news &views THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER MAGAZINE
Star Rating Accommodation at Worcester praised p.4-5
In this issue:
Aiming High Student scales Kilimanjaro p.6
One Lump or Two? Former staff members invited to special tea party p.8
Year of the Dragon Worcester students celebrate Chinese New Year p.15
March 2012
FEATURE
University Awarded Contract to Assess
Firefighters’ Fitness The University has won a new contract to carry out fitness assessments for firefighters across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire. The contract was awarded by the Working Well Centre, part of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which began providing Occupational Health and Wellbeing services to Hereford & Worcester and Shropshire Fire and Rescue services in January this year. The University’s McClelland Centre for Health & Wellbeing will lead the assessments, employing a new Exercise Physiologist to fulfil the contract. The Physiologist will examine firefighters’ fitness levels, as well as providing advice on nutrition and stress management. Howard Skerry, Manager at the McClelland Centre, said: “We are so pleased to have been awarded this contract. It is testament to the services that we can offer, and the backup available from our academic staff. Working with outside agencies is the way forward, and we see this as the first of many joint ventures with partners in a wide variety of sectors.” Dr Ursula Ferriday, Consultant Occupational Health Physician for the Working Well Centre, added: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our Occupational Health doctors and nurses to
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work collaboratively with local public services and we are looking forward to the challenges ahead. This represents a truly joined up public sector approach and we are hoping that further combined working will be possible in the future.” Fitness assessments will be carried out once a year for all operational staff. Paul Raymond, Chief Fire Officer at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I am delighted that we will be working with the University in this fitness testing contract. By outsourcing this important piece of work we are saving money, which is very welcome in these difficult financial times, but at the same time we are securing the health and safety of our firefighters. “The additional benefits that this contract brings to the University and its students are very exciting and ensure that public money is used to its best effect. This again is an example where the two fire services are working together to get the most out of the tax payers’ hard-earned money.”
COVER STORY wELCOME
contents FEATURE
Welcome
W
elcome to the March issue of News & Views, featuring a round-up of news, updates and milestones from the past month at the University of Worcester. It’s not hard to see why on a recent visit to the University Shabana Mahmood MP commented that the University of Worcester is “the most community-focused university I have ever come across.” In support of this statement, this issue features a student who has conquered new heights in a fundraising challenge and we reveal the spectacular amount raised at the annual quiz night in aid of the University’s Charity of the Year, Acorns Children’s Hospice.
The staff feature this month puts the Institute of Health & Society’s and part-time rock star Peter Unwin under the spotlight. What do you get up to in your spare time? If you would like to appear in our regular staff feature, please contact our Press Officer Sally Jones at s.jones@worc.ac.uk We look forward to receiving your news and stories. Send them to us at newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
SHADOW MINISTER FOR HIGHER EDUCATION VISITS UNIVERSITY The Shadow Minister for Higher Education toured the University of Worcester during a trip to the city in February. Shabana Mahmood, MP for Birmingham Ladywood, was welcomed by Professor David Green before being shown around the University’s sites, including the Worcester Arena which is currently under construction. Miss Mahmood met with staff from the Institutes of Sport & Exercise Science, Health & Society, and Education, as well as taking a tour of the National Pollen
and Aerobiology Research Unit. She described the University as “the most community-focused university I have ever come across”. “I was very impressed by the amount of community work the University is involved in,” she said. “Not only through the likes of the new university and public library and the sports arena, but in the way it engages the public across a variety of projects.”
Contract to Assess Firefighters’ Fitness
2
COVER STORY Accommodation Reaccredited
4
news Shadow Minister for HE Visit 3 Student Scoops £1,000 Business Scholarship 6 Student Nurse Conquers Kilimanjaro 6 Illustration Student Wins Major Animation Deal 7 Baggies Host Football Camp 7 Arena Construction 8 Former Staff Members Invited to Special Tea Party 8 Firewalk Challenge 9 Basketball Academy Flourishes with Influx of New Coaches 9 The Money Doctors 10 Graduates Set Foot In Film Industry 10 Film Premiere 10 Research into Social Care In Retirement Housing 11 Midwifery Student Shortlisted for National Scholarship Award 11 Guardian Children’s Book Editor Drops in at University 12 Monday Morning Blog 12 Earth Heritage Trust: An Earthquake Observatory for The Hive 13 Acorns Children’s Hospice 14 Quids from the Quiz 14 Women in Development Across the World Conference 14 Chinese New Year Celebrations 15
sTAFF FEATURE Headline Act: Peter Unwin
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newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / MARCH 2012 / 3
Star Rating Accommodation at the University of Worcester Praised by Enjoy England Inspectors 4 / MARCH 2012 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
COVER STORY
The University of Worcester has been reaccredited under the Quality in Tourism Assessment scheme for the third year. Accommodation at both St John’s and City campuses impressed inspectors of the scheme, scoring a 3 Star Self Catering rating and a 3 and 4 star Campus rating following the latest inspection. The University is also accredited under the ‘Families Welcome’, ‘Cyclists Welcome’ and ‘Walkers Welcome’ schemes, helping to encourage visitors to the area to make the most of the surrounding countryside. Deborah Naylor, the University’s Venue Manager, said: “During the summer months we are able to offer visitors a quality experience in University accommodation and we are delighted that the national tourism organisation has recognised this.
Cleanliness and the environment also continued to score highly.” There is a range of accommodation on offer throughout the summer, all located within easy walking distance of the centre of Worcester. There are options to suit everyone, from spacious apartments built to the highest specification with en suite rooms, fully fitted kitchens and dining areas, to standard rooms ideal for those on a more limited budget. There are also launderette facilities and secure cycle stores. If you would like to find out about staying on campus or organising an event, contact the Conferencing Team on 01905 542121 or email conferencing@worc.ac.uk
“There were some very positive comments in the report, including ‘the ongoing commitment to developing the accommodation and guest experience continues to be noted and the staff ratios in the summer have also been improved’, together with very positive comments relating to the booking system and the guest welcome.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / MARCH 2012 / 5
NEWS
University of Worcester Student Scoops £1,000 Business Scholarship A third year business student has landed a £1,000 scholarship to help establish her own website firm. Helen Batchelor is the first University of Worcester student to be awarded a new scholarship by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Helen applied for the scholarship with her idea for a new website channelling buyers through to appropriate online retailers selling clothes for taller women. “This money will really help me to set up the website and get the business off the ground,” said the 20-year-old, who is in the final year of her Business Management & Accountancy degree. “I have always wanted to start my own business so this is a great opportunity for me.” She added: “I’m fairly tall and have always struggled to find clothes. I did some research and found there was a gap in the market for a website where people like me could go to be directed to stores that
Student Nurse Conquers in Aid of Forces Charity
sell clothes for taller women.” The FSB scholarship was aimed at third year business students from Worcestershire with a good academic record, and who were looking for investment in a business idea. Judi Brazkiewicz, Chairman of FSB Worcestershire, said: “The Federation of Small Businesses recognises that our next generation of entrepreneurs should be supported and encouraged to see their plans come to fruition. Helen is a truly inspired and inspiring person and we are delighted that she is the very first in what I hope to be a long line of FSB Business Scholars coming out of the University’s Business School. Helen and the FSB are now working together on a number of ideas, so we are sure to hear more about her in the future.”
Judi Brazkiewicz congratulates Helen Batchelor
too unwell to continue,” said Lucinda. The group aimed to get four injured service men to the summit, and succeeded in getting two of them all the way to Uhuru Peak. Lucinda said: “On summit day we stared walking in the dark at 11.30pm and the going was incredibly steep and slippery due to fresh snow falling. I had to concentrate so hard on my breathing as the oxygen levels dropped, and to do this I just kept chanting in my head ‘I cannot fail’.
Following months of training and fundraising, student Lucinda Caddick has succeeded in climbing the world’s “I thought I would feel euphoric when I largest free standing mountain, Mount reached the top, but instead I just broke down in tears. I had a photo of my friend Kilimanjaro. She tackled the challenge to raise money for Pilgrim Bandits, a charity for forces amputees, after forging a friendship with the most wounded British soldier to survive the Afghanistan conflict. Lucinda, a student nurse, said: “This is by far the most difficult thing I have done in my life. It’s not just about the physical demands of climbing, but also the mental and emotional stress that you feel as your body battles to keep going with less and less oxygen the higher you get.” “Altitude sickness affected several members of the climbing group, with five people having to be taken down the mountain as they were
Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson with me to take to the top, as his injuries mean he would never be able to attempt such a challenge. It meant so much to me to have been able to complete this climb for all those injured troops whose injuries mean they are unable to do it themselves, or who have lost their lives and so will never get the chance.”
So far Lucinda has raised over £4,000 for the Pilgrim Bandits Charity. To make a donation visit www.bmycharity.com/pilgrimskilly01 For more information about the charity, go to www.pilgrimbandits.com
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Above: Lucinda at the summit Below: Lucinda with Ben Parkinson
NEWS
Illustration Student
Wins Major Animation Deal A
n illustration student at the University of Worcester has won a prestigious competition to illustrate an entire series of children’s characters.
Baggies Host Football Camp A Premier League footballer dropped in at the University of Worcester to meet children on a local football camp.
to get involved in sport. Part of our ethos is to widen participation and raise aspirations and this type of activity helps to do that.”
Just days after signing for West Bromwich Albion and scoring the final goal in the club’s 5-1 win over Wolves, Keith Andrews answered questions and signed memorabilia.
A number of former Worcester students now work at West Bromwich Albion across a variety of coaching roles.
His visit was part of the first half term football camp to be hosted at the University by West Brom, which was headed up by Worcester graduate John Rogers, assisted by third year sports student Nick Harris.
Craig added: “It was great to welcome graduate John Rogers back to the University in his capacity with West Brom. Our graduates are doing so well and are still connected with the University, offering others the same chances they were given.”
Craig Williams, Sports Coaching & Development Manager at the University, said: “It was fantastic for the children, who were all from local Worcester schools and football clubs, to get the chance to meet a Premiership footballer, especially so close to having won a huge local derby.
Maria Gonzalez entered the competition on the advice of her lecturer and was delighted that her interpretation of a specific character was selected as the winner.
Maria Gonzalez
The competition, run by ‘In the Picture’, sought to find a talented undergraduate or postgraduate student from across the UK, with the winning artist contracted to design and create a full character series that will be developed towards a range of children’s books, toys, a platform game and an animated series. Participants were given the brief of a character named Sergeant Nutty, a militant, super organised, over-energetic character who loved to create armies from inanimate objects. Twenty-two-year-old Maria, who hails from the Basque Country in Spain, said: “I only had about a week from finding out about the competition until the deadline to design a character to fit the brief. “I couldn’t believe it when my illustration was chosen as the winner. It’s such a wonderful opportunity for me.” Maria is now working with the publishers on the illustrations for the series and said she was enjoying the chance to work on a live project.
“To get the chance to see my drawings actually being used in professional works is incredible. I am so pleased.” Maria is hoping to complete a Masters degree after her undergraduate studies with the ultimate aim of becoming a full-time illustrator. Piet Grobler, Course Leader for Illustration, said: “Maria understands characterisation and she is a very skilled draftsperson. Added to that, she also included Animation modules in her course and developed a very good understanding of sequence and movement – she has it all. I knew she could do it.”
“The kids really enjoyed asking him questions and got the chance to get their kit signed and show off some of their own skills. “It’s really important for the University to host these football camps as it encourages children
WBA players and Craig Williams at Football Camp
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NEWS
Brave Schoolgirl McAyla Kicks Starts
Arena Construction
Schoolgirl and Pride of Britain Award winner McAyla Johnston helped kick-start the laying of foundations at the state-ofthe-art new Worcester Arena. Construction is now underway on the £15m facility which, from the very first day of opening, will become a national centre of excellence for disability sport, designed to be fully inclusive and to build on the work of the University across a host of disability sports, including wheelchair basketball and blind football.
The Arena will open in early 2013. It will provide employment for over 250 tradespeople, many of whom will be local to Worcester. Once open, the University is aiming to generate a multi-million pound turnover at the Arena creating dozens of new part-time and full-time
jobs. The 5,300 m Arena is capable of hosting major indoor sports events, with retractable seating provided for 2,000 people and excellent television infrastructure. It will provide important sports teaching facilities to complement the 2
facilities already at the St John’s Campus as well as those within the adjacent Riverside building. For more information visit www.worcesterarena.com
Fourteen-year-old McAyla, who plays for the Worcester Wolves’ wheelchair basketball squad and will be among those using the Arena, joined Mick Donovan and Worcester MP Robin Walker to formally kick-start the works. “I’m very excited and cannot wait for it to be built,” she said. “It will bring a whole new generation of kids and adults to come and play. “It’s a good thing for Worcester to have this because it’s giving able and disabled people the chance to use it.” Arena build, L-R: Robin Walker, Worcester MP, McAyla Johnston, Mick Donovan, Dr Susie Hart and Russell Pope
Former Staff Members Invited to Special Tea Party Former members of staff at the University of Worcester are being invited to a special tea party. The University is hosting the event on Thursday, March 29 between 4 - 5.30pm at the St John’s Campus. It will be an opportunity to meet up with former and current staff of the University, including the Vice Chancellor, other senior members of staff and key members of the Alumni Association. The event will also be an opportunity to find out more about the University’s Honorary Awards Degree Ceremony, for those alumni who earned an award leading to Qualified Teacher Status and graduated between 1946 and 1977, which is taking place on 1 September. Anyone who knows of former staff members who would like to attend should contact Sian Gould on 01905 542467 or email rsvp@worc.ac.uk
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NEWS
FIRE WALK CHALLENGE Want to make a difference for someone else? Well, here’s your chance! The University’s Football Society has joined forces with members of the charity “Sight Concern” to create a fire walk that will raise much needed money for the visually impaired and blind in Worcestershire. The charity event, scheduled for 27 March at St John’s Campus, will involve people walking across 25 feet of hot coals to raise thousands of pounds.
Students’ Union President, Sam Lewis, is in full support of the event. “This is a great opportunity to not only raise money for people who need it but to also provide the students with a chance to work with the local community” Sam said.
encouraged to aim to raise an additional £100 through sponsorship. To find out further information please contact Fiona Blake on 01905 332902 or email Fiona@sightconcern. co.uk or firewalkworcester@yahoo.co.uk
This event is for anyone that wishes to take part, or even just to come and watch on the day with live entertainment, music and much more to create a real party atmosphere. If you wish to take part then a registration fee of £15 is required and participants are
Basketball Academy
Flourishes with Influx of New Coaches Worcester’s basketball academy is thriving with almost 20 coaches now qualified to deliver programmes to children right through to elite players. Paul James, Director of Basketball for the British Basketball League side Worcester Wolves, and the University, has extended his coaching team as the sport grows in popularity. The Worcester basketball academy programme now boasts a wide range of teams that include the BBL team, national league teams for men, women and juniors,
central venue leagues for boys and girls and seven University of Worcester teams. The majority of the coaches are associated with the University as students or staff, but the team also includes local businessmen Chris Lowe and Andrew Cahill. There are many more students who coach on the thriving community programme that attracts thousands throughout the region. Paul James said: “We recognise the importance of developing players of all abilities whilst they attend university, yet it is also critical that we develop strong coaches who can reach a much bigger audience in the wider
community if the sport is going to grow.” Mick Donovan, Head of the Institute of Sport & Exercise Science, added: “Whilst the University prides itself on developing players of all abilities; clearly the coaching academy is thriving under the leadership of England coach Paul James. The University currently receives applications from all over the world from students who wish to engage in basketball playing and coaching whilst completing their degrees. With the forthcoming Worcester Arena, it is envisaged that the Academy will go from strength to strength.”
Qualified coaches with Paul James (centre)
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / MARCH 2012 / 9
NEWS
The University’s Welfare and Financial Advice Team are pleased to announce that they have joined Money Doctors; a nationwide programme developed by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) now overseen by the Consumer Financial Education Body (CFEB) in conjunction with universities in the United Kingdom. The project offers a framework that enables students to develop financial management and budgeting skills and particularly encourages proactive initiative.
The team will continue to offer advice and support on: • Student Finance: entitlement and applications • Bursaries and Scholarships • Debt Management • Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits • Trust Funds and Charities • Hardship Funds Advisers are based in Woodbury rooms 72 & 74 where a drop-in service is available, or appointments can be made if preferred. Email us on moneyadvice@worc.ac.uk
FIRST GRADUATES OF NEW COURSE SET FOOT IN FILM INDUSTRY
T
he final week of February saw the first collaboration of the BA Digital Film Production course with Borderlines Film Festival in Hereford.
This new collaboration followed the success of Digital Film Production graduate Ben Whitehead’s challenging and controversial experimental film ‘Birds and Beestings’ which was in competition at the Exposures film festival in Manchester on 21 February. Ben’s film was also shown at the London Short Film festival in January alongside work by the likes of the renowned Turner nominated artists Jake and Dinos Chapman. 2011 saw the first full year of graduates from the Digital Film Production course. It is very exciting to see them starting their careers in the industry and gaining recognition for their work. Watch this space...
Film Premiere Digital Film Production student, Alix Paul Moldovan, has organised a premiere of
the film he produced as part of his coursework last year.
Still from the film Birds and Beestings
Halasz interviewed the woman and she told him the story of her love affair. After Halasz’s death there hasn’t been any trace of the story and ever since many have wondered what secrets lie behind the famous photograph.
and helped us bring it to life.”
Reuben Irving, Course Leader for Digital Film, said “This is one of the most ambitious student films I have seen. We knew it was a massive gamble when we gave the go-ahead for the The film is set in 1917 and 1937 as project - but they pulled it off. This is the kind of commitment the main character (Margarette) Madame BIJOUX is a short and ambition that makes our film looks back at her love affair period drama following production students so special.” with a military commander, the myth behind Dominic Despot (Nick Smith). The film was made possible by the controversial The film exposes the journey the generous support of several photograph by Gyula of overcoming a great loss and local organisations including: Halsz, arguably one reflects the bohemian ideals of House of Fraser, Malvern of the most brilliant truth, beauty, freedom and love. Theatres, Tramps Nightclub, photographers of Severn Valley Railway, Worcester Alix Paul, the Producer/Writer all time. Leonardo City Council and the Guildhall. of Madame Bijoux said: “The DiCaprio’s character film is a remarkable piece of art (Jack) played in Cameron’s oscar winning and reflects a great deal of hard work put in to the production. feature film “Titanic” describes her as “the lady My crew and I have managed who used to sit at this bar to make this film with a budget of less than £100 and we never (in Paris) wearing every could have done it without the single piece of jewelery she owned waiting for her help of our wonderful partners. I hold a great deal of gratitude to long lost love... Madame everyone that supported the film Bijou.” Legend has it that Madame BIJOUX premieres on 17 March at 7pm at the Worcester Arts Workshop. Subsequent Screenings are scheduled for 19 and 21 March at 7pm at the University.
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NEWS
NEW STUDY EXPLORES
SOCIAL CARE IN RETIREMENT HOUSING A major new study exploring how best to provide social care in retirement housing has been launched. Funded by the Department of Health’s NIHR School for Social Care Research Programme, the two-year project is being led by experts from the University’s Association for Dementia Studies. Dr Simon Evans, Senior Research Fellow and lead for the research, said: “Increasing numbers of older people, coming to the end of full time employment, are expressing strong desires to remain living independently in their own homes as they grow older, but there are also growing numbers who are looking to specialist forms of housing with care as an option. The latter can fulfil their lifestyle choices while at the same time offering the levels of care and support that they need now or might need in the future. “At the same time the government has been keen to encourage downsizing as a way of freeing up larger homes for people with families and has provided significant funding for extra care housing schemes and retirement villages.” During the past 10 years over £800million capital has been made available through public sector grants and private sector investment, including £227million by the Department of Health to councils between 2004 and 2010 to seek innovative extra care housing solutions for older people as an affordable housing-based alternative to residential care or costly home care.
Dr Evans said: “The type and amount of social support provided to residents in these settings varies widely across England and there is currently little information about this. What is known is that adult social care is a large and complicated system. In 2008/09, a total of £16.1 billion was spent on delivering adult social care in England, involving 13,000 provider organisations with 1.3 million employees. “In order to explore how best to provide adult social care in housing with care schemes in England, we have brought together a team that includes experienced researchers from three universities, experts from the housing with care industry and people with unique knowledge of government policy and strategy in this area.
“The overall aim of this project is to understand the role of adult social care in housing with care settings and how it can help to provide high-quality, cost-effective care in this increasingly popular form of housing for older people.” The University of Worcester is working in partnership with the Personal Social Services Research Unit at the University of Kent, the School for Policy Studies at the University of Bristol, Housing 21 and the Housing Learning and Improvement Network. The research will run from February 2012 to February 2014. For more information visit www.assetproject.wordpress.com
Midwifery Student Shortlisted for National Scholarship Award
A
midwifery student has been shortlisted for a prestigious national scholarship offered by a leading charity for nurses.
Maria Soledad was selected from dozens of hopefuls from around the UK who applied for the recently launched Cavell Nurses’ Trust Scholarship Awards. She was shortlisted in the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award. Maria, a Spanish national who has lived in the UK for 16 years, was diagnosed with dyslexia shortly after starting her degree. “I kept on getting my letters and words mixed up but had always thought it was just a second language problem,” she said. “Being diagnosed with dyslexia was a revelation and has really helped me to get the support I need and to make real progress. Since then I have been getting very good marks in my assignments.” Maria applied for the scholarship and made it through to the final 25, with five candidates shortlisted across each of the five categories. “It was disappointing not to win, but I am so pleased to have even been shortlisted,” said the 36-year-old. “It is a huge achievement for me.” Jasmin Rana, the Awards Coordinator, said: “The judges felt that the students were all of an exceptionally high calibre, which made the task of selecting the five winners and runners-up even more difficult. They were also very inspired by some of the individuals that were interviewed.” Maria is in the final year of her midwifery degree, a career she had never considered or knew much about before a conversation with a friend. “I had been working as an interpreter,” she said. “I didn’t know anything about midwifery until I was talking to a friend and then started looking in to it. It’s a wonderful job, very rewarding and I’m so glad I have had this opportunity.”
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NEWS
Guardian Children’s Monday Book Editor Drops in Morning Blog at University Writer and Guardian Children’s Book Editor, Julia Eccleshare, shared her experiences with students at the University of Worcester during a recent visit. The University is renowned for its expertise in children’s literature, in both writing and illustration, and Ms Eccleshare’s visit was one of a number of recent planned events promoting this work. Ms Eccleshare spoke about the great tradition of picture books in the UK and the changes in making and reading them as new technology of ebooks and apps is developed.
“Children’s books are more important than ever right now,” said Ms Eccleshare. “Not just for children but also as the fount of culture of all kinds. They provide the ‘stories’ which excite and delight listeners, readers and viewers. “Students like those at Worcester have a thrilling creative future in their hands; they need to be familiar with the very best traditions from the past while also embracing the exciting – and challenging – opportunities of the future. How we entertain and teach children in the best possible way is vital; today’s students can make it happen.
“It was a pleasure to meet the new generation of creators.” Julia’s visit was organised by Jean Webb, Professor of International Children’s Literature at the University, with Ali Stevenson, Children’s Book Design lecturer, and Piet Grobler, Illustration lecturer. Ali Stevenson said: “The Children’s Book design module, as part of the Graphic Design and Multimedia course, provides students with the opportunity to not only learn about the design criteria and techniques specific to children’s books but to also understand where children’s publishing is heading in the future. Julia’s wealth of knowledge in this area and her dedication to ensuring that children are provided with the very best in publishing, whether it be in book or app format, certainly communicated itself during her talk.”
Staff may have noticed that the weekly ‘all staff news round-up’ has been replaced by a new blog. The blog is intended to replace the ‘weekly round-up’ all-user email, which is traditionally sent each Monday morning. We believe that presenting this news in the form of a blog has a number of benefits to users, including: •
Over time, an easily accessible archive of past material will be available
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We can attach documents and images without overloading email inboxes
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All of the content is fully searchable
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We can more easily monitor which stories are of interest to people, thereby improving our ability to deliver relevant news
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We can highlight other University news, such as the press office Twitter stream
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Colleagues can comment on stories
Updates will be posted at noon each Monday. If you would like to include a message, please email it to communications@worc.ac.uk before 10.30am on Monday. A short all user email will continue to go out on Mondays, with a selection of headlines and links included, to encourage colleagues to visit the blog. Although written clearly and expressly for University of Worcester staff, it will be possible to locate the content through a Google search, so the blog should not be used for information that is confidential or sensitive in nature. If you have any comments or suggestions about this blog then please let us know, either by leaving a comment or by emailing communications@worc. ac.uk Illustration students Maria Gonzalez and Rhys Paul with Julia Eccleshare (centre)
12 / MARCH 2012 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
EARTH HERITAGE TRUST
An Earthquake Observatory for The Hive Earthquakes are amongst the most dramatic, awe-inspiring geological events, and hold a fear and fascination for the general public. The UK is not normally considered to be a seismically active area. However, local interest was awakened on 23 September 2002, when a powerful earthquake shook the area and was widely reported in the local and national media. The earthquake had a magnitude of 4.7 on the Richter scale with an epicentre near Dudley, West Midlands. In future such events will be recorded and will be available for all to see at The Hive. The Trust has been working with three organisations across Worcestershire to establish earthquake observatories. One major location is to be The Hive, where the proposal has been given significant support by the University. Professor Dick Bryant, who heads the Project Planning Committee
of The Trust said “The establishment of the Observatory fits very well into the idea of The Hive as a place of learning for all. Children and adults alike will have a great opportunity to investigate what is going on beneath our feet in the Earth’s crust.” In essence the Observatory will explain what earthquakes are, why they occur, where they happen and will give information about associated topics such as plate tectonics, the structure of the Earth, tsunamis and volcanoes, to the general public and to pre-arranged school groups visiting The Hive. The facility will consist of a touch screen unit and a seismometer, as well as education materials. The touch screen unit will include written data, moving animations, archived photos and videos from famous earthquakes, as well as a live feed from earthquake monitoring stations all over the world. There will also be the
opportunity to ‘make your own earthquake’. A second observatory is due to open this summer at the Forestry Commission’s Education Centre in the Wyre Forest. The third location is planned for the Lickey Hills Visitor Centre (dependent on funding). For more information about the project please contact Eve Miles at the Trust – e.miles@ worc.ac.uk
Photo below: The 410 million year old rocks of the Abberley Hills were formed on the floor of a shallow tropical sea. Many thousands of earthquakes over millions of years resulted in the folding and faulting of these rocks to give the landscape we see today
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / MARCH 2012 / 13
NEWS
Charity of the year
Thank you to all who participated in the Charity Quiz night on February 8, in aid of the University’s Charity of the Year, Acorns Children’s Hospice.
£1172 was raised during the evening – a record amount for our annual quiz.
ACORNS CHILDREN’S HOSPICE FOR THE THREE COUNTIES ACORNS CHILDREN’S HOSPICE IS THE UNIVERSITY‘S CHARITY OF 2012. HERE IS A LITTLE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE THE CHARITY PROVIDES AND DETAILS ABOUT HOW YOU CAN HELP RAISE MONEY: The need to use a children’s hospice can strike at any time – children can be born with a condition or diagnosed at any point in their childhood. The vision of Acorns Children’s Hospice is that every child and young person living in the region that is life limited or life threatened (which means they are unlikely to reach adulthood), along with their families, should receive the specialist care and support they need. This care is provided through hospices and a community team that offer a range of services that are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including: •
Access to complementary therapies
Short breaks to include day care and emergency care
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Access to play and activities
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Access to hydrotherapy pools
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Care after death – to include bereavement support
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Multi-sensory rooms
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Support for adolescents through transition to adult care
Family support through a range of groups
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Sibling support
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End of life care
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Symptom and pain control
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Acorns for the Three Counties in Worcester opened in 2005. It has 10 bedrooms for children, accommodation for parents and 2 special bedrooms where children can stay after their death and before their funeral. It also has facilities including holistic therapies, an extensive garden, a hydrotherapy pool, large multi-sensory room and play and activity areas with up-to-date IT equipment. It costs £750 per child per day. Support from the community is vital to Acorns and makes up the majority of its income. The charity understands times are hard so is asking for people to support them in whatever way they can, whether it’s money, time or non-financial donations of goods or expertise. The public can organise an ‘in aid of’ event - whether on their own or with friends, in a group or club, at school, college or work, there are hundreds of ways to fundraise for Acorns - from quiz nights and bake sales to sweepstakes and golf days. Acorns has its own organised events supporters can sign up to, including marathons, shark and sky dives, dog walks and international treks. People can leave a gift in their will or open up a tribute fund in memory of a loved one or set up a regular donation. To learn more about Acorns Children’s Hospice and opportunities to support this charity visit www.acorns.org.uk or call 01905 767676.
Conference Explores Role of Women in Development Across the World A
conference exploring the inequalities between men and women across the world will take place at the University to mark International Women’s Day.
Organised by the Institute of Science & the Environment and Beacons Development Education Centre for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, it will include speakers from international charities and aid groups, as well as universities. Titled ‘Women Leading Development’, it will explore gender inequality, how men and women have been targeted differently by developments, and how women have spearheaded development to address underlying gender inequalities. Keynote speakers include Marie-Lyse Namuhoza, an activist in Voice of African Women, Laura Searle, from Christian Aid; Anita Woodcock, from Womankind Worldwide; and Dr Ruth Jones, from the University of Worcester, who was last year named Worcestershire Woman of the Year for Achievement for her work in the field of domestic violence. Dr Alan Dixon, Senior Lecturer in Geography said: “This conference will address some very important issues affecting women across the world. It will highlight the inequalities that still exist in many countries and the hard work of many women to have their voices heard and make a difference in their societies.” The conference takes places on Saturday, March 10 from 10am to 4pm and costs £15, including lunch and refreshments. Admission is free for full-time students. For more information contact a.dixon@worc.ac.uk
14 / MARCH 2012 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
NEWS
University students join the citizens of Worcester for
Worcestershire Chinese Association surpassed itself this year with an exciting programme of events to celebrate the start of the Year of the Dragon. As well as the traditional firecrackers and Lion Dance marking the start of the event at The Guildhall, the audience was treated to a wonderful display of acrobatics and juggling by a young troupe from Chengdu Academy of Arts and some very polished performances by students from our university. The acrobats first delighted the children in the audience by gamboling out onto the stage in cuddly panda suits. This was followed by breathtaking displays of agility in ‘Ballet in the Palm of the Hand’ (literally!) and a thrilling and rarely seen
display of ‘Mask Changing Theatre’ as well as stunning juggling performances all done with a grace, agility and sense of fun that absolutely thrilled the audience. Worcester student Xie Mingshan played two piano pieces, whilst Huang Jinhui astonished the audience with a very polished, multicultural version of Amazing Grace sung in Mandarin and in English by two of our African students, Mabel Mukhaye and Fidelia Ekpenyong. Yang Yixi and Tang Xiaojie won applause by expertly leading a chorus of students, unaccompanied, after a technical hitch prevented their music from playing.
in Mandarin and English. Meanwhile, Li Zizhong organised a team of volunteers to decorate and set up the hall, sell raffle tickets and help control the crowds while Kari Hakkala managed the sound system. The University was integral to the success of the day and the students were treated to a delicious buffet at The Four Seasons in Lowesmoor to thank them for their efforts. You can have a taste of the event by visiting: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=QsB853lYaXU
The whole show was held together by sparkling and witty commentary by MCs Eddy (Chen Yujun) and May Tsang
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / MARCH 2012 / 15
STAFF FEATURE
This month Social Work Senior Lecturer Peter Unwin reveals his inner rock star.
Headline Act:
If you’re into the live music scene in Worcester then chances are you will have come across Peter Unwin and his many and varying bands. Peter, Senior Lecturer in the Institute of Health & Society, has been a big hitter in the City’s music venues over the past 12 years and was recently behind a hugely successful Bob Dylan tribute weekend. “Music has always been a huge part of my life,” he said. “Since I was a young child travelling in my parents’ car, listening to Chuck Berry, I have loved music.” “I have played in bands since I learnt to play the guitar in my early 20s,” Peter continued. “Growing up in the 1960s was a great time with a boom in blues music, particularly American blues. I used to listen to pirate music stations and hear the magic of music I had never heard before. There was something very romantic about those days. I’m not a great musician but music speaks to me.” Peter moved to Worcester about 12 years ago, around the time when the Marrs Bar opened in the city providing a new venue for live music. “The Marrs Bar is a great place for live music and I have played there a lot - it has been somewhat of a recruiting
ground for my bands,” he said. Peter’s best-known band, The George Cowley Experience, was named after a local man, who is somewhat of a celebrity in Worcester, largely through his musings in the local press. Another of Peter’s bands is The Royal Alberts, of which Clive Kennard, Academic Liaison Librarian at the University, is also a member. Peter’s biggest musical influence has been Bob Dylan: “I have followed Dylan’s career and taken inspiration from him,” he said. “I now do a Bob Dylan night once a year, which this year we expanded to a full weekend. So many people wanted to get involved in the Bob Dylan nights; it has been fantastic.” As well as the music, Peter takes a keen interest in child welfare, and four years ago he and his wife decided to become foster carers. “It has been incredibly fulfilling,” said Peter, whose wife is currently expecting twins. “It has really helped my academic understanding of the care system in a professional sense as well as given me something much more on a personal level.”
Top photo Peter with Liz Pearman. Bottom photo Pete riffing with Clive Kennard
Peter is the University’s Safeguarding Officer, responsible for all issues regarding children on campus.
What do you get up to when you leave the Campus? Email Sally Jones with your interesting stories at s.jones@worc.ac.uk
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / MARCH 2012 / 16