Silurian 2010 by University of South Wales

For all former students & staff of the University of Wales, Newport

‘Seed Pod’ by Alison Pierse, page 11

Issue 27 • Summer 2010

www.newpor t.ac.uk

silurian the

Thoughts for our Alumni

As with all universities, we want to teach our students new ways of seeing the world and to imagine all sorts of possibilities for their futures. Perhaps the most visible expression of this ambition is our strikingly modern city centre campus, which will provide a wonderful setting for creativity and innovation. When this opens in spring 2011, we will be able to enjoy some of the best university facilities on offer anywhere in the country. Our ambition has always been to produce business leaders and creative thinkers who will have an impact on Wales, the UK and further afield. The achievements of our alumni are manifold and - as you will see in this issue, there are many shining and sometimes moving examples of you making your way in this world. A recent dinner to celebrate former students’ achievements in business and creative enterprise demonstrated your abilities and determination to succeed, whilst our ever popular fashion and graduate shows helped prove beyond doubt that our creative art, media and design teaching can compete with the very best the UK has to offer. Now, with the increasing financial pressure on all universities , we are having to prepare ourselves to be as creative as possible in a different way so that we are able to generate the income needed to sustain our ambition for and commitment to our students. The future towards which we are working is one in which the University is financially stable. By the time you read the next issue of the Silurian we will have gone a long way towards determining how close is the touching distance for a future in which the University is able to be confident and adventurous, welcoming and inspiring new and future students, and celebrating the successes and futures of our alumni. Dr Peter Noyes Vice-Chancellor

...and Your Alumni Office

From the Vice-Chancellor

I thought I should start our new-look Silurian with a quick overview of what our University stands for and the difference we can make to so many of the students, like you, who have passed through our doors.

A great big welcome and congratulations to all the new Graduates of 2010. I hope you will find this life-long link with your University beneficial over the years. As with all members of the Alumni Association you are entitled to many discounts and benefits, so check out the Alumni pages of the University website www.newport.ac.uk/alumni to find out more. Thank you to those of you who completed the recent update forms. These were necessary to help us streamline our activities and provide an Association that will serve both you and the University more effectively. In March 2011 we are joining forces with the University publication ‘Newport Uniview’. This publication is sent to a much wider audience including, Stakeholders, Alumni, Employers, Sponsors, Businesses, VIPs (Honorary Fellows, Governors, Donors, Political figures) and the media. Why the change? Joining the two publications opens up a lot of opportunities for the Silurian and for you. We have always tried to send the Silurian to as many people as we could, to benefit you by spreading word of your successes, but this sometimes meant people got too many publications from us. ‘Newport Uniview’ will be a bi-annual publication so look out for it either through your door or in your inbox in March and September from next year. It all makes sense so please keep sending in your stories and comments. You never know what might come of it! Mrs C Jenkins Alumni Office, University of Wales, Newport, Caerleon Campus, Lodge Road, Caerleon, NP18 3QT 01633 432148 Carolyn.jenkins@ newport.ac.uk Best wishes Carolyn

News from the Schools

Professor Kirby’s team carried out a 16-week study with 450 children, aged eight to ten years, to test claims that regular use of omega-3 can boost a child’s brain power as well as strengthen bones and keep hearts healthy.

“I was genuinely shocked when they announced I had won it,” said 62-year-old Colin (pictured), who has been Programme Leader for Civil Engineering at Newport Business School since 1991. Colin, who graduated with an Honours Degree in Civil Engineering from Dundee University, has been responsible for boosting the number of civil engineering students at Newport’s University, transforming it from a single HNC part-time qualification to the current situation where over 200 students are studying for HNC, HND, BSc (Hons) and a Masters degree in Civil and Construction Engineering. Colin Jones with his award

“It’s significant that we saw some changes in the behaviour of the children but we need to understand more,” said Professor Kirby.

Colin Jones was praised for “his immense contribution to the Welsh economy and the profession of civil engineering” when he received the award at the dinner held by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). The annual event was attended by 260 representatives of the leading contractors, consultants, architects and suppliers from the Welsh civil engineering industry.

University’s ‘Dragon’s Den’

“Very little is really known about the effects of fatty acids such as omega-3, and our research reveals that, although teachers reported improvements in the children’s attention, there was little evidence that the children’s reading, spelling and co-ordination were affected by taking supplements,” said Professor Amanda Kirby, (pictured above), Medical Director of the University’s Dyscovery Centre, which specialises in clinical research into children with specific learning difficulties.

Lecturer’s Prestigious Award

Truth about Omega-3 The truth about whether omega-3 supplements can improve the performance of children at school is being unravelled by innovative research carried out at the University of Wales, Newport.

A lecturer from the University of Wales, Newport has become the first academic to receive the highly prestigious Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Civil Engineering.

‘Sweet Tee’, a company created by Fashion Design students Siobhan Wardle, Emilia Smith, Hayley Pearson and Jade Edwards, was typical of the exhibition stands that were packed with creativity and bright business ideas Students from the University of Wales, Newport showed their entrepreneurial side by developing their own business concepts inspired by the 2010 Ryder Cup for a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style competition. “The Bright Ideas Graduates Programme is designed to give our students first hand experience of developing their business ideas from concept to realisation, and enables them to get their ideas heard and to secure possible investment,” said the event’s organiser, Dewi Evans, Marketing and Projects Officer at the University’s Research and Enterprise Department (RED). “Second year Advertising and Design, Interactive Media, and Fashion Design students were given the brief of developing collections designed for the 2010 Ryder Cup which were judged by a team of business experts.

Read more news at www.newport.ac.uk/news

Art, Media & Design Television Society Award

For the third year in a row, the prestigious Royal Television Society National Award for Best UK Student Documentary has been won by students from the multi-award winning Documentary Film and Television degree course at the University of Wales, Newport. The award, presented at a glittering ceremony in London, went to Lauren Muchan and Joe Sharp for their campaigning graduation film ‘Letters to Angola: An Unlikely Friendship’. It tells the story of the relationship between a young British woman and an American Black Panther who has been incarcerated in solitary confinement for the past 37 years in Angola Prison, Louisiana. The Royal Television Society (RTS) jury described the film as “fantastically inventive, curious, poetic and unique”, saying, “it was a film that kept the viewer thinking long after it had finished. It was slick, beautifully filmed and edited with subtle and compelling music. It didn’t stray into drama and was effortlessly thought-provoking.”

“It was brilliant to win this award,” said 26-year-old Lauren who comes from Totnes in Devon, and is currently working for a London-based film company on a documentary feature about the Angola prisoners for cinema release. “I’ve always wanted to make films that can make a difference, and we owe much of our success to the tutors at the International Film School Wales (IFSW). They are dedicated film-makers who really inspire their students. They are always there for you, and genuinely want students to succeed and do everything they can to make that happen.” Fellow IFSW graduate Joe was also full of praise for the University’s Film School. “It’s excellent to win this award, and I’d like to thank the lecturers who motivated us so much. They are always encouraging you to be as creative as possible and push the boundaries of film-making,” added Joe, who is now a Director for ‘It’s My Shout’ working on documentary’s for the BBC. Commenting on his students’ success, Christopher Morris, Head of Newport’s Film School, said, “This proves yet again that we have one of the best undergraduate documentary film courses in the UK. The competition for these awards is always fierce this year the Royal Television Society received over 300 entries from 60 film courses. In 2009 Newport student Rabea Gorny won the RTS National Award for Best UK Student Documentary for her haunting but simple film ‘HALB’. The film went on to win awards at other national and international festivals. Rabea is currently working as a producer for London-based film company ZDF. In 2008 the RTS Award went to Andrew Parry and Catherine McMahon for their hilarious film ‘Roundabouters’ which took the audience into the bizarre world of the UK Roundabout Association!

Lauren Muchan and Joe Sharp with their RTS Awards

For details of film-making and all other courses at the University of Wales, Newport, contact the University Information Centre on 01633 432432 or visit www.newport.ac.uk.

Health & Social Sciences Making a Difference

For students hoping to go to university, fees and the cost of books can be daunting and can even mean the difference between three years of higher education, resulting in a degree, and having to go straight out to work and forgo retraining and upskilling. Fortunately, at our University up to £2,000 per year financial support could be available for students wishing to study social care, advocacy, counselling and social work with our School of Health & Social Sciences, Early Years with our School of Education or the new Masters in Social Ethics and Public Advocacy The Kegie Trust, established in 2006 by Helen Ruth Kegie, MBE, provides financial support which would not be provided by the University as part of its normal provision. Since its launch in 2006, twelve undergraduate students have been awarded bursaries through the Trust Fund. Helen’s background is firmly rooted in the community and her professional life included senior positions in the care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Her belief in the University has and will continue to make a real difference to the people of South Wales.

Three of the students who are graduating this year spoke about their experience and gratitude for this funding: “I know myself much better than I did three years ago and this has changed to a great extent my views of the world and the people around me, in a positive way I believe. Perhaps none of this would have been possible, and things would be very much different, if it wasn’t for the Helen Kegie Bursary. Winning the bursary is one of the best things in my life so far, so I am very grateful and deeply appreciate it”. Atanaska Nikolova, BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling “I am thankful that I get this opportunity to share with you how much the bursary has been a lifeline to me throughout my studies”. Anisa Ahmed, BA (Hons) Social Work “Good luck to all future students who apply for this bursary and I hope it brings you the support you need as it has for me”. Bonita Gibson, BA (Hons) Social Work For further information on the Kegie Bursaries and how to apply for support, please contact Nuala Meadows on 01633 432136.

Helen Kegie (centre) with the first group of students in 2007

Education

The Tashi Lhunpo Monks bring their Tibetan traditions to Caerleon

Poets & Monks 6

Performances by one of Britain’s most acclaimed contemporary writer and broadcasters, Ian McMillan and a visit from eight Tibetan Buddhist Monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in South India have been two memorable events hosted by Newport School of Education in recent months. Ian is the latest from an illustrious list of poets who have been happy to support the School’s annual writing competition. After a celebratory lunch with the twelve winners Ian presented the prizes in front of a packed audience of family and friends with the event closing with a highly entertaining performance of stories and poems. A new competition will be launched in November and the School is delighted to announce that former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion has agreed to judge entries, award prizes and give a reading of his poetry. With a category for ‘students of the University’ this may be an ideal time to consider postgraduate study. A new MA Scriptwriting for Screen Media & Stage will be launched for 2010 entry providing opportunities to develop a unique range of scriptwriting skills, covering theatre, film, TV, web and interactive media.

The ringing of bells, the beating of drums, the clash of cymbals and the booming of the great long horns greeted the audience when the Tashi Lhunpo Monks performed their ritual dances at Caerleon. By way of a postscript to the event, this year’s Religious Studies trip to India managed to include a short visit to the monks’ monastery in Karnataka where tutors and students enjoyed their hospitality in the intimacy of their modest monastery, especially amid the hustle and bustle of India. The School of Education warmly welcome Alumni to following events: 3 - 6 November The Forgotten, a Chartist musical for Newport co-written by BA (Hons) Applied Drama Senior Lecturer Vanessa Dodd and Welsh poet, writer and dramatist Patrick Jones. Funded and supported by the University of Wales, Newport, the Arts Council of Wales and the Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre, 29 November The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company from Kerala will be making a return visit to Caerleon Campus to perform their unique combination of ritualistic visual artistry. 24 March 2011 Sir Andrew Motion will read from his own work. Information about all these events are on the University website www.newport.ac.uk or call 01633 432432

Ian McMillan presenting prizes to winners of the writing competition – ‘student of the University’ category

Business CIM Graduate Success

Nicola Parry studied the Chartered Institute of Marketing postgraduate Diploma from Newport Business School in 2009, before setting up her own business ‘Ugly Be Gone’ – an online platform for creative small UK businesses in gifts, homeware and lifestyle. “I chose Newport because it offered the flexibility I needed given that I had to fit my studies around a full-time, 9 to 5 job. The fact it was delivered on evenings and weekends was a real plus.” Completing the course meant Nicola was then able to apply for Chartered Marketer status, the highest level of recognition within the profession, which she feels helps set her apart in a competitive environment, as well as demonstrating her commitment to continuing professional development.

way, but the skills and knowledge I acquired as a result of my studies have been invaluable.” Nicola attributes some of her success to the tutors on the course. “With industry experience, they can relate the subject matter to real life scenarios, and this makes learning so much more practical and memorable, as well as enjoyable!” “I would definitely recommend postgrad study because most students have a couple of years work experience, so the studying reflects the reality of your day to day experiences, rather than being purely academic” So would she consider further study with us now? “I would definitely consider it yes... but having just set up my own business, I may wait a bit!” Our new Chartered Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing is a route to gaining Chartered Marketer status. We are one of a select group in the UK of Accredited Study Centres teaching this new CIM Chartered Postgraduate Diploma. For details of this, or any of our other courses please visit our website: www.newport.ac.uk

“After achieving the postgraduate diploma I decided to pursue my ambition of setting up my own business” explained Nicola. “As a small business owner I have found that the strategic issues addressed in the CIM course have been so helpful. I’m still learning along the

Grad Facts

(brought to you by the Careers Service)

We tracked 2009 Graduates from Full and Part Time Programmes and found: - - -

of those in work 76% are in Wales average starting salary was £24,189 almost 50% of those who chose to undertake a further full time qualification did so at the University of Wales, Newport

The Careers Service is here to provide ongoing support for all alumni making choices about future work and study. Contact us on 01633435290 or visit our website www.newport.ac.uk/careers to see what we can do for YOU!

Newport & Back Again

Derek Butler - Assistant Lecturer 1962 and retired in 1992 as Director of Studies

Although built in 1910, it was quite a `modern` structure with a cantilevered central staircase, large proscenium stage with `dressing rooms`, circular interior wall spaces, fitted semi-circular wooden seating, spacious north facing studios and original lecture theatre and life room (still with its revolving dais in the 60s). Most other Edwardian art schools had been demolished and replaced but ours had survived virtually untouched and it was loved by both the students and the staff, who included some of the finest artists and designers in Wales. Away from the main studios, enterprising students discovered working areas in such hide outs as the disused caretaker’s flat or beneath the lecture theatre’s raked wooden seating. As a result, the staff didn’t find them for months and the whereabouts of those students who set up their work space at the top of the narrow and vertical metal staircase which led to the interior of the dome remained a secret until the end. It was a wonderful place in which to work. Let’s hope that today’s Art, Media & Design students have as much fun in the new city campus as we did.

City Campus

Art College

For over eighty years the presence of generally non-conformist art students based in Clarence Place added much to the character of Newport’s town centre. On the whole the townspeople enjoyed their company and missed them when they were moved from their green domed home by the town bridge to semi-rural Caerleon. Now, after being encased in scaffolding for many years, it is being converted to `luxury flats`. But those of us who taught in Clarence Place in the 60s, 70s and early 80s when it was widely recognised to be one of Britain’s finest Art Colleges due to the quality of its painting, graphic design and illustration prefer to remember it as it was.

The story doesn’t end here... The futuristic new City Centre Campus for Newport’s University, which will be home for Newport Business School and the design, film and digital media aspects of the Newport School of Art, Media and Design, is on schedule for its opening early next year. Designed as a landmark building, it will transform the city centre by becoming a magnet for cultural activity along the riverfront and a centre for enterprise, it will be a very public space with exhibitions by artists and photographers, an events area and a public coffee bar. Central to the design of the building is the need to provide a framework for a hothouse of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial activity which will help spearhead the city’s regeneration and renewed confidence. Construction work on campus, the first phase of an intended £50m development for the University with partnership funding from Newport City Council and Newport Unlimited, is being carried out by Willmott Dixon, who created the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre, which is another landmark on the banks of the River Usk in Newport. Overseeing the building work is award-winning project director Kanji Kerai who has a wealth of experience of constructing iconic university buildings. The history of the University, ‘no more worlds to conquer’ is now available. If you are interested in finding out more about this University, you can purchase a copy of the book online by visiting our online shop at www.shop.newport.ac.uk The book costs £14.95.

Entrepreneurial

Jonathon Jeffrey and Mason Wells - BA (Hons) Graphic Design 1989 - 1991

Graphics Graduate Success

Following graduation, Jonathan went into professional practice whilst Mason went on to complete an MA in Graphic Design. After fifteen years working for some of London’s leading design consultancies they set up their own consultancy, Bibliothèque, in 2003.

“We are a small design-led studio so there are no big office mechanisms that can hinder the working process. We are all hands-on designers. There are no account or project managers. We like dealing directly with clients as it leads to richer and more innovative solutions”.

The studio specialises in a wide array of designprinted publicity, three-dimensional exhibition work, corporate identity and consultancy for premiere global brands. The client list includes Adidas, Nike, Nokia, Motorola, Space NK, The V&A and The Barbican.

“We originally chose to study at Newport because of its reputation. Back then it was a traditional art school and this also attracted us. Newport offered a rich culture and taught us to open our minds beyond traditional perceptions of design. The knowledge and experience we gained from our lectures, particularly cultural studies was invaluable. It’s great that the art and design courses still have such a great reputation and that the University is now offering innovative media courses within the field.

Current projects include the Design Museum Summer exhibition SuperContemporary, an exhibition examining the design ecology of London, featuring designers as diverse as Paul Smith, Zaha Hadid and Sam Hecht; Brand consultancy for Allude, a German luxury brand specialising in cashmere products about to break into the UK market; and an ongoing project re-branding London’s Covent Garden area. In 2007 the studio designed a self-initiated exhibition to wide critical acclaim. The exhibition focused on the graphic design programme for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games posters, signage and other printed matter. The end of the exhibition coincided with the launch of the 2012 Olympic design scheme and Bibliothèque were invited by the BBC news to comment on the new logo.

There was a good sense of camaraderie on the graphic design degree – as students we worked together and pushed ourselves hard. On leaving the course we had strong portfolios that covered a wide array of design skills coupled with a strong conceptual approach.” Look at us now at: www.bibliothequedesign.com

Inspirational

Anne Gatehouse (nee Greaves) - Teacher Training 1976 -1979

Chance to shine

I started School in the last year of the war. A convent school seven miles away by bus in the heart of the city centre. The only thing I remember about the school is the old buildings and being in a large room with lots of (educational) toys and puzzles. Only last year one of my older sisters enlightened me with the knowledge that I was in the educational psychology unit. Looking back I can understand now how my undiagnosed poor sight and hearing and my acute shyness led to the headmaster informing my parents that I was dull and would be dull all my life. In those days the teacher’s word was taken without question, resulting in my being written off at an early age. This became a self-fulfilling prophecy when I failed the 11+ as expected since I was always in the D stream and in the bottom few when the school reports came out. By the time I was 12, secondary education had reached Liverpool and I was sent to a Roman Catholic secondary modern school about 5 miles from West Derby, were I played catch up for the next three years. This was not a very happy time as I was so far behind by now and didn’t really fit in. I was glad to leave school at fifteen and tried following in an older sister’s footsteps by taking up hairdressing, but quickly changed to office work then some more diversions. I married and moved to Wales in 1966 and very quickly had three sons. Needing something to stimulate my brain, a friend suggested Crosskeys College to try for an ‘O’ level. I said I had no chance, but would give it a go. Nobody was more amazed than I was when I obtained a grade 3 and over the next two years I went on to take 5 more ‘O’ levels and two ‘A’ levels.

Poetry Mine

Geoff Jones - Caerleon 1959-1961 Teaching Certificate I was in the last of the two year all male, teacher training course at the end of the 50’s. Moving to teach in London with four other friends, we continued our socialising at the London Welsh Club in Grays Inn Road where we stumbled (!) across many old friends from college. Rugby took us to all parts of Essex again meeting up with Caerleon students.

Anne Gatehouse From Crosskeys in 1976 I decided to attend Caerleon College for teacher training. The course was very intensive, especially hard for mature students with family commitments. I decided to do Special Education as my main and Man Society and Culture as my Area Main. We also had to do Education, Remedial Maths, Physical Education and three Teaching Practice sessions. The Special Education Course was sometimes overwhelming. Large files of work on all sorts of projects including, a special child book, books for all the children to take home for parent’s to complete and our own file on the progress of each child. All this on top of two dissertations, lectures for all subjects and all the time we took on physical education. At least I learned to swim I also did a somersault for the first time in my life. This was all due to our PE lecturer Miss Lynette Harries who was very patient with her mature students. I did enjoy my time at Caerleon and I think it gave me a lot of confidence to face my future. I went on to work with NACRO (National Association for Care and Resettlement of Offenders). This involved offering youth opportunity programmes to young offenders, I felt I was giving these young people the second chance I was lucky enough to have.

Following early retirement I started writing my own poetry and had poems published in various magazines. Out of this experience developed the publication in August 2009 of a collection of poems called Poetry Mine. Details of the book are on my website: www.poetrymine.net I live in Tamworth, South Staffs but was born in Beaufort near Ebbw Vale and grew up in Nantyglo. Some of the poems are written on the area surrounding Nantyglo, Brynmawr and Abergavenny, my childhood haunts. The themes include childhood & relationships in the 1940s/1950s, geography and the effects of change over time to villages and towns at the Head of the Western Valley. So it just goes to show those years at Caerleon were well spent in spite of not taking English with either Frankie Platts or Alfie Clegg!

Creative

Alison Pierse - Franchised PGCE at Neyland campus 1998

A Whirlwind Experience

I had previously taught in schools but following my PGCE moved sideways to teach Adult Learners. This has been an incredibly rewarding and humbling experience. The PGCE course was insightful, training me in new skills that I was able to apply to a new appointment in 2001 as Art and Design Co-ordinator for Lifelong Learning at Aberystwyth University. These last ten years have been a whirlwind experience for me. Completing a Master’s in Fine Art whilst juggling a busy job has been energising. In 2006, I won a teaching award from Aberystwyth University and consequently became a fellow of the Higher Education Academy. In 2007 I was lucky enough to stay at an artist’s foundation in Australia which was partially supported by the Geoffrey Crawshay Travelling Scholarship from the University of Wales. This took my painting in a whole new direction. ‘The Seed Pod’ takes references from the ‘Child Lost’ paintings of Frederick McCubbin (1880s). I tried to portray a child exploring the wonders, but also the harsh realities’ of the bush: the heat, drought, and the abundance of wildlife, with particular focus on the native birds. The red eyes of the choughs, the magpie’s melancholy call, and the eeriness of the currawong’s greeting. It is hard to believe that just one year later

Alison Pierse that fragile environment of the bush came so close to decimation by the dreadful Australian bushfires. In 1998, I would never have imagined that I’d be doing what I do now, but I’ve loved every moment of the journey. For me, the best bit of my job is seeing students grow in confidence and get hooked on learning and hearing their success stories. It gives me a real buzz. Thank you Jan, Ray, Arthur, Chris, Paul, Sian and all my fellow students that made the PGCE experience such a happy one for me.

About Newport’s Centre for Community & Lifelong Learning The Centre for Community & Lifelong Learning (CCLL) is the central body at the University of Wales, Newport responsible for the promotion and coordination of widening participation. CCLL offers: • Educational programmes that target under represented groups and progression routes that provide entry into Higher Education Degrees and Diplomas • Community based learning and development through its dedicated outreach provision Visit our website: www.newport.ac.uk/ccll to see all of our exciting community projects.

New Music Book Jeff Collins - BA Cultural Studies, Caerleon 1985-1989 Jeff was saddened to learn of the death of Welsh rock icon Stuart Cable this June. Jeff, the author of Rock Legends at Rockfield in 2007, had worked with Stuart on a new book about the drummer’s career. This book is an access-all-areas account of Stuart Cable’s life

in music. It details his road to success as the drummer of the Stereophonics, from early rehearsals at a tiny community centre in an obscure Welsh mining village, to selling millions of records and playing stadiums worldwide as part of the famous Welsh rock trio. The book also followed Stuart as he relaunched his musical career with a new band, Killing For Company. The group had just released their debut album when Stuart passed away. He’ll be missed by music fans, his friends and his family. ‘Stuart Cable: From Cwmaman to the Stereophonics and Beyond’. Publisher: University of Wales Press. ISBN: 978070832179

Graduation Ceremony 2009 As the Silurian will be with you in March and September from now on incorporated in the University magazine, I thought it would be nice to have a spread of Graduation photos in the March issue. Please email me the favourite memories of your day, comments are welcome. Here are some of the 2009 ceremonies to get you started.

Caerleon - the Dream Richie Beckett - Caerleon College (1974-77) I’m a Caerleon boy! I sit in the kitchen, alone, late in the evening, reflecting once more on my three years at Caerleon more than 30 years ago! Shadows fall from The Hanbury Arms. It is here at this pub of such history that I heard my first Queen record ‘Seven Seas Of Rhye’ whilst playing pool. The first pint of several on our weekly Friday pub crawl.

Too many pubs for a village of this size? Maybe, but to us college lads and lasses pure ‘nirvana’. Drovers, Goldcroft (when not barred), Angel, Red Lion, Hanbury, Ship, Bell, White Hart, Bull, Back to the Drovers. Start and finish at the old college bar; get ‘slagged off’ by the college bar staff Val and Marlene for taking our custom down to the village. How do you think we were at 11pm.? I leave it to your imagination, but young

enough to play rugby the next day. Who were the main characters/ drinking partners in my day? They know who they are! Apples, JB, Lyndon, Simon, Staples, Wyn, Eyfion, Alp, Phil, Neil, Lynda, Sharon J, Kath W. et al. Ged, Ant, Carl, Dai (2 and 3), Tina, Bridget, Maggie, Sharon Mac and of course everyone else too! It seems so long ago now until I go to bed to dream it all so clearly again. Caerleon, I thank you, and of course, I miss you. Also, apologies to Lynda, for missing the last reunion.

Reunion News In July the classes of 1965 and 1966 came together for their first joint reunion weekend. A BBQ on the Friday evening started proceedings followed by dinner in the Caerleon Boardroom on Saturday. Geraint ‘Big G’ Evans on the piano in the bar afterwards ensured everyone had a great time pretending to be students again. It was lovely to see all the regulars including Keith Rumsey James who travelled from his home in Virginia to attend. There were plenty of new faces too including Janet Rienstra who came from her home in Holland. Thank you all for coming along and we look forward to welcoming you again at the next reunion. July also saw the reunion of the class of 1962 and amongst this group were the very first ladies to come to Caerleon Teacher Training College. Everyone had a good time meeting up with old friends they had not seen for 45 years. The plan is to all meet up again in 2012 to celebrate the 50th

The reunion festivities - Classes 65 & 66 anniversary of joining. 19 former students came along and we are hoping lots more will join us in 2012.

Reunion Events 2011 July 2nd 2011 • Class of 1973 - 1973 I have also been asked to run the following events. If you are interested in attending please contact the Alumni Office. • Class of 1961 - 1964 - 50th Anniversary Reunion • Class of 1963 - 1966 • Class of 1967 - 1970 If you would like to get together with your class mates it’s easy just contact the Alumni Office and I can help.

Visitors to Caerleon in 2010 In February Richard Beckett and Dave Adams 1971-1974 Teacher Training, visited with many interesting and funny rag week photographs. In March David Kingston, Caerleon 1959 – 1961, visited the campus and told of his memories of the last days of the men only Training College. In May Tanya Lahiri and Arnab Biswas MBA 2001-2003 visited Caerleon from their home in Toronto, Canada.

place from top to bottom in the summer months. There were 12 girls in total plus a cook. Matron Bertha also had a companion, Kate Murphy. Barbara has many fond memories of the fun they all had and of how much she liked Bertha. Barbara also commented that the main corridor used to shine like glass and the girls took great pride in that. Bertha was a keen photographer and took many photos of ‘her girls’. If anyone knows where these photos are Barbara would very much like to see them

In June Barbara Yandle visited Caerleon Campus with her son, daughter and husband Ron. Barbara was just 14 years old in 1945 when she was employed as personal maid to Matron Bertha Ramsey. She remembers many special moments including at the end of dinner one night telling all the students aged 18-24 that, “No! They couldn’t have the cake left over by the Masters.” She also recalls a fall down the stairs carrying a tea tray and the hard work cleaning the Barbara signing the visitors book

Left to right, David Cridchlow, John Nash and John Edwards

Also David Cridchlow 1959 Teacher Training visited from his home in Tasmania. We were joined for lunch on campus by his old college friends John Edwards, and John Nash. I found out that in 1959 our refectory was their gym! Every time I have visitors I learn something new.

If you would like to visit the campus you will be made very welcome at anytime, but I would really like to meet you so I’d be grateful if you would please call me on 01633 432148 before your visit.

Notice Board Ralph Diaper Lecturer at Caerleon College in both the Physical and Health Education Department and the Special Education Department from 1967 to 1983, having been awarded a Master’s Degree in 1975. They were sixteen extremely happy years. I took early retirement in 1983. It was one of the best professional moves I ever made as it enabled my wife and me to spend the next 12 years in second careers serving as Hostess and Tour Manager in our son’s European Coach Tour business. During that period we undertook over 100 tours serving over 4,000 passengers. We have just returned from a visit to New Zealand to attend our granddaughter’s wedding and for me to fulfil her request for me to play the organ at her wedding.

Philip Watkins Clarence Place Foundation 1973-74, Fine Art 1974-1977 I was at Newport during the times of Ian Walker, Paul Morris (and Mike Punt). I worked for 12 years in the animation industry (though I studied Fine Art) on Superted and Shakespeare, the Animated Tales, amongst other things and won a BAFTA with Siriol along with other awards. I actually did the first ever drawings of the Superted characters before Siriol was started up.

Phil Hoffer PG Dip in Counselling and just finished MA in Counselling I just wanted to say a big thank you to the staff of the Counselling courses and the Counselling Team in Student Services for helping me to successfully complete my transition from Computer Programmer to fully fledged Counsellor. Thank you all for a life changing opportunity

Max Gascoine Business & Finance 19901992 I now run a successful retail store in San Diego County, slightly inland, and enjoy doing that with my wife and two children. Since moving here, I am on my third successful business venture, I worked as a Youth Officer in and currently despite the very Cardiff for ten years and then gloomy economy here I am went back to painting ‘full’ looking at getting two further time. I augment my income by ventures off the ground, teaching in Adult Education. one in medicine, and one I’ve had lots of exhibitions and in entertainment. They are have been in the Eisteddfod progressing well at this time. (see my Axisartists page). If any of my former classmates would like to contact me they can email me at mgbrv@yahoo.fr

I regularly give talks on travel and other topics often illustrated by slides and music, the latter provided by a piano accordion, an instrument that I have played since I was ten years of age, nearly 75 years ago. Music is a very important part of my life. On the physical side, I skied until I was 75, BAFTA I won as part of Siriol animation team for Superted back in the 80’s. (Show Off!)

John Greeves Caerleon 1971-1975 Although retired, John is a part-time Creative Writing Tutor at Cardiff University. He has also just released an evocative collection of poems about the island of Cuba. This book explores Cuba’s colourful and vibrant culture, torrid and turbulent history and its hopeful, yet uncertain future. The book called ‘Cuba Libre’ is published by Vanguard and is available now. John Porter Teaching Certificate Caerleon 1967 - 1970

This picture was taken just before George of Georgie Fame and The Blue Flames opened the Rag Concert in 1969. He agreed to do a 15 minute slot to start the show before he had to dash off. In the picture, left to right, are: Name escapes me;(lighting manager), me, Wendy Hammond, Georgie Fame, John Cobner, Howard “Shifty” Evans, Huw “Tachey” LLoyd. George was kidnapped by mainly 1st year students (John Cobner was instrumental in this) earlier in the day and spent some time playing football with his kidnappers. Although no ransom for his release was paid, he gladly gave his time and talent to publicise our fund raising events.

Competition

Send a message for the notice board and the ones that are printed will be entered into a prize draw to win £20.00 of Marks & Spencer vouchers. I would like to get the notice board up to 20 clips, so send us your messages together with a photo to the Alumni Office and be in with your chance to win.

Visit the Alumni pages for more stories www.newport.ac.uk/alumni

Claude Maidment Caerleon Teacher Training 1941-1943 Claude came to Caerleon during the war. He was an older student along with Denzil Nicholas and Cade Evans. The other ‘boys’ were straight out of Grammar School. He wonders if anyone can help him find Tom Evans from Blaina with whom he corresponded for many years. Thank you, Claude, for your wonderful letters and photos.

Claude, Alan, Lanto & Trevor

Newport Remembers It is with great sadness that the Alumni Office shares with you the passing of the following former students and members of staff. In future this section will be available to you on our website at www.newport.ac.uk/alumni I will be able to keep it regularly updated and there will also be an online area for you to add your memories of anyone you knew.

Mr Alan Marshall Certificate of Education 1995 Passed away July 2009

With so much focus on universities and education in the political arena we would like to hear what you think. So if you have a view, whatever it may be, let us know for our new “Have your say” feature in the March magazine.

Mrs Vanessa Davies Certificate of Education 1972 Passed away October 2009 Mrs Nicola Benson Former lecturer in Counselling Passed away 12 February 2010

named the Nick Jones Suite, in honour of their much loved and respected colleague, a wonderful tribute to a kind and gentle man. Mr Teifi Lloyd Teacher Training 1973 President of the Student Union 1972-1973 Passed away in March 2010

One of Teifi’s friends Elaine Cappi (nee Thomas) wrote: Mr Eric Johns He was the most intelligent, Former Lecturer talented, kind and funny man Mr Geoffrey Olsen Passed away March 2010 I have had the privilege to Painting in Clarence Place know. He was a great friend 1966 Mr David Shayer during our college years. He Having come from a Welsh Former Head of Humanities was so energetic and full industrial background, Mr Shayer worked at of life that it made you feel Geoffrey went on to become Caerleon College for 35 years exhausted for him. Senior Lecturer in Fine Art at and retired in 1977 Oxford Brookes University. Sadly passed away in April I’ve had the pleasure of meet2010 ing up with him and his wife, He passed away in 2007 Nadine, over the past few Mr Jim Bailey years. Nothing about him had Mr Ian Wilmot Former Senior Administrative changed. He could still enPhotographic art 2003 Officer, Caerleon Training thral you and have you in fits Ian, who was a founder College of laughter with his stories. member of Stepping Out Sadly passed away in June He did P.E. and Biology. He Theatre, passed away in 2008 2010 was a brilliant gymnast and a great all rounder. I know from Mrs Kiew Thomas Mr Nick Jones comments read on Facebook Counselling 2001 1986-1989 & 1991 that his pupils absolutely Passed away in 2009 Passed away Jan 2010 adored him. Mrs Jean Scott-Chinnery PGCE 2003 Passed away 2009

Have Your Say

Mr Graham Chapman Teacher Training 1966-1969 Passed away suddenly in October 2009

Mr Ronald Richards Access 1980 Passed away September 2009 Mr Dennis Thyer Former lecturer of Mathematics Passed away September 2009

Close friend and classmate Deb Griffiths (nee Jones) writes: Nick attended Gwent College from 1986 to 1989, returning in 1991 to complete his ACCA studies. An avid sports fan and a regular worshipper at St. Julian’s Catholic Church in Caerleon. Nick was diagnosed with cancer last November and died in January, leaving five children, having borne his illness with a courage and faith that was humbling to witness. In May this year, Southern Healthcare Wessex Ltd, where Nick worked as Accountant, opened a new suite of rooms which they

You can find the rest of Elaine’s comment on our new Newport Remembers section of the website, why not visit and lets us know your special memories.

University Merchandise

Available online through the main university website popular links or through the Alumni Office

University Tie £14.95

University Scarf £9.95

Key ring £3.75

Card & Keyring £5.50

Rugby Shirt £19.95

Card Wallet £4.50

Keyring & Pen £6.50

Cufflinks £10.95

Coasters £3.50

Full Zip Hoodie £12.95

New Mug £3.95

Continuum £11.95

Polo Shirt XL & XXL £10.95

Graduation Photo Frame £8.95

Hoodie £9.95

shop.newport.ac.uk Newport Belt £5.00

Conference Folder £12.50

Umbrella £10.00

Alumni Course Discounts

Alumni and immediate family members are entitled to a discount off the first year/module of any part-time course. Contact us for an up-to-date prospectus on 01633 432432. Please mention you saw it in The Silurian Part-time Course Discount Voucher 2010 - Alumni

Part-time Course Discount Voucher 2010 - Family of Alumni

This voucher entitles members of the University of Wales, Newport Alumni Association to 15% discount off course fees for the first year / module of any part-time course at the University of Wales, Newport*.

This voucher entitles immediate family members of the University of Wales, Newport Alumni Association to 10% discount off course fees for the first year / module of any parttime course at the University of Wales, Newport*.

*This voucher may only be used by new applicants to part-time courses and must be produced upon payment of fees.

Valid until 31 October 2010

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