Life - March 2012

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Beautiful mind Startling finds from University researcher ›› 02

Reality TV Students make their own ‘live’ show ›› 05

Alumni spotlight Lorraine’s job’s a beach

›› 06 Sport Maker of the Month ›› 08

The award-winning newspaper for staff and students

More acts announced!

The Mall in Luton echoed to a massive roar recently as Olly Murs was announced as one of the Love Luton Festival headline acts this July.

One of the UK’s most successful new male singers of the past decade, Olly Murs already has two huge selling albums, the first of which has turned double-platinum, and four number one hit singles.

Along with The Wanted, this makes an incredible line-up for the festival. More acts will be revealed over the coming weeks. Combine the high calibre performers and the Olympic Torch parade and ceremony; and we really do have an amazing festival to look forward to.

The University is a Platinum Sponsor of this summer’s weekend-long festival and UBSU is due to host a special Love Luton event at the Luton campus on 26 March.

There’ll be chances to win concert tickets and for University acts to take part in the festival so keep an eye on the signage screens across the University, Facebook and Twitter for the latest information. Also, look out for campus visits from the Love Luton Festival team on: • Tuesday, 6 March, Butterfield Park, 10.30am-3pm • Monday, 12 March, Luton campus, 10am-2pm • Thursday, 22 March, Oxford House, 10.30am -2pm • Wednesday, 4 April, Bedford campus, 12.30pm-3pm For the latest festival and ticket information visit: www.luton.gov.uk/2012festival

March 2012

L-R Dr Tahima Ajmal, Professor Ben Allen and David Jazani

Crest of the wave Researchers at the University have developed a new technique for powering electronic devices.

The system, developed by Professor Ben Allen at the Centre for Wireless Research in the Faculty of Creative Arts Technologies and Science (CATS), uses radio waves as power.

Professor Allen and his team, including David Jazani and Dr Tahima Ajmal, have created a system to use medium wave frequencies to replace batteries in small everyday gadgets like clocks or remote controls.

Believed to be a world first, the team claims it could eventually eliminate the need for conventional batteries, and as a result, has attracted a great deal of media interest in the UK and internationally over recent weeks.

The University has now filed a patent application to secure exclusive rights to the technique.

The new technique uses the “waste”

Check out www.beds.ac.uk/news for all the latest news and events

energy of radio waves and has been developed as part of the University’s research into “power harvesting”.

Professor Allen said that as radio waves have energy - like light waves, sound waves or wind waves - then in theory these waves could be used to create power. He said: “The emerging area of power harvesting technology promises to reduce our reliance on conventional batteries. It’s a really exciting way of taking power from other sources than what we would normally think of.”

The team are now waiting for the results of the patent application to secure recognition of the technique.

Professor Allen said that the team’s achievements had all been done in their “spare time”.

“Our next stage is to try and raise some real funds so that we can take this work forward and make a working prototype and maybe partner up with

the right people and take this to a full product in due course,” he said.

“Power harvesting has a really important part in our future because, in this country alone, we dispose of somewhere between 20,000 and 30,000 tonnes of batteries in landfill sites every single year - that is toxic chemicals going into the ground.

“The market for this is several billion pounds, we’ve seen market predictions for 2020 which have these kinds of figures so there’s a lot of commercial potential in this area,” he added.

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research & Enterprise), Professor Carsten Maple, said: “This type of work is a reflection of the University’s growing reputation and experience in conducting innovative research. It is an important milestone of commercial maturity for the University and a further step to realising the benefits of our in-house ‘know-how’ and expertise.”

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Healthy outlook BHPMS Dean Professor Alan Sinclair appointed as National Clinical Lead for diabetes in older people

Editor’s Letter Kevin Cunningham Communications Officer kevin.cunningham@beds.ac.uk Research and innovation are a key strength at the University of Bedfordshire.

The most recent Research Assessment Exercise (REA) commended the University’s research as ‘world leading’ in a number of fields.

One example is the Centre for Wireless Research in CATS faculty, led

by Prof. Ben Allen, who has created a system to use medium wave frequencies to replace batteries in small devices such as clocks or remote controls – see the full story on page one. There has been much media interest in this work, both nationally and internationally, and we look forward to seeing this innovative research progress this year.

The University is a Platinum Sponsor at this year’s Love Luton Festival, taking place on 6-8 July. The festivities will coincide with the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Luton on 8 July. Big name acts The Wanted and Olly Murs will perform at the big weekend. The Students’ Union in Luton is hosting a special Love Luton launch event on 26 March – look out for details at the SU and on the digital screens across the University.

The National Student Survey is open and final year undergraduates still have time to give their views of life at the University of Bedfordshire. Great prizes are on offer including four trips to China, four £500 cash prizes and 10 graduation packs. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete online at: www.thestudentsurvey.com

Caroline Jacobi Communications administrator

caroline.jacobi@beds.ac.uk

Anna Copperwheat Communications assistant

anna.copperwheat@beds.ac.uk

Contributors: Ian Nancollas, Cherrelle Emanuel and John O’Brien ian.nancollas@beds.ac.uk cherrelle.emanuel@beds.ac.uk john.o’brien@beds.ac.uk

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02 March 2012

Professor Alan Sinclair, Dean of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Postgraduate Medical School (BHPMS) has been named as National Clinical Lead for Diabetes in Older People at the Department of Health (NHS Diabetes).

Professor Sinclair is a leading international geriatrician and diabetologist, and the Director of the Institute for Diabetes in Older People (IDOP) at the University.

He has been appointed National Clinical Lead for Diabetes in Older People and has been asked to lead a project to establish a national older people’s diabetes network.

This network aims to bring together health professionals, including GPs and hospital specialists, patients, carers, charities, volunteer groups and commissioners to look at developing best clinical practice in diabetes for older people.

The older people’s network project with the Department of Health (NHS Diabetes) will be completed in late 2012, and is supported by a £150,000 grant. Professor Sinclair said: “We at IDOP are excited about this project because we feel this is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of older people with diabetes.”

L to R: Pro Vice Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) Professor Carsten Maple, Professor Alan Sinclair and Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE DL

Taking centre stage A rock concert promoter for the likes of the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and the Monty Python touring show is set to be honoured along with the University’s graduates later this month.

Tony Smith has been a tour promoter, music manager and producer in his long career in the music industry. He has produced hit films including Eye of the Beholder and Children of Men, and oversaw the longawaited Genesis reunion tour in 2007.

More recently, Mr Smith has been involved in the production of the musical Rock Of Ages which is currently running in London’s West End, as well as continuing his management activities for Genesis, Phil

Collins and Pink Floyd.

Mr Smith will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Arts in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the music industry.

He will be presented with his award on 29 March at St Mary’s Parish Church in Luton along with proud graduates from the Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies and Science (CATS).

The University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon CBE DL, said: “I am very much looking forward to the graduations.

Our students have worked extremely hard to achieve their goals and I congratulate each and every one of them for remaining focused and dedicated throughout.”

Beautiful mind Bedfordshire researcher Dr Chris Papadopoulos has published some ‘startling’ findings in research into conflict and containment events in acute psychiatric wards.

The research, titled ‘Events preceding changes in conflict and containment rates on acute psychiatric wards’, has just been published in the world-leading journal Psychiatric Services.

Dr Papadopoulos, Senior Lecturer in the University’s Institute for Health Research, said: “Conflict situations like violence, self-harm or absconding, and containment – things like manual restraint or seclusion – are potentially damaging to patient and staff safety and disruptive to patient progress.

“These events are expected on acute psychiatric wards, but what we discovered was that these are often influenced more by staff, rather than patients. Our research looked at what causes an increase or decrease in these events.”

The research data was made up of two years’ worth of special shift reports from 136 acute psychiatric inpatient wards and one-to-one interviews with a range of staff from 16 wards.

Dr Papadopoulos added: “Our findings are hugely significant and have major implications for psychiatric care. We’re hopeful that our research can help to improve the patient experience. Some clinicians have already been in touch to say our discoveries can help make a real impact.”

Dr Chris Papadopoulos

Class of 2011 - Bedfordshire graduates celebrate outside St. Mary’s Church in Luton

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L to R: Professor Les Ebdon CBE DL, Bob and Zahra Henly, and Martin Wragg

Ania Skopi with her tutor Noel Douglas (right) with examiner Tony Credland

Change by design An international Bedfordshire graphic design graduate is bringing something new to Warsaw in the form of a sociallyaware magazine.

Ania Skopi studied for both a BA (Hons) degree in Graphic Design and a Masters by Research in Graphic Design. She is now getting ready to release the second issue of Grafik Rebel, which brings together artists, writers and illustrators to voice opinions on social issues.

Ania said: “I came up with the idea of this occasional publication during my Masters course. At the time I was researching sociallyengaged graphic design, and for the practical part of my studies I wanted to design a project which could be continued later on.”

The first issue of the magazine was distributed in Warsaw, Poland, reaching over 2,000 readers and Ania has high hopes

for the second issue. The British Council enabled her tutor, Programme Leader in Design for Communication at the University, Noel Douglas, to fly out to Poland and help.

Ania added: “I feel Grafik Rebel magazine has great potential. I was able to meet some very interesting people, not only graphic designers but artists, activists, or just people who are intrigued by the magazine’s content and would like to contribute to the next issues.”

Noel said: “Having taught Ania during her degree and her Masters, I can see she has produced some excellent work.

It is fantastic to see her taking an entrepreneurial approach in developing a socially-aware graphic design scene in Warsaw.”

Ania also has a creative studio called Rebel ZOO, which can be found at: www.rebelzoo.eu/

The next step Some 50 students took part in an Employability Day last month, jointly hosted by the University’s Division of Tourism and Leisure and the Careers and Employment Service.

This is the third Employability Day held at the Division in the past year, building on the successes of similar events in April and November 2011.

The day was packed with workshops and presentations for students, including preparing for work placements, writing the perfect CV and career options upon graduations.

Students also gained valuable insight from guest speakers from business including; Thistle Heathrow Hotel, Bedford Corn Exchange and Macmillan Cancer Support.

One of the Division’s graduates, Katherine Hyde, spoke about her work experiences and offered some top tips for students preparing for the world of work.

Katherine is currently a Senior Marketing Executive at Pearson Education responsible for their Tourism textbooks portfolio.

Two current Bedfordshire

students also presented. Kristine Anoska talked about her one year placement with a Miami-based tour operator and Paul Wilford shared his thoughts about his summer internship in Spain.

Employability Day organiser and Course Leader in International Tourism Management at the University Dr Petia Petrova said: “The involvement from industry and our students taking part was extremely valuable. Employability Day is an ideal way for students to hear from prominent businesses.”

Petia added: “The latest Employability Day was a great success and would have not been possible without the support of the Careers Service, through Christine Smith (Careers and Employability Advisor), and the help of one of our postgraduate students, Natalie Sibley.”

The University’s website has further information about student recruitment opportunities for students at: www.beds.ac.uk/studentlife/ careers and Employers at: www. beds.ac.uk/studentlife/careers/ recruit

Bedfordshire Alumna Katherine Hyde shares the benefit of her experience at the recent Employability Day

Win a trip to China or £500 cash!

Tourism talks

Final-year undergraduate students (including those studying part-time) are eligible to take part in the National Student Survey 2012.

Everyone who completes the survey can be entered into the free prize draw to win a top prize including:

The Institute for Tourism Research (INTOUR) at the University has been running a series of expert seminars for staff and students.

In January Dr Bob Gibson, a freelance researcher and lecturer, spoke on ‘The Thomas Cook business and the 1841 Myth’. The ‘1841 Myth’ is a suggestion that train hire by Thomas Cook in 1841 was a ground-breaking event for the growth of the package holiday and modern tourism industry. And in February Inge Hermann, a current PhD student, presented on ‘Representational Stances in Tourism Studies: Emergent Issues and Challenges’.

For more information on INTOUR seminars, visit www.beds.ac.uk/research/intour

one of four fantastic trips of a lifetime to China one of four £500 cash prizes one of ten graduation packages including tickets, gowns, photography and leavers’ hoodie To fill out the survey on campus, look out for the NSS teams with laptops in Luton and Bedford. They will be going into final year lectures and seminar groups to encourage eligible students to take part, and

also be contacting those who are members of the University’s clubs, societies and sports teams. Or you can complete it at home at www. thestudentsurvey.com. All you have to do is answer a few quick questions relating to your University experience.

The results of the survey are published on Unistats.com for future students to see and also made available to those institutions taking part.

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60 Seconds with...

Adele Coady is 21 and a final year Bedfordshire student studying Fine Art at the Luton campus.

Here Adele tells us about herself.

Where is your favourite place in the world and why?

Home. I work part-time as well as being a student so opportunities to go back home to Lincolnshire are limited. When I get the chance to go home it’s a real privilege.

What is your favourite animal and why?

I’m always told I’m going to be a crazy cat lady because I love cats. It’s the only pet I’ve really had and they are so affectionate, most of the time, and easy to look after.

Who is your hero and why?

My hero is definitely my mum. She raised four children, especially one as naughty as I was, as well as helping to look after my partially blind dad. Yet she never complained and is always more than happy to do anything to help anyone. She is one of the strongest, nicest and most giving people I know and I can only hope I’ll be half the woman she is.

What is the best thing about being at the University of Bedfordshire?

As I study Fine Art it would have to be the great availability of the art studios. You can pretty much go in there at any reasonable time to get work space, plus it’s a quiet and pleasant environment to study in.

What are your hobbies?

I’m a typical student and love going out and socialising. I also enjoy painting and drawing, visiting the cinema and reading.

What would you be doing if you didn’t go to Uni? I would probably still be working at a little shop in my little hometown having a boring tiny life.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

I would take my mum, my phone and my iPod. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

Mashed potatoes! I have it up to three times a week and love it.

Adele Coady

Life 03

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News Animated response Animation fanatics flocked to the University to see the best of British animation last month.

The British Animation Awards (BAA) Public Choice regional tour made a stop at the Judith Blake Theatre in the Luton campus and treated visitors to British animation films over three days.

Visitors saw a selection of British animation films and voted for their favourite, which will go forward to the main BAA ceremony later this month.

Course leader for the BA (Hons) degree in Animation, Mark Collington said:

“We were really excited to have the opportunity to showcase the best of British animation talent, including home grown talent from Bedfordshire. Events, such as the British Animation Awards Public Choice Tour, are a great chance to see a lot of the animation that doesn’t always make it in to cinemas or onto TV.” An exhibition of work from current animation students was also on display throughout the road show, including the work of awardwinning BA (Hons) Animation graduate Chris Butcher.

Animation graduates Chris Butcher, Ben Melville, Natalie Henry, Vasil Yonchev and Susan Stone, with Professor James Crabbe, Dean of Creative Arts Technologies and Science (centre), Colin Davies, Head of Department of Art and Design (second from right) and Mark Collington

Springboard to dev The University’s Organisational Development and Training Unit (ODTU) recently hosted its second Springboard Women’s Development Programme.

17 women from across the University’s departments and campuses began the awardwinning Springboard course last autumn, which concluded last month at the Putteridge Bury campus.

At the final session (pictured right), delegates were awarded certificates, presented by Martina Rohr, Academic Registrar. Martina highlighted the importance of Springboard for personal professional development. She said: “Recent research shows that 84 per cent of Springboard participants say they are more open to change since attending the Springboard Women’s Development Programme.”

Lucy Farnes, ODTU Training Officer and Springboard Programme Trainer said: “Springboard consists of four one-day workshops and a workbook delivered over a period of four months. The programme enables women to give more and get more out of their work by identifying where they are going and then developing the skills and confidence to get on with it.”

Springboard has been delivered to over 180,000 women at organisations worldwide to date.

For further information about Springboard and other staff development opportunities email odtu@beds.ac.uk or visit in.beds website: in.beds. ac.uk/odtu

Postgraduate advantage Whatever your career aspirations, a postgraduate degree at Bedfordshire can greatly improve your chances of getting the job you have always wanted.

Postgraduate open events take place on the following dates over the next few weeks: Thursday, 22 March, 5pm to 7.30pm (PGCE courses only) - Bedford campus A Business Networking Lunch, 26 March – Capability Green, Luton Tuesday, 17 April, 5pm to 7.30pm - Luton campus Thursday, 19 April, 5pm 7.30pm - Bedford campus Saturday, 12 May, 11am 1pm - Luton campus Saturday, 19 May, 11am 1pm - Bedford campus

Open events are free to attend and all you need to do is reserve your place at: www.beds.ac.uk/ pgopenevents One of the many benefits of being a postgraduate student at Bedfordshire includes exclusive access to the University’s Postgraduate e-zine. The e-zine, published monthly, is crammed full of events, University news and interviews with Bedfordshire graduates, current students and University staff.

If you want to be added to the mailing list please get in touch by emailing: www.beds.ac.uk/pgstudy Also, if you have a story to tell let us know about it and you could be featuring in the next e-zine yourself! Get in touch at pg@beds.ac.uk

04 March 2012

Student camera operators capture the action at ‘live’ television

Springboard class of 2012 with Programme Manager Lucy Farnes (back row, far right)

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Then em life@beds.aail c.uk with your p o t e ntial stories, an d include your name contact de and tails

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velopment

Dr Sarah Galvani

Support for M.E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) is a chronic, fluctuating illness affecting some 250,000 people in the UK. It may be diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS). Symptoms of M.E. may include persistent exhaustion, muscle and/or joint pain, sleep disturbance, feeling ’flu-like and having problems with memory and concentration.

With funding from the Network for Social Change, the charity

Action for M.E. last year created a Student Hub which provides online information and support for students and potential students with M.E. entering higher education.

Visit www.actionforme. org.uk/children-andyoung-people/student-hub This website now includes a free interactive student hub forum offering students with M.E. valuable access to peer support and friendship.

Visit: www.actionforme. org.uk/get-involved/join-adiscussion-forum/studenthub-forum

Picture of success

Reality TV The pressure and excitement of producing ‘live’ television was brought vividly to life for a day for University students.

The six-hour marathon event was a joint assignment between TV Production, Broadcast Journalism and Multiplatform Journalism level one and Media Performance level two students at the Luton campus.

Dean of the Creative Arts, Technologies and Science (CATS) Faculty, Professor James Crabbe, was one of the guests interviewed for ‘live’ television. He said: “It was a great experience both for me and all the students. They conducted themselves really professionally in a highly pressured environment.”

It was the fourth year this assignment has been run. Kathryn Wolfe, Senior Lecturer in Media Performance and Course Leader in TV Production, said: “It’s very successful as an example of realistic learning. There is only one chance, no retakes, it is ‘live’ and as a result the production values are high, the pressure is on, and the students feel that

they are making ‘real television’.”

The Media Performance students were responsible for finding their guests, inviting them and conducting the live interviews.

The TV Production, Broadcast Journalism and Multiplatform Journalism students were divided into groups and were responsible for filming, directing and vision mixing the interviews.

Other key roles included director, vision mixer, sound recordist, camera operator, set designer, floor manager, video tape recordist, autocue operator, production assistant and assistant floor manager.

Local sport advocate Howard Darbon is lending his support to the University’s success campaign.

The campaign is an innovative ‘storybook’ viral campaign which is based on storytelling and Howard has passed on the tale of his success.

The former teacher failed a medical to enter his chosen career, the army, but went on to become President of Bedford and County Athletic

Club, Chairman of Sport Bedford and Chairman of St Augustine’s Road Residents Association – a recent Pride in Bedford winner.

Howard is also heavily involved in preparations for the London 2012 Olympic Games. He said: “If you put your mind and energies to something you can be successful.”

To find out more and add your own story, visit success.beds.ac.uk

Howard Darbon

It was a great experience both for me and all the students. They conducted themselves really professionally in a highly pressured environment

Life 05

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Feature Spotlight on Alumni… Lorraine Grant Sun, sand and sea… Lorraine’s job’s a beach!

Everyone dreams of spending some time soaking up the sun in the Caribbean. For one University alumna, the dream is now her day job.

Lorraine Grant is a Project Manager at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation. She completed a BA Hons in Travel and Tourism and, on graduating, has put her skills to good use.

She said: “I knew I wanted to work in the travel industry but I wasn’t sure what was out there.

After graduation I went to a travel recruitment agency and got a job with a Japanese firm, Miki Travel. During my time at Miki Travel I had the opportunity to move round the company and the background learning from my degree course really helped me.

At Miki Travel Lorraine was involved in negotiating new hotel contracts in Venice, Florence and Vienna, in order to provide accommodation for Japanese clients taking tours or business trips in Europe.

“I helped build the company website over an 18 month period, gathering all the information about hotels for clients to access, and I worked alongside our contractor, sourcing suitable new hotels for our clients,” she added.

Class apart

Part-time study

Dr Paul Fifield, one of the country’s most renowned marketers, will teach a masterclass as part of The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) lecture series at the Business School this month.

This masterclass will establish how you must constantly evolve your thinking in the 21st century by going back to basics and re-engaging the benefits of segmentation and strategy.

Paul is a Visiting Professor at the University of Southampton School of Management, a Fellow of the CIM and a Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce.

The masterclass takes place on Thursday, 22 March in JM01 Lecture Theatre, Vicarage Street, Luton campus. Arrival from 6pm for a 6.30pm start (the masterclass will finish at 8pm).

This event is FREE to Bedfordshire Business School students and includes refreshments and networking opportunities. Please book your place by 17 March by registering at: bbsdirect@beds.ac.uk

From this September, the University is launching a selection of brand new part-time undergraduate courses. Study will take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and some courses will also run at weekends, to enable flexibility to study while you work or around your family commitments.

This year for the first time, newly enrolled part-time students at Bedfordshire can apply for a student loan and will not have to pay their course fees up front.

For further information about all undergraduate part-time courses on offer at Bedfordshire and to apply visit: www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/

06 March 2012

Student feedback Students Say So is a new way for the University to ask and students to feed back on a range of issues throughout the academic year.

Andrew Kingston, the University’s Market Research Manager and Students Say So co-ordinator, said: “Our students’ perceptions are a crucial indicator of how the University is doing and which areas we want to improve.”

Students joining before 31 March will be entered into a prize draw to win one of four £25 Amazon vouchers.

For more information and to join Students Say So, visit www.beds.ac.uk/studentpanel or email andrew.kingston@beds.ac.uk

After leaving Miki Travel, she moved to the other side of the world, to the Caribbean. Since joining the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), Lorraine has broadened her knowledge and used her marketing skills, gained from her degree, to actively promote the Caribbean region.

She said: “CTO promotes and markets the Caribbean throughout the UK and Europe.

Promotions are delivered through many forms including the creation of Caribbean Guides, which are distributed at exhibitions. We plan and host Caribbean Events and conduct Travel Agents training, which assists agents across the UK and Europe, on how to sell the Caribbean. We also conduct market research on travel to the Caribbean.”

Lorraine enjoys sharing her knowledge with others and loves to travel and broaden her horizons even further.

She said: “I still have a great passion for travel.

I try to visit a different destination every year and learn some of the local language. I’m very happy to have completed my BA Hons in Travel and Tourism at Bedfordshire as I have learnt a great deal and gained many valuable skills.”

Fairtrade fortnight fun A special guest will visit the University as part of Fairtrade Fortnight, taking place between 27 February and 11 March.

Anton Bowman, a banana farmer and Fairtrade Foundation ambassador from St Vincent, Windward Islands, visits the Luton campus on Friday, 2 March.

Anton will attend a special Fairtrade Fortnight Hunger Lunch at the Tree House Chaplaincy on 2 March from 1pm to meet and speak with students and staff. Lunch only costs £2 and proceeds raised will be donated to charity.

Also on 2 March, Anton will visit Sodexo, which manages the Restaurant, Cafe Talk and Costa Coffee at the Luton Campus.

Sodexo will host a Fairtrade cookery demonstration in the Luton Campus Centre. Anton will also talk with students and staff about the Fairtrade Foundation’s important work.

All students and staff are invited to come along and taste the Fairtrade delights on offer.

During Fairtrade Fortnight UBSU will host information stalls at the Coffee Hub at Bedford campus and at UBSU, Mezzanine floor, Luton Campus Centre.

The Tree House Chaplaincy is also planning to host a Fairtrade movie night and discussion on Wednesday, 7 March from 6.30pm. For details, visit the Tree House website at www.tree-house.org.uk The University is currently seeking re-accreditation for Fairtrade Foundation Status for 2012-13. As Life went to press, the Fairtrade Foundation was assessing the University’s application.

Fairtrade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Its purpose is to create opportunities for producers and workers who have been economically disadvantaged or marginalised by the conventional trading system.

For more information about the Fairtrade Foundation’s work visit www.fairtrade.org.uk/

life@beds.ac.uk

Your life Event: Postgraduate open evening (for PGCE courses only) Date: Thursday, 22 March Venue: Bedford campus Time: 5pm-7.30pm

Cost: n/a Contact: www.beds.ac.uk/ howtoapply/openevents/ postgraduate Event: UoB Las Vegas Carnival (proceeds to charity) Date: Thursday, 22 March Venue: UBSU, Luton campus centre Time: All day Cost: n/a Contact: Visit: facebook.com/ pages/UoB-Las-Vegas-Carnival

Title: Centre for Learning Excellence staff development workshops Date: Various – see website (below) for details Venue: Luton campus Time: see website for details Cost: n/a Contact: www.beds.ac.uk/ learning/academic-professionalsessions-20112012/marchworkshops

Title: Knowledge Network Event: Trends and Insights from Google Travel Date: Thursday, 29 March Venue: Putteridge Bury Conference Centre Time: Registration from 5.30pm.

Starts 6pm Cost: (Free to University staff) £20 per person - includes wine, buffet and networking Contact: 0800 328 5334 or email knowledge@beds.ac.uk

Meet Captain Cook

Active voice

The University is hosting a cooking masterclass with Tim Anderson, the winner of MasterChef 2011.

Organised by Campus Living Villages (CLV), which runs the University’s student halls in Luton, the event is part of a UK tour.

The masterclass will be held at 7pm on Thursday, 1 March at the University’s new £40m Fitzroy Court halls, and will include demonstrations by Tim and a skills test for selected students.

Tim, a 26-year-old former pub manager, became the youngest ever series winner of MasterChef in 2011 with an experimental culinary approach.

Would you like to have fun, make new friends, and help the community?

Then, Bedford Rotaract could be just the thing for you. It’s a fun and friendly organisation for young people aged 18 – 30, offering a wide range of social and charitable activities. These enable members to try something new, have fun, make new friends, and develop themselves both personally and professionally.

So if you are aged 18 – 30, want to have a great time, and at the same time give something back to the local community Bedford Rotaract want to hear from you.

For more information visit: www.bedfordrotaract.org.uk If you are interested in becoming a member, please email: president@bedfordrotaract.org.uk

MasterChef 2011 winner Tim Anderson

Nadine Lee, UK Marketing Director at CLV, said: “This is a great opportunity for students to get involved in a unique and educational cooking experience.”

The masterclass will showcase some of Tim’s dishes, including his own version of a doner kebab and Pot Noodle, giving them a healthy twist and keeping them cost effective!

At the end of the masterclass, three students will be chosen to take part in a Masterchef style test which will be a race to see who can cook an omelette the quickest.

Tim will judge the competition and one lucky winner will win a food hamper.

Apricot Oat Crunchies

75g self-raising wholewheat flour 75g rolled porridge oats 50g Demerara sugar 100g margarine 100g apricots (soaked overnight if dried)

Method

Sudoku How to play: insert numbers in the boxes so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9 exactly once.

6 8 3

Healthy Campus Recipe

Ingredients

Lightly grease a shallow baking tin Mix together the flour, oats and sugar Rub in the margarine until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs Spread half the mixture over the base of the tin, pressing it down evenly Chop the apricots and spread them over the mixture in the tin Sprinkle the remaining mixture over the fruit and press down firmly Put the baking tin in the oven, baking for 25 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius.

Let the flapjacks cool for an hour before serving

7 3 8 4

2 9 4

2

9

1

1

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www.sudoku-puzzles.net

Event: Luton Science Fair 2012 Date: Saturday, 10 March Venue: Luton Campus Time: 12noon-4pm Cost: n/a Contact: For details and to register attendance visit: www.lutonsciencefair.co.uk

To see your event listed here, email details to life@beds.ac.uk

Coffee Break Conundrum Name three consecutive days without using the words Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday A. Yesterday, today and tomorrow

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Email: cherrelle.emanuel@ beds.ac.uk, 01582 743071 or steve.ball@beds.a c.uk 01234 739155 (Bedford)

Making it all happen Volunteer football coach Lee Warren is Sport Maker of the Month University student Lee Warren has been announced as Bedfordshire’s first Sport Maker of the Month by Team Beds and Luton.

Lee, a second year Sport and Exercise Science student, has been awarded the title in recognition of his voluntary work in football coaching.

Sport Makers are volunteers who are making sport happen across the country in the lead-up to and after the London 2012 Olympic Games, whether it’s coaching, finding the pitch or encouraging people to take part.

Lee runs the University’s Get into Football scheme, alongside the Mars Football Association Just Play scheme, giving up his Saturday lunchtimes to encourage people to get back into football.

The Bedford campus first team Lee Warren (right) is presented with his award

by Bedfordshire graduate James Petty, who now works for Bedfordshire Football Association

To become a Sport Maker like Lee, visit www.sportmakers.co.uk The Gold Coaching bursary is just one of a host of ways the University supports its students through scholarships and bursaries schemes, valued at some £3m for 2012-13.

For more information about all the scholarships and bursaries available visit: www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/ money/funding/scholarships

It is going really well but we’d always welcome more players. Male and female staff and students come along, so it’s a real mix

Student clinic open The Division of Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation is taking bookings for its Sports Therapy Clinic at the Luton campus. The Clinic is exclusively available to the University’s students and staff.

The Clinic provides vital, practical experience for second and third year BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy students, under the supervision of a graduate sports therapist. Sessions on offer include sports massage and sports injury diagnosis.

footballer said: “It is going really well but we’d always welcome more players. Male and female staff and students come along, so it’s a real mix and everyone has a laugh. We tailor the sessions to what people want.”

The University has awarded Lee a Gold Coaching bursary to help pay for his Level 2 Coaching certificate.

He said: “I love coaching and helping the next wave of footballers come through is fantastic.”

For more details and to book a place visit: www.beds. ac.uk/healthycampus/ sports-therapy-clinic

08 March 2012

Run a mile for a great cause Sport Relief is coming back to Bedford and the University wants YOU to get involved. Organised by the University, in conjunction with Bedford Borough Council’s Sports Development Unit, the Sport Relief Mile takes place at Bedford Park, Park Avenue, Bedford on Sunday, 25 March.

Julia Lines, the University’s Sports Development Manager, is asking for both runners and volunteers from the University and local community to get involved.

She said: “Last year, the Bedford Mile raised a staggering £14,872.24! This year we want to make the day even bigger and better, but we need your help to do that. So come on everyone - enter the Mile and do something amazing!”

The University is busy preparing with its own Get into Sport scheme and staff and students have donned their running shoes to get fit. Get into Running schemes have been set up at Luton and Bedford campuses to kick off training for the event, with run leaders assigned to encourage and coach the participants.

Entrants to the Bedford Mile don’t have to be sporty to take part, but can choose to complete 1, 3 or 6 miles to raise money.

If you are interested in volunteering on the day, email Julia at julia. lines@beds.ac.uk. To enter the Bedford mile visit www.sportrelief.com