Edge Hill University Alumni Issue 5

ALUMNI

edgehill.ac.uk/alumni

Danny Howard Radio 1’s New ‘Superstar DJ’

What’s in it for me?

Making the most of your Edge Hill connection

A Lasting Legacy

How one outstanding young filmmaker is helping other students follow their dreams

Issue Issue 05

Alternatively you can update your personal details via the Edge Hill Alumni Network at edgehill.ac.uk/alumni

Inspirational primary school teacher Suzanne Cocks, Superstar DJ Danny Howard, entrepreneur and author Helen Tse, and England Lions cricketer Simon Kerrigan may have taken very different career paths but they share the same talent, passion and determination that has made them a success in their chosen fields.

36 THANK YOU

In this edition we also explore the benefits of staying in touch with Edge Hill – what’s in it for you, the University and our current students. Read about the alumni who are nurturing the next generation of students in preparation for the jobs market and helping the University maintain its excellent record on graduate employability.

18 ALUMNI STUDY A SENSE OF PLACE

34 LETTERS ALUMNI STORIES AND NEWS

16 ALUMNI PROFILE SIMON KERRIGAN

32 UNIVERSITY NEWS CAMPUS LATEST

We take a look at Geography past and present at Edge Hill, and also discover what’s new in the Performing Arts and Midwifery Departments.

15 ALUMNI STUDY SMALLER INVESTMENT, BIGGER OPPORTUNITIES

30 ALUMNI SUPPORT EYES ON THE PRIZE 14 ALUMNI PROFILE HELEN TSE

If you have any comments, changes to personal details, or wish to be included in future editions, email alumni@edgehill.ac.uk or write to Caroline Mitchell, Alumni Team, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, L39 4QP.

28 ALUMNI CASE STUDIES A NEW SENSE OF DIRECTION 12 ALUMNI FEATURE A LASTING LEGACY

26 ALUMNI STUDY DELIVERING SAFER MATERNITY CARE 10 ALUMNI SERVICE WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

We may not have any royalty among our graduates to show off in this Diamond Jubilee year, but the alumni profiled in this edition definitely demonstrate the ‘Best of British’ through their achievements.

Finally, we celebrate alumni who have sadly passed away but whose lives touched many in the Edge Hill community. Anne Laing, whose dedication to the Guild earned her an Honorary Fellowship, and Paul Cannon, whose talent and strength of character continues to inspire others through an award established by him in his will to honour outstanding Media students. A new scholarship has been established to honour Adam Bell which will be awarded to students who best display the characteristics of determination, selflessness and commitment to helping others that he exemplified.

As always, we welcome your feedback, stories, memories and ideas for articles – please keep them coming.

I hope you enjoy the magazine.

COVER STORY DANNY HOWARD

Published by Edge Hill University

Edge Hill University Alumni Magazine

Editor: Caroline Mitchell Copywriter: Sophie Wilcockson Photography: Stuart Rayner, John Cocks Designer: Andy Butler

25 ALUMNI OBITUARY ANNE LAING

24 ALUMNI PROFILE SUZANNE COCKS 06 VC WELCOME ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

08 ALUMNI FEATURE RECONCILIATION, TRUTH AND JUSTICE

ALUMNI 20 ALUMNI SUPPORT SUPPORTING THE SUPPORTERS 03 INTERVIEW WITH DANNY HOWARD RUNNING TRACKS TO MIXING TRACKS

Contents

Welcome to the latest edition of Alumni – the magazine for, and about, former Edge Hill students.

Best wishes,

Caroline

Caroline Mitchell, Affinity Officer

Running tracks to mixing tracks

Interview:

Edge Hill University Alumni Magazine

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Danny Howard Superstar DJ is not a career path taken by many Sports and Exercise Science graduates, but for Danny Howard it was his time at Edge Hill that unexpectedly led him to his dream job working on BBC Radio 1.

“I’ve always been into sport. I qualified as a fitness instructor at sixth-form college and played a lot of football and tennis, so it made sense to continue studying sport at university. I definitely saw myself with a career in sport of some kind.

The DJing came about almost by accident. One of my friends had some decks that he never used so I borrowed them and started messing around. Once I learned how to mix two records together, I really got the bug and started practising every day.

My first proper gig was at The Venue. I persuaded the Students’ Union to let me play at one of their events, then, afterwards, got my mates to tell the SU manager how much they loved the music and the DJ. It was a bit cheeky but it led to a weekly residency, which is where I started to really improve as a DJ.

During my second year my dad became ill. He kept saying that all he wanted was to see me graduate. I was trying to balance DJing and studying but, if I’m honest, I’d allowed the DJing to take over slightly.

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That was the wake-up call I needed to get my priorities right and start concentrating on my studies. Sadly, he passed away in my final year but I know he would have been proud of my achievements.

My friends convinced me to enter Radio 1’s Superstar DJ competition. I’d only been DJing for a couple of years so I didn’t think I had a chance. I was absolutely amazed to be one of six selected from hundreds of entries to compete in a four-day, Apprentice-style final in London. I went on to win the live mix challenge on Chris Moyles’ show, voted by the public, and the next day I was opening the Radio 1 party in Ibiza!

Since then, life has been a bit of a whirlwind to say the least.

I’ve played to crowds of 3,000 on Fatboy Slim’s tour and DJed in some of the biggest clubs in the world. In April, I was asked to present my own show on Radio 1 – Dance Anthems with Danny Howard. I’m really proud to be following in the footsteps of a legend like Dave Pearce (former presenter of Dance Anthems) and bringing dance music to a mainstream, Saturday afternoon radio audience.

Sport studies might be an unlikely start to a career as a DJ but if I hadn’t gone to Edge Hill, none of this would have happened. So Edge Hill did help my career, but in a way I could never have expected.”

Dance Anthems with Danny Howard is on Saturday 4-7pm, Radio 1.

Find out more at: www.djdannyhoward.com

Onwards and Upwards Vice-Chancellor’s message:

Edge Hill University Alumni Magazine

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Despite the changing, and at times, challenging landscape of the higher education sector, I'm pleased to say that Edge Hill University's popularity and growth over the last year has remained strong.

In April 2011 we announced that we would be charging the maximum fee of £9,000 from 2012 – a decision that reflects our ambition to compete with the best in the sector, our belief in the quality of our programmes and the distinctiveness of our student experience.

Fee income enables us to invest in the key aspects of the Institution such as developing the physical campus and improving our facilities; building on our already excellent reputation for teaching and learning by recruiting the best staff in the sector; and crucially, creating a financial support package to ensure those students who can and should benefit from a university education, regardless of their background, are able to do so.

The University’s impressive record, year on year, in the National Student Survey shows that our own students believe we are getting this right, and a solid showing in graduate employment league tables is a clear sign of the value of our degrees in the employment market. Also, our third nomination for University of the Year in 2011 shows how high our profile is among our peers.

Demand for places at Edge Hill University is as strong as ever.

Applications for 2012 entry are up by another 13%, despite a national downturn of 7%, and our early conversion rates are also ahead of previous years. This puts us, at application stage, in the top three universities in England in terms of growth.

The capabilities of our students also continue to improve. Our points level went up by 20 this year – to the equivalent of two Bs and a C – and some courses are now asking for 300 UCAS points or more. In fact, we took 550 students with AAB or better last year, which is more than several of the pre-1992 universities. In turn, this has contributed to record numbers of students achieving First class or 2:1 degrees.

We are as committed as we have ever been to widening participation, and despite some of the constraints of the Government’s current funding model, we will continue to focus on providing educational opportunities for those who will benefit from, and contribute to, academic life the most.

Our success also relies on a strong financial base. Last year, we recorded our best ever turnover of £100 million, with a surplus of £16 million, which allows us to achieve our investment ambitions.

We opened our £13.5 million student centre, The Hub, in September 2011, and now that we have finally secured planning permission to expand into the 83 acres of greenbelt land we bought back in 2007, the next phase of development is well underway.

Construction has started on new accommodation that will add another 384 bed spaces to the campus, bringing us closer to our goal of providing on-campus accommodation for all first years who request it.

By September we aim to have a new access route from St Helens Road leading to a designated parking area. On the other side of campus, we are also extending the Rose Theatre to include a bistro and additional performance and exhibition space. And in Spring 2013 work starts on brand new sports facilities.

So, all in all, another very good year for the University.

The global economic situation and changing Government policies guarantee some degree of uncertainty, but I believe Edge Hill University will deal with this from a position of strength and we will ensure that the Institution remains an exceptional place to study and work and for our alumni, a university of which you can be proud.

Dr John Cater

Reconciliation, Truth and Justice Feature:

A new play written, directed and performed by Edge Hill staff and alumni, is showcasing the wealth of talent in the Performing Arts Department to the nation.

Our Lady of the Goldfinches is the first theatrical collaboration between writer Jane McNulty and director Bill Hopkinson – both of whom have Edge Hill connections.

As well as being an award-winning author, poet and scriptwriter for television drama series such as Eastenders and The Bill, Jane McNulty is also an Associate Tutor at Edge Hill, working with up-and-coming new writers in the Performing Arts Department. Bill Hopkinson, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for the MA in Making Performance, is an award-winning theatre director and dramaturg, helping writers to adapt their art and creativity for different audiences, who works extensively to encourage and develop new writers for the stage.

The pair first met through a North West Playwrights project designed to help talented writers branch out into different areas of writing. Bill became Jane’s mentor, helping her to hone her writing skills working on the play that was to become Our Lady of the Goldfinches.

Inspired by a true story, Our Lady of the Goldfinches focuses on the unsolved murder of Jean McConville, a mother-of-ten who was abducted and killed by the IRA in 1973 and her remains hidden on a beach in the Republic of Ireland.

Written in conjunction with Jean McConville’s family, Our Lady of the Goldfinches tells the story of Jean’s life and death, and of her daughter Helen’s attempts to make sense of the crime that has haunted the family for 30 years.

“What I particularly like about this play is the way Jane has channelled Helen’s personal view and turned it into a drama that goes beyond the specifics of that one case,” says Bill. “It’s not a piece of factual theatre; it uses Jean McConville’s story to explore wider concepts of reconciliation, truth and justice.”

The Edge Hill connection also extends to the cast as three of the five performers are Performing Arts graduates – Rachel Priest who plays Helen, Bairbre Ní hAodha who plays Jean, and Lee Godwin, who is making his professional acting debut as a soldier and Jean’s husband Arthur.

Edge Hill University Alumni Magazine

“I like to use actors that I’ve worked with before,” says Bill. “I already have a dialogue with them, and this is especially important with a short rehearsal time. I also wanted a cast that represented a spectrum of identity in addressing the play’s controversial subject matter. So, we have actors from England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which brings a range of perspectives to the performance.

“The play demands a lot of the cast, both physically and emotionally. It also requires a broad range of skills and an openness to experimentation. This chimes with the broad training we give our students at Edge Hill. We train them to be performers rather than actors, and give them skills that are useful in all walks of life, not just the creative industries.”

Bill feels that being an active theatre practitioner is a key part of his teaching. “Practice is a process of renewal; you are always learning new things that help keep your teaching fresh, and getting new insights from students that inform your practice. You can’t have one without the other.

“I’m delighted to be working with the next generation of theatre makers. I can give exactly the same first year workshop each year but it will never be the same twice because of the way each new student engages with the material. It’s fascinating and incredibly rewarding.”

Our Lady of the Goldfinches premiered at the Rose Theatre on 30th April before starting a nationwide tour.

See www.ourladyofthegoldfinches.co.uk for further details.

Watch behind the scenes footage here.

MA Making Performance

An exciting opportunity to discuss, explore and create performance in high standard professional facilities.

The programme is ideal for graduates, teachers, professional and semi professional artists and individuals with suitable levels of performance experience and academic skill.

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“This is my first job as a professional actor since graduating, and I’m really pleased to be doing it at the Rose Theatre – there’s such a great vibe about the place. I did all of my student productions there so I know how to work the space and I’ve been directed

by Bill many times before so the whole experience is much less daunting than it could have been.”

Lee Godwin (Drama, 2011)

“I didn’t know much about the conflict in Northern Ireland before I got this part so it’s been quite a steep learning curve, not least perfecting the accent! It’s also strangely physically challenging. At the beginning of rehearsals I was holding so much tension in my body all day, I’d go home and just lie rigid in bed for hours!

It’s quite exhausting.”

Rachel Priest (Drama with Writing Studies, 2003)

“Going back to Edge Hill for rehearsals felt very familiar, like going home. Even in the two years since I graduated lots of things have changed but it still feels like the close-knit, supportive, welcoming community it was when I first auditioned for my course. You feel like you’re part of something exciting at Edge Hill, that you have a place in history and you can make a difference.”

Bairbre Ní hAodha (Drama, Dance and Physical Theatre, 2010)

Read more about Rachel and Bairbre’s careers since graduating, plus many others, at: edgehill.ac.uk/alumni/graduatecareers/profiles

What’s in it for me?

Alumni service:

As the alumni service offered at Edge Hill continues to grow from strength to strength we want to ensure that all former students are aware of the range of services on offer to graduates and the benefits of being actively involved with their alma mater.

As Edge Hill’s Affinity Officer and editor of Alumni, Caroline Mitchell, is keen to point out, being an active alumnus is not all about fundraising.

“We’re interested in creating a living, growing network of people who have a shared experience and, hopefully, a sense of pride in their association with Edge Hill,” she says.

“The services we offer are designed to help people keep in touch with old friends, connect with each other for personal or business reasons, and enhance their careers.

“Obviously, we would like our relationships with alumni to be mutually beneficial – but we are as interested in people giving their time and support to current students and their goodwill as informal ambassadors to the University, as we are in financial contributions.

“Alumni can get a lot out of keeping in contact with the University. The benefits are definitely two-way,” adds Caroline.

One of the perks of being an Edge Hill graduate is access to careers advice. Many alumni aren’t aware that they can

Edge Hill University Alumni Magazine

use the Careers Centre for up to three years after graduation. You can get free, expert advice on all aspects of career planning – whether you want to find a job, progress in your current role or change direction completely.

As well as keeping you up to date on what’s happening at the University, joining the Alumni Network also gives you excellent networking opportunities. Our graduates go on to careers in a wide variety of industries, in the UK and beyond, and most people are happy to offer advice or support to a fellow Edge Hill alumnus.

The Alumni team also organises regular networking events to help alumni build up their contacts and are planning to expand events across the region, including breakfast events in Liverpool and Manchester. They are currently looking to expand these to other cities across the UK where there is a significant alumni population.

The benefits aren’t all work-related, however. The Alumni team can help you find old friends, organise a reunion or just keep you informed about University news and events that might interest you. Members of the Alumni Network get advance information about public lectures, evenings with celebrated graduates - such as the recent events with Jonathan Pryce, Stuart Maconie and Jennifer Saunders – and relevant CPD courses.

“We want to know what our graduates are doing with their Edge Hill degrees so that we can target the information we send out,” says Caroline. “It’s also nice to be able to promote success stories to current students, other alumni and the public.

“It’s a virtuous circle; if you are doing well, it can inspire other students to achieve. That success raises the profile of the University which, in turn, increases the value of everyone’s degree.”

Staying in touch with Edge Hill has never been easier.

As well as the usual letters, phonecalls or emails, alumni can now become fans of the University on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or join our LinkedIn group.

The Alumni Team are also keen to hear from graduates who have any ideas or suggestions for future alumni activities and events, email alumni@edgehill.ac.uk.

Making the most of your Edge Hill connection • Sign up to the Alumni Network – join a thriving online community and receive exclusive invitations to events, great networking opportunities and regular e-newsletters.

• Use the Careers Centre – enhance your career with free one-to-one or email advice, tips on everything from interview techniques to the perfect CV, career workshops and fairs, and access to hundreds of job vacancies across the UK.

• Come to a free event – from talks by prominent alumni to business breakfasts to reunion weekends, we offer a whole range of opportunities to come back to campus, hear from interesting people and make new contacts.

• Share your experience – show what can be achieved with an Edge Hill degree by giving a talk to students, providing a web profile or representing your company at a careers fair.

• Set up your own Alumni Association – we will give you all the support you need to establish a local group and start making Edge Hill connections in your area.

• Promote yourself – publicise your own business through our social networking channels or advertise your company’s vacancies, placements or volunteering opportunities on our website.

• Be an ambassador – just by telling people how much you enjoyed being at Edge Hill you are helping to raise our profile and support the future of the University.

• Keep in touch – stay in contact with the University via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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A lasting legacy Feature:

One outstanding young filmmaker has left a unique legacy to help other students follow their dreams.

Paul Cannon, a talented Edge Hill Media student, died of Hodgkins Lymphoma before he graduated. A dedicated scriptwriter with an unquenchable thirst for movies, he had been diagnosed just a week before he was due to start at the University, but undeterred, enrolled onto his TV and Film degree course to achieve his lifelong ambition of becoming a filmmaker.

Paul carried on studying throughout his illness, often working from his hospital bed. In his will, he asked his parents to establish an annual award that recognised the best work by third year Edge Hill Media students. The Paul Cannon Memorial Award is now presented annually to recognise the best final year show reel.

His father Ken explains: “Paul was ambitious and very serious about becoming a successful filmmaker. He had enjoyed several months studying at the New York Film Academy while in remission and came back full of enthusiasm and ideas. He was always very determined and during his illness decided that an award for final year students at Edge Hill might help fuel their own ambitions and help them to achieve greater heights.

“Paul loved his time at Edge Hill and put so much into his studies. He really believed in his own abilities, but was never over-confident or brash. He could be a bit of a showman, but in a quiet, unassuming way; always ready to help other people and make them feel at home. He was clever and his sense of humour was brilliant, even when he was feeling very ill.”

Paul made a lasting impact on those who knew him, and his parents have been left with the rich legacy of his writing, films and music. True to his directorial ambitions, Paul even staged managed his own funeral, leaving his parents precise instructions about the format, the readings and the music.

Paul posthumously graduated from Edge Hill with a first class honours degree, which his parents accepted on his behalf.

As one of his tutors, Carol Poole, Edge Hill’s new Ambassador to MediaCity, knew Paul well. “Paul was a unique person with a positive attitude to life and living,” she recalls. “He had a rare combination of intellectual ability and academic generosity; he always tried to use his considerable experience and talent to help others improve. He was a fantastic team player in that respect.

“The Paul Cannon Memorial Award is very special to the Media Department and it now has a symbolic value beyond Paul. I’m sure that every one of the winners will go on to make the Department and Paul’s family very proud.”

“It’s five years now since we lost Paul,” says Ken, “but at each awards ceremony I feel that Paul has a share in it.

He could always see the potential in other people and I like to think that winning the Paul Cannon Award is some sort of springboard, a differentiator, that can help the winners achieve more in their own film making careers.”

The most recent Paul Cannon Memorial Award winners were students Jack Leigh and Joe Roberts, whose short film Heaven, Hell and Other Alternatives took top honours at this year’s awards evening. Nik Powell, Oscar-winning producer and director of the National Film and Television School (NFTS), presented the award.

Edge Hill University Alumni Magazine

The two students said they were "ecstatic" with their win and felt it was a fitting reward for three years of hard work. Joe said: "When we spoke to Ken and heard about Paul's achievements and his life story we were like, wow, he's such an inspiration. I feel really privileged to have won. One of the best bits for me though was telling the actors about it, they were thrilled and it was great to see their reactions."

“It would make me very proud if the Award Paul established could grow to become widely recognised among young British film makers,” says Ken. “The Oscars started out as a very low key affair, so who knows?

Scan here to watch a video of the Media end-of-year show.

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“I have no doubt that had Paul survived his last course of treatment he would have made it as a filmmaker.

It meant so much to him and the Award means that his memory – and his sense of ambition – can live on through the work of others.”

Helen Tse Profile:

Successful lawyer, businesswoman and author, Helen Tse, comes from a long line of inspirational, entrepreneurial Chinese women. Now, with a teaching qualification under her belt as well, she is turning Sweet Mandarin, the award-winning restaurant she runs with her two sisters, into a place where education, culture and great food meet.

“I grew up around food. My parents owned a Chinese takeaway in Manchester and every day after school we would come home, get our aprons on and help out. Our schoolwork fitted around the shop. However, my parents knew it was a tough industry and were very keen that their children should have professional careers.

I studied Law at Cambridge and worked as a lawyer in London and Hong Kong for 10 years. My sisters and I had thought about setting up a business together but it was a family holiday to trace our roots in Hong Kong and China that made us want to continue a tradition begun by our pioneering grandmother, Lily Kwok. She came to England as a single mother and went on to establish one of the first Chinese restaurants in the UK. Lung Fung became a Manchester institution, dishing up authentic Chinese food to locals and celebrities alike – legend has it that Cliff Richard, The Hollies and even The Beatles ate there in the 60s.

We opened our restaurant, Sweet Mandarin, in 2004.

Our aim has always been to give something back to our community and to inspire the next generation not just to think about and appreciate food, but also to show them that you can be successful whatever your background.

When we started working with school groups I realised I wanted to get a professional teaching qualification to take the education side of the business to the next level.

Edge Hill came highly recommended by my sister Janet, who had completed her PGCE there. Although I found getting back into an academic mind-set difficult at first I loved my time at Edge Hill and the skills and techniques I learned on the course have been invaluable to my work at

Sweet Mandarin. We now have a contract with Manchester Council to run Masterclasses in food technology, science and entrepreneurship for 175 schools.

It was through food that I unravelled our family history and it was through food that I wanted to tell it. My grandmother and I used to go shopping in a Chinese supermarket every week and each time she picked up a packet or bottle, it would trigger a memory. I had originally wanted to write a cookbook with stories behind each recipe, but when my publisher told me that there were no other books by British-born Chinese authors that documented the journey of Cantonese-speaking immigrants to the UK, I felt compelled to write Lily’s story.

Lily always said there are many things in life that divide us; but the one thing that unites us is food. I like to think her memory, as much as her dishes, lives on in Sweet Mandarin in the book and restaurant, and I hope that it becomes the same focus for our community as Lung Fung was for hers.”

Sweet Mandarin by Helen Tse is published by Random House. For more information visit: www.sweetmandarin.com

Edge Hill University Alumni Magazine

Smaller investment, bigger opportunities

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Alumni study:

Dean Currall, Media, Film and TV graduate and former President of the Students’ Union, is one of a growing number of alumni who have decided to stay at Edge Hill and continue their studies.

“I originally started at Edge Hill in 2006 so people are beginning to wonder if I’m ever going to leave!

After graduating in Film, Media and TV in 2009, I was voted Vice-President of the Students’ Union, then President the following year. It was a great experience and gave me the kind of responsibilities that most new graduates don’t get until well into their careers.

Thinking about further study?

Fancy 20% off your tuition fees?

Of course you do!

If you hold an eligible undergraduate award why not take advantage of Edge Hill’s fee reduction offer* and take your learning to the next level?

Undertaking a postgraduate course is a major investment in terms of both time and money, but one that has clear benefits. As well as expanding your knowledge of your chosen subject, postgraduate study gives you additional transferable skills and experiences that are highly sought after by employers.

Full details of all postgraduate opportunities can be found at: edgehill.ac.uk/postgraduate

* To meet the criteria for this offer you must be an Edge Hill graduate, be enrolling onto an eligible full-time or part-time Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters programme, have home or EU resident status, and be paying the fees yourself. Full eligibility criteria and exclusions at: edgehill.ac.uk/postgraduate/fees/reducedfees

A lot of people don’t realise that, as SU President, you are responsible for running a commercial organisation. At 21 years old I was managing a registered charity with a budget of £½ million – it’s an incredibly intense experience that involves a lot of on the job training. I had to learn about business, law and marketing in a very short space of time to ensure I was successful in the role.

As my year as SU President was coming to an end I realised I wanted to stay at Edge Hill and continue my studies, but I wanted to broaden my knowledge beyond my original subject.

I’d developed an interest in marketing through my roles in the SU and had heard good things about the MA at Edge Hill. I also thought it would be a good fit with the skills I’d gained from my undergraduate degree. I realised that my knowledge of web design, social media and creative research would also be valuable for a career in marketing and that, combined with my practical experience, would give me an advantage in the jobs market.

The fee reduction was definitely a factor in deciding to commit to an MA in Marketing and it was the best decision I ever made. Although I don’t finish my degree until June, I have already secured a job as Marketing Coordinator with TECHART, the tuning arm of the prestigious Porsche brand.

Without the skills and knowledge I’ve gained on the MA programme I would not have been able to speak with such confidence during my interview. It definitely gave me the edge over other candidates.”

Simon Kerrigan Profile:

From playing in the park to playing for his county, spin bowler Simon Kerrigan has turned his boyhood dream into reality as one of the rising stars of English cricket. At just 23 years old he is setting new bowling records for Lancashire and has his sights set on a place in the England Test Cricket team.

Hailing from the same part of Preston as his idol Freddie Flintoff, it’s not surprising that Simon Kerrigan grew up with a passion for cricket.

“As a child I was always playing cricket in the park and on the street with friends,” says Simon. “There wasn’t a lot of cricket at my school though, so I had to join a club to play properly. I started playing club cricket for Grimsargh at nine years old, and then for Fulwood and Broughton from the age of 10.”

“It goes without saying that Flintoff is a hero of mine but there are quite a few professional cricketers from Preston.

I think it’s down to the quality of the junior systems and club sides in the area.”

Simon currently plays club cricket for Ormskirk, so Edge Hill was at the forefront of his mind when it came to choosing a university.

“I had done a BTEC National Diploma in sports and exercise science at Preston College so it seemed like a natural progression to continue with a Sports Studies degree. I already had friends in Ormskirk from playing cricket there, and it wasn’t too far from home, so Edge Hill was the obvious choice for me.

“I enjoyed my time at university,” he adds. “I liked the fact that it was independent learning; without people pushing you and making you complete tasks like at college; you learnt because you wanted to.”

Although he originally had thoughts of going into teaching, Simon’s career took a very different route when he was offered a professional contract with Lancashire in his first year.

“It was only 12 months between being accepted into the Academy squad to becoming a professional cricketer, so it was a bit of a shock!’ says Simon. “I always wanted to play cricket but I never really thought it was going to happen.

It was a no-brainer to take the contract.”

And he hasn’t looked back since. He won the NBC Denis Compton Award as Lancashire's most promising young cricketer in both 2010 and 2011. He has recorded the best first-class bowling figures for Lancashire since 1953 (9 wickets for 51 runs) and was selected for the 16-man England Lions squad, touring Bangladesh in January 2012.

So, what does he put his success down to?

“Some of it’s luck,” he says, “but there are also things like the top class coaches at Lancashire and also having a lot of competition within the team for spin bowlers, so you have to keep pushing yourself to try and get an edge.

“I am really proud of what I’ve achieved so far but the highlight is definitely being part of the Lancashire side that won the County Championship for the first time in 77 years.

“I’m really enjoying my cricket at the moment but if I was selected to play for England in the future, that would be my ultimate dream.”

Edge Hill University Alumni Magazine

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A sense of place Alumni study:

The story of Geography at Edge Hill is as old as the institution itself. When the first young ladies entered Edge Hill College in 1885 to begin their teacher training, Geography was on the syllabus, sowing the seeds of a department that has grown to become one of the highest rated for teaching and learning in the UK. This gives students a broad educational foundation that prepares them for a range of careers.”

Student numbers have nearly trebled in the past three years, and applications for 2012 entry are up 15% on the previous year, despite the introduction of higher tuition fees. The results of the latest National Student Survey show high levels of student satisfaction, particularly in terms of teaching and personal development, with the Department ranked second in the UK for overall satisfaction.

So, what is it about this unassuming department and its iconic white building that continues to attract today’s sophisticated, market-savvy students?

“I think it’s a combination of modern, challenging programmes that reflect the changing nature of society, our passion for teaching and the close-knit, community feel within the Department,” says Dr Nigel Richardson, Head of Natural, Geographical and Applied Sciences.

It’s not just subject-specific skills that make Edge Hill Geography students highly employable. Key skills such as IT, presentation and written and oral communication are embedded into all courses, and students gain vital career planning and management skills through a compulsory Geo-careers module.

Fieldwork is also a big part of the programme with study trips across the UK and Europe, including Amsterdam and Mallorca.

“Field trips are a great way of building cohort identity and helping students develop supportive networks,” says Nigel. “This has a positive impact on student satisfaction, retention and achievement.

“Students also get to practice skills in the field that they can’t do in the lab. They get to see geography in action.

We can talk about a subject in the classroom but people understand more if they can see, feel and smell it in real life.”

Long gone are the days of learning capital cities and the names of rivers. Today’s Geography students are as likely to explore global climate change or the geography of retail as they are to study landscapes and populations.

Appropriately for Geography students, the most abiding memories of their time at Edge Hill focus on their location. The white building by the entrance has remained almost the only constant in an ever-changing campus; an old wartime ward that has been home to Geography students and staff for more than 60 years.

“Modern Geography also draws on many other disciplines to help us understand our changing planet.

As student numbers grow and teaching and learning methods change, it may prove impossible for the Department to remain in its current home. But wherever its future location, the winning combination of quality programmes, passionate teaching and a friendly environment will always be part of the Geography landscape.

“Traditionally, Geography had a very regional focus,” says Nigel, “students would look at the population, industry, vegetation, climate of a particular country.

We don’t teach it like that; we’re more interested in the interactions between people and places. We look at the geographical processes that shape our world from different spatial perspectives. So, for example, students will learn about human impact and environmental change on a local, regional and global scale.

“People have a love-hate relationship with the building,” explains Nigel. “It might not be much to look at but this little building has personality and that’s what people like. It’s our home; it gives our students a sense of place, of belonging to a community.”

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Twenty years of going Dutch

Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the Mallorca and Amsterdam field trips – a highlight of our Geography programme and a source of lasting memories for our students.

To help us celebrate, we want to share your stories and photos from Mallorca and Amsterdam throughout the years. So, if you have any Amsterdam anecdotes or Spanish snapshots, get in touch!

Where has your Geography degree taken you?

We want our successful alumni to help us inspire the next generation of Geography students.

As well as offering current students invaluable careers advice from someone who’s been there and done it, you could play a major role in helping us develop our programmes to ensure they remain relevant to employers.

In return, you get great networking opportunities and the chance to give something back to the Geography community.

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If you would like to know more about supporting current students, or just want to get back in touch with the department, contact the Alumni Team on alumni@edgehill.ac.uk or call 01695 584861.

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There is no better undergraduate discipline for understanding the worlds we live in and the lives we lead. No other subject embraces such a range of partner disciplines, from the physical sciences to the social sciences and across the humanities to the arts. And no other subject offers so much capacity for fun along the way.

Dr John Cater, Vice-Chancellor and former Geography student and lecturer

Supporting the supporters Alumni support:

In today’s increasingly competitive graduate job market, students need to be well informed and well prepared. Alumni are playing an increasingly important role in preparing our students for successful careers, and their contribution has now been recognised with a new award.

“The Careers Centre is increasingly drawing on the skills and experience of graduates to support the University’s employability agenda,” says Sue Hepworth, Senior Careers Advisor.

“Many of them give up their own time, even using annual leave, to work with students so we wanted to find a way of acknowledging that commitment and demonstrating how much we value their contribution.”

The result is the Alumni Ambassador Award, established this year to recognise the impact graduates can have on the career aspirations of current students.

The first winner was Philippa Gaskell, NW Talent Acquisition Specialist for Enterprise Rent-a-Car, who has proactively supported Edge Hill students for the past nine years.

As well as giving regular presentations and workshops, attending careers fairs and facilitating placements at Enterprise Rent-a-Car, the former Organisation and Management Studies student has also had input into the curriculum, working across departments to help embed employability into programmes.

“I graduated back in 2003, but in many ways my links with Edge Hill are as strong as ever,” says Philippa. “To be named as winner of the inaugural Alumni Ambassador Award was really lovely.

“The benefits of our involvement with Edge Hill are very much two way. We can help current students improve their future employability in many ways, perhaps by showing them what companies look out for, nurturing them and passing on the relevant skills. At the same

Edge Hill University Alumni Magazine

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Scan here to watch an interview with Philippa.

time we benefit because we get exposure to up and coming talent within the University.”

Philippa was also instrumental in the development and delivery of Edge Hill’s innovative Employability Programme. This optional module, endorsed by the Institute of Leadership and Management, aims to help develop confidence, initiative and leadership as well as interpersonal and management skills.

“I really enjoy coming back onto campus to do talks and meet with staff and students,” says Philippa, “it’s like a home from home for me. Edge Hill always supported me as a student and I like the fact that I can now be a resource to the University, giving something positive back.”

“Philippa’s contribution has been exceptional since she graduated,” says Sue. “She is a fantastic role model and has really gone the extra mile to enhance the job prospects of many of our students. She was the obvious choice to receive the first Alumni Ambassador Award.”

However, Sue is keen to point out that Philippa’s contribution is exceptional. “We don’t expect all of the alumni who work with us to do as much as that,” she adds.

“Just coming back to give a presentation can make a big difference. We can tell students what graduate recruiters are looking for, but it has much more resonance coming from someone who was sitting where they were two years ago.

“There are many ways that alumni can support current students from careers talks to online Q&A sessions to encouraging your employer to come to a careers fair,” she adds.

If you would like to find out more about supporting employability, contact the Alumni Team on 01695 584861 or email alumni@edgehill.ac.uk

Showing their support There are many ways that Alumni can support current students to succeed in the graduate jobs market such as offering work placements, advertising job vacancies or giving inspirational careers talks.

For further information contact the Alumni Team on alumni@edgehill.ac.uk.

Rozanna Bhidey

Business and Management, 2010

Rozanna went straight from Edge Hill into a role as a trainee merchandiser for Matalan after speaking to the company’s HR team at a recruitment fair.

“I’ve always been interested in fashion, and approached Matalan at the recruitment fair. A conversation with the HR manager led to a two-week unpaid work placement followed by a sponsored application from my line manager when a job in merchandising came up. I graduated on Wednesday and started my first job on the Monday!

I can honestly put my success down to the help and guidance I received from the Careers Service, so I am delighted to be able to give something back and help other students secure graduate jobs quicker.

I’ve given four presentations to date and represented Matalan at a careers fair in the Business School. I see it as a great way to promote my firm and thank them for the opportunities they’ve given me, as well as enhancing my own CV and building my network of contacts.

Looking back I wish I’d had the opportunity to listen to someone who was in my position less than two years before. Alumni offer an authentic, up-to-date view of the current job market. Lecturers can tell you what’s happening out there, but it’s somehow more believable from someone actually working in that environment.”

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James Pearson

Peter Shuff

James works part-time at West Lancashire College while he is studying the specialised legal practice course (LPC), which all Law graduates must complete to become a solicitor.

Peter was a runner on several feature films, before becoming an assistant producer for AD HOC Films. He has worked on numerous projects including The Four-year Plan, which won Best Documentary Film at the 2012 Marbella Film Festival.

Law, 2011

“I first heard about the opportunities to support current students through the Alumni Network, and I’ve now been back to speak to students twice. The first time I gave a presentation on how to get into the legal profession; the second one was a Q&A with students to advise them on applying for legal jobs.

These kinds of events give students an insight into practice that goes beyond what they learn on the course, it brings the profession to life. Having a recent graduate come and speak is also beneficial because it helps students to visualise what they will be doing in a few years time.

My main advice to students was to get as much work experience as they can in a variety of sectors; build up a network of contacts that you can call on for support and advice; and keep focused. Getting any job is difficult in a recession but if you are determined you will eventually be successful.

I get a lot of personal satisfaction from sharing my experiences with current students. You don’t even have to do much – the other day I emailed an article over to Sue Hepworth to distribute to Law students as it had some interesting stuff in and I didn’t want them to miss it. Even small things like that can make a difference.”

Film and TV Production, 2009

“I maintained contact with several of my tutors after graduation and when they asked me to give a presentation to students I accepted without hesitation.

Having been in the situation they’re going to be in soon I knew what kinds of information would be most useful to students when applying for media-related jobs.

It is a hard area to get into and I spoke openly about the harsh realities of the media industry. I think it’s important students go in with their eyes open. I also talked about the importance of knowing the right terminology so that you sound knowledgeable and confident even if you don’t feel it, and of making use of all the facilities at Edge Hill. For example, learn how to use a camera even if you don’t want to be a cameraman because having all-round knowledge will set you apart from the competition.

I really enjoyed coming back to campus. Meeting people who are where I was three years ago showed me how much I’ve achieved in a short space of time, and hopefully showed others that they can do the same.”

Suzanne Cocks Profile:

Teaching Reception class has some unique demands – but Suzanne Cocks is an inspiration to her young pupils. Born with a rare condition called Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, which causes distortion and stiffness to her arms and legs, and despite doctors’ predictions that she wouldn’t survive beyond her teens, Suzanne has been a teacher at Ormskirk C of E Primary School for the past eight years.

“I first thought about a career in teaching when I was at school myself, and I did a three-year Primary degree course with QTS at Edge Hill. At the time I was one of the first students with a physical disability to complete a teaching course at the University, and it was a learning experience not just for me, but also for the Faculty and for the other trainees. Edge Hill certainly helped to make training a very positive experience for me.

I was a bit apprehensive at times, wondering if I would be able to achieve everything that Primary teaching demands, but I found that many of the physical challenges could be overcome; sometimes by trial and error. I had to think hard about how to teach elements such as PE, and how to meet the needs of the children, but, fortunately, I have plenty of help from my Teaching Assistants.

Teaching is always very rewarding, especially when you see a child finally learning something they have really struggled with.

I love being a part of Early Years and can’t really imagine leaving this role. I am also Special Needs coordinator in school, which is something I find very satisfying.

The best thing about teaching is definitely the children, because they make every day different. Five- year-olds are, of course, inquisitive by nature, and those coming into Reception might ask questions about me for a couple of days, but very soon they just don’t see my disability at all. Young children are completely accepting and don’t give physical disability much thought, though sometimes we might talk about how we are all different.

I would say to anyone facing similar physical challenges to just keep on going and never give up. So much depends on your own attitude as an individual. I have always been a strong minded person with a lot of determination, and if someone tells me I can’t do something I tend to do everything I can just to prove them wrong!”

Photograph courtesy of Lancashire Life

Anne Laing

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Obituary:

Alumnus, honorary graduate and ‘rock’ of the Edge Hill College Guild, Anne Laing, has died, aged 85.

Anne was chairperson of the Guild from 1985 and worked tirelessly to keep the group together in spite of advancing age. As well as general administration and managing the official reunions, she invited members to her home every Summer for an informal get-together.

Her loyalty and commitment to Edge Hill was recognised in 2010 when she was awarded an Honorary Fellowship for her outstanding contribution to the life of the institution.

Vice-Chancellor Dr John Cater knew Anne for more than 20 years. He said: “Anne was a delightful person, who was very proud of her connection to Edge Hill. She held the Guild together for more than 25 years and was always an exemplary ambassador for the University.

“She also had a very generous spirit, and her lifelong commitment not just to Edge Hill but to her local church and schools, was praised at her memorial service. She gave a lot to other people and, judging by the number of people in the church, she was much loved and admired by all who met her.”

Anne’s teaching career began at Bredbury Secondary Modern School for Girls in Stockport. She developed an interest in special needs teaching and was appointed Deputy Head of Massey Hall Special Residential School in 1953. She continued to teach until her retirement in 1984.

Delivering safer maternity care Alumni study:

Having a baby without the help of a qualified midwife would be unthinkable in the Western world today. But, every year across the globe, more than 48 million women risk their lives, and the lives of their unborn children, by giving birth without expert care. As a result, maternal and infant mortality rates in developing countries are unacceptably high, 350,000 women and 800,000 newborn babies die each year simply because they have no access to a trained midwife.

Every year Jane Morgan brings together Edge Hill alumni, staff and students to celebrate International Day of the Midwife, an event that aims to raise awareness of the importance of midwives' work in addressing global health challenges. This year’s event attracted experts from both academia and practice to share their research and experiences.

“International Day of the Midwife is an opportunity for midwives to celebrate their profession and its impact on women’s health, not just in the UK but internationally. The event highlights the ongoing struggle for safer motherhood, and reminds us of our global responsibilities as midwives.”

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This year’s theme – ‘Midwives Save Lives’ – is particularly close to Jane’s heart. Through her charity, the Shyira Trust, Jane has raised funds for a scholarship project that has enabled two nurses from the Shyira Maternity Hospital in Rwanda to be trained as midwives. Since the first midwife, Robinah Mbabazi, qualified in 2009 maternal deaths in the hospital have been reduced to zero.

“The impact of just one qualified midwife is incredible,” says Jane. “As well as safely delivering babies herself, Robinah has been able to train other staff. As a result, more women and babies are surviving and the hospital is having to expand to accommodate all the women wanting to deliver there. The aim now is to replicate the scholarship project in other hospitals in Rwanda.”

Jane was one of four guest speakers at the event, which also included Midwife Consultant Pat Donovan, who spoke about her experience of running midwifery workshops in Ghana and her future role as a volunteer in Malawi.

There were also presentations from Edge Hill midwifery lecturers.

Georgina Lessing-Turner spoke about her work with the Strategic Health Authority to support a newly qualified midwife in a remote part of Pakistan, while Lesley Briscoe, who runs the Global Midwifery module, discussed the way Edge Hill students develop cultural sensitivity which allows them to practice with confidence in a multicultural environment.

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The statistics are shocking, particularly as many of these deaths are preventable.

Jane Morgan, Head of Midwifery at Edge Hill

Edge Hill University Alumni Magazine

In addition to the speaker programme, the event also showcased posters by current students demonstrating how maternal and child needs are being addressed in the national and international community.

“We believe midwifery students should have an understanding of the global impact of midwives from the very beginning of their programme,” says Jane. “Celebrating the International Day of the Midwife every year demonstrates our commitment to giving our students an international perspective on their studies.”

All alumni are welcome to attend next year’s International Day of the Midwife celebration on 5th May 2013.

If you have worked in an international context and would like to share your experience at the event, please contact Jane Morgan (morganj@edgehill.ac.uk).

Thinking of further study..?

The Faculty of Health and Social Care is introducing two new programmes from September 2012, focusing on the global impact of midwives. The BSc and MSc in International Midwifery Studies are aimed at nurses or midwives working in a maternity setting and can be completed on campus or online, making it accessible to practitioners across the world.

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If you would like more information about either of these programmes, please visit: edgehill.ac.uk/health/midwifery/midwiferyglobal

A new sense of direction Alumni case studies:

Back to the classroom

Economic downturn, monetary uncertainty, demographic upheaval: against the global background of constant change, could it really be the right time to think about a new career? Perhaps so. As one sector shrinks, another inevitably expands, which brings new opportunities for people with the skills – and the ambition – to try a different path.

While the internet is full of advice on how to change jobs during a recession, every commentator agrees that it requires some careful planning and a lot of hard work.

Stepping back into higher education after a long break can certainly be a challenge, but Edge Hill University has an impressive track record when it comes to helping its students find their best route into a new career.

Alison Harrison

The Faculty of Education in particular has been tapping into the potential offered by career changers; from those leaving the armed services to 30-something mums returning to the jobs market, and from private sector employees who have been made redundant to those who simply want to leave a job that never quite lived up to its early expectations.

There are good opportunities available, especially for those interested in teaching ‘shortage’ subjects. For most career changers, the first step is to focus on what really drives them as an individual, coupled with a realistic view of employability and future job security; but many also find that previous work and life experience can prove to be a big advantage.

Mike Butler

Edge Hill University Alumni Magazine

From ten years in fashion and textile product development to a new career in teaching: Alison Harrison is the perfect example of how the challenge of career change can reap rewards.

Alison had a degree in graphic design and decided to return to study at Edge Hill, joining the full time PGCE. During her course she completed a placement at Skelmersdale and Ormskirk College, which really fuelled her enthusiasm for teaching, and she went on to become a tutor at St Helens College. She is now a programme leader, teaching subsidiary diplomas in graphic design and interactive media.

She says: “It all seems to have happened quite quickly and I’m really happy with my progress over the past two years. I feel so motivated and everything just seemed to fall into place for me.

“The course at Edge Hill was very intensive, but by the end of it I was a million miles from where I started and it was a very positive experience for me. The tutors at Edge Hill were very supportive, very organised and totally professional; something I particularly valued because it had been a long time since I was in full time higher education, and getting back into the mindset was quite hard at first.

“Now I feel as though I am doing so many different things.

As well as teaching I am currently on the dissertation stage of my Master’s in Education and I have also contributed to a book published recently by my former tutors.

“I really could not be happier with my new career. For me, the best thing about teaching is breaking down barriers and seeing students achieve, especially those from more ‘difficult’ groups who perhaps feel let down or turned off by learning. I love the pastoral side of teaching, watching the students as they start to actually enjoy their sense of achievement. It is very rewarding.”

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Mike Butler was helping to run the gymnasium at King George V Sixth Form College in Southport, but on the lookout for a new direction. He started a part-time PGCE at Edge Hill, specialising in health and social care, and straight afterwards landed a full-time teaching role.

He says: “I just felt I had been in the gym for long enough and wanted a new challenge in my life. I really thought the PGCE course was good and it fitted in well with the demands of my job, though inevitably there were times when I had a lot of reading or lesson planning to do at the same time as my day job. It wasn’t always easy getting the right balance, but it complemented my other qualifications in psychology and personal training.

“When I finished the course, I was offered a full-time teaching role straight away at the college. I’m currently teaching Health and Social Care and Psychology. It worked out really well for me and it is a route I would definitely recommend to other people.

“My job has always involved lots of contact with people, but I have found that teaching is quite different. What I like is working with the students and watching them produce some really good results that they can be proud of.”

Eyes on the prize Alumni support:

Whether they’re fundraising for UNICEF, setting up a creative knitting group, training for the Paralympics or composing experimental poetry, Edge Hill scholarship winners share a passion for achievement and a desire to make a difference in the world.

Edge Hill’s scholarship programme – among the most diverse in higher education – aims to reward the most gifted, dedicated and big-hearted students. Alongside awards for outstanding academic performance, the University recognises excellence in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering, as well as more inspirational personal achievements.

The University has made awards to more than 700 students in the last six years. In 2012 alone, Edge Hill delivered in excess of £100,000 in Excellence Scholarships and over £650,000 in awards as part of the National Scholarship Programme.

The Excellence Scholarships, which can be awarded on entrance or during a student’s course, celebrate determination, commitment and achievement in areas outside academic life. They not only give students essential financial assistance to help them balance their academic and extra-curricular commitments, but also ensure their CVs stand out in the competitive graduate job market.

Among Edge Hill’s more innovative awards are the Chancellor's Scholarship, which is awarded to students for exceptional activities that positively raise the profile of the University, and, following his visit, the Jesse Jackson Scholarship, celebrating contributions to equality and rewarding people whose inspirational leadership motivates others.

Edge Hill University Alumni Magazine

The University’s newest scheme is the Adam Bell Scholarship, established to honour an Assistant Registrar in Academic Registry who died suddenly in 2011 from a brain haemorrhage at the age of 27. A committed scholar, Adam graduated from Edge Hill University with an MA in English Language in 2007. He had a zest for life, a philosophy of giving to those less fortunate, and a really promising career ahead of him. The scholarship is awarded to the student who best displays the characteristics of

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determination, selflessness and commitment to helping others that Adam exemplified.

Edge Hill has also recently introduced a unique poetry scholarship to acknowledge talented new writers, sponsored by Professor Rhiannon Evans, one of the University’s inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellors.

To see the full range of scholarships visit: edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships/guide

Alan joined a male choir aged ten and later helped set up the National Barbershop Youth Chorus, aimed at getting boys interested in singing. He was the group’s tenor section-leader and still acts as a mentor to younger performers. His life was recently transformed when his award-winning barbershop quartet ‘Monkey Magic’ was spotted at an international competition. As a result, 21-year-old Alan was handed a million pound recording contract by Sony and recorded a Christmas album as part of the Great British Barbershop Boys.

Alan Hughes Performing Arts Excellence Scholarship

Sport and Exercise Science student Declan Sephton-Hulme refused to let a brain haemorrhage stop him following his dreams of becoming a rugby league player. After spending 11 days in a coma, Declan’s family was told he would probably never walk or talk again. A year later, he is not only back playing rugby but has also gained a place on the Warrington Wolves Scholarship Programme and has been invited to attend the England Academy.

Declan Sephton-Hulme Adam Bell Scholarship inaugural winner

Nursing and Social Work student Samantha has dedicated the past ten years to helping people in need. As well as volunteering with St John’s Ambulance, she is also involved with Oldham Young Carers, which provides respite for children who support disabled family members. Samantha draws on her own experience of having Treacher Collins Syndrome, a genetic condition which causes hearing loss and facial disfigurement, to encourage others.

Samantha Earnshaw Volunteering Excellence Scholarship winner

Supporting the next generation Each year Edge Hill graduates help current students realise their ambitions by contributing to the Alumni Fund, which supports the Alumni Excellence Scholarship programme, and the University’s hardship fund.

Established in 2009, the Alumni Excellence Scholarship helps to nurture budding leaders in sport, entertainment, the creative industries and the voluntary sector.

You can donate to the Alumni Fund online at: edgehill.ac.uk/alumni/support.

You don’t need to give a fortune – even £5 can make a real difference to a student’s future.

News

The latest news from around the campus

AN ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS EVENING

HONOURING OUR ROOTS The City of Liverpool has awarded Edge Hill its highest honour in recognition of 126 years of learning.

Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Frank Prendergast, added the University to the city’s Freedom Roll of Association.

Cllr Prendergast commented: “It is a great opportunity to recognise the contribution the University has made to training and education over the past 126 years. Edge Hill University has been a great asset to the city and I hope it continues to provide first class learning for many years to come.”

The University can trace its roots back to 1885 when 41 female trainee teachers began their studies following a ceremony in St George’s Hall. The University has come a long way since then, with student numbers now exceeding 26,000.

The University was based in Liverpool for nearly 50 years before moving to its current location in Ormskirk.

It has rejected repeated requests to change its name, citing its strong and continuing links with the City of Liverpool.

Vice-Chancellor, Dr John Cater, described his pride at this historic event: “From our founding in the city more than six generations ago to the education of over 3,000 Liverpool students today, we strongly value our heritage and are absolutely delighted to see these lasting ties acknowledged in the highest accolade the city can award.”

Honorary graduate Jennifer Saunders returned to the Ormskirk campus for a special event in January.

The sell-out show, entitled Jennifer Saunders in Conversation, saw the star of the hit TV show Absolutely Fabulous wowing the 500-strong audience with stories from her extensive career in the entertainment industry.

Jennifer was joined by the University’s Chancellor, colleague and ‘best mate’, Professor Tanya Byron. The pair first met on the set of French & Saunders, when Tanya made a guest appearance. Since then, they have worked on several projects together, including co-writing the BBC TV series The Life and Times of Vivienne Vyle.

Jennifer returned to TV screens in 2012 in BBC Three’s new comedy Dead Boss, in which she plays a deranged prison boss described as a “sexual Margaret Thatcher”!

During her 30-year career Jennifer has won two BAFTAs, an International Emmy Award, a British Comedy Award, a Rose d'Or Light Entertainment Festival Award, two Writers' Guild of Great Britain Awards, and a People's Choice Award. She received her honorary degree from Edge Hill in 2011.

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CAROL TAKES UP AMBASSADOR ROLE AT MEDIACITYUK

OLYMPIC ATHLETES RACE TO EDGE HILL

The University’s former Head of Media, Carol Poole, has become Edge Hill’s Ambassador to creative industry hub MediaCityUK in Salford.

Edge Hill is one of only three universities in the North West chosen to provide training camps for international athletes ahead of the London 2012 Olympics.

The initiative aims to open up employment opportunities for Edge Hill students at MediaCityUK, home to the BBC, ITV, Coronation Street and SIS.

Commenting on her new role, Carol said: “The BBC has created a modern, multimedia broadcast and production centre in the North of England to better reflect and represent the whole of the UK. It’s an exciting time because it opens up new employment opportunities and develops new talent in the region, so it’s great that Edge Hill is at the heart of this.”

A key part of Carol’s work will be extensive networking, plus identifying and developing placement and work based learning opportunities.

Carol added: “Ultimately, our students will benefit from this partnership by becoming savvier about the labour market and developing their entrepreneurship, adaptability, flexibility and motivation, which are so important in an increasingly competitive jobs market.”

Carol has been Head of Media at Edge Hill University for the past 12 years after graduating from the University of Liverpool in 1979. At Edge Hill, she has personally developed some 20 undergraduate programmes and steered the curriculum towards practice-based provision.

The University’s outstanding sporting facilities will become a ‘home from home’ for national teams from the Pacific Islands, including American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Palau.

As well as use of the running track, therapy clinic, sports hall and gym, the teams also have access to the Student Hub and on-site accommodation.

Dr Tony Charlton, Associate Head of Sports Development and Sports Studies at the University, commented: “It’s fantastic that we’ve been chosen as a training camp for some of the world’s most talented athletes. We've been able to bring a bit of London 2012 to Ormskirk.”

Dr Charlton added: “We already had an excellent reputation as a leading university for sport and this will not only enhance our work further but allow us to develop new links that will open doors for student exchanges and build our sport capacity.”

LETTERS STORIES, MEMORIES, FAMILY NEWS

NEW FACILITIES GET THUMBS-UP

I visited Edge Hill recently with my parents and was very taken with the enhancements to the campus and with the friendliness of the staff who took time to reminisce with us.

I studied for a four-year BEd (Hons) from 1981-1985 and lived in Lady Margaret Hall in my first and third years. I remember my stay with great fondness.

I had visited the campus a number of years ago, after the education resource area had been turned into an eating facility with a shop in the near vicinity.

However, when I visited this week I thought the new shop/eating area was lovely, and I was very impressed with the range of new buildings. I tried to identify where the refectory was in relation to the swimming pool and John Dalton Hall, as we sometimes arrived from that direction, and the bar/coffee shop (and laundry) which have long since been replaced. The new bar appeared to utilise an older building which, perhaps, was part of the refectory?

I was also surprised with the changes to Hale Hall, but it seems fitting that the room used for 'large' lectures is now a social area, retaining the wooden panelling (minus the stage), as you now have other buildings which provide areas for large lectures.

I think it's brilliant that the campus is being used as a training facility in preparation for the Olympics and hope that the University continues to grow from strength to strength.

I will try to encourage the other students who attended with me to get in touch as they may be surprised at how the campus has grown over the last 27/8 years!

Sue Redding (nee Chisnall) Via email

AMAZING CHANGES

My friend Susan Howell and I recently went back to Edge Hill for a reunion and were amazed at the developments that have taken place since we were students. We both studied at Edge Hill between 1988 and 1992 and hadn’t been back for 20 years.

We were overwhelmed by the changes - they are huge. It looks so modern now and we were jealous to find that some rooms had flat screen TVs and mini fridges - we used to hang plastic bags out of our windows to keep our milk and beer cool!

Visiting the campus took us back to being young women and we had a ball - I'm sure we'll visit again before the next 20 years pass and I'm sure there’ll be even more changes at Edge Hill.

Cheryl Maxwell (nee Lamb) Via email

Send your stories, memories, family news to:

Edge Hill University Alumni Magazine

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FROM OUR FRIENDS ON Facebook.com/EHUAlumni “I was at Edge Hill from 2006 to 2009. Social Work Studies tutors were the best. I miss them and they gave me a lot of support.”

Feimata Jambai

“I attended Edge Hill from 2001-2004 and it was without a doubt the best three years of my life! Such fantastic friends and experiences. I still wear my hall top and often wish I could be a student again!

“I was at Edge Hill in Katherine Fletcher 1982-1986 but was called Carolyn Hardman then, marrying John Davenport (Stanley) in 1986.

Happiest times ever and look back on the years at Edge Hill with the greatest affection.”

Cass Davenport

I love teaching but it doesn't compare to the student lifestyle of long, lazy weekends, the Venue, pizza from Mamaris, no real responsibilities, no money and 8p tins of beans from Kwik Save!”

Jen Seymour

“Started at Edge Hill in 1974. Finished five years later. General Secretary for one year and a change of course explains the time span. Loved every minute of my time there (as many would testify!) Icing on the cake...met my lifetime partner there too!”

Ted Montague

“I was at Edge Hill 1979-1982, did a BA in English and lived in John Dalton Hall in first year, then a house in Westhead for years 2 and 3. Now in 26th year as a teacher at a school in Nottingham and proud mum of 22-year-old twin boys, one of whom is currently at Edge Hill! Very happy memories.”

Judith Smith

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

I'd like to contact an ex-student of Edge Hill.

Her name was Velta Araids (I'm not sure about the spelling of her surname) and she graduated in 1970.

(I was a mature student at Edge Hill in the 1980s.)

Velta probably wouldn't remember my name but she would recognise the name of my mate Tony Emery.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can turn up any information.

Frank Sellors – Via email

I am trying to contact Audrey Nutt - this was her name at the time. She was at Edge Hill from 1975-1978 and her home town was Limavady in Northern Ireland. I think she was studying English. She was a resident in the old building certainly in the first year.

Colin Francies

“I studied Urban Policy and Race Relations at Edge Hill College from 1985 to 1988. It was a kick-start to a career. The college was small and fun to be at. As a 'mature' student (then 24) I had a place in Lancs Hall on the 5th floor with a few other older students - Martin Jackson, Ian Illingworth, John Kirby (a youngster), Mark Jewell and Rik ... damn, can't remember his second name. A great three years of my life.”

Mike Hodgson

I was a student at Edge Hill from 1969-1972.

I am trying to locate my friend, ex-student Geoff Rowe, who was there at the same time studying English and PE. He lived in Cardiff at the time.

If anyone can help me locate Geoff I would be most grateful.

I have also recently published a book, Green Spirituality - One answer to global environmental problems and world poverty (Authorhouse, £8.20, www.greenspirituality.org).

Chris Philpott – Via email

If you can help please email: alumni@edgehill.ac.uk

Thank you to all our supporters

Whether you gave ÂŁ5 or ÂŁ500, your generosity has helped us to support and reward the most deserving students again this year.

Your donation to the Alumni Fund has contributed to two vital initiatives:

Alumni Excellence Scholarship Our alumni scholarship recognises outstanding students who show commitment, determination and achievement in sport, the creative arts, performing arts or volunteering.

University Hardship Fund Our Hardship Fund provides emergency support to students in financial difficulties, giving them the opportunity to continue their education.

A small gift can make a big difference.

If you would like to make a contribution to the Alumni Fund, call the Alumni Team on 01695 584861 or donate online at: edgehill.ac.uk/alumni/supportingedgehill.

Alumni Team, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, L39 4QP

t: 01695 584861 e: alumni@edgehill.ac.uk w: edgehill.ac.uk/alumni f: facebook.com/ehualumni t: twitter.com/edgehill

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