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UNIVERSITY NEWS Simon May receives Visiting Fellowship from Solent University Abbey Road Challenge A new documentary, ‘Abbey Road Challenge’, follows three Solent University students as they witness their orchestral compositions performed by the 65-piece London Metropolitan Orchestra at the legendary Abbey Road studios.

Mike Moran (composer for Time Bandits and The Missionary) and music producer Graham Walker (The Talented Mr Ripley and The Long Good Friday) challenged BA (Hons) Popular Music students Hannah Hurst, Erika Aleksaite and Sander de Vries to compose an orchestral piece that could be used in film. They were given tutorial assistance by TV composer Richard Heacock at the iconic recording studios over three days.

Ernie’s accolades The University’s eco-float, ‘Ernie’, is a triple award winner after clinching a Local Government Chronicle award, a CIPR PRide award for Community Relations and a Times Higher Education accolade for outstanding contribution to the local community.

Ernie – and a team of volunteers from the University, Students’ Union, City Council and the Polygon neighbourhood – collects unwanted goods for recycling during the annual changeover period, when students move out of and into rented houses at the end of the academic year.

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Simon May – composer of the iconic Eastenders’ theme tune – received a Visiting Fellowship from the University, following a workshop with students on the music courses.

May, who is also the composer of TV theme-tunes BBC’s Howard Way, Castaway and Brat Camp – gave an interactive master class about the secrets of good melody and songwriting to a packed lecture theatre. He

answered questions regarding music arrangement, creativity and the motivation behind his work, before receiving his Visiting Fellowship.

Simon May said: “Solent has amazing facilities, truly dedicated staff and passionate students. Three factors that make it a fantastic university to work with.

“I was impressed by the intelligent questions being asked about the industry and the writing process. It was a great warm-up for things to come.”

May has received numerous awards and nominations for his music, including an Ivor Novello for Nick Berry’s UK Number One 'Every Loser Wins' and three TRIC Awards for Best TV Theme for EastEnders, Howard's Way and Trainer.

As a visiting professor, he will be returning in the New Year to perform an in-depth music workshop with Solent students.

“

Solent has amazing facilities, truly dedicated staff and passionate students.

”

Topping out at Timsbury The near completion of the building phase of Southampton Solent University’s Warsash Maritime Academy’s (WMA) manned model Timsbury Lake project has been celebrated with a topping out ceremony.

The project is part of a major investment to ensure the continued development of Solent’s highly specialised maritime training facilities.

The original world-renowned manned model shiphandling centre – one of only five in the world – was moved from its 10-acre Marchwood site to Timsbury, near Romsey, after it was identified as an ideal site for WMA’s first class training for the international shipping industry.

Bringing 21st century maritime training to Timsbury Lake marks the beginning of a new chapter in Timsbury’s history. The 9th century lake has, over the years, been a source of fish for the monks of Winchester, of water to drive a medieval water mill and the haunt of carp anglers.

Now work has been carried out on the lake to allow for ship models to

navigate berths, basins and channels to recreate a variety of port scenarios, canal transits and berthing operations for officers and pilots to practice shiphandling skills. It will allow complex maritime manoeuvres to be practised in complete safety, making it a key training tool for the shipping industry.

Safeguarding the ecology of the lake and its woodland surroundings has been a major element of the project so that, as well as providing world leading maritime training, Timsbury lake will also continue to be a haven for wildlife and a local natural asset.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Van Gore added: “This is a terrific milestone for the University and Warsash Maritime Academy, which should secure WMA's position as a world leader in manned model ship handling.”

“

Bringing 21st century maritime training to Timsbury Lake marks the beginning of a new chapter.

”

UNIVERSITY NEWS Cowes crew Solent Productions – the University’s external TV and Film Production centre – provided the coverage for major sailing event, Cowes Week.

Students filmed 40 daily races, which were broadcast by ITV, BBC, Eurosport, and the event’s website.

Cowes Week Marketing Director, Martin Warner, said: “Solent Productions’ media content brought the event to life for hundreds of thousands of fans across the globe.”

Businesses back Solent Creatives More than 40 local businesses have signed up to the newly launched, Solent students’ media skills service, Solent Creatives.

Based on the University’s main campus, Solent Creatives is a register of students equipped with the latest media tools and techniques to take on freelance assignments from any organisation.

The initiative is aimed at preparing students for the increasingly selfemployed, entrepreneurial nature of employment in the creative sector.

Businesses – who can register free – will benefit from an array of skills on offer, including logo design, copywriting, promotional support, film making, animation, illustration, market research, journalism, public relations, web design, social media, advertising campaign development and event management.

Successful Social Work degrees Solent University is one of only 14 institutions to fully meet national requirements set out by the General Social Care Council (GSCC) and the National Health Service for its social work degree courses. The GSCC hopes the requirements – involving 78 institutions – will drive up standards and enable students to make informed choices.

Solent University commemorates the Spitfire Designed and flown from Southampton, it was one of the most stirring sights during the Battle of Britain 70 years ago – and now the Spitfire is being commemorated in a piece of art overlooking the city’s cenotaph.

Commissioned by Solent University, Ray Smith’s ‘360 Roll’ forms a striking image on the Sir James Matthews Building of a Spitfire completing a barrel roll. Ray said: “It’s a moment of stillness and quiet which gives time for reflection at some

distance from its history.”

The Spitfire was designed in Southampton by RJ Mitchell, who is the namesake of one of the University’s buildings, where technology research and lecturing takes place.

New Appointments

“

It’s a moment of stillness and quiet which gives time for reflection at some distance from its history.

”

Following the retirements of Professor John Latham, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Dr Keith Johnson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (External Development), three new appointments have been made to the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Jane Longmore has been promoted to Deputy ViceChancellor from her previous role as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

Jane will lead on academic matters and the University’s Strategic Development Programme.

Dr Mike Wilkinson is former Pro ViceChancellor of South Bank University, where he established strategic collaborations with overseas universities. Mike will be

responsible for the Maritime and Technology faculty, student recruitment and commercial partnerships.

Dr Richard Blackwell joins the University from the Higher Education Funding Council for England, where he worked on policy and practice in learning and teaching, and knowledge exchange.

Richard’s role will focus on advancing skills, strategies and partnerships; fostering social, community engagement; and enhancing student satisfaction and employability.

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Drawing inspiration comes with some skill “andSuccess a huge amount of hard work.

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He’s the son of one of Britain’s most famous illustrators – but Solent graduate David Thelwell is packing a punch with his own palette.

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avid’s father, Norman, was famous for drawing fat, hairy ponies with squatlegged riders; the ‘thelwell’ became a commonly used term to describe a certain type of equine and there was barely a country house that didn’t hold one of his books.

Growing up, David was so inspired by his indefatigable father, he also took to drawing – but his illustrations are uniquely his own.

“Although I try to avoid being compared to him as our work is very different, my inspiration came from my father. He had a great sense of humour and it came across in his work. People loved his cartoons and he enjoyed doing them. My father was always illustrating when I was growing up and I wanted to do the same,” said David.

David’s accomplishments are in measured, beautifully reflective illustrations of animals and wildlife, with a draughtsman and graphic designer background that is evident in his anatomical attention to detail.

Using paints in gouache and acrylic, as well as pen on white scraper board, David has illustrated a string of magazines and books, including The Herons (Oxford University Press) The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Birds; Birds of Prey of the World; An Illustrated Guide to Herbs and Wild Flowers of the British Isles and Northern Europe.

“I find wildlife the most interesting subject to observe, record and draw. I like to illustrate animals because they have a natural beauty, and that’s what I like to capture in my illustrations, the beauty of what the eye can see.”

David decided to take up a BA (Hons) Illustration degree at Solent University in 2006. Although he was a mature student, with a career under his belt, he was keen to learn more. “It was a novelty for me to learn about other artists, illustrators and cartoonists. It broadened my perspective, developed my character as an illustrator and honed my skills.

“It’s important to study the many aspects of painting and illustration. Success comes with some skill and a huge amount of hard work,” said David.

Passion is also a plus, and no-one could doubt David’s enthusiasm for his subject. He is a keen wildlife conservationist and a contributor to various conservationist organisations, including the Indian Birding Fair.

He said: “I’m very keen on conservation and I think illustration and painting can do a lot to help the work of many organisations.

“You have to do what you enjoy if you want your illustrations to have that extra something that makes them good enough to make it in the competitive market. As a child, I loved to watch and draw the wildlife outside – and I still love it today.”

David is now working on an illustrated children’s book about the history and mythology of hares.

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Godzilla, killer bears and ‘the beast’ Quirky illustrator Ollie Stone describes his job as “drawing pictures and forcing people to look at them” – but a multitude of fans are proof that no arm-bending is required.

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he BA (Hons) Illustration alumnus has been spotted by sporting giant Umbro, and a stream of publishers, including Article, Ammo and Time Out magazines.

He’s produced illustrations for Southampton’s 2011 Ejectorseat Arts Festival and exhibited his work for the Association of Illustrators in London.

In 2009 a backpacking trip around Western Europe inspired an eclectic and eccentric portfolio that has been snapped up by an increasingly intrigued fanbase.

“My crude scribblings have made it into the AOI Images 34 catalogue and a handful of cracking exhibitions around the country.

With an ever increasing amount of time spent drawing, and less time doing anything else, I’m establishing myself as a professional illustrator.” said Ollie.

“It’s great to be at this stage as I have had knock-backs.

But nothing would have stopped me drawing.

“It’s important to have a sense of determination. I’ve always got over set-backs and carried on drawing funny little pictures. I love what I do. I can’t go a day without drawing something – whether it be a scribble of sarcastic text on a scrap of cardboard, or a commission that’s just bounced into my email inbox. My hands get antsy.”

Much of Ollie’s drive to make it as a freelance Illustrator came from a guest lecture. “I was in my third year, busy creating ‘The Beast’. The lecturer, Roderick Mills, said; ‘There are roughly 50 of you in here and only about two or three of you will make it as professional illustrators’ – I wanted to be one of those two or three.”

It’s important to have a sense of “determination.

I’ve always got over set-backs and carried on drawing funny little pictures.

I love what I do.

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”

Black Icons Rising artistic talent Edward Brown teamed up with established illustrator Ryan Gillett to produce the Black Icons exhibition, as part of Southampton’s Black History Month.

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olent University has been exhibiting the stunning illustrations on behalf of the artists, in partnership with Southampton’s black community.

Former BA (Hons) Illustration students, Edward and Ryan were inspired by Black History Month 2009 to illustrate pioneering personalities, including a Crimean War nurse, a statesman who led the struggle to end South Africa's apartheid regime, and the US President “The project gave us a great opportunity to celebrate black heroes,” explained Edward.

“Like most people, I had heard of Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks – but there were people I was unfamiliar with – such as Walter Tull,

one of Britain’s first black football players and Bernie Grant, one of Britain’s first black MPs. The collaboration between Edward and Ryan led to a unique body of work, which has since graced magazine covers and formed the large-scale digital backdrop of music events.

“I always liked Ryan’s work; his methodologies and style were more polished than my own, but there were similarities in his playful use of characterisation and brush and ink. I learned a lot through the project, both culturally and artistically. It was fantastic to draw inspiration from people who achieved so much in life,” said Edward.

Black History Month organiser, Don John, added: “The Black Icons exhibition is an example of successful collaboration between Solent University and the city's black communities. The work of Edward and Ryan has contributed substantially, establishing a foundation for further work in the future.”

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As a result of that “career, I was able to pursue my passion for African wildlife.

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Screen safari Engineering ace Shaun Metcalfe helped bring colour television to a generation of antipodeans – and now he is headed for a bright retirement at the African safari park he bought 15 years ago.

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t was in the early seventies when Shaun played a pivotal part in converting black and white television into colour as Australia and New Zealand resident engineer for audiovisual giant, Marconi.

Kenyan-born Shaun had come to Southampton in 1964 to study for a graduate diploma in Communications and Broadcast Engineering at the then Southampton College of Technology.

“The course attracted international students from all over the world and many from my home continent of Africa,” explains Shaun. “What I had found was a second place I could call home.

“The sense of community for us is something I remember with great affection. Many of us on the course still keep in touch and some of us have remained good friends for over 40 years.

“At the time Southampton College of Technology had seemed the place to go – and indeed it was.”

And after a stunning career in international telecommunications, he is returning to the continent of his birth, to study the wildlife he loves.

“Southampton College of Technology provided me with a wonderful platform in which to enjoy an invigorating and interesting career,” said Shaun. “As a result of that career, I was able to pursue my passion for African wildlife by investing in Muchenje Safari Lodge in Botswana’s Chobe National Park. As director of the sanctuary, I can enjoy observing and photographing Africa’s amazing wildlife.”

It’s a fitting role for a man who – between 1972 and 1975 – was partly responsible for a technological change that has been credited with popularising the genre of wildlife programmes on television.

In the UK, the introduction of colour television in 1967 transformed wildlife broadcasting, as the BBC Two controller, David Attenborough explored the possibilities of filming the marvels of the natural world without the restrictions of monochrome.

After helping to bring colour to television viewers in Australia and New Zealand, Shaun stayed with Marconi for more than 20 years.

He later joined global telecoms company, TCI as Managing Director and later, Chairman. Now Shaun is enjoying the kind of vistas that his technological know-how helped to bring to people’s living rooms more than three decades ago – without a screen in sight.

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Sailors take a bow Southampton Solent University is a formidable force in sailing.

We’re the current World Student Yachting Champions. We’ve won the BUSA Championships four times in five years and we’ve represented England at the World Student Yachting Championships three times, winning it in 2004, before reclaiming the title in 2010. We’re making a mark in match, team and fleet racing, and many of our students and alumni are breaking records and sailing at international level.

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olent students once again proved their international sporting prowess when they won the 2010 Student Yachting World Cup. The eight-strong team cruised to victory against fellow sailors from around the world in the five-day championships at La Rochelle in France, re-taking the title after winning it back in 2004.

“It was a tough week with a lot of very close racing, but we bonded as a team and got better as the week went on,” said crew member, Kate Macgregor, who was earlier on the ISAF Women’s Match-Racing World Championship team.

Skipper Guy Jackson said much of Solent’s success was due to a commitment to training and preparation – ensuring they were skilled and fit enough to withstand the physical and mental effort needed for the onslaught of races. He said: “Our hard work with the University’s sports staff to condition and prepare ourselves paid off.”

The team competed against 13 others in a gruelling five-day schedule that included a marathon all-day contest, a night event and several shorter races.

Coach Niall Myant was a member of Solent’s 2004 winning crew and was delighted to see a repeat performance. He said: “We were confident going into the last race, but it was a relief to finish miles ahead of our closest rival – Switzerland – and confirm victory.

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“Everyone was thrilled and I was immensely proud of the team. We prepared very well for this championship, but you can’t take anything for granted and it wasn’t until half way through the racing that we realised we had a strong chance of winning.”

Solent University Sports Development Manager, Matthew Bishop, added: “The squad worked tirelessly on and off the water.

“We were blessed with a squad that was not only individually talented, but also one that could work highly effectively as a team.”

Solent’s sailors are not strangers to the headlines. As well as the national and international team victories, we’ve produced world-class individuals, including Katie Miller, the youngest woman ever to participate in the OSTAR Trans-Atlantic solo yacht race and Oscar Mead, who, at just 18, was the youngest competitor ever to participate in the same race.

The University’s position on one of Britain’s busiest waterways has undoubtedly been an inspiration, as well as its successful watersports and yacht designing and engineering courses.

“My degree at Solent focused heavily on the design of boats, and also the engineering and mechanical sort of things; that’s a really good spot of knowledge to have on my side, which can only be an advantage,” said Katie.

The University’s STAND (Solent Talented Athlete Network Development) scheme has also enabled sailors to achieve the top level in their sports through practical and logistical support while they study.

were blessed “withWea squad that was not only individually talented, but also one that could work highly effectively as a team.

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hopeful that the “studyWe’rewillvery provide some scientific basis for fatigue prevention programmes, which is absolutely vital for the shipping industry.

”

Fighting fatigue It’s one of the world’s most pressing maritime safety issues and now ground-breaking research, being conducted at Solent University’s Warsash Maritime Academy, is due to lift the lid on some of the key questions surrounding the causes and effects of seafarer fatigue.

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aritime regulators, ship owners and trade unions all have a stake in the findings, which will be the first to focus specifically on officers’ watch patterns.

Although research has been carried out on tiredness and performance in other industries – including aviation and road transport – far less focus has been levied at the commercial shipping industry, where seafarers’ fatigue can have huge consequences on the health of officers, passenger safety, commercial loss and the marine environment.

The €3.78m two and a half year Project Horizon – funded by the EU and supported by leading companies and regulatory bodies – sees Warsash Maritime Academy working alongside Sweden’s Göteberg Chalmers University of Technology and the Stress Research Institute in Stockholm, to measure the effects of fatigue during simulator tests on seafaring volunteers.

During the tests, volunteers take part in simulated seagoing and port-based operations on bridge, engine and liquid cargo handling simulators, while researchers measure brain activity, and capture other test data, to evaluate the impact that fatigue has on their decisionmaking and performance – including concentration and judgement.

The data will be assessed at the Stress Research Institute at Stockholm University, with the ultimate objective to develop a fatigue management toolkit and to make recommendations to shipping companies and seafarers on improving work patterns.

Serving deck officers and engine room watchkeeping officers, involved with handling oil cargoes and watch keeping on tankers, have been signing up to the project from all over the UK for seven day stints, where they re-enact voyage scenarios in the simulators.

One volunteer said: “It’s surprisingly realistic and interesting to think about how tiredness can affect various cognitive tasks.”

Former ships’ officer, Professor Mike Barnett, heads up the project for Solent University. He explained: “There are increasing concerns over human safety, environmental damage and commercial loss due to watch officer fatigue, with the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation branch citing it as a significant cause of collisions and groundings.

But very little is known about how watch patterns – for instance, six hours on, six off and four on – influence performance.

“By placing experienced deck and engine room watchkeepers in our simulators, we can see the effect of different watch keeping patterns on levels of fatigue in European waters over a seven day, 24 hour period at sea and in port.

“We’re very hopeful that the study will provide some scientific basis for fatigue prevention programmes, which is absolutely vital for the shipping industry.”

Partners in the project European Community Shipowners’ Associations; Netherlands-based European Harbour Masters Committee; Intertanko; Charles Taylor & Co (Standard P&I Club); Bureau Veritas; UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch and Maritime and Coastguard Agency; European Transport Workers’ Federation represented by the Anglo-Dutch maritime trade union, Nautilus International.

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GRADUATION 2010 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

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21, I became “theAtyoungest on-screen presenter they’d ever had.

”

Newshound to Newsround Solent University Journalism graduate Ricky Boleto is keeping today’s youngsters news-savvy – as presenter of the iconic kids’ current affairs show, Newsround.

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hrough his role on BBC’s Newsround, Ricky is now a pivotal part of a programme with a passionate drive to engage children in current affairs.

“It’s my dream job. As a child I was a news geek who preferred Newsround to Neighbours. I ran pretend radio shows in my bedroom, talking randomly about Prime Minister John Major,” explained Ricky.

“There’s a 50-strong team producing updated bulletins for BBC1 and CBBC, sandwiched between popular shows. I did the whole of Newsround’s election coverage, finding out what children wanted the PM to do. They knew who the candidates were and they knew what they wanted – new schools, lit play areas, safety.”

Recognising and representing young people is close to Ricky’s heart. As part of the broadcast pathway in the last year of his Journalism degree, he spent three weeks working on the BBC’s youth-orientated Liquid News. Soon after, he landed a full-time Channel 5 researcher post.

“My boss wanted a youth programme presenter. It was 2006 and social networking was really taking off. Channel 5 wanted someone

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who was actually using Facebook. At 21, I became the youngest on-screen presenter they’d ever had,” said Ricky.

His talent was spotted by the BBC Newsround team, and now he is enjoying jobs ranging from interviewing pop stars, to covering global disasters.

“Covering Australia’s bush fires in 2009 was very moving. I talked to kids who had lost relatives, homes and pets in the disaster,” said Ricky.

Ricky hopes he will continue to inspire future news journalists from a very young age – and that Newsround will encourage them to consider studying Journalism at university.

He chose Solent after going to an open day and “picking up good vibes”. He also got the opportunity to study at Malaga University, Spain, on the university’s Erasmus programme.

He said: “I had to do a crash course in Spanish, but it was well worth it. Solent offered a solid journalism degree, which gave me opportunities to go out, write reports and edit. The support and equipment – from TV cameras to editing software – is brilliant.”

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Gale-force gags Solent’s king of the one-liner has taken his wit to Weston-super-Mare – as the roaming host of the newly-reopened iconic Grand Pier.

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resh from graduating with a first class honours degree in Comedy Writing and Performance, Mark Gale landed the unusual but enviable role as a roving compere.

“It happened by chance. I was working at Weston College as a technician when I saw an ad for auditions for acts on the pier, which was being re-opened after it was destroyed by a fire.

“I did a 10-minute stand-up routine – and I was offered the compere job. As well as introducing acts and events, my job involves wandering around the pier telling people jokes and joining them on the rides.

“It’s slightly weird and at first the thought terrified me because the reason my material works so well is because it’s scripted. You have to be right on top of it so that the gags flow. I’ve just made sure that I have loads of jokes at the ready for the summer season – mainly about the rides.”

Part of Mark’s appeal is his cheeky-but-clean material and his quick and charming style, which has been described as a mixture of Tommy Cooper and Tim Vine.

Mark said: “I suppose my stuff appeals to the whole family. I’m influenced by a lot of comedy shows from the past, like Fawlty Towers and Dad’s Army – and that’s perfect for the pier.”

Mark also took up pyro-technics – or professional firework operating – when he left university.

“I love it. My dream is to continue a comedy career, with a combination of pyro-technics. It’s fantastic to be able to work in something you love. Doing my degree gave me valuable skills and industry information about how to make a commercial success out of comedy.”

Mark’s graduation gag. “…so I was out on my own having a curry, when my side dish started talking to me.

It said: ‘Haven’t you grown, Mark. Make sure you wrap up warm.

I’ve done you some tea.’

I said: ‘Who are you?’

It said: ‘I’m your nan bread.’”

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It’s amazing “working with some of the best performers in the world.

”

Ha Ha Hannah Hannah George became Britain’s first ever female graduate in comedy when she left Solent University and began working towards her dream career.

C

omedy is a realistic career option, which was always a dream for me. Within 18 months of leaving Solent I had done more than 400 stand-up gigs. I now write regularly for Radio 4 and a series being considering for television broadcast.

“When I left Solent, I told myself I would have an agent within a year, and I achieved that.”

Hannah, who lives on the Isle of Wight with her family, has worked tirelessly to secure her writing jobs. She was spotted by comedian and presenter, Sandi Toksvig while performing a charity gig in Portsmouth and was immediately taken on as a writer for her Radio 4 The News Quiz, and current affairs programme, The Now Show.

Meanwhile, her scripts with writing partner, James Whitehouse (pictured right) are being picked up by television production companies, with a children’s comedy grabbing the attention of Royle Family writer, Craig Cash.

“I love being able to write comedy for a living. The current affairs writing is great because there’s an immediacy to it, and I love working with Sandi. The script writing takes longer, but now that I have an agent in Alan Brodie – who marvelously also represent Noel Coward – things are moving more quickly. It’s a lot of hard work and you don’t earn much from writing at the beginning, but it’s worth pursuing and my degree has undoubtedly helped me on the career path."

Hannah – who was the Paramount Comedy on Tap Funniest Student winner 2007 – is delighted to be blazing a trail for female comics. She said: “I was the first girl to complete the course and I think that shows that women can compete with the guys when it comes to comedy.

“People don't see stand-up comedy as a predominantly male thing anymore. I don't think people are surprised to see a woman doing stand-up and they're not shocked when a woman actually has something to say and is funny with it.

“More and more female comedians are coming through. People like Lucy Porter and Josie Long, as well as Jenny Eclair are already well-known, so hopefully I'll be the next big thing.”

Summer 2011 | HEADWAY | 21

Living her teenage dream As far as jobs go, Natasha Rigler’s must lie somewhere between hitting the pillow and self-inflicted pinching. But it’s only through keeping her eyes wide open that Natasha has landed her dream career.

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ossip goddess Natasha spends her working days mingling with celebrities at red carpet events and exclusive afterparties. Between hooking up with Peter Andre, interviewing JLS, and rubbing shoulders with Katy Perry at the Glamour Awards, Headway managed to catch up with the now senior celebrity writer at national magazine Reveal to catch up on some hot goss!

“There are so many parties. The best are the big ones like the Brits.

This year’s National Television awards were great. I managed to blag my way in to an after-show party which doesn’t allow journalists and I beat the competitors to some exclusives,” reveals Natasha.

Natasha covers red carpet events at UK film premieres, the BAFTA’s, the Brit Awards, and the Glamour Awards and describes what it is like to meet people like George Clooney, Johnny Depp, and Robert Pattinson to name drop but a few, “It is such a cool job. I remember once being completely star struck with David Beckham. I met him at his underwear launch in Selfridges last year and turned into a babbling wreck when I spoke to him. Luckily, I did manage to get in a few questions about him and Victoria. Phew!”

It may seem glitzy, but magazine journalism is big business, and Natasha worked hard and showed utter determination in the pursuit of her dream job. She worked at The News, regional newspaper in Portsmouth, and later at Bournemouth News and Picture Service before getting the job at Reveal. “My first news agency job in Bournemouth brought me closer to the nationals, and it was a place where I learned to grow up as a journalist,” explains Natasha. “Working there was something else. I always thought nothing much happened in Dorset, but I was wrong.”

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It was in 2007 when Natasha got her break working at Bournemouth News and Picture Service on a feature about Prince William and Lisa Agar, the 19 year old girl who the royal ended up dancing with after a boozy night out. “I learnt so much and got to do so many things. I had an early taste of celebrity news. I remember tracking down a girl spotted dancing on a podium with Prince William while he was in Bournemouth. The girl had this fantastic picture of her and Prince William right next to each other. That picture created a bidding war between the nationals. The Sunday Mirror ended up winning and the story and picture made front page.”

Natasha’s interest in journalism started with a BA(Hons) Media with Cultural Studies degree at Solent University, “I really enjoyed the course. Doing the news and journalism units, followed by work experience at the Daily Echo in Bournemouth convinced me to be a journalist.” Natasha hopes she inspires future journalists from a very young age – and that Reveal magazine will encourage them to consider pursuing a career and studying journalism at University.

Queen of the decks Rising star, Mel Lewis, has been dubbed one of the UK’s hottest new broadcast talents, after being crowned Best Female at Radio 1’s Student Radio Awards.

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el – BA (Hons) Journalism and PR Masters graduate – beat more than 70 nominees to win the prestigious award at a star studded ceremony at London’s O2 arena.

The accolade – presented by Mel’s broadcast idol, Annie Mac – recognised her work with the Students’ Union, Radio Sonar.

The awards, hosted by Radio 1 DJs Fearne Cotton and Greg James, are designed to launch the next generation of industry professionals, with entries across 12 categories judged by the biggest names in radio, including Andy Parfitt, Steve Lamacq and Mark Goodier.

“I was so chuffed for Radio Sonar and Solent University to be collecting one of the most prestigious awards of the night,” said Mel. “But with some of the most elicit names in radio, I couldn’t help feeling nervous. It was surreal being awarded Best Female by Annie Mac.” As part of the award, Mel got to host a one-off three-hour show on Radio 1 scheduled to air on 30 May between 4am and 7am, and thereafter available on the BBC iPlayer. She said: “Hopefully, I’ve given

Annie Mac a run for her money. I was presented with a bottle of champagne which I always planned to drink after that show.”

Mel, who has also produced a Saturday sports programme for BBC Radio Sussex, as well as working full-time in Solent’s press office, has just become Student Media Co-ordinator for the University of Kent in Canterbury. She said: “Radio is my passion and I owe a lot to the University for helping me to develop the kind of skills that have opened up exciting career opportunities for me.

“The Radio 1 award was the culmination of a lot of hard work.

After being nominated for the Student Radio Awards, winning the category for Best Female and graduating with a Masters in Public Relations from Solent University and starting the job with Kent University, I had the best few months of my life.”

You can hear Mel’s winning demo at www.melisonfire.co.uk

Summer 2011 | HEADWAY | 23

“

I couldn’t have achieved my degree without the support of Clive and Patricia Wilson; they were inspirational

”

Top Left: Lisa Wilson, Bottom Left: Patricia Wilson, Gus McKechnie, Clive Wilson, Middle: Kirsty Smithers, Top right: Tom Dowsett, Right: Ali Lalani

Lisa Wilson Scholarship Fund For over eight years, the parents of Lisa Wilson have tributed the memory of their daughter by supporting Southampton Solent University students with bursaries to help them with the costs of higher education.

I

t is a testimony to the outstanding achievement of both Clive and Patricia Wilson, and a fitting tribute to their daughter Lisa, that they have helped 44 students to overcome their own personal adversities.

Through the Lisa Wilson Scholarship Fund, Clive and Patricia have raised over £198,000 during the eight years since Lisa tragically died in a car crash in Australia in 2002. Lisa graduated from Southampton

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Solent University (formerly Southampton Institute) in 2001 with a 2:1 BA (Hons) Business Management degree.

The award takes the form of a bursary of up to a maximum of £1,000 per year which is renewed annually. It is available to students who have overcome adversity or can demonstrate why they need extra financial help with their studies.

Masters graduate, Gus McKechnie has raised thousands of pounds for charity and inspired hundreds of kids, despite facing a string of tragedies that took his family from him.

Gus was crowned British Men’s adaptive Indoor Rowing Champion and has run five New York marathons. He raised thousands of pounds for the Fund and has played a key role in helping Clive Wilson to establish the continuing success of the Lisa Wilson Scholarship. Clive and Patricia have raised over £190,000 to help students in higher education against the odds in this tough economic climate.

Gus coached hundreds of schoolchildren in indoor rowing events and now the indefatigable athlete is undertaking Paralympic trials for sailing, athletics and sled hockey. On top of this Gus, who has cerebral palsy, has been a prolific charity fundraiser.

Gus’s brother was diagnosed with Haemachromatosis in 1998.

An early diagnosis would have given him the chance of life-prolonging treatment, but he died, aged 36 in 2003, not long before Gus’ father, who, Gus says, died of the “stress of the illness”.

When Gus discovered he had the same genes that cause the condition, he vowed to raise funds and awareness of Haemachromatosis. But, in 2007, soon after he graduated, Gus received another body-blow. His mother was taken ill and died of ovarian cancer. “I decided to continue fundraising in memory of my brother, father and mother,” said Gus, who went on to raise thousands of pounds for charity by cycling on a stationary bike twice the distance around the equator, on the Red Funnel ferry.

Ali Lalani – recipient of the Lisa Wilson Prize for outstanding academic achievement – has bowled his way to gold medal glory in the boccia world cup in Canada, and he says he couldn’t have done it without unwavering support and his place at a unique university.

The BA (Hons) Event Management graduate won a string of medals during a glittering five years of playing at international level.

Living with the muscular condition, cerebral palsy, increased Ali’s determination to succeed. “I always felt I had something to prove. I had a passion for boccia, and Solent University gave me the full support I needed to take it further,” he explained.

Ali has won major medals across the globe, including silver in Portugal 2005, team bronze in Brazil 2006, an individual bronze and team gold at the World Cup in Vancouver, Canada 2008. He later captained England to silver medal glory in Vienna in 2008, earning a call-up to the Great Britain team for the 2009 International Czech Open in Prague, winning silver.

Ali – who graduated in 2010 with a 2:1 in BA (Hons) Event Management Sport – said: “It’s been an enormous honour and privilege to be a Lisa Wilson Scholarship student. I couldn’t have achieved my degree without the support of Clive and Patricia Wilson; they were inspirational .”

Tom Dowsett recently launched Cre8able, a website dedicated to helping disabled people to succeed in the creative industries.Tom suffers from the muscular condition, cerebral palsy.

“While at Solent, I was offered support with note-taking, reading, and accessing information. I used some of my scholarship funding to explore alternative methods of access to written texts such as computer based reader software and I was able to employ an amanuensis to help me with assignments.

“When I met the Wilson family I was touched that they should think of me while dealing with their own personal tragedy.”

Tom received the Lisa Wilson Prize for outstanding academic achievement in 2009, the same year that he graduated with a 2:1 BA(Hons) Television and Video production.

When Kirsty Smithers was made homeless and diagnosed with dyslexia, a university education was the furthest thing from her mind.

But thanks to the Lisa Wilson Scholarship Fund and the Compact Scheme, Kirsty was able to study for a BA (Hons) Fine Art degree at Solent University – and the course of her life changed forever.

She now publishes poetry, exhibits art and runs a successful collaborative collective fine arts and film production company.

“I loved the course and the lecturers at Solent. I found expression through my artwork; my confidence improved and a whole new world of possibilities opened up to me,” said Kirsty.

After graduating in 2009, Kirsty travelled to America, where she developed experience in the film production industry through shadowing skilled practitioners. She fell in love with California, and decided, with her friends, to develop a production company.

“My World Illuminations Studios uses social media to network and recruit actors, artists, musicians and film crew on volunteering projects to produce amateur short films, documentaries, plays and other works of art,” explained Kirsty.

It’s a fitting role for someone who has expressed herself through a multitude of media platforms. Kirsty writes scripts and novellas, takes photographs and produces impressionist art and sculptures. Her most recent poem, ‘I’m Dreaming’ is published in the Mystic Melodies poem anthology.

She said: “The origins of my work spring from aspects of my life, including a challenging childhood.”

Kirsty is now working on new scripts, screenplays, and short films.

My World Illuminations Studio is producing an art installation of new sensations, inspired by Kirsty’s work, using sculptures, sounds, film, digital photography, paintings, lights, textiles, embroidery, typography, poetry and performance.

a whole new world “of possibilities opened up to me ”

Sean and Charlotte Lystor were both on the Lisa Wilson Scholarship scheme while studying at Solent. They struck up a firm friendship on campus – and ended up tying the knot.

Charlotte graduated in 2006 with a first class honours degree in BA (Hons) Marketing, Media and Design. She was also awarded the Lisa Wilson Scholarship Prize for outstanding academic achievement, the Southampton Solent Woman's award for outstanding achievement and the campus IT award.

Charlotte went on to study for a postgraduate Masters in Communication Design and a PGCE post-compulsory Education and Training. Three years ago she joined Solent University as an Associate Lecturer in Marketing. She is now a lecturer at Winchester University.

Sean is a computer-aided design (CAD) technician at Warmafloor, designing the under floor heating systems for the 2012 Olympics Athletes village.

Sean – who graduated with a BA (Hons) Architectural Technology with Interiors degree in 2007 and postgraduate study in Computer Aided Architectural Design and Construction – has also been CAD technician at Amey, as part of the accident investigation and prevention team, and with Halcrow, as part of an asset management, data analysis and surveying role in engineering CAD drawings.

Summer 2011 | HEADWAY | 25

26 | HEADWAY | Summer 2011

Getting the

ball rolling Football-mad Neil Jolliffe is literally living his dream, after an enviable internship led to an innovative role with Hampshire Football Association.

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A (Hons) Sports Development alumnus, Neil, became aware of Hampshire Football Association’s first ever football internship programme through Solent after graduating and taking up a parttime post with the University’s Sport Solent.

He later clinched the voluntary, one-day-aweek position at the County FA office.

“My passion for football led me to study Sports Development at Solent and I knew that I eventually wanted to go on to work with clubs developing talent and players at grass root level,” said Neil Neil juggled the internship at Hampshire Football Association with his job at Sport Solent and just six months later he landed a full-time post as Hampshire FA’s Football Development Officer for Growth and Retention.

“It’s great to be playing a bigger part in the football structure. I live for football and doing a job I enjoy so much doesn’t feel like work,” said Neil.

“To achieve my dreams, I was prepared to begin my career in sports development, but the internship gave me the chance to go straight into football development, where I wanted to be.”

Neil’s role at Hampshire FA is to retain the current clubs in the league, recruit new clubs, and increase grass root participation and recruitment.

The market research project he did as an intern, which included gathering and analysing data relating to the workforce of local clubs, helped Neil to grasp a clear understanding of the structure and setup of grassroots football.

Hampshire FA Senior Football Development Officer, Chris Smith was delighted with the success of the internship scheme. He said: “Neil demonstrated one of the many pathways available for students on the programme.

“His dedication and hard work landed him the full time position at Hampshire FA, which will give him further opportunities and experience. We are confident that he will continue to excel now that he is part of the team full time.”

Solent University’s Senior Lecturer in Sport Development and Sport Policy, Kevin Harris added: “Neil proves that volunteering and linking up with local organisations is a great career move for recent graduates.”

Hampshire FA is currently looking to run the scheme again, which will provide another placement for a recent graduate.

It's great to be “playing a bigger part in the football structure.

”

Summer 2011 | HEADWAY | 27

Finger on the

pulse

For more than a decade, Nicola Lees faced the stress and strains of frontline nursing in a busy A&E department – so when she found herself working with the nation’s favourite Australian and an array of sick animals, she knew exactly what to do.

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orking on the television programme, Animal Hospital, was a deviation, but her triage experience helped. “I had to choose which animals in the waiting room should be filmed with Rolf Harris. I became good at diagnosing everything from cat flu to canker, judging which animals needed surgery and which ones might die. Good television depended on those decisions,” said Nicola.

Animal Hospital gave Nicola an early break in a television production career, which she pursued after graduating in Media with Cultural Studies at Solent University.

“I wanted to move away from nursing and I loved the degree, especially generating ideas and writing. While I was there, I worked freelance at BBC Radio Solent – manning the phones on call-in programmes, and studio producing the Sunday morning show. That experience got me my first assistant job for a BBC executive producer.

“I went from assistant to executive producer and programme co-ordinator in the History and Archaeology Department and then researcher on science programmes, including Animal Hospital and Meet the Ancestors.

“When I was still a researcher, I pitched The Guinea Pig Club about badly burned WWII airmen who became guinea pigs for the first modern plastic surgery; it was commissioned by BBC4 within a week and went on to win the Royal Television Society History Award.”

Nicola’s talents were obvious. She found her niche as programme developer in the Science department and went from being a

28 | HEADWAY | Summer 2011

researcher to running the team.

Nicola went on to work for the BBC in New York, developing programme ideas for Discovery, TLC and Travel Channel, before returning to London to work in Multiplatform Development.

“Development is similar to working in A&E. You have to get to grips with a subject and build relationships and trust extremely quickly. You need to be able to anticipate what channels want to commission before they've articulated their needs. You also have to juggle several projects at different stages of development, and change direction quickly.”

Nicola is now a mentor for Women in Film and Television, which aims to attract more women into broadcasting.

“There are many talented women working in film and TV, but after the age of 35 women are under-represented. The WFTV mentoring scheme supports mid-career level women, enabling more to reach top management roles.

“There is no shortage of new talent and competition is fierce, so it's important that students wanting to go into the media work on their ideas and proposal-writing skills; make friends, get a mentor and sign up to networking groups such as 4Talent and The Unit List on Facebook.”

Nicola’s book on development and pitching ‘Greenlit: Developing Factual / Reality TV Ideas from Concept to Pitch’.

Careers The University’s Careers and Employability Service is a great source of support for students – and it doesn’t stop after graduation. The Service continues to give alumni valuable information and advice, keeping their careers on track for life.

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ne of its most useful resources is Graduate Jobs South an online careers site which it runs with Southampton, Chichester and Winchester universities to match the region’s best employers with talented graduates.

With support from top employers, plus Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce, Business Southampton, Southampton City Council and the Federation of Small Businesses, it’s in prime position for quality career opportunities.

Alumni get a tailored service, while employers get to enrich their businesses by accessing the local talent. In short, everyone’s a winner.

Case study: The alumnus Liz Batley – BA (Hons) Advertising, 2007 – used Graduate Jobs South to receive weekly email alerts.

“When I graduated in 2007, the economic climate meant, like other graduates, I faced quite a challenge. GJS posted me good quality and eclectic jobs that suited my skills and experience.

Basically, they did the legwork.

“Thanks to GJS, I landed a Press and PR Account Executive position at Southampton agency, Carswell Gould.

“The job was exactly what I was looking for. I applied via email and secured an interview by the end of the week.”

Through the website, we gained “access to a pool of high quality enthusiastic and skilled graduates itching to get industry experience

”

Case study: The employer Multimedia design agency, Ouno Creative, won a prestigious contract to produce a series of e-mags for the Farnborough International Airshow.

The publications were designed to be vehicles for a variety of media content – including animation, audio effects, video streaming and web integration.

Ouno needed skilled practitioners and Creative Director, Simon Pipe, decided to pull together a freelance team, as well as an intern.

“I needed an adaptable and creative intern with up-to-date technical skills in Flash development. I approached Solent University’s Careers & Employability Service, who recommended I take advantage of Graduate Jobs South’s subsidised internships, offered through the University.

“It was perfect. As a small company we couldn’t afford to commit to hiring a full term person for a short-term contract, but we could offer stimulating and rewarding short term project work with the possibility of extended employment at the end of the contract.

“Through the website, we gained access to a pool of high quality enthusiastic and skilled graduates itching to get industry experience.

“Jose Hillers undertook the 12 week internship, working alongside our regular design team. He was skilled, quick to learn, hardworking and bright and he rapidly became an asset , working on key projects, including interactive press releases, iPad-style brochures and richmedia e-mag content.

“We were sufficiently impressed with Jose to rehire him as a freelancer and Jose’s portfolio helped him secure a full-time position as a Facebook social games developer at E-TV.” For further information on how to help graduates find employment and employers find staff go to www.graduatejobsouth.co.uk

Summer 2011 | HEADWAY | 29

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 our website at www.solent.ac.uk or email your update to: alumni@solent.ac.uk

1995

2002

Gunther Meert BA (Hons) Corporate Communications Gunther is the Associate Director of healthcare market research company, Research Partnership. Gunther is also a volunteer for the London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard (LLGS).

Janet Ayling (nee Hawkley) BA (Hons) Corporate Communications Janet is Customer Services Manager for construction company, Emcor Facilities Services. Janet married in 2008 and lives in Locks Heath.

1999 Paul Goodison BSc (Hons) Maritime Studies Paul continued his successful sailing career after winning gold at the 2008 Beijing Games with his first World Cup title of 2010. He sealed regatta gold in the Laser class at the French Olympic Sailing Week in Hyeres.

Francesca Bell (Nee Mercer) and James Bell BA (Hons) Graphic Design Francesca is now a Corporate Branding designer for Landor Associates in London.

She married James Bell, who she had met in her Fresher’s year of University, in Sept 2004.

2000/2001 Laura Coyle (Nee Garbas) and Daniel Coyle Laura Garbas and Daniel Coyle married last year. They met on the Students’ Union magazine, where Daniel replaced Laura as editor.

Daniel is now editor of monthly publication Men's Running and Laura is the Head of Marketing for The Prince's Trust.

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Joe McGrath BA (Hons) Corporate Communications Joe studied for a post-graduate diploma in journalism and is now editor of What Investment magazine.

2004 Katie Ward BA (Hons) International Business Katie works in Business Development at London-based law firm Allen & Overy. As part of her course in International Business, Katie spent a semester studying abroad. Through her career she spent a year in Spain.

2006 Beth Louise Nissen BA (Hons) Film & Video Technology on the Media Technology Programme Beth completed the BBC’s Broadcast Technology Training Scheme and is now a Broadcast Engineer in the BBC News control room.

Hannah Anita Baker BA (Hons) Public Relations and Communications Hannah achieved a professional diploma in Direct and Interactive Marketing from the Institute of Direct Marketing and now works for Twosteps, a global job board for lawyers.

Berkeley March and Stefan Vennekens BA (Hons) Yacht Engineering Programme Berkeley and Stefan recently launched yacht and powercraft design business, Emocean Yacht Design. Projects include the design of a 32m hydrogen yacht requested by Flanders Yachting, which was introduced at the 2010 Monaco Yacht Show.

Berkeley – a finalist of Boat International’s young designer of the year – previously worked for Laurent Giles Ltd as a naval architect, on projects ranging from 30 to 125m and Trimline Superyacht Interiors.

Stefan plays an active role in the management and design on the Vennekens shipyard, continuing the 56 year old family tradition.

2007 Sean Williamson BA (Hons) Animation Sean took a position at Pinewood Studios art department for the 2008 production of Little Dorrit and in the summer of 2008 moved on to Studio Assistant at Bermuda Shorts animation in 2008. Now a freelance cartoonist, Sean submits cartoons to ESPN, the NHS, and regional press.

2008 Tom Morton BA (Hons) Sports Tom – a prolific opening batsman and wicket keeper for the University cricket team – spent a year playing professional cricket in Melbourne before returning to England to continue his sporting career.

ALUMNI WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

2009 Darren Mason BA (Hons) Criminology After graduating Darren signed up for HM Forces and joined the British Army, Royal Military Police. “I wanted to pursue a career related to my degree. University was really enjoyable and it has sparked my love of criminology academia,” explains Darren.

James Davies BA (Hons) Journalism Since graduating in 2009, James has set-up his own company, James Davies Media, and gone on to further his academic studies and qualifications by achieving a post-graduate diploma in broadcast journalism. Since then, James has exploded onto the journalism scene with several big name celebrity interviews already under his belt. The highlights including David Beckham, spending the morning with Sir Sean Connery, interviewing the likes of Shane Warne, Sir Jackie Stewart, Ricky Hatton, Colin Firth and Keira Knightley. James also regularly covers the Edinburgh Film Festival each year from 2007 through to 2010.

Dean Valler BA (Hons) Journalism Dean worked as a reporter for the Wiltshire Gazette & Herald and later as a senior reporter at the Coventry Telegraph.

For three years between 2006 and 2009 Dean was a freelance reporter for national newspapers, including The Sun, Daily Star Sunday and Metro. Highlights included fronting-up Peter Andre, going behind-thescenes of Most Haunted at a monastery in

Turin and reporting live for The Sun on the night Michael Jackson died. Dean now works as a Communications Officer at Buckinghamshire New University.

Alasdair Boden and Heather Lambden BA (Hons) Water Sports Studies and Management and BA (Hons) Events Management in Sport Alasdair – Solent’s ‘2009 Male Contribution to Sports’ winner and Heather – Solent’s ‘2009 Sportswoman of the Year’ – set up One Stop Sailing.

The T-Atol and Travel Trust Associationregistered agency offers vacations, courses, racing and corporate events and has signed up some of the world’s leading holiday providers.

Alasdair – former president of the University’s rowing club and captain of recreational sailing – sailed singlehanded around Britain in 2008, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

2010

Jamie Sinclair BA (Hons) Journalism After graduating, Jamie secured a job as a Graphics Operator for sports graphics company, Alston Elliot. He has since worked for major broadcasters BBC, ITV, IMG, Sky and ESPN, creating graphics for Premier League Football, International Cricket Council Champions Trophy in South Africa, and Twenty20 Cricket in India.

Alex Kirby BA (Hons) Television and Video Production Alex was appointed editor of Reko.TV after a successful two-month internship. Alex edited video for recognisable brands such as lastminute.com, Reebok, and Five Rivers, prompting the offer of the permanent editorship.

Guy Jackson BA (Hons) Engineering in Yacht Production and Surveying Since graduating, Guy has joined Solentbased company X-Yachts GB to develop racing yachts for the manufacturer. Guy – a previous winner of both national and world championships – will be running a two boat racing programme on the X-34 and the all new Xp 44 in the Warsash Spring Series, Vice Admirals Cup, Round the Island Race and the IRC National Championships.

Obituaries Elsie Tilburn HND Business and Finance, 1996 Elsie had been heavily active in the community where she lived, through her work with the New Forest District Council.

Elsie Tilburn died on 4 April 2009.

Lindsey Wilson BA (Hons) Business Studies and Management, 2004 Lindsey had been living in Southampton after graduating with a 2:1 Business Studies and Management degree and was passionate about cars and driving, passing her advanced driving test in 2004.

Lindsey died on 14 February 2010 Colin Yamamoto BA (Hons) Product Design with Marketing, 1997 Colin was an avid motor car enthusiast and, in particular, enjoyed the Ford Puma. He was a popular man among his fellow ‘Puma People’. Colin also had a fondness for chickens. Donations in memory of Colin managed to raise over £1,300 for Battery Hen Welfare Trust.

Colin Yamamoto died on 16 May 2009

Summer 2011 | HEADWAY | 31

EVENTS

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

round up

Solent’s diverse programme of cultural events, public talks and guest lectures continues to go from strength to strength. Highlights include...

Footie festivities The University presented Southampton Football Club with a specially commissioned sculpture, as part of the team’s 125th anniversary celebrations. Saints for all Seasons – a bench carved from sheet steel showing a line-up of players in Saints strips from the last 125 years – was unveiled by 1976 FA Cup winning manager, Lawrie McMenemy.

Chinese New Year Market The Year of the Rabbit got off to a great start with the University’s Chinese Market. Staff, students and members of the public enjoyed buying traditional Chinese goods, ranging from calligraphy and paintings to jewellery and head wear.

Holocaust and Genocide Memorial Day Solent students performed a moving piece of theatre as part of Southampton’s Holocaust and Genocide Memorial Day.The BA(Hons) Performance students’ short work for voices explored the legacy of the Terzin concentration camp in former Czechoslovakia. Untold Stories – a joint project with the Parkes Institute, the University of Southampton, and the Oasis Academy – included film and contributions from school students.

Truth or dare!

As part of the University’s Equality Scheme, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Richard Blackwell opened a University exhibition celebrating Lesbian Gay Bisexual Tran (LGBT) History Month 2011. Truth or Dare! – a community collaboration conceived by Senior Lecturer in Fashion Styling, Andrew Markham – represented Southampton’s LGBT community through memories and anecdotes in texts, sculptures and photographs.

See our website for future events.

32 | HEADWAY | Summer 2011

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 lifetime use of the University’s career service inclusion in the online email 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

KEEP IN TOUCH! We really want to know what you have been doing. Write or email 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 January 2011.

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# DESCRIPTION 1 Benji Bear (with t-shirt only)** 2 Graduation Bear (with t-shirt, mortar board and cloak) 3 Silver-plated business card case 4 Golf umbrella

UNIT PRICE

QUANTITY

P&P*

TOTAL

£9.00 £11.00 £9.00 £10.00

5 Silver-plated key ring

£4.00

6 Rollerball pen in black presentation case

£7.00

7 Mug

£7.00

8 University scroll

£6.00

*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

Order total:

£

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

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

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

Postcode: .......................................................................................................................................... Email: ............................................................................................................

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 2011 | HEADWAY | 33