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SOUTHAMPTON SOLENT UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

JANUARY 08

MARITIME THRILLS AND SPILLS

ALL STAR GRADUATION SCIENCE OF SPORT

CONTENTS

1. STUDYING STYLE 2. BRIGHT SPARKS 4. SPORT GETS SCIENTIFIC 6. SLICK TRAINING SPILLS INTO WARSASH 8. GRADUATION 07 12. CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY 13. SPEEDING TOWARDS SUCCESS 14. SOLENT PEOPLE

16. JOBS JOY FOR STUDENTS 17. MILLAIS GALLERY

HOW TO CONTACT US: Send your news, views, queries and comments to: the Press and PR Officer, Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton SO14 0RB T. 023 8031 9040 E. press.office@solent.ac.uk

Designed and published by: Southampton Solent University’s Marketing and Communications Service.

Printed by: Cedar Press.

WELCOME I am delighted to introduce the first edition of ISSUE, the new termly magazine from Southampton Solent University (SSU).

ISSUE will tell the story of the University over the years to come as it continues to grow and develop a distinctive niche for itself in the education sector.

SSU already has many success stories to tell and in this edition of ISSUE we celebrate the success of those who recently graduated, tell how we are beginning to deliver our own new stylish curriculum, as well as some of the stories of the bright sparks we attract to study here. On top of this, there are the talented staff whose work we showcase and the areas of the University where world class excellence is the key to our success.

I hope that you will enjoy reading our story as much as I hope that you will feel able to contribute to our success.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Van Gore

FASHION | ISSUE 1

STYLE STUDIES Styling is not just an affectation of the affluent, and with supermarkets and the small screen supplying stock and hints for the hoi polloi, everyone can aspire to a red carpet moment.

The right styling can make or break a person or brand and it’s central to the fashion and media industries.

programme, is delighted with the degrees which, according to style bible Vogue, are set to revolutionise the fashion industry.

It’s in this image-obsessed environment that sassy students are putting their heads together on our cutting-edge courses, which mix the stylish with the studious.

“In the last five years the styling industry has flourished and people’s understanding of styling and the impact it has on our lives has grown tremendously.

Jennifer Anyan, leader of the UK’s first Media and Fashion styling degree

“A whole genre of glossy magazines has grown around style in all areas of life, and journalists are writing about stylists as much as they are writing about the celebrities they dress,” says Jennifer, winner of ‘Elle/Rimmel’ Stylist 2005.

The new degree students are relishing the chance to develop their own practical skills – in catwalk production, creating advertising imagery and concepting film costumes – alongside an academic understanding of the cultural context of their creativity.

“We are a generation avidly reading lifestyle magazines and viewing style programmes, and we’re tapping into that interest and power. People didn’t realise styling was a career five years ago. Now, they know it’s a fast growing and lucrative industry with incredible potential,” says Jennifer.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Lisa Wilson Fund At a moving ceremony five more students received bursaries from the Lisa Wilson Scholarship Fund.

So far, 27 students have benefited from the charity set up by the Wilson family in memory of their daughter, and Southampton Solent University graduate, who died in a car crash five years ago during her trip around the world.

The awards are for students who have overcome adversity and can show why they need extra funding with their studies.

During the ceremony Sean Lystor (pictured with Clive and Tricia Wilson) was awarded the Lisa Wilson Outstanding Achievement Award. Sean graduated in November with a first class BA (Hons) in Architectural Technology and is now studying for an MSc in Computeraided Architectual Design at the University of the West of England.

Graduate employment rate Latest figures show that more students than ever are successfully finding employment after graduating from Southampton Solent University.

83% of the University’s graduates find employment within six months of leaving. According to national employability indicators, the University not only ranks ahead of local universities in terms of exceeding benchmark expectations but also ranks above the national average.

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ISSUE 1 |

BRIGHT SPARKS Our campus is crammed with creative students, and we’re proud to present a taste of our talented crop. We had a lot of fun mixing sports with style and music with muscle as we brought our brightest sparks in for this studio shoot.

Keep your eyes on this lot – they’re doing great things now, and they’re headed for a gloriously bright future. Here’s to doing what you love and loving what you do. It’s all part of our success story!

It’s a rap At just eight years old, Lucan Mills was entertaining his family with the kind of rapping that he hoped would rival his hero Jay-Z.

BA (Hons) Sport Development with Marketing received the John Millet Memorial Trophy at a presentation dinner on 26 October.

Ten years on, the BA (Hons) Urban and Electronic Music student has beaten thousands to a national rapping title, signed a major record deal, worked with the best in the industry and is planning his first UK tour.

Pecs win prizes Pumped up Peter Bullard has real pecs appeal – the worldclass body building student has muscled in on Madrid to be named fifth in the world with his physique.

Success snowballed for Lucan – aka L Rhymez – when he sat for half an hour at home in Southampton and penned the autobiographical, Ten Years, which went on to win the national Channel U Blow competition.

Peter – BA (Hons) Health and Fitness Management – scooped the prize in the Natural Physique Association’s World Junior Bodybuilding championships, after achieving the Junior British title.

Lucan has just been signed by major record company, Universal. He’s recorded two music videos – to be shown on Sky and Channel U – and his debut album, Coming Of Age is on the verge of release.

Cover girls Two BA (Hons) Interior Design students have won an unusual design competition held by Southamptonbased marquee manufacturer Custom Covers.

Lucan is set for his first UK tour and a trip to America, with plans to work with some of the industry’s most influential performers and producers – including Southampton’s brightest RnB star, Craig David. Not surprisingly, the music press is buzzing about Lucan, who has a regular rap spot on regional radio.

Cricketer of the Year For the second year running, a Southampton Solent student has been named Southern Electric Premier League Young Cricketer of the Year. James Hayward, who is in his final year of 2 | WINTER

The competition saw six University teams compete to design the best marquee space for a corporate event. Simon Bell, Custom Covers Technical and Production Director, presented the £200 first prize to Catherine Smith and Odell Brookes for their James Bond-themed ‘Casino Roof’ design.

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ISSUE 1 | SPORT

NEWS IN BRIEF

Signing up to success Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham, witnessed representatives from higher and further education sign a new agreement to help more vocational students into higher education.

Vocational students at local colleges are now guaranteed an interview or place with local universities including Southampton Solent, Portsmouth, Winchester, Chichester, and Southampton.

Less than half of all students studying on vocational courses go to university, compared to 90% of A Level students. The agreement, organised by the Lifelong Learning Network, aims to give vocational students the confidence and motivation to improve their academic future.

Magnum BA Southampton Solent is one of only 10 universities chosen to be part of an education partnership with the internationally renowned photographic agency Magnum.

Benefits for photography staff and students will include visits to their headquarters in London and the use of their valuable books and resources. Lecturers will have unlimited access to Magnum’s dynamic photo library, which houses more than 400,000 images from around the world. Students will be able to enjoy a lecture in the spring from one of their world-class photographers, and the possibility of a student internship.

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SPORT GETS SCIENTIFIC Football legend Lawrie McMenemy MBE officially opened the University’s new £1.3 million state-of-the-art Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Science in October.

Laboratory Director Dr Stewart Bruce-Low explains what the new laboratories will mean to the students, local athletes and the wider community.

What is sport science?

Sport science uses scientific principles and techniques to help improve exercise and sporting performance and prevent injuries in a range of sports. Students on our Applied Sport Science courses study the three main disciplines of physiology, psychology and biomechanics, which benefit a range of sports. For example, biomechanics is useful for gymnastics and diving, psychology for golf and archery, and physiology for cycling and running.

How will the new Centre benefit students on the course?

Being exposed to the latest technologies in sport science, working with elite athletes, and a variety of health and community organisations, will ensure our students have excellent work experience.

Who knows, some of our graduates may end up supporting/coaching future Olympic champions! We’ll be working with the local community too. Our students get to design fitness programmes for people of all needs, including those with mobility impairments.

How important is sport science for today’s athletes?

To be successful at the top level of any sport you have to be using sports science principles to some degree.

Altering training techniques and intensities, studying skills and exploring the psychology of competing can give athletes the competitive edge.

At the opening, former Saints Manager Lawrie McMenemy MBE said that the only way you would have got the likes of Mike Channon and Kevin Keegan into the new hi-tech labs would be to put a bar in the corner and lock the door!

Have attitudes to sport science changed in recent years?

Without a doubt. Sports like cycling and running were early converts and some football clubs now have their own sport scientist – at present I work as the consultant physiologist and sport scientist with Crystal Palace and Torquay United. We are currently talking to both Southampton FC and the Team Skandia Olympic sailing squad about using our facilities in the near future.

But it’s not just athletes who benefit from sport science is it?

Absolutely not. There is a lot of research carried out within sport science that benefits the wider community. One of our new pieces of kit is the MedX Lumbar extension machine. This unique piece of machinery – one of only five in the country – isolates muscles of the lower back and can help reduce the symptoms

SPORT | ISSUE 1

“

Therapeutics are very pleased to have the opportunity to work with the new Sports Science area and we are excited at the prospect of participating in the MedX study, which should enable us to offer a new dimension to the treatment of lower back pain for our clients.

NEW KIT

Kim Chesterfield, Therapeutics Chief Executive

• a £45,000 treadmill catering for runners cyclists, and wheelchair users

”

of lower back pain. Therapeutics, the largest medical and fitness centre on the south coast, will be sending along clients who suffer with back complaints to take part in a series of studies. We are also currently negotiating with local GPs to send their patients to be a part of the research studies.

The University is actively looking to build links with a variety of organisations from the sporting and health worlds. We are interested in hearing from organisations with regards to how they think the new facilities could support them.

The new sport equipment in the Centre includes:

Former Saints manager, Lawrie McMenemy MBE opens the University’s new state-of-the-art sport centre

For further information contact Dr Stewart Bruce-Low, Laboratory Director, Centre for Health, Exercise and Sport Science, Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton, SO14 0YN. E-mail CHESS@solent.ac.uk

•

a force plate that provides the basis for performance development and injury prevention research in activities such as running, jumping and weight lifting

• a reaction timer that measures athletes’ reactions to given stimuli •

a high speed camera that shoots 1250 frames a minute, allowing golfers to improve their swing and footballers to improve their free kicks by analysing data using sophisticated software.

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ISSUE 1 | MARITIME

“

Southampton has a varied and diverse environmental structure throughout its waters and tributaries, and the idea of a large spill without any contingency plans is unthinkable.

”

Gareth McCorkhill, OSRL-EARL

SLICK TRAINING SPILLS INTO WARSASH Two heavy boats collide in Southampton water, spilling several tons of heavy fuel oil. Winds are raging at 50-knots, and it’s only a matter of time before the tide takes the oil slick into the environmentally sensitive River Hamble…

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MARITIME | ISSUE 1

This sinister – but not impossible – scenario was set up by industry experts to practise tackling oil spills in the most challenging conditions.

Lecturers and students joined the local Harbour Master’s Office to train with global leaders Oil Spill Response Limited and East Asia Response Limited (OSRLEARL), who tackle spills across the world.

The exhilarating exercise tested students to the limit as they faced the fall-out from the mock collision between a dredger and a bunkering barge and worked to avoid a disaster on the Hamble.

The combined team, working in adverse weather conditions, towed floating inflatable booms across the river, directing the oil to a nearby beach to be contained and cleaned up.

It was a tricky process, made more complicated by the number of small jetties and moored boats in the area.

Ian Rolfe – in the later stages of training as a navigator at sea – was one of six students taking part. He said: “An important part of our training is aimed

at preventing environmental damage and disaster, and studying the legal implications of an accidental oil spill.

“It was incredibly useful to learn about the shore-based response to an oil spill, and to see first hand the methods that are employed locally to deal with environmental damage.”

OSRL-EARL’s Gareth McCorkhill said: “Southampton has a varied and diverse environmental structure throughout its waters and tributaries, and the idea of a large spill without any contingency plans is unthinkable.

“Continuous rigorous industry-wide training is essential to ensure people responding are highly skilled, prepared, and able to work well together.

The Southampton Solent University students worked well as a team. Their interest in the techniques used for best practice was extremely encouraging.

“It’s good that students have an idea of the assistance available if they are ever unfortunate enough to have a spill while onboard a vessel.”

CITY SLICKERS OSRL/EARL is a non-profit making company which responds to spills from any of its 34 oil company members 365 days a year. OSRL/ EARL has a base in Southampton, from where it responds to oil spills across the UK. It also has bases in Bahrain and Singapore and is part of a Global Response Network.

OSRL/EARL has dealt with varied and high profile oil spills, including the Exxon Valdese in Alaska, Sea Empress off Milford Haven, Erika off the coast of Brittany, Prestige off the coast of Spain, Tasman Spirit off Karachi Pakistan, and more recently MSC Napoli in Lyme Bay.

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ISSUE 1 |

GRADUATION 07 Over 2,000 students had their hard work and dedication rewarded at last year’s graduation ceremonies in November.

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GRADUATION 07 Students and their proud families packed Southampton Guildhall for 10 ceremonies, which awarded degrees from a wide range of courses including maritime education and training, fashion and design, media and television, law, sports and leisure.

In a fitting tribute to their peers, present students provided live webcasts of each ceremony to ensure that family and friends unable to attend would not miss out on the occasion.

Officiating at the ceremonies for the first time as Vice-Chancellor, Professor Van Gore said the range of students graduating epitomised the University’s inclusiveness and diversity.

In his address to the graduating students he said: “In today’s world the value of a higher education qualification cannot be overestimated. To achieve your success, you will have had to navigate a difficult 10 | WINTER

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 Eve Taylor had her professional ballroom dancing dreams dashed when her dance partner decided to call it a day – but with her first class honours Law degree she is now making the right moves towards a career as a barrister.

Eve left school at 17 to fund her dancing

which took her all over the world. She said: “Dancing was my great love but with no partner I had to look at other options.

While working as an administrator I took an Access course at Salisbury College in the evening and started to think about going to university.”

Like many young people, Eve was unsure whether she wanted to swap a regular wage for a student life and the associated debt: “Two people inspired me to make the leap. My tutor at Salisbury pointed out that I wouldn’t think twice about taking out a loan to buy a car, and a Law lecturer at Solent University gave a truly inspiring talk at one of the Open Days.”

“

GRADUATION | ISSUE 1

HONORARY ACHIEVEMENTS

The value of a higher education qualification cannot be overestimated.

”

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Van Gore

Eve now hopes to pass her bar exams next May and gain a pupillage with a set of chambers to realise her new dream of becoming a barrister.

Duncan Wyatt, from Bristol, has graduated from Southampton Solent University with a first class degree in BA (Hons) Graphic Image Making. Now he has landed his dream job in London working for the Disney Channel.

Duncan, who is the first in his family to go to University, was always a fan of Disney, but never dreamed he would be working for the global corporation. “I had a great time at Southampton and I worked very hard. 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!

Jeneen Channon, from Milford-on-Sea, has graduated with a first class degree in BA (Hons) Maritime Leisure Management.

Her academic success has fuelled her adventurous ambitions to work all over the world in the cruising industry.

The former Brockenhurst College student has just come back from Greece where she has been working with Sun Sail as a host on its leisure yachts. Now she has plans to work on ‘super yachts’ in the Caribbean.

“I’ve been sailing all my life, and I thought it would be great to use this passion in my academic study. It was great to find a course that would let me do this and I think my result reflected my commitment to the industry,” said Jeneen.

Jeneen is hoping that eventually she can use her skills to help her family’s Milfordon-Sea based marine hardware and sail making businesses, Channon Sails and Bamar UK.

The University awarded nine honorary degrees to people who have made an outstanding contribution in the fields of education, arts, sports, maritime studies and engineering.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Van Gore said: “The University has introduced innovative new degree courses in each of these areas, and it seems fitting to honour some of the most inspiring individuals in these fields.”

The Southamptoneducated GMTV presenter Fiona Philips received a Master of Arts for her achievements and dedication to broadcasting.

Commodore Ronald Warwick received a Doctorate of Maritime Studies in recognition of his distinguished career in the maritime industry. He commanded the QE2 and the QM2 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 his promotion of sailing as a competitive sport for disabled people through the Andrew Cassell Foundation.

Professor Silas Lwakabamba was awarded a Doctor of Engineering for his contribution to Higher Education.

He is Rector at the National University of Rwanda and was awarded the UICEE Silver Badge of Honour for his contributions to engineering education.

Internationally renowned artist Allen Jones received the honorary degree of Doctor of Arts for his contribution to the visual arts. The Southampton-born artist’s work features in over 50 major public collections around the world.

Wasfi Kani was awarded a Doctor of Music in recognition of her contribution to the world of music, and making opera accessible to a wider audience, founding Hampshire’s Grange Park Opera.

Former ViceChancellor of Southampton Solent University, Professor Roger Brown, was made Doctor of the University, in recognition of his great contribution in leading Southampton Institute to university status.

Double Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie MBE was awarded an honorary Doctorate at the opening of Southampton Boatshow last September. It was a double celebration for Ben who had earlier been named skipper of Team Origin, Britain’s new America’s Cup team.

Greg Dyke received the honorary degree of Doctor of Arts in recognition of his contribution to the television industry.

Broadcasting veteran Greg guided the consortium which created Channel 5 before becoming Director-General of the BBC from 2000-04.

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ISSUE 1 | COMMUNITY

BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATED In partnership with Southampton City Council, the University celebrated the city’s cultural diversity through debate, film and an exhibition.

Hundreds of visitors were able to enjoy ‘Back in the Day’, a series of post-war photographic images that took a nostalgic look at the rich African/Caribbean culture specific to Southampton.

Celebrated BBC documentary series Racism: A History – an evocative series examining racist attitudes, ideologies and their impact throughout history – was also screened at Solent Lecture Theatre.

The Rwandan Ambassador and the Vice-Chancellor celebrate Rwandan culture

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The highlight of the month was a special guest talk by the Rwandan Ambassador to the UK. His Excellency Ambassador Claver

Gatete spoke about the challenges the country has faced since the genocide, and the way it is moving forward. A craft exhibition and uplifting dance performances made for a truly cultural evening.

The Embassy was greatly honoured to be hosted by Southampton Solent University and to share with the University and the wider Southampton community the development challenges faced by Rwanda following the tragic events of 1994. My delegation and I very much appreciated the hospitality accorded to us and were impressed by the openness of the University to the Southampton community.

The last event of the month produced lively debate. A panel including Professor Jane Longmore, the University’s new Pro Vice-Chancellor, took questions from the audience on issues of race and diversity at ‘A Question of Race’.

“

His Excellency Ambassador Claver Gatete Rwandan Ambassador to the UK

”

Don John, Race Development Officer, Southampton City Council said: “The events organised by the University play a significant part in raising awareness of Black History Month as part of the wider education process, and as a means of heightening awareness of black people and their cultural heritage.”

ENTERPRISE | ISSUE 1

SPEEDING TOWARDS SUCCESS Charles Grain hopes to become hot property when his revolutionary student accommodation website www.newgaf.com goes live at the end of this year.

Charles came up with the idea of the website over a Vindaloo with his dad.

“As a student I know how difficult it can be to find student-friendly properties.

On my new website students just click on the area of the city they are looking to rent in and available properties, descriptions and landlord/estate agent contact details will pop up. Landlords and estate agents who advertise their properties on the site get a quick and easy link to the student market.”

Charles is one of 65 Solent students that have had support in setting up their own business under SPEED (Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in Education), a government backed scheme to create entrepreneurs of the future.

“The support from SPEED has made all the difference,” says Charles. “Without it I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do this. The networking has been hugely important as well as the technical and financial support. SPEED put me in touch with student Chris Jinks, whose business is building websites, and together we created the finished product.”

On the scheme, government funding helps with start-up costs, equipment purchases, initial office space, financial advice, training and mentoring.

Something our budding property tycoon has found invaluable.

So what does the future hold for Charles who graduated last November with a 2:1 in Business Management?

“The next six months will determine my next move, but if Southampton proves successful I may look to expand into other university towns. But whatever happens I see my future as an entrepreneur.”

NEWS IN BRIEF Philippines partnership Lecturers from maritime colleges across the Philippines have enrolled on a new postgraduate course, as part of a unique initiative driven by the University’s Warsash Maritime Academy.

An exchange system allowing our academics to visit the Philippines, as well as hosting visits here, will give students the chance to get the most out of this innovative course.

The visits will be backed up with electronic distance learning material, a virtual learning environment in which there will be elements of face-to-face contact, and discussion groups. There are plans to open up the course to other countries in the future.

For more information contact Charles at c.grain@newgaf.com or call 07737 160386

“

Our SPEED students are already generating an enormous amount of attention through their innovations and sheer energy. For ambitious and committed students the scheme offers a perfect low-risk opportunity to start, operate and grow their own business within the supportive environment of the University.

Stephen Brown, Enterprise Projects Manager at the Community and Enterprise Office (CEO)

”

For further information on the SPEED scheme contact the University’s Community Enterprise Office at ceo@solent.ac.uk or call 023 8031 9138.

Carry on up the Solent Maritime and Coastal Studies staff have been steering school children towards a career at sea with a series of Maritime Taster Days.

They have been taking school groups out on the University’s Solent Surveyor boat to see areas of maritime interest. The school parties have been learning about the local importance of the maritime industry, and how a new age of prosperity for the Port of Southampton is bringing with it a new generation of maritime careers.

Not surprisingly, the highlight of the day for many of the pupils was taking the wheel and steering the boat through the waters of the Solent.

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ISSUE 1 | SOLENT PEOPLE

LECTURING IS NO LAUGHING MATTER FOR SERIOUS STUDENTS Students will find something to smile about in the most serious of seminars – but in Dr Chris Ritchie’s lectures laughing out loud is positively encouraged.

Thanks to the success of the University’s new BA (Hons) Comedy Writing and Performance degree – the only one in the world – a stream of students are getting funny around the faculty. For course leader Dr Chris Ritchie, an academic who cut his performing teeth on the northern circuit, comedy is no joke. The Boltonborn stand-up says the things that amuse us make fascinating research – and his performance credentials transfer well to academia. “Lecturing isn’t so different from stand-up. A lecture has the same rhythms as a performance, and you have to keep your audience engaged,” he says.

There may have been some interesting conversations between parents – ‘you’re doing what?’– but our Comedy degree students have shown great commitment.

Student Hannah George won the Paramount On Tap Funniest Student 2007 title, and there’s plenty more to smile about.

“When we started the degree there was cynicism. People wondered whether it was a worthy subject. But comedy isn’t just about telling jokes. There are serious elements to humour, involving anthropology, psychology and philosophy, while a fascinating history of the social and political attitudes around comedy dates back to the Ancient Greeks when 14 | WINTER

the rich had ‘idlers’ to sit around and be funny. Our students are interested in learning the skills to perform and the underpinning theories,” says Chris.

If a hard-to-please student audience shows an occasional bout of boredom in Chris’ lectures, it’s likely to be good fodder for a seminar. He has researched and written extensively on the use of the mundane in the making of mirth.

“Comedy classics, like The Office, and The Royle Family made something funny out of boredom. We can all relate to it. It’s very much an English characteristic,” says Chris.

Chris – who also plays banjo in punk band Onehorsepig – still treats students to his slightly sardonic act, which draws largely from day-to-day observations of his mum. “They don’t really like it and they don’t seem to feel the need to pretend to be enthusiastic,” says Chris.

But it’s got to be done. If Chris’ students are regularly sent on stage, they have to see that their mentor is prepared to put himself out there. In the New Year, they are due to make their second visit to Berlin, where students have the onerous task of making the Germans laugh!

“We perform at the Do Do Haus Comedy Club. It’s an interesting experience. I love Germany. It’s a great place for beer

“

There are serious elements to humour, involving anthropology, social and political attitudes – and our students are rising to the challenge.

”

and it has a pivotal place in politics – it’s where fascism, communism and western democracy happened in the 20th century – which is fascinating.

“English people think Germans have no sense of humour. But it’s really just that Germans feel there is a time and place.”

The students, who study TV, radio and stand-up comedy, as well as different styles and personalities, can smile at the cynics who tried to talk them out of their unconventional degree choices.

Comedy production, performance and script writing are part of a growing global industry offering writers, performers and journalists glittering career opportunities.

Some may even follow Dr Ritchie’s lead, taking laughter to the lecture theatre and keeping the comedy in coursework.

SOLENT PEOPLE | ISSUE 1

NEWS IN BRIEF

LIFE IMITATING ART While most academics are used to seeing their works in print, few can claim to have been immortalised in a major work of fiction.

Professor Edward Chaney was a motorcycling, leather-jacketed art student when he first met the author GB Edwards in a Dorset pub in the early 1970s. Gerald Edwards was an eccentric intellectual, who had become something of a recluse in his old age. In his late twenties, when DH Lawrence was still alive, he had been expected to become the great man’s successor (and was indeed commissioned by Jonathan Cape to write Lawrence’s biography); yet he had gone on to publish only a handful of magazine articles, destroying many a typescript along the way.

Introduced by John Fowles, Ebenezer became an instant classic, paperbacked as a Penguin and published in America by Knopf, it was described by the New York Times as “A Masterpiece…One of the best novels of our time”. It was serialised by Guernsey-born Roy Dotrice on Radio 4. It has been translated into several languages and has just been reprinted in the US and UK by the New York Review of Books Classics. Professor Edward Chaney has just completed a ‘postfazione’ for the new Italian edition of Il Libro di Ebenezer le Page due out next month with Elliot Edizioni.

The author and art student quickly became friends and Edward encouraged his new friend to complete his fictional autobiography set in Guernsey: The Book of Ebenezer Le Page. On completion the author gave Edward the rights to his novel and dedicated it to him and his wife. Edward then set about trying to find a publisher but after multiple rejections only managed to do so when he moved to Italy several years after the author’s death in 1976.

Speculation has been rife ever since about the identity of the character Neville Falla – a motorcycling artist-rebel with a heart of gold, to whom the protagonist bequeaths his autobiography. Professor Edward Chaney, now a distinguished author and academic, is widely believed to be the inspiration for this character.

WMA is big news Warsash Maritime Academy’s miniature fleet – used to train skippers to pilot the world’s largest ships – has recently caught the national media’s attention.

Lecturers provide training using the seven 1:40 scale electrically powered tugs, berths and twoman tankers to instruct trainee helmsmen on a man-made lake, under conditions which emulate real life scenarios.

One of only four in the world, the lake – and other top training facilities at Warsash – are essential in a climate where maritime safety and environmental protection has gained increasing ground with the maritime industry boom.

For more information visit: www.warsashacademy.co.uk Elite hockey coup The university cohort of Southampton Solent, Southampton and Portsmouth will host one of four national hockey performance centres, after beating 36 higher education establishments to the post.

Working with England Hockey (EH) and local clubs, aspiring international players will get top quality coaching and lifestyle support to enable them to play at top level while studying for their degrees.

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ISSUE 1 | CITY LINKS

JOBS JOY FOR STUDENTS Each year approximately 6,000 of Southampton’s 40,000 students enter the labour market, with about 30% staying within the area to seek career opportunities. This gives the region’s employers access to a large pool of graduate talent from a wide range of sectors.

In the UK more than 99% of all businesses fall into the category of a small- to medium-sized business.

Statistics predict that there will be over two million jobs created in this sector over the next 10 years.

The GJS project is a joint initiative between Southampton Solent University and the University of Southampton to help match students and graduates with local graduate jobs in small- to mediumsized employers (SMEs).

The Graduate Jobs Southampton (GJS) website has been set up to increase the number of students and graduates staying or returning to work in the Hampshire area and to increase the number of small businesses recruiting graduates.

The project aims to raise awareness and recruit students and graduates to the excellent opportunities available within smaller, local companies.

The project benefits from professional guidance from Southampton City Council, Business Link and Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce.

It is supported by the Southampton Partnership, using funds from South East England Development Agency (SEEDA).

Since going live last April, the GJS website has seen over 800 regional employers register and over 350 vacancies advertised. To date, 32 graduates have found jobs with local firms, with more being interviewed and shortlisted every day.

CASE STUDY Liz Batley graduated in 2007 with a BA (Hons) in Advertising and found the job of her dreams.

Following an e-mail alert from GJS she applied for the position of a Press and PR Account Executive at Carswell Gould. After a second interview she was offered the job.

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Employers can currently register and advertise vacancies for free if they are regional SMEs. Students and graduates register to receive job alerts when vacancies come through. The vacancies advertised so far have covered a wide range of employment areas, from marketing to engineering.

She said: “If it wasn’t for the Graduate Jobs Southampton e-mail alert I would have probably not have heard of the job at Carswell Gould so I am extremely grateful for the service.”

Carswell Gould had been winning a lot of new clients and needed to recruit a new member of staff into the PR department. They were hoping for a recent graduate so decided to experiment with several university jobs websites.

Gill Gould, Managing Director, Carswell

The project’s strength is the regular contact it has with local employers and the statistical information it is able to collect through its sophisticated database.

The project can now measure how long vacancies are advertised for, what salaries are being advertised, which employment sectors are advertising, the number of employees each company has, as well as candidate statistics.

For further information visit: www.graduatejobsouthampton. co.uk or contact Meredith Pollock at meredith.pollock@solent.ac.uk.

Gould said: “The GJS website was particularly useful, as it was so easy to use. We emailed them with what we wanted and they emailed details directly to students. The response was fantastic – within days we had over 30 applicants from soon-to-be graduates.”

“

We are absolutely delighted to have found Liz and when similar roles come up in the future we will not hesitate to use GJS again.

”

WHAT’S ON | ISSUE 1

MILLAIS GALLERY

NEWS IN BRIEF

First light For the first time ever in the UK, extraordinary footage of the Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights) was presented in 3D (stereoscopic) vision in a new exhibition at the Millais Gallery.

Artist Brian McClave and Astrophysicist George Millward are the only people to have captured the Aurora Borealis on film in 3D. The duo filmed the fantastic light display simultaneously from two lakes 20 miles apart in Lapland.

11 January – 16 February 2008 Sophie Gerrard, Edmund KevillDavies, Moira Lovell, Kevin Neward, Dana Pope The Jerwood Photography Awards are open to artists who have graduated from visual arts degree courses in the UK within the last three years. Five winners each receive £2500 and are exhibited at

the Jerwood Space in London.

The five winners of 2007 look at some of the most emotive topics of our time. The issues of sexuality, sex as a commodity and the effects of waste on the environment are common themes throughout the exhibition.

Above: Edmund Kevill-Davies, The Bouchiers 1, 2006 (detail)

22 February – 4 April 2008 Little Sparta Ian Hamilton Finlay Ian Hamilton Finlay was a poet, artist and gardener. The most significant area of his work is that of words – written or inscribed on objects as diverse as cards, books, prints, stone and wood.

Finlay died in 2006 but throughout his life he continued a close relationship with Southampton Art Gallery, which acquired a significant amount of his work. It is a pleasure and a privilege for the Millais Gallery to show his collection and

organise events to celebrate the artist and his association with Southampton.

Above: Ian Hamilton Finlay, (b.1925), Tye Cringle Fall, printing ink on paper, 1975

Also showing was a stereoscopic view of the sun. NASA has been photographing the sun and gave special permission for their 3D images to be used.

Educational aid for Rwanda A sixth shipment packed with vital education resources set course for Rwanda this autumn. Since 2005 the Education Resources for Africa (ERFA) project has donated 630 computers, 28,000 books, VCRs, printers, projectors and photocopiers.

The project was started following a visit of the then Vice-Rector of the Kigali Institute who told of his country’s desperate need for computers and books to help rebuild its education system following the genocide of more than a decade ago. Donations are now received from other education institutions including Barton Peveril Sixth Form College, Totton College, Peter Symonds College, the London School of Economics, and the University of Worcester.

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Warsash Maritime Academy Open Day ISSUE 1 |

Friday 25 January 2008 10am – 5pm Find out more about careers in the Merchant Navy • Deck, engineering and electro-technical officer careers • Opportunities to travel worldwide • Get paid to train

For more information:

Tel: 01489 556 295 E-mail: wma.openday@solent.ac.uk www.warashacademy.co.uk Warsash Maritime Academy Newtown Road Warsash Southampton SO31 9ZL

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