Venta 28 by University of Winchester

University News

Issue 28 Summer 2013

UK and Ireland PRME Chapter League table success Discovering Richard’s Bones Canine therapy room £20,000 CSR funding Winchester Writers’ Conference

venta VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

For alumni and friends of the University of Winchester

Roller skating circus show on tour Elephant Valley Project 1

University News

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

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Fresher to Future initiative The University of Winchester takes great pride in its graduates and want you to share your success. Tell us your story. To find out more visit: www.winchester.ac.uk/future

Venta/Summer2013

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

Welcome Dear Friends, As this academic year draws to a close the outlook for higher education is still uncertain. The University of Winchester – like others – must respond to the effects of rising fees, a shrinking population of young people and changes to government policy on student numbers and on visas, all with the backdrop of a difficult economic climate. At Winchester we are confident that we continue to provide a top-quality education for our students, and we continue to invest in our estate, to develop new courses and to celebrate our successes. We look forward to marking our 175th anniversary in 2015, and hope that many of our alumni will come together to celebrate with us. I am delighted that our progress has been highlighted by the university league tables. Our teacher training has been recognised as among the best in the country, ranked 13 out of 74 in the Good Teacher Training Guide 2012. Also very pleasing is our success in the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey, where we have climbed from 28th

place last year to 22nd out of 102 institutions. This survey showed that students particularly value our environment and their relationships with friendly and helpful teaching staff. We are proud of the ’Winchester Experience’ and this public recognition shows our students really value it too. One unusual addition to the range of services for students was Tess, the Pets as Therapy dog – who was on hand during the exam period this year to help students combat stress. A particular joy this year was the installation of the new artwork which completed the new St Alphege learning and teaching building. It is a sight to behold, with an original design referencing the University’s Christian foundation and links with the city of Winchester. In January we were delighted to welcome HRH The Earl of Wessex who officially opened the new building. During the visit he had the opportunity to see many of our other facilities first-hand and speak with many staff and students. Finally, some very sad news. Many of you will remember John Cranmer, Principal of King

University wins gold Food for Life Catering award The Food for Life Catering Marks, administered by the Soil Association, recognise excellent practice, rewarding commitment to independent standards of ethical and environmentally sustainable food sourcing, and providing freshlyprepared, healthy meals. The University of Winchester has become the first UK university to receive a gold Food for Life Catering Mark award, this was for its Gourmet Burger menu which consists of organic buffalo burgers and organic mushroom burgers. These are produced by an in-house catering team, using quality ingredients from two local suppliers, Fundamentally Fungus

and Broughton Water Buffalo. At the same ceremony, the University was awarded eight other awards; two silver and six bronze. The two silver awards were for the University’s wedding menus and the LIFE menu; a menu which reflects the University’s use of seasonal, local and higher welfare food.

Alfred’s College from 1984-1992. You will be very sorry to hear that he passed away peacefully on 9 April following a long illness. John contributed a huge amount to this institution and to his local community. On leaving King Alfred’s he became ordained and continued to live locally serving the church and community for many years. He was also active in local charities, most notably the Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust. His funeral was attended by many who knew him from his days at King Alfred’s and was a celebration of his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time. I wish you all a happy, healthy and very enjoyable summer season.

Professor Joy Carter Vice-Chancellor June 2013

Contents UK and Ireland PRME Chapter........ page 2 Discovering Richard’s bones........... page 3 Canine therapy room....................... page 4 Funding for CSR business................ page 5 Winchester Writers’ Conference.... page 6 Alumni Association Survey ............ pages 7-10 Roller skating circus show............... page 11 Fijian adventure................................ page 12 Elephant Valley Project.................... page 13 Winton Weekend.............................. page 14 Winton Club Reunion...................... page 15 175 year anniversary......................... page 16 Front cover: Bella Kinetica’s roller skating circus show.

University wins gold Food for Life Catering award, from left to right: Piotr Laba, Chef; Coleen Neville, Assistant Catering Manager; and Thomas GooldDavies, Events and Marketing Co-ordinator

Back cover: Blossom on the King Alfred Campus.

Venta is published by the Registry and Marketing Department of the University of Winchester. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of editorial content, no responsibility can be taken for any errors and/or omissions. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the University of Winchester. All rights reserved. © University of Winchester 2013

University News

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

UK and Ireland PRME Chapter Professor Alan Murray, Professor of Responsible Management at the University of Winchester’s Hoare Centre of Responsible Management, was appointed as Chair of the UK and Ireland Chapter of the UN Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative at the Foundation Meeting on 10 May. Thirty-two delegates of PRME signatory Business and Management Schools from across the UK and Ireland came together to agree the Constitution and Steering Committee and to discuss ideas on the role, activities and events for the new Chapter. “This represents a significant milestone in the development of the PRME initiative in the UK and Ireland,” said Professor Murray, who has been associated with PRME since sitting on the original UN Global Compact Taskforce which defined the Principles in 2007 and who has promoted the development of the network in the UK since then. “To have a network of signatories in the UK and Ireland recognised by the UN Global Compact Office gives added impetus to promote teaching and research in the broad areas of responsible management and sustainable development. We will do this by organising conferences and events to further this agenda and to encourage yet more UK and

Ireland Schools to sign up.” The Winchester Business School was the 13th Business School in the UK to join the UN PRME initiative. The PRME is inspired by internationally accepted values such as the principles of the United Nations Global Compact, of which the University is an active participant in the UK Network. The PRME initiative aims to inspire and champion responsible management education, research and thought leadership. Dr Natalia Yakovleva, Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Business at the University of Winchester, was elected as Secretary of the PRME UK and Ireland Chapter and the Winchester Business School was appointed to act as Secretariat.

Consequently, the University of Winchester appointed Professor Neil Marriott to a Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Professor Marriott has over 27 years of teaching, research and management experience in UK business schools and universities. Previously, he was the Pro-ViceChancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law and Sport at Winchester. 2

The Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Dame Mary Fagan DCVO JP, has appointed Professor Joy Carter as a Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire, in recognition of her significant contribution to local, county and national life. Professor Carter will become one of 55 Deputy Lieutenants across Hampshire, all working to support and promote the Lieutenancy in Hampshire and to represent the Lord-Lieutenant in her role as The Queen’s representative in performing a range of public duties when required. Deputy Lieutenants do not receive remuneration for undertaking duties on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant and their service to the county is entirely voluntary. “I feel very honoured to be invited to join the Lieutenancy,” said Professor Joy Carter. “I admire the work done by the Lord-Lieutenant and will be delighted to carry out any duties assigned to me.”

Leadership changes at the University After working for more than 19 years at the University, Tommy Geddes retired from his latest role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor in January, and took up the new post of Ombudsman. He will be one of the first University Ombudsmen in the UK.

Vice-Chancellor appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire

Professor Joy Carter has been the ViceChancellor at the University of Winchester for the past seven years. During that time she has been actively involved in a number of local initiatives which include leading the Hampshire Diamond Jubilee Gambia Project and being Patron of Winchester Action on Climate Change (WinACC).

Also in January 2013, Professor Elizabeth Stuart took up the position of the senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (with the title First Deputy) and Simon Cowhig, formerly the Director of Finance and Strategy, was appointed Assistant Vice-Chancellor. Professor Joyce Goodman, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health and Social Care, joined the Senior Management Team for the next two years as Dean/Pro-Vice-Chancellor. In April, Professor David Birks was appointed as the new Dean of Business, Law and Sport and Director of the Winchester Business School. Professor Birks’ specialist areas are marketing research and fashion marketing.

Professor Joy Carter (left) with Dame Mary Fagan

University News

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

League table success The University of Winchester has received a rating of 100 per cent for the proportion of small group teaching led by an academic in the 2013 Student Academic Experience Survey, which is jointly produced by Which? and the Higher Education Policy Institute. The Survey found that small group teaching is important to students with two thirds (65 per cent) saying they gain a lot from learning in groups of up to five students but that nonacademic, instead of academic staff, were commonly used in universities to lead smaller group teaching. “The University of Winchester is committed to giving our students the best possible learning and teaching experience,” commented Professor

Elizabeth Stuart, Deputy Vice-Chancellor. “We do try to give our PhD students some opportunity to teach after appropriate training but we limit the amount of teaching they can do and we certainly do not offload whole parts of our courses onto research students. “Our academic staff love to teach as much as they value their research and this is reflected in the fact that if you come to Winchester you will be taught by the professors and lecturers who are at the leading edge of their field.” This follows the recently published news that the University of has risen six places since last year in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Student Experience Survey, going from 28th to 22nd place; and is in 69th place, rising seven places, in The Complete University Guide Rank 2014.

University contributes to banking and economy conference The University of Winchester co-sponsored the University of Southampton’s Centre for Banking, Finance and Sustainable Development second European Conference on Banking and the Economy (ECOBATE 2013), on 6 March in Winchester. The Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, spoke on the key themes of local banking and sustainable money. Attendees explored topics including the recurring banking crises, small and medium-sized enterprises obtaining bank loans, and how other countries successfully deliver a steady supply of funding to small firms and thus generate stable growth and prosperity in local communities. Professor Neil Marriott, Deputy ViceChancellor at the University of Winchester, chaired a panel discussion on the role of local banks in regional economic development.

“It is the second time that the University of Winchester has sponsored this conference alongside the Bank of England, Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council and industry sponsors,” said Professor Neil Marriott. “The UK banking sector has failed to respond positively to the financial crisis and there is a need to consider local solutions to local economic problems. The banks’ failure to lend is harming industry and commerce, especially small and medium sized firms, and these are the bedrock of the economic recovery. There is much we can learn from the German model which has fared more favourably than other economies blighted by the financial crisis.” The conference endorsed the establishment of a local savings bank in Hampshire to support the local economy and respond to the needs of residents and entrepreneurs.

Professor Michael Hicks (left) and Dr Richard Buckley outside the Tower of London © Historic Royal Palaces

Discovering Richard’s Bones Winchester Historian Professor Michael Hicks gave a lecture at the Tower of London recently on The Character of Richard III as part of an Adult Learning event on Discovering Richard’s Bones hosted by the Historic Royal Palaces. The event also featured an informative presentation by Dr Richard Buckley, University of Leicester, the lead archaeologist on the search for Richard III’s bones. As well as detailing what was found in the trenches, he was able to talk about the site, the skeleton itself and DNA evidence. “The unearthing of these bones has certainly re-generated popular interest in the fifteenth century as well as Richard III,” said Professor Hicks whose novel Richard III, first published in 1991 has been reprinted this year. “If these are his bones, it shows much of Tudor propaganda was in fact true.” Professor Hicks was able to give some insight Richard’s career, both as Duke of Gloucester and King of England. He explained that Richard was an effective administrator and soldier with a highly ambitious and ruthless streak. “His bad reputation spread because he overstepped the line, seizing the throne,” he adds. “His contemporaries exploited his misconduct very well.” A podcast of both the talks can be downloaded at https://soundcloud.com/ historic-royal-palaces/sets/ richard-iii-uncovered-1

Vince Cable (second left) with representatives from the universities of Southampton and Winchester

Richard III

University News

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

University Sports Psychologist supports Royal Navy Rugby Union Jo Batey, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Winchester, has been providing sports psychology support to help enhance the performance of the Royal Navy Rugby Union (RNRU) squad. The team, based at HMS Sultan in Gosport, only returned from overseas postings in February. In March the entire squad visited the University for additional sports science support in the form of physiological testing. The team completed a series of sessions in the laboratory with Helen Ryan, Lecturer in Sport Physiology and James Wright, Physiology Laboratory Technician. The team later had a psychology workshop at the University on Managing your Intensity before training on the pitches at Bar End. “The squad are quite unusual in that they only train together for a three month period,” said

Jo who is an accredited member of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and a member of the Sport Science Consultancy Unit (SSCU) at the University. “Having such a restricted season means working with them is a real challenge. Usually there is down time within the season and you have more time to develop relationships and make an impact. This is a much more intense environment and there is a greater sense of urgency.” Workshops like Managing your Intensity help athletes to analyse their own behavioural patterns, thought and emotions, based on past levels of performance, both good and bad. Once they recognise these, they can begin to utilise some of the mental skills that they are taught so they can be thinking, feeling and behaving in optimal ways during training and competition to ensure they play to their potential.

Fixtures so far have included playing Oxford and Cambridge universities, the Irish Defence Forces, and the Marines. The season finale was on 27 April when the Royal Navy took on the Army at Twickenham. Unfortunately, history of only one victory in over a decade was repeated as the Army won 43 to 26.

RNRU players with Jo Batey (second from top left)

Canine therapy room on campus Students at the University of Winchester were offered a special room on campus to relax and unwind during the exam period by spending some time having a cuddle with Tess, a seven-year-old rescue Labrador. For this special student welfare initiative the University has teamed up with the charity Pets as Therapy. Pets as Therapy is a national charity founded in 1983 that provides therapeutic

visits to a variety of venues including hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, and special needs schools. The visits are performed by charity volunteers with their own friendly, temperament-tested dogs and cats. Research shows that interaction with dogs reduces stress and promotes happiness by decreasing cortisol levels and increasing endorphins.

Winchester students to be Young Ambassadors at BMW PGA Championship Five sports studies students from the University of Winchester assisted the world’s top golfers at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club in May. The students were chosen as Young Ambassadors for a scheme run by Surrey Golf Partnership and supported by the PGA European Tour. Luke Warren, Alicia Currie, Eleanor Deakin, Connor Breen and Matthew Butler all wore the BMW PGA Championship hosts uniform 4

‘Get into golf’ is a national campaign run by the England Golf Partnership to inspire people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to take up the game and make England the world’s leading golf nation by 2020. Find out more at www.getintogolf.org

and worked alongside golfers on the range and practice areas. “This PGA Championship is often considered to be the flagship event on the European Tour,” said Richard Cheetham, Lecturer in Sports Coaching, who nominated the students for the scheme. “This is a fantastic opportunity for students to work at a global sporting event alongside professionals to gain experience to enhance their CVs and career prospects.”

From left to right: Luke Warren, Alicia Currie, Eleanor Deakin, Connor Breen and Matthew Butler

University News

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

New artwork under Royal scrutiny

HRH The Earl of Wessex formally opening St Alphege

His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO, formally opened St Alphege, the University’s new stateof-the-art Learning and Teaching building in early 2013. As well as taking a tour of the new facilities and unveiling a plaque, HRH met students, attended a scheduled class and viewed an installation of new artwork. The artwork on the front of St Alphege symbolises the University’s Christian Foundation in 1840, its location in Winchester and its links with King Alfred the Great. The rose coloured glass panel represents Jesus while the colour represents unconditional love. The multiple vertical sawn timber slats denote The Disciples and students of the University, whilst the burnt douglas fir timber represents

Artwork on St Alphege

the Christian cross and the sword held by King Alfred. The horizontal coloured glass panels stand for musical notation and scripture and in particular Christian psalms. The Apostles are characterised by 11 stainless steel columns, the 12th column is in rusted steel to symbolise Judas Iscariot. To further expand the learning and teaching provision and building on the success of the current Learning Café, the University has renovated the Kenneth Kettle Building to develop a second dedicated social learning space, Cyber Italia. Cyber Italia consists of a brand new interior design and layout, with PC access; a café serving hot and cold food; new comfy seating areas; out of hours self-service snacks and drinks machines; a new toilet block; and outside terracing area with seating.

Burma Road Student Village

Further developments on campus include the new Burma Road Student Village, which is due to be fully completed later this year. The buildings provide a total of 350 en suite study bedrooms. Inside the development is an extensive fitness gym, available to members of the community as well as students and staff. It is split over two floors with the latest strength and cardiovascular equipment provided by Life Fitness. There will be a number of exercise classes hosted throughout the year to provide the opportunity for group fitness. The new gym is part of a major investment by the University to enhance its sports facilities, which includes the Winchester Sports Stadium located at Bar End. Find out more at www.winchester.ac.uk/sport

University awards £20,000 funding for socially responsible businesses The University of Winchester has awarded more than £20,000 in seed funding to a number of staff, students and graduates to start socially responsible businesses. The funding forms part of a £2m pioneering social enterprise initiative funded by the Higher Education Council (HEFCE) and delivered by UnLtd, the Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs.

formed ideas which were seen as having the potential to develop into long-term and sustainable social enterprises.

The University offered its students, staff and graduates the chance to apply for ‘Try It’ awards of up to £500 to encourage the development of ideas which could change society for the better. ‘Do It’ awards of up to £5,000 were also available for more fully

“As a military child myself I found it difficult to settle and fit in when moving around,” says Lucy. “I often missed out on opportunities due to catchment areas and moving between terms. Through working with Integr8 Dance and military community development workers,

Final year Choreography and Dance student Lucy Fawcett has been awarded a ‘Do It’ award for her company ‘DanceForce’. She aims to setup co-ordinated military base dance schools, catering for the needs of children who move around within the military community.

I decided dance might be an ideal tool to help build a sense of belonging across the military community, using a set syllabus across various bases. “As well as providing funding, the award has offered support and training which has really helped to build my confidence with this project.” Other successful ‘Try It’ and ‘Do It’ ideas include a mediation service; American football coaching in local schools; ‘digital badges’ for individual achievement; affordable dance lessons; and using applied theatre as an empowerment tool for children.

University News

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

University welcomes Julian Fellowes to speak at Winchester Writers’ Conference The University of Winchester is delighted to welcome the creators of the hugely popular television series Downton Abbey, Lord Fellowes and Lady Emma Fellowes, to give the Plenary Address at the 33rd Winchester Writers’ Conference, Festival and Bookfair. The event will be held on the weekend of 21-23 June and will be followed by a week-long programme of writing workshops. We Do Not Know Anything More than You Do presented by Julian Fellowes will take place on Saturday 22 June in The Stripe and is one in a series of exciting writers’ events this year. A team of more than 60 novelists, poets, playwrights, scriptwriters, literary agents, commissioning editors and book industry specialists will give masters’ courses,

workshops, lectures, seminars and one-to-one appointments at this year’s festival of writing. Julian Fellowes is an award-wining novelist, actor, film director and screenwriter, as well as a Conservative Life Peer. Notable television credits include Monarch of the Glen; For the Greater Good; The Scarlet Pimpernel; Sharpe’s Regiment; Sharpe’s Rifles; and Julian Fellowes Investigates: A Most Mysterious Murder.

script for the West End musical Mary Poppins and novels Snobs (2004) and Past Imperfect (2009) which both became Sunday Times bestsellers. The full conference programme for the Winchester Writers’ Conference is available online at www.writersconference.co.uk

Julian’s critically acclaimed period drama Downton Abbey was created for ITV1 in 2010 with his wife Emma as Story Editor. The series was inspired by his former film Gosford Park which won him an Oscar for Best Screenplay in 2002. Other notable screenwriting credits include Separate Lies; The Young Victoria; Vanity Fair; The Tourist; and From Time to Time. Other aspects of his expansive career include the

Winchester Film Festival 2013 From 4-13 April, an array of cult, independent and classic films were shown at a variety of venues as part of the Winchester Film Festival 2013, as organised by the School of Media and Film at the University of Winchester. In Winchester, films included Witness for Prosecution at The Great Hall; The Women at L.K. Bennett; The Third Man and The Tunnel at Chesil Tunnel; Stage Fright at the Theatre Royal Winchester. In Eastleigh The Disappearance of Alice Creed was screened at the Sorting Office. “As always our aim is to screen great films in atmospheric and often unusual places in and around the City and District of Winchester,” said Festival organiser, Christian Francis from the University of Winchester. “Each year we strive to find new and interesting locations that provide the perfect settings to re-discover classic films, or even catch them for the first time!” The proceeds were donated to Winchester Youth Counselling. 6

Alumni Association Survey

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

Alumni Association Survey Dear Wintonian Thank you for taking part in this University of Winchester survey asking for your views about The Winton Club – The University of Winchester’s Alumni Association. You are a member of The Winton Club if you graduated from King Alfred’s College, University College Winchester or the University of Winchester. We are seeking your valuable opinions regarding alumni engagement with the University of Winchester. In general terms, we want to know how the University has connected with you since you graduated, what the institution means to you today and what role you wish to play in supporting the future of the University. Whether you complete this printed survey or the online version there is an opportunity to win one of 10 University of Winchester scarves. Your contact details are required to qualify for this prize draw but they will be used only by the University of Winchester and will not be forwarded to any third parties. Your answers will help us shape the future of your alumni association.

Corinne Mackenzie Development Manager The survey is also available for completion online at:

www.survey.winchester.ac.uk/alumniassociation

Alumni Association Survey

1. W hen I think of the University of Winchester and what it means to me, I am most reminded/fond of the following elements (select all that apply):

■■ Academic ■■ Heritage (King Alfred’s College) ■■ Friendly, community (small classes, ability to know lecturers) ■■ Sports ■■ Social ■■ Student Union ■■ Other (please specify)

2. H ow has your University of Winchester (or King Alfred’s College) education contributed to your life? (select all that apply):

■■ Influenced your values in life ■■ Contributed to your advancement in society ■■ Provided a focus towards your career ■■ Developed new and significant relationships ■■ Other (please specify)

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

5. W ould you like the Alumni Office to communicate with you in the following ways? (select all that apply):

■■ Website ■■ Facebook ■■ Twitter ■■ Through the post ■■ Online enewsletter ■■ Email ■■ Other (please specify)

6. W hat would you most like to read about in Venta? (select all that apply):

■■ Academic opinion pieces ■■ News about alumni ■■ News about University research ■■ Events on campus ■■ Professional advice (e.g. time management, CV advice) ■■ Offers, benefits, how other alumni can help you (e.g. scholarships or business connections)

■■ Campus developments ■■ University news ■■ Readers’ letters/comments ■■ None of the above ■■ Other (please specify) 3. How often are you in touch with the Alumni Office?

■■ Several times a year ■■ 1-3 times a year ■■ Never ■■ Whenever your contact details change 4. W hich of the following methods are you aware of alumni communications? (select all that apply):

■■ Venta newsletter ■■ Alumni webpages ■■ Facebook – ‘The Winton Club, The University of Winchester’s Alumni Association’

■■ Twitter – ‘Winchester Alumni’ ■■ None of the above ■■ Any suggestions for new places?

7. T he Alumni Association is officially named ‘The Winton Club’. How well do you relate to this name?

■■ Very well – Winton is a word I strongly associate with Winchester ■■ It’s fine – I recognise the word Winton in connection with Winchester ■■ Not at all – the word Winton does not mean anything to me ■■ Any suggestions for alternative names?

Alumni Association Survey

8. How well does the Alumni Association serve your needs?

■■ Exceeds expectations

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

12. What would you like to see the Alumni Association provide that it does not now offer?

■■ Meets expectations ■■ Improvement is desired (please specify)

9. W hat do you expect from the Alumni Association? (select all that apply):

■■ Social gatherings and networking events ■■ Reunions (types) ■■ Regular news publications ■■ Access to University services (types) ■■ Scholarships (postgraduate, family) ■■ Access to campus facilities (e.g. library) ■■ Advice and guidance (e.g. careers) ■■ Other (please specify)

10. What type of Alumni events would you be interested in attending? (select all that apply):

■■ Guest talks with industry speakers ■■ Social gatherings and reunions (e.g. day trips, weekend events) ■■ Career and personal development workshops ■■ Professional networking events ■■ Graduating class reunions ■■ Lectures ■■ Sporting events ■■ None of the above ■■ Other (please specify)

11. What is the maximum amount you might be prepared to pay for an event?

■■ Up to £10 ■■ £11-20 ■■ £21-30 ■■ £31-40 ■■ £41-50 ■■ £51-60 ■■ I would not pay for an event

13. What have you seen/heard about/experienced from alumni associations from other institutions that are effective and that we might consider adopting?

14. How would you like to be connected to the University? (select all that apply):

■■ Through volunteering ■■ Through the Alumni Association ■■ Through sponsorship of alumni activities ■■ Donations ■■ Giving talks to students ■■ Becoming a blogger ■■ Becoming a student mentor ■■ Helping with student recruitment ■■ None of the above ■■ Other (please specify)

15. Are you aware that as an alumnus you are eligible for the following benefits?: (select all that apply):

■■ Discount on postgraduate study ■■ Half price SU venue hire ■■ Discount on campus accommodation ■■ Career guidance ■■ Find a friend service ■■ Rewards and discounts (e.g. theatre, holiday cottages) ■■ Other suggestions for benefits the University might offer alumni

Alumni Association Survey

16. Which of the benefits have you accessed?

■■ Scholarships, bursaries and awards ■■ Find a friend service ■■ Scholarships / discounts on postgraduate study ■■ Alumni discounts / offers ■■ None ■■ Other (please specify)

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

Thank you for completing this survey. The survey closes on Friday 26 July and the prize draw for the scarves will take place on Monday 29 July. The winners will be notified shortly afterwards.

Name Email Phone no. Address (optional)

17. W ould you consider donating money to Alumni Association in the future?

■■ Definitely ■■ Maybe ■■ I might do, but I don’t have the money ■■ Probably not ■■ Definitely not 18. If you are not likely to make a donation which of the following reasons apply:

■■ I don’t think of universities as charities ■■ I don’t think I could target my donation to precisely where I want it to go

■■ It’s not something I would spend my money on ■■ I wouldn’t know how to donate money ■■ I don’t know that the Alumni Association will use my donation effectively

■■ Other (please specify)

Please return your completed survey to: Freepost RLXR-GHZX-KLYX Corinne Mackenzie Development Manager University of Winchester Winchester Hampshire SO22 4NR Or scan and email to Corinne.Mackenzie@winchester.ac.uk Prize Draw Terms & Conditions: 1. The prize draw will take place on Monday 29 July after the survey has closed on Friday 26 July. The winners will be selected at random out of those who have provided their personal information. 2. There are 10 prizes of a University of Winchester scarf. No alternative prize will be offered. 3. Entry into the prize draw is subject to submission of personal details; these will be used only by the University of Winchester and will not be forwarded to any other parties. 4. Only one entry per person will be accepted. 5. The successful person will be contacted via the contact details provided. 6. The result will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

19. How would you like to receive information?

■■ Post ■■ Email ■■ Alumni portal on website ■■ Meetings ■■ None of the above – I don’t wish to receive information. 20. Anything else you would like to add?

The survey is also available for completion online at: www.survey.winchester.ac.uk/alumniassociation

Alumni News

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

Bella Kinetica’s roller skating circus show Circus Performer Lisa Truscott (BA Performing Arts 2001 to 2004) is looking to create a new style of circus theatre – a show performed entirely on roller skates and in the air! Together with her colleague Jessie Rose, her company Bella Kinetica aims to stage a new production that combines circus disciplines with traditional theatrical devices, to create a new and innovative show that tells a moving story of friendship. Life on Wheels was previewed at Circus Now in April and met with favourable reviews. Now the company is aiming to take the full-length theatre show on a UK tour next year. “We want to bring circus to a theatre audience and theatre to a circus audience,” explains Lisa who set up Bella Kinetica in 2008 and since then has performed all over the world. “The unique combination of skills and storytelling will engage all kinds of potential audience members, offering them something new and spectacular.” For further information see www.indiegogo.com/BellaKinetica

Martin Scorsese to produce film by Winchester graduate Movie legend, Martin Scorsese is to be executive producer for Tomorrow, a new British drama written by Winchester alumnus Stuart Brennan (BA Drama 2001 to 2004) and actor Sebastian Street. It is being produced by Burn Hand Film Productions, a company Stuart established during his time at Winchester. “Scorsese has always been one of my favourite film-makers,” says Stuart who is due to start filming in the autumn. “It’s a huge step for my career and his involvement has helped the project enormously. “We initially approached his script supervisor, Martha Pinson, to see if she was interested in directing the film. She loved the script and the next thing we know a letter turns up on our desk from Marty and his producer Emma Tillinger Koskoff offering their support.”

Burn Hand Films has already produced a number of films, including Risen in 2010, for which Stuart won a BAFTA Cymru Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the Welsh boxer, Howard Winstone.

“There is no doubt that my career started at Winchester. I was 18 without a clue how to get into the industry; by the time I left I was already working. Winchester definitely prepared me to succeed.”

“We’re just financing the film and casting at the moment. I’m not allowed to say who we’re talking to, but suffice to say it’s a very exciting time.” The film revolves around five main characters and is an uplifting story, about living today and not waiting for tomorrow. It deals with a number of issues, including HIV and soldiers returning home with post-traumatic stress disorder. This is a busy summer for Stuart who is also producing the UK theatre tour of Houdini. He has already set up The Film Festival Guild which runs film festivals in London, Toronto, Newport, Paris and Dublin. 11

Alumni News

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

Lynn’s Fijian adventure After 10 years working in the City, HR manager Lynn Turner (née Nation, BA American Studies 1999 to 2002) travelled to the South Pacific recently with her lawyer husband so they could use their professional skills to volunteer for five months on the Island of Fiji. “We decided it was time to take some time out of our careers to experience something new and to gain some perspective on life,” says Lynn who studied for an MA in Human Resource Management after leaving Winchester. “Not many people realise that Fiji is a developing country – they only see it as a tropical paradise. There has been huge political instability in recent years and there are some very worthwhile causes that require support there.”

provides education and training for those who wish to pursue higher education opportunities but don’t have the necessary level of mandatory schooling. “It was great to be able to apply my experience in a very different environment. There were days when I had to overcome small issues, like power cuts and days where bigger issues really put things into perspective, like corruption and freedom of speech.”

Lynn is now back in London and working at global law firm Clyde & Co. “My placement was definitely a learning curve for me! It has given me a whole new outlook on working life as well as helped me to appreciate the things we take for granted in the western world.” Lynn’s placement was organised by 2 Way Development. For further information see www.2waydevelopment.com

During her placement Lynn worked for Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) based in the capital city of Suva. FCOSS is a social services training and advocacy charity which provides key skills for local people to take back to their communities to improve social services. It also

Cricket without Boundaries in Africa Graham ‘Bubbles’ Gayton (Cert Ed with PE 1965 to 1968) was part of a team of eight cricket coaches from the UK who visited Uganda recently with ‘Cricket Without Boundaries’ (CWB), a UK cricket development and AIDS awareness charity. “We landed in Entebbe and then coached in Kampala, Masaka and Jinja,” says Graham who has already been to Rwanda with the charity. “On occasions there were over 200 children waiting for our cricket sessions to start in temperatures of around 35 to 40 degrees. Some children would just appear out of the bush, join in and leave. This variation in numbers made coaching a challenge.” At the beginning of the trip the CWB team held a Coach Education Day for teachers. “Some had never seen or experienced cricket before but their athleticism was incredible – their fielding alone would help them find a way into most teams.” The team also visited HIV and AIDS clinics, helping to incorporate AIDS awareness to local communities during the coaching sessions.

“Uganda is a poor country with wonderful people who have very little and some who survive on less than two dollars a day. Their population is 32 million with an average age of 15 and over a million affected by HIV. The statistics are horrifying with almost every family having lost a family member or friend from Aids.” For further information about the charity see www.cricketwithoutboundaries.com.

Reunion Graham is organising a reunion in Perranporth, Cornwall in August 2013 for anyone who studied at Winchester for a Cert Ed with PE from 1965 to 1968. Please contact the Alumni Office if you would like more details. Email: alumni@winchester.ac.uk

Alumni News

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

Jack’s Gentle Giants Two years after leaving Winchester, Jack Highwood (BA Archaeological Practice 2001 to 2004) moved to Cambodia and set up the Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment (ELIE) in Mondulkiri Province, close to the Vietnamese border. It was officially registered as a NGO with the Cambodian government in June 2006.

positive change can be made then it’s amazing to see the difference it makes all round.” To meet its objectives, the project has had to expand into healthcare, education, land rights, human rights, conservation, forestry and much more. Jack is currently working to register the EVP land in the ownership of the local people to give them security from increasing deforestation and threats from large corporations mining for minerals and gold. He

hopes this will secure the future of the project, making it difficult for governments to ignore the conservation plight of the endangered elephants and their natural habitat. “ELIE set out to improve the lot for elephants,” he explains. “However it has now grown from a small idea into a budding institution that connects people and elephants and forest back together again. This is no small thing; ELIE is very special to me.”

“I saw the appalling conditions and treatment endured by a lot of elephants and decided I would try and do something about it,” explains Jack, an avid environmentalist who had travelled extensively in the Far East. “Soon it became clear that we needed a centre to base things out of – and Elephant Valley Project (EVP) was established.” Jack now works as Project Manager at EVP, responsible for 13 elephants and 46 members of staff. EVP provides a place where captive elephants and their mahouts can come for short or extended stays. “Elephants are incredibly intelligent, compassionate and rare creatures but because they cannot talk we have to step in and sometimes translate for the owners and handlers what is going on with their elephant. Sometimes people don’t want to listen; they just want to continue to run their elephant into the ground and that is difficult to watch. When

Jack Highwood (right) with the honeymoon couple, Simon and Sam Helm

Sanctuary for honeymooners Earlier this year, newlyweds Sam and Simon Helm travelled to southeast Asia to meet Jack and help out at Elephant Valley. They were married in Perranporth, Cornwall last summer but had delayed their honeymoon to fit with more suitable climate conditions in Cambodia. “I’d been interested in elephants ever since I was a child, and Simon loves exploring so we were really excited about the trip” says Sam who works as a Senior Project Manager in Estates at the University. “It was an added bonus when we found out the founder of the sanctuary was a graduate from Winchester.” Sam and Simon were able to stay on site at EVP, in houses relocated from the local village. “We got an amazing insight into local life and found Jack had good links with the local indigenous people. We gained a real

understanding of the culture and conservation. “During the visit we helped to wash Doe, Darling and Milot, in a kind of elephant car wash,” explains Sam. “Milot came from a village where she was used to carry tourists and haul wood. She has been heavily abused and is covered in old scars and abscesses. When she first arrived she was very stubborn and scared of people, vehicles and other elephants. However now she is settled into the project and is one of the ‘Three Supremes’ along with Ning Wan and Mae Nang. “We had a fantastic honeymoon,” added Sam. “The Elephant Valley Project is the most inspiring place; Simon and I couldn’t believe what Jack had achieved in so short a time. His vision has not only provided an alternative approach to the care of captive elephants in Cambodia but has created a rapidly growing ecotourism facility in the area.”

For further information about volunteering, donations and fundraising visit www.elephantvalleyproject.org. EVP also work with their partner organisation Globalteer (www.globalteer.com) to offer a full volunteering programme for gap years or long-term visits. 13

Alumni News

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

Winton Weekend comes of age! This year marked the 21st Anniversary of the annual Winton Weekend at the University. Over 700 alumni descended on Winchester in February to compete with present students in a range of sporting events across the city. The final result was 12-10 to Team Winchester with students narrowly beating alumni. Bad luck Team Alfie – better luck next year! “Winton’s continuing success is a testament to the graduates Winchester produces and the students that study here,” said SU Vice President Jonny Brason who organised the reunion. “It’s a chance for us to celebrate all that is great about Winchester. The Winchester Sports Stadium at Bar End includes an competition standard 400m eight-lane athletics track with supporting field events, an all-weather hockey and general sports pitch, floodlighting and an extended pavilion. The facilities can be booked through sportsenquiries@winchester.ac.uk

Flying high for The Gambia Project Former SU Communications Officer, Sam Cornelius-Jones (BA Media Production 2009 to 2012) overcame her fear of heights recently to raise money for the Diamond Jubilee Gambia Project. “When I think about the dive it still makes me feel a bit breathless and goose bumpy,” says Sam who plummeted from a height of 13,000 14

feet. “Luckily the guy I was strapped with had been doing it for 16 years which made me feel a little bit calmer. The first 20 seconds of freefall was the scariest part but when he let the parachute out it was absolutely incredible. “I am extremely proud of myself for doing it. I faced my fear and it was totally worth it, not only did I raise £300 for The Gambia Project but I got to experience one of the most amazing and

craziest decisions I have made in my life.” The University of Winchester has been leading the Diamond Jubilee Gambia Project along with schools across Hampshire and thanks to fundraising initiatives like Sam’s the project has now raised nearly £33,000. Donations continue to help supporting children and education in The Gambia. Further information can be found on www.winchester.ac.uk/gambia

Alumni News

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

John Abery Cranmer 11 August 1933 to 9 April 2013 John was a student on the two year teacher training course at King Alfred’s College from 1954 to 1956, studying as his two main subjects craft and geography (in which he obtained a distinction). He was a member of the Student Council in his second year. He taught in Hampshire, studied successfully for an MPhil and lectured in teacher training colleges in Gloucester, Sittingbourne and Canterbury. At the latter, he would sometimes answer the telephone “Cranmer of Canterbury”. John was appointed Principal of King Alfred’s College in 1984 after a decade or so of much

change in teaching training, especially in Church of England colleges. It was not an easy time, with many necessary changes and concern over finances. King Alfred’s College was looking to the future and the hope of University College or even University status. John retired in 1992, after eight years, and subsequently was ordained in St Mary’s Church, Crawley, serving as a non-stipendiary minister for many years. He continued his contact with the Winton Club and was a most energetic and diligent Year Secretary. To his wife Janet and their family, we extend our most sincere condolences.

Winton Club Reunion 28-30 June 2013 The weekend offers alumni opportunities to catch up with friends and revisit the campus – rediscovering old haunts and exploring the new facilities enjoyed by current Winchester students. A buffet supper on the Friday evening focuses on ‘Forty Years On’ (1973 leavers) but all are welcome.

University’s online store at www.winchester.ac.uk/wcr2013 where you can register as a customer, then book and pay for accommodation and meals. Email Corinne.Mackenzie@winchester.ac.uk with any queries. We look forward to seeing you in Winchester in June.

In memory of… We have recently been notified of the death of the following alumni and former staff. We send our condolences to their families. Mr William Haw 1938 to 1940 Mr Edward A Life 1939 to 1941 Mr Ronald E Stephens 1939 to 1941 Mrs Martha Ann Warner (ATS) 1946 to 1946 Mr Kenneth C Barber 1948 to 1950 Revd John A Cranmer 1954 to 1956 Mr J E Fletcher 1954 to 1956 Mr Derek Percival Martel 1956 to 1956

Saturday features a traditional sit-down lunch and a relaxed afternoon leading to an informal buffet with music in the evening. All events are optional and you can stay in student accommodation or in one of Winchester’s many hotels or B&Bs.

Mr Brian J Hawksbee 1960 to 1962 Mr (William) Hugh T Mathieson 1961 to 1964 Mrs Margaret Ann Calland 1977 to 1980 Mr Harry Meredith 1960 to 1980

The booking deadline is 14 June. Please visit the

Winton Club Committee vacancy Do you want to become more involved in the Alumni Association? Do you want to influence the direction that it will take in the future? One place is available on the Winton Club Committee and the Alumni Office is asking for nominations for membership. Members are asked to attend two committee meetings per year and the Annual General Meeting. Any former student of the University or King Alfred’s College who wishes to stand for

election must be proposed and seconded by former students and must state her/his agreement to being nominated. If you are interested, please contact the Alumni Office for a nomination form and further information. Email alumni@winchester.ac.uk The candidates will be announced in the next issue of Venta. Alumni will then be able to vote for the new committee member to represent them. We look forward to hearing from you. 15

Alumni News

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

We’re 175 years old in 2015 How do you think we should celebrate? We would love to hear your suggestions and ideas. Do you have a story to tell? Whether you are a former student, you have worked at the University or you are a local resident, we would love to hear from you.

If you have photos or memories to share, please get in touch. We want to see as many of you as possible at our celebrations. Get involved in some good old-fashioned nostalgia, whether it has been one year since you were here or rather more than you would care to

Governor’s Report Much of my work as a governor is done in meetings around the Boardroom table addressing issues at a strategic level. However, as the link governor to the Estates Department I have an opportunity to get to understand, in much greater detail, one aspect of the University’s work. Once a term I meet with the Director of Estates, John Mann and his team and learn about their work, plans and achievements. The first thing that I came to appreciate is the commitment, beyond the terms of their contracts, of all of the team to the enhancement of the physical environment of the University. Many of the team have connections beyond their work roles; several are fellow alumni and others are parents of recent students. All are prepared to put in the extra hours so when snow falls, members of the team are in before dawn, making the site safe and ready for the working day. Much of the visible recent developments include the creation of new state-of-the-art buildings by external contractors – St Alphege, St Edburga and the Queens Road and Burma Road Student Villages. At the same time the Estates Department have worked on bringing new life into some of the original buildings. For example, in St Swithun’s Lodge (‘The Vatican’ to some!) they have stripped away layers of cladding and plaster, revealing long hidden ornate fireplaces and stained glass panels and making features of them for the revitalised building. Such restoration takes skill and care; the team’s commitment to doing a good job ensures the best results. 16

It is nearly 50 years since I first came to Winchester and I’ve been a fairly regular visitor ever since. However, my most recent meeting with the Department included a visit to a space that I didn’t even know existed! The large room (currently known as MB5), opposite the front door of the original Main Building, has had many roles over the years: dining hall, library and more recently a learning and teaching room. It is soon to become the centre of a new staff facility. To the west of this room is a courtyard that I had never seen. Estates have plans to remove the multiple levels left from years of alterations and create an atrium and patio. It’s amazing what you can find by following the right people! If you would like to contact me about my role or any governance issues please feel free to do so by email to Stephen.Baldwin@winchester.ac.uk or by post via the Alumni Office. Stephen Baldwin Former Student Governor

remember! With that in mind, please contact your old friends and classmates to make sure they contribute too. Email alumni@winchester.ac.uk

Seeking SU Presidents for 175th anniversary celebrations Were you a Student Union President? Can you remember who was when you were a student here? I am keen to compile a full list of Presidents and to get back in touch with all of them. General Manager of Winchester Student Union, Andrew Hodgson (BA Drama, Theatre and Television 1995 to 1999) can list the following names: 1992/93 Vanessa Bowcock 1993/94 Bruce Rodgers 1995/96 Matthew Horne 1996-98 Chris Hulse (2 years) 1999/00 Shelly Donaghy 2000/01 Neil Yates 2001/02 Michelle Codrington 2002/03 Ben Stockman 2003/04 Paul Baker 2004/05 Martin Rennison 2005/06 Jes Oliver 2006/07 Katie Curtis 2007-09 Steve Bowers (2 years) 2009/10 Jimmy Weighell 2010-12 Seb Miell (2 years) 2012/13 Harry Stow I have contact details for some of the above but these may not be correct if updates have not been sent to the Alumni Office. If your name is in the list, please contact me to confirm your details. If you are in contact with any former SU President – whether listed or not – please let them know that I would like to hear from them. Email alumni@winchester.ac.uk or phone 01962 827532. Corinne Mackenzie, Development Manager

Venta 28

VENTA / Issue 28 / Summer 2013

Carmella Reece (one of two Alumni of the year 2012) Education Studies (Early Childhood) 2002 to 2005, PGCE 2005 to 2006

Alumnus of the Year award The University of Winchester Alumnus of the Year formally recognises and celebrates the achievements of an alumnus of the University, or one of its predecessor institutions, who have made outstanding contributions to society through: • • • •

onsiderable community/voluntary dedication C Career success in any area with a number of notable achievements Exceptional courage in the face of adversity Heroism or dedication to others

Nominations procedure: • Please go to www.winchester.ac.uk/alumni to download the nomination form. • Nominations may be made by alumni, staff, students and governors of the University of Winchester • Nominations should include details of how the nominee has made a significant contribution in one or more of the above categories. Additional brief information, such as press cuttings or a CV, may be included in support of your nomination • The competition is open to all graduates of the University of Winchester, University College Winchester and King Alfred’s College worldwide • Please note that self-nominations are not accepted • A panel of judges will shortlist nominees and select a recipient The award will be conferred at Graduation each year. 17

VENTA / Issue 27 / Winter 2012

The University of Winchester a Fairtrade University www.fairtrade.org.uk Please choose products with FAIRTRADE Mark.