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FOR ALUMNI, PARTNERS AND FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER | ISSUE 34 | AUTUMN 2018
THE £203 MILLION BOOST
New report reveals economic impact of alumni to the regional business economy
SOUNDS GOOD
alt-J open new recording studios
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Alumni WWI commemoration project launched
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Dear Friends We are pleased to bring you the latest issue of Venta – our magazine for alumni, partners and friends around the world. We took our time with this issue, so that we could use it to showcase our new look. Last year, we embarked on an exciting project to review the University’s brand identity to ensure we reflect the true essence of Winchester. We are proud to unveil a strong brand built upon heritage, creativity and our commitment to our values. You are an important and cherished part of our story, which is a key inspiration for our brand today. If you haven’t already done so, take a look at our newly-redesigned website – www.winchester.ac.uk – especially our alumni pages, now with the capability to better share alumni achievements and stories. We are also very excited to have commenced work on our West Downs Development; read on in this issue to learn more.
Contents What’s up at West Downs?..............................................................4 Economic impact report....................................................................6 Britain’s Most Norman city...............................................................8 Winton Club Reunion 2018........................................................... 10 Teaching is ‘outstanding’.................................................................12 Nelson Mandela Museum Partnership................................14 Queen’s Honours................................................................................. 16 Cultural partnerships......................................................................... 18 Environmental awards......................................................................20 alt-J open recording studios....................................................... 22 Winchester Student Union’s Winton Weekend............ 24 Every picture tells a story..............................................................26 Life after clearing the hurdle of graduation.....................28 HELP Hampshire stroke clinic....................................................30 WWI alumni commemoration................................................... 32 Partners for patient care and treatment............................. 34 Alumni publications...........................................................................36 Alumni memories: Freshers advice in 1952......................38 Former Student Governor and get involved...................40 Days in the Hayes................................................................................ 42 Events and benefits............................................................................ 44 In memory of...........................................................................................46
Alumni Office, University of Winchester, Winchester, Hampshire SO22 4NR alumni@winchester.ac.uk
I am immensely proud of the ongoing contribution our alumni make to society around the world, and my congratulations to those who received royal recognition in the Queen’s Honours. This edition of Venta also celebrates the career success of some alumni from the Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, and showcases just a few examples of our ground-breaking research and achievements. From establishing a clinic for stroke patients in Hampshire, to winning awards for our innovative chewing gum coffee cups, to being rated by Ofsted as ‘outstanding’ for our provision of primary and secondary initial teacher training, we seek to make sense of the world and shape the future for the better. As lifelong members of our Winton Club Alumni Association, we love to stay connected with you throughout the different chapters of your life – so please do keep in touch. With best wishes to you and your families,
Professor Joy Carter CBE, DL Vice-Chancellor
01962 826389 www.winchester.ac.uk/alumni Winton Club – University of Winchester Alumni @WinchAlum If you know of a fellow Winchester graduate who isn’t receiving Venta or other communications from us and would like to, please encourage them to get in touch. We would like to keep you updated about our work at the University of Winchester. This may include news, invitations to attend events, or to take part in fundraising campaigns or related activities. If you do not wish to receive further communications or wish to be removed from our database please email alumni@winchester.ac.uk or call 01962 826389. The word Venta comes from the Roman-British name of Winchester, Venta Belgarum, meaning ‘meeting place of the Celtic Belgae tribe’. As university is a place and time for the meeting of new people and new ideas, we are proud to adopt it as the name of our magazine; signifying its contents as a meeting place of our proud past and formidable future.
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Image by Dominic Parkes
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What’s up at West Downs? If you were to be anywhere in Winchester at the moment and looked westward towards the University, you would see the tell-tale signs of a construction project – two tower cranes. In January, Vice-Chancellor Professor Joy Carter CBE, DL marked the official start of construction at West Downs with a cut of the spade, alongside Andy Steele, CEO of construction company Osborne, and Alan Titchmarsh MBE, DL Chancellor of the University at the official groundbreaking. Work is now well underway on our landmark development. Located in front of West Downs Student Village along Romsey Road and next to the Grade-II listed West Downs Centre, the building will provide first-class teaching and learning facilities. An art gallery, a 250-seat auditorium, a café and food hall, contemplation space, courtyard garden and library will also feature. If that’s not enough, it will also be home to our Digital Futures department for computer and digital-related degree programmes. Much of the new development will be open to the public to utilise and enjoy. The University Estates Master Plan aims to improve or replace old and inefficient buildings and increase teaching space to meet students’ future needs and the changing demands of higher education. Once complete the 7500m2 development will provide a 20 per cent increase in our non-residential building floor area. Our ambition to become the most sustainable higher education institution in the UK is supported by the green features of this building. A combined heat and power plant, heat recovery panels, rainwater harvesting, a wildflower roof, solar photovoltaic panels and bat and bird boxes all mean this building is on target to achieve a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) ‘Excellent’ rating.
The development is designed by award-winning Winchester-based architects, Design Engine, and built by Osborne, one of the country’s leading construction businesses. This is also the first construction project to secure green finance for campus development through the ethical bank, Triodos. Professor Joy Carter said: “I am delighted work is now under way on this exciting new development at West Downs, which represents a significant investment for both the University and the city of Winchester. As a values-driven institution, we are passionate about creating an environment in which students can flourish as individuals: this project is both a symbol of that passion and of our commitment to high standards of academic achievement.” Students and staff have the opportunity to don safety gear and tour the development as it progresses, while consultation events are giving staff and students the chance to try out and give feedback on chairs, workstations and desks to determine what furniture is bought for the building.
Want to keep an eye on progress? Visit our website to see the latest image from our time lapse camera, which updates every 15 minutes 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday. www.winchester.ac.uk/WestDownsdevelopment
The development is due to open in Autumn 2019. We cannot wait for you to come and explore this new notable building for the city.
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The £203 million boost A new report has revealed Winchester graduates contribute more than £203 million added income each year to the regional business economy. An estimated 38 per cent of Winchester graduates remain in the region after they graduate and the accumulated impact of University alumni employed in the regional workforce is equivalent to supporting 7,591 average wage jobs. The Economic Value of the University of Winchester also highlights that the University contributes over £266 million overall each year to the regional economy. The report was unveiled by Vice-Chancellor Professor Joy Carter CBE, DL at a launch event hosted on campus.
Other key facts and figures in the report, based on 2014-15 data analysis, are:
The University employed 748 full-time equivalent faculty and support staff, approximately 78 per cent of whom live in the region.
Staff costs amounted to £31.5 million, much of which was spent in the region on groceries, clothing and other household goods and services supporting regional shops and businesses.
As a buyer of goods and services, the University “As a key pillar in the city and county, the University creates value economically, culturally and socially. We put our students on the path to success, helping them increase their employability and go on to make a difference in the world. We support a range of employment sectors in our region, and supply employers with the skilled workers they need to make their businesses more productive,” said Professor Carter. “The University’s expenditure, along with the spending of its staff and students, further supports the regional economy through the output and employment generated by regional suppliers. The fact that learning makes a difference to the regional economy is well known, but this report quantifies the monetary values of our impacts.” The report was welcomed by senior politicians in the region, including Winchester and Chandlers Ford MP Steve Brine who commented: “I am an active supporter of the city’s students and the University in particular, and the impact of student expenditure and alumni skills should not be lost on those who live and work here.”
spent £26.4 million to support its operations, with expenditure further benefiting many regional suppliers. The research was conducted by Emsi, an economic modelling and analysis consultancy. Find out more at: www.winchester.ac.uk/economic-value-report
An estimated 38% of Winchester gr aduates remain in the region after they gr aduate
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WE CONTRIBUTE
£266.6 MILLION
TO THE REGIONAL BUSINESS ECONOMY
£203 MILLION
ADDED INCOME IS CREATED BY OUR
ALUMNI
WHO WORK IN THE REGION
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Rulers and Remains in Britain’s Most Norman City Medieval history and archaeology experts from the University of Winchester recently featured in an episode of the Channel Four series Britain’s Most Historic Towns which focused on Winchester, Britain’s most Norman city.
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Archaeologist Dr Simon Roffey and historian Dr Katherine Weikert were both interviewed by presenter Dr Alice Roberts, who tells the story of Norman England through key moments in the history of Winchester.
the Norman Conquest, indicate a high level of social responsibility towards the care of leprosy sufferers. This goes against traditionally-held misconceptions that the disease was especially stigmatised in medieval society.
Alice Roberts visited the University archaeology lab to see the remarkable set of human remains excavated from the hospital cemetery of St Mary Magdalen in Winchester, the country’s earliest excavated leprosy hospital and one of the most extensively excavated medieval hospitals in western Europe. Our archaeologists have been working on the site since 2007.
In another segment of the programme, Dr Katherine Weikert, Senior Lecturer in Early Medieval European History, visited the Bishop’s Palace, Winchester with Alice Roberts to talk about the twelfth-century Anarchy - a civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda - and Winchester’s key role for both sides. The Rout of Winchester in 1141 was a crucial pivoting point of the Anarchy, which eventually saw Matilda’s son, Henry II, inheriting the crown and ushering in the Plantagenet dynasty from the Norman rulers.
The programme also shows Dr Simon Roffey, Reader in Medieval Archaeology, and University researcher David Ashby examining one of the excavated skeletons and taking samples for radio carbon dating with Alice Roberts. Simon said: “The fact that our excavation and post-excavation work at the medieval hospital of St Mary Magdalen has featured again on television really shows both the importance of this site and our work there, as well as its continued ability to catch the public imagination.” University of Winchester research has argued that the hospital of St Mary Magdalen may represent the beginnings of institutional healthcare and that such early hospitals, founded in the first few decades of
“Medieval Winchester wasn’t just important on a local or regional scale,” said Katherine, “but was one of the great cities of the Conquest era, a power base to the Anglo-Saxon and Norman rulers, as well as the church with the powerful medieval bishops of Winchester. I’m delighted that the production chose Winchester as its Norman city and that I could show some of Winchester’s great history to its audience.”
Britain’s Most Historic Towns featuring Winchester is currently available to watch online at channel4.com
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New memories and nostalgia 2018 Winton Club Reunion Weekend “The last weekend in June promised to be gloriously hot,” explains Dee Sayers (BEd 1974-1978). Over several hours on Friday afternoon and evening, individuals and small groups began to gather for our annual reunion. There were plenty of familiar faces, but also a significant number of people for whom this was their first time back on campus. I have come to look forward to this weekend as an opportunity to meet up with old friends, with whom I shared a memorable four years of my life, but also as a chance to see the new friends that I have made through our Facebook group, ‘King Alfred’s College 1970 – 1978’, and at previous Reunions. This year was particularly special for me as it was 40 years since I finished my studies at King Alfred’s College (KAC): quite an anniversary to celebrate! We were delighted that Martial Rose (KAC Principal 1967-1984) enjoyed the festivities with us all weekend.
“Luncheon on Saturday departed slightly from the normal format. The outstanding contribution of Howard Horstead (Cert Ed, 1953-1955) to the Winton Club was recognised, as he retired from his leadership role. As we commemorate the Centenary of the Armistice of the Great War, a small group of us were able to tell the story of Second Lieutenant Merton Rose MC (see page 30 for the full story).
“Friday evening saw various groups gathering in the University and in pubs and restaurants in Winchester. The County Arms hosted the largest group; the photographic evidence suggests that a convivial evening was enjoyed by all. On Saturday morning the Winton Club Annual General Meeting was held, and our new Former Student Governor was announced as Mr Peter Lidgitt (Cert Ed, 1972-1975).
“It was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. I am looking forward to seeing you all again next year, along with some new faces, I hope.”
“Saturday evening was a relaxed affair – a picnic which we organised ourselves, followed by a live band and a 70s disco, ably hosted by two of the DJs from our time at College. Music always manages to rekindle memories and those 40 intervening years were quickly forgotten. Well done to the joker who created a ‘Zimmer park’ complete with inflatable Zimmer frame!
Dee Sayers (BEd, 1974-1978)
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After Luncheon on Saturday, The Very Revd Catherine Ogle, Dean of Winchester, gave an engaging talk and raised the Toast to the University and to the Winton Club, with responses from Vice-Chancellor Joy Carter and from Dirk Maggs (BEd 1974-1978) respectively. Two further events took place on Sunday: A buffet brunch, providing an opportunity for fond farewells before heading home; and the second John Shannon Tennis Tournament, won this year by James Odell (Cert Ed, 1975-1979) and, for the second year running, by Eva Cahill (Associate Lecturer and Honorary Knowledge Exchange Fellow 2012-2016).
If other alumni groups want to set up their own Facebook group, the administrators from the King Alfred’s College 1970 - 1978 group would be willing to help. The memories and photos posted provide a focal point for a large number of former students, encouraging them to meet at Reunion and elsewhere to catch up after many, many years.
Many thanks to all those who attended and completed our feedback survey. We cannot wait to see you at Reunion 2019, whether you have come before or it will be your first Reunion. Mark your diaries for 28-30 June 2019.
WINTON TEACHER ASSOCIATION Belong to a professional network free to all Winchester alumni who teach or have taught. We aim to enhance your employability and professional development through the provision of mentoring, support and networking opportunities. For further information visit: www.winchester.ac.uk/wta
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Officially ‘outstanding’ The University of Winchester has once again been rated ‘outstanding’ for its teacher training, making us one of the best providers of teacher education in the country. In its latest report, the education inspectorate Ofsted states that Winchester provides ‘outstanding’ training in England for both primary and secondary Initial Teacher Education. It adds that we ‘produce highly professional, confident, enthusiastic teachers who are welcomed into the profession and make a strong contribution from the start of their careers’. Primary teacher training has received the highest rating since 2010, but it is the first time that secondary teacher training has received this accolade. “This is an excellent result for the University, underlining our reputation as a flagship provider of teacher training and it is testament to the dedication and hard work of staff, students and our partnership schools,” said Dr Janice de Sousa, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health and Social Care.
“As a values-driven institution, it is especially pleasing Ofsted highlighted that respecting values - including the promotion of equality and elimination of discrimination - are enshrined in the University’s vision for teacher training and embedded throughout our programmes.” The Ofsted report also highlights the personalised teaching trainees receive, which results in exceptionally high levels of personal and professional conduct. Student trainees have demanding expectations of themselves and of their pupils’ learning and behaviour. With a long history of training teachers, today we continue to offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes leading to Qualified Teacher Status and are major provider of trained primary teachers in Hampshire. The University currently works in partnership with almost 400 schools to provide excellent work-based placements for trainee teachers.
Teachers come back to school In July, we held our third Early Career Teacher conference for primary and secondary colleagues who are in their first three years of teaching. Over 77 delegates attended, of which over half were Winchester alumni. The theme of the conference, The Skills vs Knowledge Curriculum attracted keynote speaker Professor Dame Alison Peacock, Chief Executive of the Chartered College of Teaching in conversation with Professor Bill Lucas, Director of the Centre for Real World Learning at the University. A further 10 workshops were presented by University tutors, teaching alumni and school partners. The conference is a unique event in Hampshire, offering recently qualified teachers (RQT) the opportunity to network, collaborate and share current practice. It aims to give teachers who are new to the profession some time at the end of a busy year to reflect and celebrate all their achievements. Delegates commented that the conference was “truly engaging”, “inspirational” and “a great way to meet with other teachers who have recently joined the profession”.
We look forward to seeing our RQT alumni at next year’s conference which will be held on 12 July 2019. For further information about this event, please email Victoria.Randall@winchester.ac.uk
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Keeping alive Nelson Mandela’s values and vision In a first for a UK university, Winchester has established a partnership with the world-renowned Nelson Mandela Museum.
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Founded in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape ten years to the day after the inspirational South African leader’s release from prison in 1990, the Museum tells his life story and seeks to celebrate his values and vision, inspiring everyone who visits. It’s a partnership which offers exciting opportunities for the two institutions – whose respective values are strongly linked – to work together in the future. Activities include collaboration on joint teaching and research and developing relationships with our Institute for Value Studies and the Winchester Centre of Religion, Reconciliation and Peace. We also hope to develop partnership links for research and teaching with Walter Sisulu University, which is based near the Museum. It offers teaching programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate level and has strong links with local primary schools.
The first group of 12 Winchester undergraduates studying Teacher Education and Film Production visited the Museum in April 2018 on a two-week placement. They spent time at the Museum learning in depth about Mandela, his life, philosophies and achievements, as well as in surrounding areas, including at local primary schools where those students on teacher training programmes undertook placements. Meanwhile, the Film Production students documented the trip. Watch their film on the University of Winchester YouTube channel. At the signing of the agreement at the University, Mr Bonke Tyhulu, the Museum’s CEO, said: “The signing of the agreement with an international university continues in the footsteps of Madiba. Through this partnership, the Museum will continue to have international relevance. It also enables the Museum to truly become a window of development, not only for the Mthatha communities, but throughout the Eastern Cape.”
A new partnership exchange programme is also offering our students a chance to develop their understanding of different cultures and global issues, including climate change, environmental issues and population growth.
From the left, Vice-Chancellor Professor Joy Carter CBE, DL; Nelisiwe Thwala, Senior Manager Heritage and Conservation, Mandela Museum; Mandisi Msongelwa, Chief Financial Officer, Mandela Museum, and senior lecturers in the University’s Department for Teacher Development, Miriam Walker and Matthew Lowden.
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Richard Cheetham (Senior Fellow in Sport Coaching) received an MBE in 2017 for services to education and community sport. Nationally and internationally recognised for creative thinking and innovation in sports coach education and development, Richard has worked with organisations including British Triathlon, Union Cycliste Internationale Cycling Elite Coach Programme in Switzerland, and Rugby Canada.
Queen’s Honours In our last issue we asked if you had received Queen’s Honours. We’re very proud of the royally recognised international impact of our alumni and staff.
Lena Milosevic (English and Drama 1978-1982, PGCE 1982) worked for the British Council for 20 years. In the 2017 New Year’s Honours she became a MBE for her services to cultural relations, specifically in Mexico in her role as Country Director. Of the impact of her time here in Winchester, Lena notes: “King Alfred’s College played a key part in building my confidence as an adult”. Alan Knight (Cert Ed, 1959-1961) was recognised with an MBE in 1986 for his services to education and medicine in the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1969-1985.
CANADA Richard Cheetham
ESSEX Geoffrey Macey
UK Professor Joy Carter
MEXICO Lena Milosevic
STAFFORDSHIRE Roger Hailwood
TURKS and CAICOS Alan Knight
PORTSMOUTH Mick Mellows
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Geoffrey Macey (1956-1958, Cert Ed) was awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s 90th birthday honours for services to the community of Beaumont, Essex including the local Scout Group. “I have renamed the BEM the Beaumont Excellence Medal,” Geoffrey explains, “It reflects the hard work and support given by the Parish Council and the Village Hall Committee, under my wing, that has made our small village an incredibly pleasant place to live. Over the past 30 years we have raised many thousands of pounds through social activities which has been ploughed back in supporting the Church and the community long term”. Roger Hailwood (Cert Ed, 1961-1964) along with other volunteers at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, was presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Acting as a guide to the site and speaking at venues around the country to promote the UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance, Roger wears his Queen’s Award badge “with pride”. Contact Roger on roger. hailwood@tiscali.co.uk if you would be interested in inviting him to give a presentation on the Arboretum.
BALKANS Martin Doel
Professor Joy Carter (Vice-Chancellor) was honoured in the 2018 New Year’s list with a CBE for services to Higher Education. “Universities have the power to transform lives,” asserts Professor Carter. “I truly believe in the values of higher education and the importance of working to improve access and long-term success for under-represented groups”. Mick Mellows (Cert Ed, 1969-1972) is the Director of Faith and Football, a Christian charity. Footballers, including Linvoy Primus and Darren Moore, support community and education programmes like community football leagues, enterprise and leadership programmes and literacy schemes in the UK and overseas. Faith and Football was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2015. Martin Doel (BEd, 1976-1980) In 1998 Martin was recognised with an OBE for service in support of operations in the Balkans as part of the RAF and contribution to Anglo-German relations. A CBE followed in 2016 for services to further and higher education,
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Cultural collaborations An exciting series of cultural partnerships with key arts organisations across the region is set to benefit Winchester students, art lovers and audiences in the city and throughout Hampshire. Our Faculty of Arts is forging new partnerships which play an active role in supporting performing arts venues and arts festivals in a major boost to the cultural and educational life of the county. In recent months, we re-signed five-year strategic partnership deals with the Live Theatre Winchester Trust – which incorporates the Hat Fair festival of outdoor arts and Winchester Theatre Royal – and The Point, Eastleigh, as well as new partnerships with the Winchester Film Festival and Winchester Poetry Festival. The new partnerships aim to enhance the already thriving regional arts scene, with cooperation across a range of artistic and academic activities planned, including academic research, teaching and creative productions. One such production is the University’s BA Dance course annual show which is staged each spring at The Point. The show sees students from all levels of study working with in-house and guest choreographers in a major professional production.
Winchester students studying on courses such as Drama, Dance, Theatre Production, Musical Theatre and Film Production will also have unique opportunities to get involved behind-the-scenes and undertake work placements. A five-year residency agreement with high-profile charity Blue Apple Theatre – which works with performers with learning disabilities to develop their skills to create ambitious dance, theatre and film productions – has seen the Theatre team move its HQ into the University to work closely alongside Faculty of Arts colleagues. The University has been cooperating on small projects for a number of years with many of the arts organisations and the partnership deals reinforce those very positive and fruitful relationships. “It’s wonderful to add these brilliant arts organisations to our family of valued cultural partners,” said Professor Alec Charles, Dean of the University’s Faculty of Arts. “We look forward to extending our work together to enhance the creative experiences of both our students and audiences.”
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Image by Stephen John Cook
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From chew to brew, awards accrue Chewing gum and drinking coffee. They’re not what might ordinarily spring to mind as environmentally-sustainable activities but are nevertheless key parts of a multi award-winning scheme here at Winchester.
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With a recognition of waste as a growing global problem, and an awareness of the large number of disposable cups used on campus, our environment team introduced a two-prong approach. New students and staff are given a reusable cup, and if a customer needs a disposable cup when buying a hot or cold drink on campus, they pay a 25p surcharge. The environmental focus of the scheme is furthered with the cups themselves, which are made in part from recycled chewing gum. Chewers recycle their gum in special pink recycling points across campus which Gum-tec Ltd, the manufacturer of the Gumdrop cups, collects, treats, and forms into a mouldable composite, which is added to other recycled plastics to make the cup. Around 42 pieces of gum help to make up each cup. These steps have resulted in over 35,000 fewer non-recyclable cups being used on campus, with an increase in reusable coffee cups of 900 per cent. This innovative, closed-loop sustainability initiative scooped a national Green Gown Award. “The simple change in pricing and the psychological impact was impressive and the addition of Gum-tec is innovative and exciting. The further opportunities for education around recycling are clear to see and there is great potential for adoption of those ideas not only in other universities and colleges but the wider world also,” commented the judges for the Awards.
Winchester’s Green Gown success was further capped with a second award, this time for the release of an album featuring 11 songs about climate change written and performed by University students and staff. This Changes Everything, released on the University’s own record label Splendid Fred Records, has been transformative in helping Winchester students engage with the issues surrounding climate change. “A great deal of work went into making and promoting the album,” explains Glenn Fosbraey, record label boss and Programme Leader for the University’s undergraduate Creative Writing degree. “Splendid Fred Records remains dedicated to raising awareness of climate change.” The album can be downloaded on iTunes and streamed on Spotify. This past spring, national awards for the reusable gum cups continued, with an award for Excellence in Resource and Waste Management in the bag along with winning the Campaign of the Year – Public/Third Sector at the National Recycling Awards. Quirky and compelling, this initiative has captured the attention of Reuters and the BBC as a success story for waste reduction through the commitment to a concept. “It’s fantastic to have our campaign recognised,” says Liz Harris, Environment Officer at the University. ‘We have seen a significant change in behaviour and we hope to continue to improve on this even more in the future.”
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SOUNDS GOOD Opening a new University facility is always exciting. However, when the facilities are state-of-the art recording studios and those doing the ribbon-cutting are members of Mercury prize-winning indie rock band alt-J, the excitement is undeniably on another level.
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A day before the band set off on a world tour, frontman Joe Newman – who has Winchester links, having grown up in Hampshire - and keyboardist Gus Hamilton-Unger toured the studio complex and met with students and staff before officially opening the facility. Their record producer, Charlie Andrew – who has worked with artists from Madness to Rae Morris and was named Music Producers Guild Producer of the Year in 2016 – accompanied the band.
Both control rooms feature Audient consoles, with the world’s first height-adjustable ASP8024-HE console in control room two, which allows for ergonomic operation by wheelchair users and can also be raised all the way to a comfortable standing position. The large live room is graced with an acoustic diffuser, the first UK installation by the Italian Wood-Skin company. A flexible lighting system creates an atmospheric mood in the room.
“We’re blown away by the facilities here, which are outstanding” said Gus, “We’ve recorded in a lot of studios over the years and this definitely beats some of the professional non-university facilities that we’ve used and seen, so it’s pretty amazing. It’s incredible to imagine being a band at university and being able to book in here and record.”
Even the entry way to the facilities in the Bowers Building signals that this is a special space – a floor to ceiling wood installation at first glance looks like some Scandi-inspired wooden curvature, but is in fact a relief of a soundwave of the word ‘Winchester’.
The facilities that elicited such praise consist of a five-room complex featuring two control rooms, an ADR (automatic dialogue replacement)/Foley room for creating sound effects, as well as a green room. World-renowned acoustic architects Veale Associates created the facilities, which are fully equipped to industry standard and make use of analogue and digital technology, including a range of hardware and software dynamic and effects systems.
“The studios provide the perfect facilities for our degree programme in music production and performance,” comments Professor Alec Charles, Dean of the Faculty of Arts. “Students will be able to transition into music and sound industries secure in the knowledge that they have studied in a true-to-industry facility.” “It’s an amazing environment you have” alt-J frontman Joe Newman added, “and if you’ve got an outstanding studio, which you do, great things can come from that.”
“If you’ve got an outstanding studio, which you do, great things can come from that.” alt-J frontman Joe Newman
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Save the date
Winchester Student Union’s Winton Weekend 2019 Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 February Come participate, spectate and celebrate Winton Weekend, run by Winchester Student Union, is a long-established occasion for alumni to come back to their old sports groups to show the current teams the talent (or at least social enthusiasm) they are missing. The rich history of the weekend extends back to the 1970s. Since 1992, the weekend is anchored around a rugby match that takes place in memory of alumnus Steve Tomlinson. Alongside the sport, alumni and current students alike continue the fun at the infamous Winton Party on the Saturday night.
For more information and to get involved, contact SUactivities@winchester.ac.uk
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Every picture tells a story The photo captioned ‘Do you remember this Womble?’ in the last issue of Venta received some great responses of ‘Yes!’ from alumni from the 1960s and 1970s. Memories of RAG (Raising and Giving) Week and the Guy Fawkes Parade came flooding into the Alumni Office. Stephen Baldwin (Cert Ed, 1963-1966) explains: “massive guys, usually depicting a well-known current character from popular culture, were essentially KAC Handicraft Department ‘knocking spots off’ Winchester Art College” in the friendly competition organised by the City Council. This wonderful picture opposite of the ‘Yogi Bear’ guy was sent in by several alumni. Dudley Jewell (Cert Ed,
1961-1964) recalls: “Woodwork was done in Mews Lane in a disused school. As the Mews Lane area had the oldest electricity cable in Winchester, the Handicraft students had to stop using the circular saw and planer at 5pm as it drained the system. This stopped the residents with electric cookers from cooking their evening meals. Unfortunately for some strange reason they complained! That was where the photo was taken.”
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Life after clearing the hurdle of graduation Alumni from our Department of Sport, Exercise and Health share their advice for success… “The best part of my job is producing research that makes a difference.” I work at the Open University as a Lecturer in Sport and Fitness developing, writing and producing the material for the sport and fitness degree. I’ve published three books; Studying as a Parent: A Handbook for Success, A Qualitative Case Study of Sexual Abuse in Sport, and Doing Poetic Inquiry. Previously, I have done various consultancy work with companies in the UK, Spain, Uganda and Kenya. I went into academia after getting a bug for studying. After Winchester, I did a Masters at the University of Chichester, then a PhD in Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Exeter. Dr Helen Owton (BA Sports Studies, 2005-2008) My advice: Think carefully about where and how you invest your energies and remember what you have to offer is of value.
“Watching athletes I work with compete at the Olympic Games (London being a clear favourite) was always my aspiration.” I am completing a PhD looking into Functional Imagery Training and its use in sport. Additionally, I helped set up a sports-specific school for athletes aged 14-19 where they combine education with worldclass coaching in the South West. I also work as an experimental psychologist with several athletes. In 2012, three British Fencing athletes I had worked with were selected to compete at the Olympic Games – helping others fulfil their potential meant I was fulfilling my goals. I went to the 2014 Commonwealth Games as Performance Director for Fencing athletes and helped with the psychological preparation for athletes attending Rio 2016. Jonathan Rhodes (BA Sport Studies with Psychology, 2002-2006) My advice: Beware of the devil’s advocate. It will zap creativity and innovation, which are vital for change.
“I prepared the squad for the Netball Under 21s Indoor World Cup in New Zealand – the most amazing and most memorable part of my career to date.” For the last few years I have been the Head of Netball at a private school, making sure the netball team runs smoothly. I coach all 200 girls in school netball and put them into teams, organise matches, travel and food as well as train staff and send updates. As the England U21s Indoor Netball coach I’ve had some incredible experiences including preparing the team for the World Cup. Shelley Copeland (BA Sports Development and Event Management, 2008-2011) My advice: If you know what your end goal is then you’ll know what you have to do to achieve it.
“Working in an elite sports environment was a dream come true for me.” Currently I am the Sector Manager (Sport) at Pearson Education. I liaise with sector stakeholders, managing the vocational sport qualification portfolio and lead on developing a business strategy for the sports sector. I’ve been Lead Education and Women’s Safeguarding Officer at Reading Football Club. I managed a team of teachers and taught 16-18 year olds in Sport/Sports Science. It was fantastic to be a part of a team who were focused on the marginal gains so prevalent in elite sport. Becky Laffan (BA Sports Development, 2007-2010) My advice: Use your time wisely and do your research.
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“No matter how complex needs might be, we can get everyone doing something!” I work in the outdoor activity industry for Calvert Trust in the Lake District, specialising in provision for the disabled. Activities include canoeing, climbing, sailing, cycling, zip wire, walks/pushes, caving, archery, horse riding and loads more. We use a whole host of adaptive equipment and training to get individuals active in the outdoors. We tailor activities to people, focusing on what they can do; specialist hoisting, harnesses and seating is common to allow everyone to participate, and we very rarely say no! It’s the most rewarding job ever, I literally am being paid to share my love of the outdoors.
I’ve been lucky to hold some other exciting temporary roles within the US sporting industry. I served as the Athletic Director for Illinois Boys State summer camp, and have worked as the Associate Facilities and Event Manager for the Atlantic 10 Baseball Championships at St Louis University. I’ve also interned with the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 Soccer team at EIU, as an Assistant Coach and Team Operations Assistant. Paul Noble (BA Sports Studies, 2013-2016) My advice: Be flexible and take risks.
“I have been able to learn a lot from colleagues at the Lawn Tennis Association.”
Rob Morris (BA Sports Development, 2005-2008) My advice: Delete Facebook from your phone and get a puppy, they make everything better!
“Be prepared to pick up cones for a more experienced coach.” I am a professional youth football coach with my own business, Vision Soccer Training. I hold a number of coaching credentials including with UEFA and the FA. Since I graduated, I have had three separate spells in the USA coaching soccer. In Ohio I was head coach of two U10 academy teams and an U14 academy team and in California I was head coach of a U19 team and head trainer of several teams. I was also head coach of Eastleigh FC U10 and U16 academy teams, as well as the head coach of Eastleigh FC Ladies.
I work for Energise Me, the County Sports Partnership for Hampshire and Isle of Wight as the Sports Development Officer (Performance). I manage the Hampshire County Council-funded Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme which allows Hampshire’s most promising athletes to benefit from funding and non-grant support. I also volunteer within British Tennis; I am the chair of the British Tennis Youth Group and sit on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Lawn Tennis Association management committee. As a result of this I represent youth on the National Council. Feeding youth perspectives into a national governing body is a really positive and rewarding experience and I’ve met some incredible athletes, like Venus Williams. Harry Stow (BA Sports Coaching and Development, 2009-2012) My advice: Volunteer in something you love.
Lewis Robinson (BA Sports Coaching and Development, 2011-2014) My advice: Be creative, be innovative, be yourself - put your own personal touch on things!
“Experiences and contacts I made socially and professionally during study abroad gave me the opportunity to be doing what I am.” I am currently a Sports Administration Masters Student and Recreational Facilities Graduate Assistant at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) in the USA. My role entails all aspects of sporting and recreational facility management including training, scheduling and supervising our staff members.
“If you don’t invest in yourself, no one else will.” I’m a professional Football and Futsal coach. I coach part-time for the Chelsea Ladies U14s and for Chelsea Foundation. I’m also the founder of Nicole’s Futsal Finesse Training (find out more at nicolesfutsalfinesse.com). I provide training services accessible to all, developing individual and team needs. I’ve also previously coached in the USA for Major League Soccer teams the New York Redbulls and LA Galaxy, as well as at the high school and women’s college levels and at Camp America. Nicole Farley (BA Sports Development, 2007-2010) My advice: It’s your preparation that helps you excel when opportunities arise.
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HELP
Hampshire Members of staff in the Department of Sport, Exercise and Health are launching a community-based exercise and education clinic for stroke survivors. The HELP (HealthEnhancing Lifestyle Programme) Hampshire Stroke Clinic, will focus on improving the health and quality of life of Dr James Faulkner
stroke survivors from Winchester and the surrounding area.
The HELP Hampshire stroke clinic (www.helphampshire.co.uk) is based on six years of research with stroke patients undertaken by Programme Director, Dr James Faulkner, Reader in Sport and Exercise Physiology. James is the son of alumni Peter and Susan (née Crawford) who met at King Alfred’s College between 1970 and 1974. Before joining the University of Winchester, Dr Faulkner was Programme Director for the Vascular Rehabilitation Clinic at Massey University, New Zealand, a University-driven, community-based, exercise programme for stroke patients in the local city. Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide and often causes long-term disability, both physically and cognitively. In the UK, there are over 1.2 million stroke survivors living with the consequences, with around 1 in 4 experiencing another stroke within 5 years of their original diagnosis (Stroke Association, 2017). Dr Faulkner says: “Participation in structured exercise soon after diagnosis of minor stroke or TIA can improve physiological and psychological health. It can decrease the risk of experiencing further stroke and possibly reduce hospital admissions.” The HELP Hampshire programme will signpost and provide stroke and TIA (minor stroke) patients from the local community with various exercise and educational opportunities, at a minimal expense for the patient. There are very few opportunities for individuals living with the debilitating effects of stroke to engage in affordable exercise and lifestyle opportunities once they have been discharged from hospital. This is concerning when
considering that changes in lifestyle can play a significant part in reducing the risk of experiencing more strokes in the future, other cardiovascular complication (such as, heart attacks) and patient death. This not-for-profit programme will provide patient benefit for all stroke survivors through the engagement in exercise and educational sessions, provide learning and teaching opportunities for our undergraduate and postgraduate sport and exercise science and physiotherapy students. It will embed research into the clinic so we can deliver the most effective exercise programmes, and in the longterm, demonstrate health economic benefit to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (by reducing hospital admissions, surgeries etc.) and other NHS Trusts as the programme grows.
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Patients for the HELP Hampshire clinic will be recruited from the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, GP practices and physiotherapy practices. Once participants have completed a health assessment at the University they will then be encouraged to engage in various exercise opportunities delivered within the community environment (including, gym-based exercise, ballroom dancing, walking football, pilates, seated circuit training). Exercise sessions will be complemented with online educational information and discussion forums to interact with other stroke survivors from the local area. For HELP Hampshire to be an impactful and sustainable community project, the clinic is seeking sponsorship from local industry partners, businesses and individuals. It is anticipated HELP Hampshire’s benefits will not only be in physical and psychological health and quality of life for stroke patients, but also economic value to the community, in reducing future healthcare costs and hospital admissions in the local area.
For more information on the HELP Hampshire Stroke Clinic, or if you wish to support the programme by sponsoring or donating, please visit our website www.helphampshire. co.uk or contact Dr James Faulkner (Email: James.Faulkner@winchester.ac.uk; Twitter: @drjamesfaulkner, @helphampshire).
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WE WILL REMEMBER THEM At Winton Club Reunion in June, an audience of 200 alumni and guests listened intently as Peter Lidgitt (Cert Ed, 1972-75) and Dee Sayers (BEd, 197478) introduced a significant new research project undertaken by alumni and titled Winchester Training College – Roll Call of the Fallen 1914-1918. The launch was marked by a generous donation from Peter’s family to the Winton Club and University of the medals of Merton Alfred Rose, one of the Wintonians who lost his life in the Great War. The collection includes the Military Cross awarded to Merton for his gallantry. The project sprang from a suggestion in a Facebook group of alumni who studied at Winchester in the 1970s. Realising the strength of the bond that exists between Wintonians, another special group of them came to Peter’s mind as the centenary of the Armistice approached – those who died during the Great War and are commemorated in the Chapel. Peter says: “I was convinced that they had a story to tell and that this was the right time to tell it.”
A small project team was formed. John Westwood (Cert Ed, 1972-75) was Peter’s first recruit, having undertaken a similar project for his home village. Dee Sayers and John Vickers (Cert Ed 1974-77) are the chief writers and researchers. Other members are editor Clare Hadwell (BEd 1977-80), photographer Pat Naylor (Cert Ed 1972-74) and website designer Michaela Carr (BA Media Production 2012-15). The team were greatly aided by earlier research undertaken by John Hartley (Cert Ed, 1963-66). Martial Rose (Principal 1967-84) who has supported the project throughout, wrote the foreword on the website, and concludes: “These 60 men….are here remembered and honoured: Wintonians by Wintonians”.
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Dee read out an abbreviated version of the project’s memorial for Merton, describing his idyllic early childhood and schooldays in Swanage and his well-ordered student life at Winchester Training College. At that time there were just 82 students and most were enrolled in the College’s Royal Hampshire Regiment Territorial Company. When War was declared, the students were on summer military manoeuvres and were immediately mobilised. Following a short illness when Merton was split from his fellow Hampshire Regiment students, he served in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment on the Western Front. Dee’s account continues: “He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1917. Only two months from the end of the War he and his men were engaged in fast-moving, open-field warfare, pushing German forces eastward, around the River Lys on the France-Belgium border. After twice advancing when other units had failed, Merton and his men were ordered to clear out the enemy positions in a copse and two farmhouses. This was accomplished but Merton was wounded. For his gallantry Merton was awarded the Military Cross. The citation reads: He carried out a reconnaissance personally in broad daylight under heavy fire, and then led his platoon forward with great gallantry and successfully outflanked the enemy’s position. He was afterwards severely wounded while attending to a wounded man.”
His wounds proved fatal: he died in hospital care 13 days later, on 19 September, 1918. Merton lies in Aire-sur-la-Lys Cemetery. He is remembered on the Swanage Memorial and in our College Chapel. We will remember them
The project’s memorial for Merton Rose can be seen in full here: https://wtcfallen.com/rose-m/
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Partners for patients The University of Winchester and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) have signed a partnership agreement that will see the two organisations further collaborate on research and education activities. The Memorandum of Understanding for Collaborative Research and Education was formally signed by Alex Whitfield, Chief Executive of HHFT, and Professor Joy Carter, Vice-Chancellor of the University. It formalises the partnership between HHFT and the University, which began in April 2013 with the establishment of the Hampshire Collaboration for Health Research and Education in which both institutions are equal partners.
Alex Whitfield said: “This document formalises something which is already a living, breathing entity. It has been brought to life by many people who are collaborating across a huge range of initiatives. “Hampshire Hospitals and the University of Winchester share the same values and the same aspirations for the populations we serve. Our vision is to provide outstanding care for every patient, and this collaboration absolutely supports that. It is a catalyst for innovation, it supports our staff to maximise their potential and it encourages some of the very best staff to come and work in our area.”
The collaboration aims to increase research and education opportunities for both hospital staff and University academic departments. Since 2013, at least 20 projects, involving 10 clinical specialties and five academic departments, have The collaboration is led by Professor been undertaken. Recent projects Simon Jobson, Director of Health include the evaluation of a new and Wellbeing at the University, technology for the treatment of Professor John Ramage, Consultant men with enlarged prostates, the Gastroenterologist and Visiting Alex Whitfield, Chief Executive development of water-based physical Research Fellow, and Barbara Parry, of Hampshire Hospital activity after breast cancer surgery, Research Advisor and Collaborative Foundation Trust and an investigation into the role of Research Fellow at HHFT. music in chronic pain management. The partners are working together to identify future Professor Joy Carter, said: “We are thrilled to be research and education collaborations and share formalising our strong links with Hampshire Hospitals expertise. The partnership also offers opportunities with the signing of this new agreement. Building on the to bid for research funding outside what is generally firm foundation of work already carried out, and the available to health researchers and the collaboration excellent research capabilities here at the University, recently secured its first Higher Education Innovation this collaboration will provide a springboard for exciting Funding (HEIF) grant, winning £55,000 for a project research and education ideas, benefiting both academic entitled ‘A Digital Infrastructure for Hampshire Health’. knowledge and clinical practice.”
IT IS A CATALYST FOR INNOVATION
Hampshire Hospitals, which runs Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, in Winchester, and Andover War Memorial Hospital, actively supports research to improve patient experience and treatments.
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From the left: Professor John Ramage; Alex Whitfield; Barbara Parry; Professor Joy Carter, and Professor Simon Jobson at the signing.
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THE GRADS ARE ALL WRITE We couldn’t be bigger fans of Winchester alumni who have published books in genres right across the board.
Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller (MA Creative and Critical Writing, 2011-2013) Currently harvesting critical acclaim worldwide, Claire’s third novel, published by Penguin, has been described as “A gothic tale of love triangles and voyeurism” by Amanda Craig in The Telegraph. Its main action is set in a dilapidated country house in the summer of 1969 where Frances Jellico, the narrator, has been commissioned to catalogue the garden architecture. Frances is quickly taken under the spell of the house’s other occupants, glamorous couple, Cara and Peter, bound to each other by a mysterious trauma, gradually revealed with surprising twists and turns.
Exceptional Talent: How to Attract, Acquire and Retain the Very Best Employees by Mervyn Dinnen and Matt Alder (BA English and Drama, 1990-1993) Matt brings his talents as a strategic consultant for recruitment marketing, employer branding and HR technology and his position as a global thought leader to this readable, practical guide to the world of recruitment for business leaders.
Law and War: Magistrates in the Great War by Jonathan Swan (BEd Biological Sciences, 19871991) The impact of emergency war time legislation on the working of the courts, in particular the torrent of orders, rules and regulations which permeated all levels of society, are the focus of Jonathan’s book. This is far from Jonathan’s first foray into magisterial history - he has been a magistrate in East London for nearly twenty years and has already published numerous articles on the subject.
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DECADE OF CREATIVE WRITING Earlier this year, 70 alumni gathered to commemorate a decade of graduates from the BA Creative Writing course at Winchester. With alumni from each graduating year in attendance, along with their tutors, it was a fabulous evening of celebration complete with readings and performances galore.
Every Fox is a Rabid Fox by Harry Gallon (BA English Literature with English Language, 2009-2012 and MA Creative and Critical Writing, 2012-2014) Harry’s second novel with Arts Council-funded independent publishers Dead Ink Books is out now. Every Fox is a Rabid Fox explores the life of a mid-twenties graduate, engaging with social issues of class aspiration, men’s mental health and hereditary PTSD. It employs fantastical elements to undermine the perceived reliability of the narrator, distorting both his and the reader’s perception of reality. Harry Gallon’s writing has been called “lucid and mordantly funny” (Claire Fuller), and “Every Fox is a spectacular literary assault to the senses” (Storgy).
Image by Ben Colman
Why Not? A Handbook for Inventors and Entrepreneurs by Alan E. Thompson (Cert Ed, 1954-1956)
The Fallen Children by David Owen (BA Creative Writing, 2005-2008 and MA Writing for Children, 2009-2010)
A collection of short scientific essays with a wealth of suggestions for any entrepreneur or inventor. From railways to gravitational waves to toothbrushes, Alan’s book has information on them all.
We know better than to judge a book by its cover, but the way David’s second Young Adult novel intriguingly has 360 different coloured covers is rather memorable. Venture beyond your chosen hue and you’ll be treated to a tale of four teenagers living in the council block Midwich Tower trying to make the best of their lives. One ‘Nightout’ all the residents become unconscious and afterwards the young people realise their future hopes may be ruined.
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Alumni memories:
Freshers advice in 1952 Memory from John Sayles (Cert Ed 1952-1954) Among other items donated to our archives by John was an advice note sent out from the Principal to “First-Year men entering College in the Michaelmas Term, 1952”, including the following matters. Was this what you brought with you when you started?
Incidental expenses
Dress
Books, stationery, materials
No clothing-list is issued at present, but students should have adequate changes of clothing, and also shoes and slippers. Stout shoes are recommended; the College is in hilly country.
- £35 for the two years Clothing - £50 for the two years Incidental College expenses (eg social events, games, travelling, subscriptions) - £5 a year
Other requirements Each student should bring with him to College:
A large rug or blanket, for extra warmth in bed. The College will provide sheets, pillows, pillow-slips and blankets Soap and towels (towels to be marked with owner’s name) Two laundry bags (marked) Shoe cleaning materials Tin in which to keep sugar ration A cabin trunk or strong box not more than 18 ins. deep, with a lock, is useful and can be kept under the student’s bed Suitable clothing for games and for gymnastics (shoes, shorts and vest) Ration books, which must be complete
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Share your Winchester memories Winchester Student Union tracked down this great picture of the mixed hockey team. Do you recognise yourself or a friend? Do you know when it was taken, or have any stories from playing sport whilst you were here? We are looking for photographs and anecdotes from your time at Winchester. We welcome stories from alumni of all ages, from your days studying here.
You can share your stories with us on Twitter (@WinchAlum) or on Facebook (Winton Club Alumni Association)
Selected stories sent to us will be featured in the next edition of Venta or on the website. We offer a University scarf for the best story we receive.
You can also send your stories to alumni@winchester.ac.uk and via post to the usual address.
See opposite for the best story we received to feature in this edition. John Sayles (Cert.Ed 1952-1954) – a scarf is on its way to you!
If you would like to send photos, please only send copies and not the original photograph. Those memories are yours to keep.
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By numbers: Former Student Governor election This spring’s election for the position of Former Student Governor to the University’s Board of Governors was record-breaking across the board. By numbers, here’s what the recent election looked like:
3 YEARS Since the last election, as per our governance documents.
23,381 ALUMNI
2 FELLOW ALUMNI
Our whole database, were invited to nominate themselves for the volunteer position.
Needed to propose and second each nomination.
21 CANDIDATES 55 ALUMNI Expressed initial interest in running for this role.
Stepped forward to run for the role with completed nominations. This is the highest number of nominations we have ever received for this position. Our sincere thanks to each and every one; your enthusiasm for serving your alma mater is inspiring.
3 METHODS
554 VALID VOTES
Of voting, with online and email voting joining postal voting for the first time ever.
Received across all voting platforms – the highest number ever.
23,381 ALUMNI Invited to vote again, our whole Winton Club alumni association database.
1 ELECTED CANDIDATE
4 INDEPENDENT Voting verifiers and counters checked each vote.
Peter Lidgitt (Cert Ed Physical Education, 1972-1975) who now joins the Board for a three-year term.
John McKenna (DipHE Social and Environmental Problems, 1986-1989) has served as the Former Student Governor from 2015 to 2018. His energy, insights and passion for the University and the power of our alumni have been greatly appreciated. Thank you to all of those who ran in this election, proposed or seconded a nomination or voted and made this a record-breaking election in more ways than one.
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How are you getting involved? There may only be one Former Student Governor position, but there are infinite ways for you to be involved in the Winton Club and in the life of the University and our students. Whether your student days were earlier this year or decades ago, you’re an integral part of our present and our future. For more information on any of these volunteer opportunities and to register your interest, get in touch by email to alumni@winchester.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1962 826389
Mentor a student Pass on your professional wisdom, career insights and top tips for the world after Graduation.
Be an Alumni Ambassador Communicate your passion for Winchester to prospective students.
Become a member of the Winton Club Working Group Join a group of engaged alumni to work on preserving the heritage of the institution, deliver the thriving annual Reunion Weekend and continue to develop a network of alumni working closely with the University.
Donate to support our students and our future Through the Winton Club, there is a long tradition of alumni helping students through donations to the Winton Benevolent Fund. The Winton Benevolent Fund gives students the opportunity for support for hardship or to enhance development opportunities. Alternatively, remembering Winchester in your Will by leaving a legacy to the University is a lasting gift to future students and to the continuing development of this unique place in years to come. If you would like to include the University of Winchester in your Will, a solicitor will be able to advise you which type of legacy suits you best.
For further information or if you would like to advise us of your plans, please get in touch with the Alumni Office.
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Days in the Hayes It is accepted as one of those ‘universal truths’ that everyone over the age of, say, 60 knows exactly where they were when they heard President John F. Kennedy had been shot. For me, on that fateful Friday afternoon, it was outside the door to Mr and Mrs Bradbury’s flat on the bottom corridor of West Hayes. In the early 1960s West Hayes was an off-campus hostel for around 40 men. Nearly all of us were in our first year at College. The Bradburys were a mature couple who ran the hostel keeping it, and us, in good order. Biology lecturer Tom Graty was the warden and lived with his wife in an apartment attached to the hostel.
The building was a rambling mixture of large rooms, long corridors and elaborate, carved wooden staircases. It would have made an excellent setting for a 1930s murder mystery.
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Roger Marsh, recalls: “It was very like a boarding house. Conditions were quite spartan; no dormitories but shared rooms with a row of washbasins on the corridor. We also had lock-up at night and had to get permission to be away. I do remember us getting on very happily and having fun.” The atmosphere became very convivial; it was easy to get a group together to represent the hostel and partake in College events.
which, it transpired, contained a baby owl. The pupil explained that the owl’s mother had been shot the previous evening and he was hoping that Mr Cousins would save the youngster. The baby was brought back to West Hayes and the owl lived in the hostel until the end of term, at which point Ian took it home with him. The last we heard the owl was living happily in a garden shed in Walsall. One of the disadvantages of being an off-campus hostel was the distance between us and the four meals a day with which we were provided – no self-catering in 1963! So, for those who needed a ‘Full English’ before morning chapel (optional) and a 9am lecture (obligatory) there was a brisk early morning walk. However, there was an upside to this situation. Between hostel and dining hall there were two pubs. The nearest was The County Arms, still standing, and The Battery (now a car park!) which was the choice of the West Hayes residents. Although licensing laws did not allow it to be open for the breakfast walk, it did offer the opportunity for a swift half (or two) on the way down to Sunday Lunch, and on other days a nightcap on the way back up the hill. Above all we were happy in our first year away from home, making the most of our independence. John Hartley and Brian David so enjoyed their year that while most of us spent our second year out in digs around the city, they signed-on for a second year in ‘The Hayes’.
At the end of the summer term 1964, the theme for the College Fete was “Romans”. Taking up the theme but, as ever, also happy to be slightly in opposition to the mainstream, the hostel raised a party of Celts, seen here on their way to make a pre-emptive raid on the events on the Dytche. With such creative energy in one place, japes and jests were never far below the surface. John Hartley remembers: “The washbasins were in a row under some windows, which were frosted but not curtained. They looked across the road to the housing provided for the families of officers at HMP Winchester. A complaint was received that female family members could see the silhouettes of students undertaking their ablutions. This was just too good an invitation and the rebellious creativity quickly kicked in. Third year students happily assisted by crafting some cheeky paper silhouettes of male figures which were mounted in the windows above the sinks. Inevitably a further complaint was received.” The creative energy could also be harnessed for more positive benefits. The Worldwide Union of Students was a charity much supported within the College. A fundraising method was the collection of ‘WUS ds’ – putting a single penny into a jam jar. The picture to the right shows a collection team gathered in one of the rooms within the hostel. The homely atmosphere allowed one extraordinary rescue to take place. Ian Cousins (Mathematics and Physics) was on teaching practice when a young pupil came to find him in a lab. The boy was carrying a box
Our time at KAC was there for us to do three things: extend our knowledge, develop our craft, and increase our humanity. College did the first, schools in Hampshire and the adjoining counties helped with the second and our year in West Hayes did much to foster the third. West Hayes is now the site of a set of apartments search “West Hayes Winchester”. The postcode for a street view is SO22 5QJ. I gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Brian David, John Cuthell, John Hartley, Martin Hill and Roger Marsh in compiling this article. Stephen Baldwin (Cert Ed, 1963-1966)
Did you have a year at West Hayes? What are your memories? Let us know at: alumni@winchester.ac.uk
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There’s a world of benefits for our alumni… Are there any discounts or benefits you would like to see, or would your company be willing to offer a discount or benefit to your fellow Winchester alumni? Get in touch on alumni@winchester.ac.uk receive the discounted rate. Rooms cannot be block booked under one membership number, each room must be allocated to individuals with valid membership numbers.
Get in touch with conferences@winchester. ac.uk for more information on availability and costs.
Careers service
discount. For alumni with First Class honours, the discount increases to 50 per cent. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other scholarship awarded by the University of Winchester.
Contact alumnischolarships@ winchester.ac.uk for more information and take a look at our full listing of courses at www.winchester.ac.uk/ courses
Do you need some extra help planning your career? Our Careers team can help for up to two years after graduation.
Please get in touch by email careers@winchester.ac.uk or call 01962 827310.
On campus accommodation Fancy revisiting your student city? We offer discounted on campus accommodation prices for alumni. Single rooms, double rooms and family rooms are available. When booking you must provide an alumni membership number (available from alumni@winchester.ac.uk) to
Alumni Masters Scholarship Further your personal and professional development – enrol onto one of our Masters programmes with up to a 50 per cent tuition fee discount. Former students who have completed either an undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree or research degree at Winchester, or a predecessor institution, are eligible for a 20 per cent Masters tuition
Gifts We have an ever-expanding range of items for sale to remind you of your time here.
Visit store.winchester.ac.uk
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Cottages.com All members of the Winton Club have access to a 10 per cent discount on cottages.com With thousands of cosy cottages, charming farmhouses and contemporary apartments all over the UK and beautiful properties overseas, cottages.com has the holiday destination you’re looking for.
To search for and book your next dream holiday online please visit: www. chooseacottage.co.uk/uow or call the sales team on 0345 268 0980
Events You’re always invited to our broad range of free public events. Take a look at the events page of our website winchester.ac.uk/events for full information about what’s on and to book your space. Perhaps we’ll see you at one of these upcoming events soon? The Venice Project Monday 26 November – Saturday 22 December, Weekdays 9am6pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sundays by prior arrangement The Link Gallery, Winchester Business School, West Downs Quarter The Venice Project is an exhibition by Lesley Butterworth and reflects the sensation of being in Venice through water, stone and fabric. The drawings represent a series of walks taken by Lesley through Venice exploring the shapes and symbols, piercings through doors and windows, archways and passages, courtyards and squares, and the liminal spaces between lagoon, land and air. Stretchy Flesh: Theological Anthropology for Digital Humans Tuesday 4 December, 4:30pm Room 201, St Alphege Building, King Alfred Quarter
Student Union venue hire Alumni can hire any of the Winchester Student Union venues for half the normal price. Whether it’s a party, an awards evening, a reunion or another event, one of the three venues is sure to suit your occasion, with bar prices hard to beat in Winchester. For the discounted rate you must provide an alumni membership number upon booking, available from the Alumni Office at alumni@winchester.ac.uk or call 01962 826389.
To book or enquire, contact suevents@winchester.ac.uk or call 01962 827418.
A talk by Dr Karen O’Donnell from the University of Durham, as part of our Department of Theology, Religion and Philosophy’s Research Seminar Series. What does it mean to be human in the digital age? What are the limits of our flesh when it comes to machines, the internet, and digital technology? Why do these questions matter to a theologian? In this paper, Dr O’Donnell proposes a stretchy flesh that is porous; this flesh enters into the digital space and is, in turn, penetrated by technology and the internet. Given the significance of flesh (sarx) in Christian literature, she explores the implications of this stretchy fleshly constructive theology for Christian doctrine and practice.
Life and Death in Bristol in the 19th Century Thursday 6 December, 6pm Medecroft 15, Medecroft Quarter A Wessex Centre for History and Archaeology seminar talk by Dr Heidi Dawson-Hobbis, Lecturer in Biological Anthropology at University of Winchester, Honorary Research Associate at University of Bristol and Consultant Osteoarchaeologist to Avon Archaeology Ltd. Human remains from two recent cemetery excavations in Bristol have the potential to uncover a vast amount of information about the lives and deaths of its nineteenth century inhabitants. This talk will discuss some of the preliminary findings, including evidence for surgical interventions and post-mortem dissections, from an assessment of the remains from the St Catherine’s Court (18381898) and St George’s (1820-1885) cemeteries. Born to Play: Acting on the World Stage – Tavern Talk by Professor Tim Prentki Thursday 24 January, 5:30pm for a 6pm start St James’ Tavern, 3 Romsey Road, Winchester, SO22 5BE Tavern Talks are a series of informal talks on topics from the Faculty of Arts, featuring short talks followed by opportunities for discussion. Recent developments in the neuroscience of the human brain show that our species is inherently dramatic. Come to explore how we process reality for ourselves and in our interactions with others in the same way in which theatre operates, where we only exist as performers and audiences.
46 | VENTA 34 | AUTUMN 2018
Harry Blamires
(1916-2017)
We are saddened by the passing of Harry Blamires, who died on 21 November, aged 101. Harry was an Anglican theologian, literary critic and novelist. He joined King Alfred’s College in 1948 as head of the English department, retiring from the role of Dean of Arts and Sciences in 1976. Harry studied English at University College, Oxford in the mid-1930s, attending lectures by CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien among others. He started writing in the late 1940s, encouraged by his mentor Lewis, with whom he remained friends. Harry’s best known works are The Christian Mind: How should a Christian Think? and The Bloomsday Book, a guide to James Joyce’s Ulysses. Howard Horstead (Cert Ed, 1953-55) says: “Harry gave great support to students in many ways, being very generous with his time”. Brian Davis (Cert Ed, 1960-1963) wrote in the Church Times “As one of his students, I have always thought how fortunate we were to be taught by someone with such a brilliant academic mind, who was able to communicate the depth of his scholarship with a sincere passion for his subject.” Professor Brian Tippett, who joined the English staff of King Alfred’s College in 1968, writes “Harry served the College well in his own excellent teaching and by
leading one of its strongest subject departments in a period of considerable growth. He made an important contribution to the development of the institution by leading the planning team which drafted plans for the College’s first ‘diversified’ (i.e. non teacher training) degrees. In recognition of this and his other scholarly achievements, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the College in 1993. “After leaving Winchester he published A Guide to 20th Century Literature in English and was commissioned to write The Queen’s English and several other books on English usage. Professor Tippett concludes: “Harry was a great family man, a devout Anglican, a wonderful conversationalist with a delightful sense of humour, a shrewd observer of the world around him and wonderfully perceptive reader of the literature to which he devoted so many hours of his life. The number, range and depth of his publications make it obvious that his was a life of great achievement.”
Harry Blamires, third from left, receiving his Honorary Doctorate at Winchester Cathedral
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IN MEMORY OF We have recently been notified of the passing of the following members of the University of Winchester and Winton Club communities. We send our condolences to their families. Former students Mr Neil W J Adams Mr Kenneth B Powell Mr Leonard A Russell Mr Raymond Sparkes Mr David Stapleton Mr George L Attaway Mr Stanley Brian Palmer Mr Raymond (Bobby) Carter, OBE Mr Joseph Henry Symn Mr Douglas F Williams Mr Hannibal W D Hocking Mr Colin A A Marsh Mr Reginald F Winters Mr Michael Record Mr Harold J Wood Revd John Frederick Elson Mr Ivor W Noyce Mr Colin H Brown Mr Keith Harwood Mr Alan Garforth Mr Derek Daniel Parsons-Romanov Mr Vincent C Beauchamp Mr Christopher J Jarman Mr Colin Ranger Mr Clive T Bradshaw Mr Howard Cooper Miss Margaret Miller Mr Roy P Dunn
1945-1947 1947-1949 1947-1949 1947-1949 1949-1951 1948-1950 1949-1951 1950-1952 1950-1952 1950-1952 1951-1953 1951-1953 1951-1953 1952-1954 1952-1954 1953-1955 1954-1956 1956-1958 1956-1958 1958-1960 1959-1961 1960-1962 1960-1962 1960-1962 1960-1963 1960-1963 1961-1964 1962-1965
Mr Noel Hardy Mrs Angela Rohde (Thompson) Dr Peter Wilkinson Miss Claire Holloway Revd Andrew Stephen Padgett Miss Margaret Skinner Mrs Patricia Robinson (Stone) Mr John Victor Godfrey Miss Ghislaine Ellis Mr Jeremy Hill Mr Michael Ambler Mr Ernest Craske Mrs Janet Gremo (Hood) Mr Gary King Mr David (Jim) Chrismas Mr John Carter Mr Andrew Cross Mrs Karen Alchin Ms Catherine Gregory Mr James Hurst Mrs Marion Docherty (Stewart) Dr Josephine Kiddle Mrs Pauline Durham Miss Ellen Coates Mr Martin Higson Mr Brian Rothwell Mr Manendran (Manny) Moodley Mr Harry Yardley
Former staff Dr Harry Blamires Mrs Pamela Broughall Professor (Amelia) Ruth Bussey Mr Peter Dixon
Member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service Mrs Betty Venworth
Mr Eric Geddes Mr John Moate Mr Alfred Paddon Dr Rosemary Pountney
1962-1965 1962-1965 1963-1964 1963-1966 1963-1966 1963-1966 1966-1970 1967-1970 1969-1971 1969-1972 1970-1973 1971-1974 1971-1974 1972-1975 1974-1977 1980-1983 1980-1983 1991-1994 1993-1996 1995-1998 1996-2000 1999-2013 2008-2009 2008-2011 2008-2011 2011-2016 2013-2017 2017-2018