news &views THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER MAGAZINE
November 2010
In this issue:
‘Home’
Celebrating World Mental Health Day and National Poetry Day p.4
Here we go round the Mulberry House
Dance and film reflect on the transition of a building. From hospital to university. p.6
Flooding: are we out of our depth? Duke of Gloucester Lecture Series. Environment experts debate Flood risk and the Built Environment .p.2
The Worcestershire landscape was transformed by the floods of 2007
cover story
DUKE OF GLOUCESTER Lecture Series
Experts debate risk to environment ‘Flood Risk and the Built Environment’ HRH The Duke of Gloucester spent an afternoon visiting flood victims in Worcester before a lecture at the University exploring the impact of flooding on the community.
H
is Royal Highness met a number of residents in the City whose homes have been flooded in recent years, as well as meeting staff from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, involved in rescues and co-ordination. He heard how the floods of 2007, and other episodes in previous years, had devastated homes and businesses and saw some of the preventative measures being taken, including the construction of a flood bund in Hylton Road.
The visit was part of The Duke of Gloucester Lecture Series: Flood Risk and the Built Environment, organised by the Royal United Services Institute and the Institution of Civil Engineers, as part of the activities of the Inter Institutional Flood Group. The lecture, which took place at the University of Worcester, saw an expert panel, including Mary Dhonau OBE, Chief Executive The National Flood Forum, Philip Wilbourn, Royal Institution of Chartered
Surveyors, Professor Lindsey McEwen, Centre for the Study of Floods and Communities at the University of Gloucestershire, and Anthony Perry, Area Flood Risk Manager, Environment Agency, discuss flood risk issues and their impact on the community. It was the second lecture in the series and was sponsored by the University of Worcester, of which The Duke is Chancellor, and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GVCO said: “The purpose of this series of lectures is to keep flooding in the public mind.” The panel discussed short-term and long-term solutions to community engagement in ensuring properties are flood resilient. Front cover image courtesy of The Environment Agency
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COVER STORY wELCOME
welcome W
elcome to the November 2010 edition of News & Views, featuring a swathe of news, achievements, launches and milestones from the past four weeks at the University of Worcester. The highlight of the last month was undoubtedly a visit from our Chancellor, the Duke of Gloucester. Turn to page two to read about his lecture on the flooding that impacted on us all on 2007.
Dancefest made sure the City Campus’ opening was a memorable one by staging an original commissioned performance throughout the site.
St John’s also hosted its very own ribbon cutting ceremony as the 3G Astroturf pitch opened to great excitement, despite less than perfect weather. Elsewhere this issue we have a feature on the University’s World Mental Health Day celebrations, with the now-traditional art exhibition enhanced by a poetry competition (which is still accepting entries). Next month’s News & Views will have a distinct graduation flavour, but we will still have room for your news, so please send it to newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
NURSING, MIDWIFERY AND PARAMEDIC MENTORS CELEBRATED Nurses, midwives and paramedics who mentor students from the University of Worcester have been celebrated during an awards ceremony. The University’s Mentor Awards evening saw 17 awards handed out to recognise the outstanding contribution to the student practice learning experience by those professionals acting as mentors. Robert Dudley, Head of Pre-Registration Nursing at the University, said: “Mentors are the key to successful practice learning for many students, particularly if the placement is their first taste of clinical practice. “The awards event helps to recognise and celebrate the hard work of the nurses, midwives
and paramedic personnel, who make an outstanding contribution to the student practice learning experience by building successful mentoring relationships with students from the University of Worcester.” This is the second year that the University has held the Mentor Awards, in collaboration with its NHS practice partners. More than 175 guests attended the glittering ceremony, including mentors, NHS trust managers, and representatives from the University. The opening address was given by Elizabeth Buggins CBE, DL, Chair of West Midlands Strategic Health Authority, who also handed out the awards.
contents COVER STORY Duke of Gloucester Lecture Series: Flood Risk and the Built Environment
2
feature World Mental Health Day
4
news Nurses, midwifery and paramedic mentors celebrated Dr Andrew Hale wins outstanding learning and teaching award Ms Griffiths goes to Westminster £40,000 to develop PebblePad City Campus: Dancefest 3G Astroturf opening Athlete and firefighter give inspirational talks at Diversity and Equality Conference Third commonwealth scholarship student arrives Cutting a dash at the Fringe
3 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8
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World Mental Health Day The University of Worcester marked World Mental Health Day with a special exhibition to help raise awareness of mental health issues.
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FEATURE
University Marks World Mental Health Day and National Poetry Day The University of Worcester marked World Mental Health Day with a special exhibition to help raise awareness of mental health issues. University Registrar John Ryan welcomed artists, students, organisers and dignitaries on behalf of the University. This year the University combined World Mental Health Day with National Poetry Day on the theme of ‘home’, recognising the fact many students will be living away from home for the first time. There was an exhibition of original artwork created by artists from Shrub Hill Workshop and readings by student nurses, drama students and poet and University staff member Jenny Hope. The University’s Mental Health Adviser and members of the Counselling Team provided information for students and staff and there was a large selection of information leaflets, and other promotional materials including blue ribbons to wear to show support. There was also a poetry wall in main reception, where both students and staff could write their own thoughts and comments. University of Worcester Mental Health Advisor Dot Tippin, said the day was an extremely important date in the calendar.
Artwork on display along Cotswold Gallery
Forest Floor I by Ellen Hudson
“One in four people will experience mental distress during their lifetime, so this day can really help to focus and raise awareness of mental health issues,” she said. “Many people may have an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression and may not even realise it. This event is all about raising awareness and informing and encouraging the public to come forward and find support should they need it.” World Mental Health Day was first observed as a national event in 1992 with the aim of promoting mental health advocacy and educating the public on relevant issues.
Poetry Competition The Mental Health Service is inviting entries from students and staff to mark World Mental Health Day and National Poetry day. Entries are requested from students and staff on the theme of ‘Home’ to a maximum of 50 lines and 2 entries per person. Students 1st Prize – £75 book tokens 2nd Prize – £50 book tokens 3rd Prize – £25 book tokens Staff Prize A £50 book token Closing date is midday Friday 19th November 2010. Please hand in to the Student Enquiry Desk in Woodbury Winners to be announced early December, 2010. Rules of Entry. 1. All entrants must either be a registered student of the University of Worcester or a member of University Staff. 2. All poems must explore the theme of home. 3. Members of the judging panel and organisers of this competition are exempt from entering this competition. 4. Maximum of 2 entries per person. 5. Maximum of 50 Lines per poem. 6. All entries must show the student number / staff No. 7. All entries must be accompanied by an entry form giving full contact details, including student/staff number and title of poem. 8. All entries must be given in at the student enquiry desk in the Woodbury Building and the envelope should be clearly marked (POETRY COMPETITION) 9. Entries must be received by 12 noon on Friday 19th November 2010. 10. Authors may request anonymity if their poem is accepted for publication. 11. Entry to this competition is deemed acceptance of these rules.
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NEWS
Dr Andrew Hale wins
Economics Network’s
Outstanding Learning and Teaching Award
One of the University’s longest serving members of staff wins prestigious teaching award.. Dr Andrew Hale
Ms Griffiths
goes to
Westminster A graduate from Hereford enjoyed an all-expenses paid trip to the Houses of Parliament, after being awarded the University of Worcester Business School’s ‘Most Promising Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ award. The award was sponsored by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and saw Catherine Griffiths travel to London to visit the FSB’s offices and archives and a trip to the Houses of Parliament where she met Worcestershire MP Harriet Baldwin. “The day at the House of Commons was amazing,” she said. “It was a fantastic opportunity to see for myself how organisations such as the FSB work with members of Parliament. I also had the chance to see Members of Parliament in debate within the House of Commons.” Recent graduate Catherine was chosen for the award based upon the high standard of her work plus her participation in entrepreneurial activities within the University, including The University of Worcester Radio Station (UWR Radio) and MAPR, a private management, advertising and PR company she set up, aimed at small MP Harriet Baldwin with businesses. Catherine Griffiths
Dr Andrew Hale, Senior Lecturer in Economics, has won the Economics Network’s Outstanding Learning and Teaching Award. Dr Hale joined the University in 1982 as a lecturer on the PGCE course and Economics and Combined Studies degree. “Things have changed dramatically in my time here,” he said. “And although the teaching has changed, and the volumes of students are higher, I still love my job. Dr Hale added: “I was really shocked to receive this award. I knew I had been nominated but I certainly never expected to win.” Dr Hale was nominated by Tim Maxfield, Director of Business Development at the University of Worcester. Mr Maxfield said: “During his time at the University, Andrew has been one of the leading advocates of student-centred learning within the Business School, and particularly in his use of e-learning. He was one of the first users of internet conferencing within the institution and followed this with creative use of the Virtual Learning Environment. “I felt that a nomination for the Learning and Teaching award offered through the Economics Network was a great way of getting some recognition for Andrew, and for highlighting some of the innovative learning and teaching approaches in use within the Business School at Worcester.” Dr Hale added: “Tim was one of my first students on the PGCE course all those years ago, so I’ve known him a long time. I’m really honoured that he put me forward for this award.”
£40,000 to develop T
PebblePad
he Academic Development and Practice Unit at the University has been awarded £40,000 the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), to evaluate and develop the use of a personal learning system to support staff development – in this case PebblePad, which is the University’s main e-portfolio system. As part of the project, groups trialing the University’s new staff development framework will be offered PebblePad training and their experiences will be captured through a series of investigative interviews. This evaluation will assess the ways in which individuals make use of PebblePad. All staff and students at the University are provided with a PebblePad account, the logon for which is the same as their main logon and essentially this project aims to support staff in making the most of this tool for their own development.
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NEWS
City Campus: Dancefest A unique piece of dance and movement, commissioned by the University of Worcester, celebrated the opening of its new City Campus.
P
erformers from Dancefest, the dance development agency for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, led the audience on a tour of the former hospital.
Dancefest worked with film company Omni Productions and Angel Dance Co Lab, together with a further 25 performers from Dancefest groups, to create a surprising, atmospheric event. Nurture used video projection, live dance and performance to take the audience on a journey from past to future.
The University also commissioned Vamos Theatre company to create a piece of drama last year, which drew on former nurses’ recollections of their time working there. The project has been supported by The Elmley Foundation and Worcestershire County Council. Photo credit: Kate Brookes
The dance piece was part of a number of arts projects to celebrate the history of the former hospital and its future as part of the University. This month, an artist and award-winning children’s author is working with local schoolchildren and university students using digital media to develop an interactive project for presentation around the site in November.
T
he 3G Astroturf pitch received its official opening on October 3. The all weather surface was given a through testing during it’s maiden game of disability football and a mini soccer festival involving the University’s partnership clubs.
Cheering from the sidelines was Lee Greatbach, from the England Blind Football team, the Mayor of Worcester, Mike Layland, and Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green. The University received a £232,000 grant from the Football Foundation, the Country’s largest sports charity, towards the new facility, which will allow the University to continue its valuable work in the community with hundreds of young footballers.
Athlete and firefighter give inspirational talks at Diversity and Equality conference
S
ascha Kindred OBE is one of Britain’s most successful Paralympic athletes, dominating in Breaststroke and Individual Medley (IM) events within his classification at major championships all over the world. Simon Hawkins became the first firefighter in Europe to return to front line duty after losing part of his leg in a motorcycle accident. Both men were speakers at the University of Worcester’s Annual Diversity and Equality Conference, which was supported by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. Sascha said: “Conferences like this Professor David Green with Sascha Kindred OBE are really important to show people that a disability should not stop you from doing anything you want to do and that they are able to do the same things as everyone else.”
Local youth teams celebrate the opening of the new 3G Astroturf at the University of Worcester
Professor David Green said the two men were an inspiration. “We were delighted that both Sascha and Simon were able to come and share their experiences with us,” he said. “They are both very inspiring people who have proved that you can do anything that you put your mind to.”
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news
CUTTING A DASH AT THE FRINGE FIRST YEAR DRAMA STUDENTS’ SWEENEY TODD A CUT ABOVE THE REST AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL
The University celebratES the arrival of its third Commonwealth scholarship student Joseph Musasizi, from Uganda, is studying for a Masters degree in Advancing Practice as part of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme. The scheme, which is a joint initiative between the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and UK universities, supports scholarships for students from developing Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the United Kingdom. Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green, said: “We are delighted to welcome Joseph to the University of Worcester. We are very pleased that a top scholarship winning student such as Joseph, who could choose to study anywhere, has chosen to study on this excellent course here in Worcester.” The University has secured funding for two Commonwealth scholarship students for 2011/12.
“At the begining of February, myself and eight like-minded first year drama students, decided that we wanted to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. After much deliberation, Sondheim’s Sweeny Todd was our chosen piece to perform. As none of the cast were particularly Students perform Sweeny Todd great at playing any musical instruments, we began exploring other alternatives and it was decided that percussion was the way foward. By using just two drums, a whistle, and our own voices, we created an intimate and unique take on the well known musical. The show opened at the Edingburgh Fringe and was a sell-out... at each performance we had to turn away approximatly thirty possible audience members. The success of the show has given us the confidence to continue working together as a group, and we are hopefully going to take another show up to the festival again next year.” Faye Carmichael, Drama & Performance BA (Hons) Student
Worcester Arena Race Night Friday 26th November, 7 – 11pm at the University of Worcester Tickets are £15 which includes a fish & chip supper Save 10% if you book a table for 10 people at £135 To book your place or find out more call our events team on: 01905 857515, email: events@worc.ac.uk or visit www.worcesterarena.com Tickets are available from the Finance Office
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