Goldlink 27

Goldlink The magazine of the Goldsmiths Society

Issue 27

Keeping you in touch with Goldsmiths

Identity, Branding and Redesign

Open Book

July 2006

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welcome

Welcome from the Warden

Welcome from the Chairman

Dear Friends

Welcome to the latest issue of Goldlink.

I hope that you enjoy the latest issue of Goldlink in which we try to keep you in touch with some of the news and events happening across the College.

I want to thank those former students who returned their questionnaires giving more information about themselves.

It is vitally important that we receive information from you, so we can better target our services and strengthen our Alumni Relations Programme.

We’ve been working hard over the last year to find out what is special and distinctive about Goldsmiths – talking to students, staff and many of the College’s friends and stakeholders. It is a process that has taught us all a great deal, and it has provided a set of messages that we can confidently communicate to others through our publications, website and in other ways.

You will in the future see a new design for all our materials and, I hope, a clearer setting out of the values and characteristics that make Goldsmiths such a special place.

I am pleased to tell you that Christopher Jonas CBE FRICS has been appointed the College’s next Chair of Council, and he takes up his position in September. He will succeed Sir William Utting whose long and generous service as Chair of Council now comes to an end. Christopher’s career was as a Chartered Surveyor (he was President of the RICS in 1992), and he has been involved in a voluntary role at a senior level with a number of arts organisations and universities including English National Opera, Tate Modern and UCL. I look forward to working closely with him over the coming years.

We are extremely encouraged by the large numbers of you who have returned your questionnaires seeking further information. We always like to hear news about where you are and what you are doing. From your feedback we hope to strengthen our Alumni Relations Programme and to offer a variety of ways in which alumni can support Goldsmiths.

With very best wishes

Professor Geoffrey Crossick Warden

I am particularly grateful to those of you who have offered to take part in careers advice/mentoring. Over the next few months we shall be working closely with the Careers Service to use your offers. Although many people have clear ideas about which career they wish to pursue, many others are less certain about where their futures might lie; the offer of advice and mentoring to those who are unsure about a career can be very helpful.

As part of the general expansion of alumni services, you will see from the article inside that we have arranged discounted membership for alumni for the new College fitness centre on campus. Similarly discounted membership is also available for Chatham House, the home of the Royal Institute of International Affairs.

The first overseas network of alumni in Athens, Greece was a success venture, attracting 26 former students who work in and around the Athens area. It is encouraging that a large number of you have shown an interest in setting up/joining networking groups. Over the next few months, we shall be rolling out further meetings both across the UK and overseas.

If any of you have thoughts about setting up such groups, please let the Development Office know and I am sure we can help.

This issue is the last to be edited by Claire Norden who is moving on to another job. On behalf of all of us, I want to thank her for help with the Society and wish her well for the future.

I wish you all a very happy summer.

Revd Dr Peter Galloway Chairman of the Goldsmiths Society

contents

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News Feature

Development News

Identity, Branding and Redesign

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Spotlight Open Book

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Page 4

5

College News

6-7 10,13

Alumni News

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Design Shows 2006

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Goldsmiths Society Services

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Obituaries

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Page 11

Page 6

Compiled and edited by: Claire Norden and Stephen Clarke Designed by: Reprographic Unit Printed by: The Colour Works Printing Company Contributions are welcomed and any editorial material should be addressed to the Development Office. Please enclose a stamped addressed envelope if you would like your material returned. No responsibility can be taken for any loss or damage.

Your personal data is securely held in the College’s Development Office and will be treated confidentially and appropriately in carrying out the ongoing business of the College. The data is for the use of the College and will not be disclosed to external organisations, other than those acting as agents for the College. Data will be used for a full range of alumni activities, including mailing College publications, notification of alumni events and of programmes involving academic and administrative departments, fundraising, networking and for the promotion of benefits and services. Under the terms of the 1998 Data Protection Act you have the right to object to the use of your data for any of the above purposes.

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To contact the Development Office Team Rosie Dewhurst, Director of Development, tel 020 7919 7612, e-mail r.dewhurst@gold.ac.uk Stephen Clarke, Development and Alumni Manager, tel 020 7919 7265, e-mail s.clarke@gold.ac.uk William Finch, Alumni Officer, tel 020 7919 7096, e-mail w.finch@gold.ac.uk Matthew Grew, Clerical Assistant, tel 020 7078 5015, e-mail m.grew@gold.ac.uk

The Goldsmiths Society, Development Office, Goldsmiths, University of London, New Cross, London SE14 6NW, UK. Telephone 020 7919 7069, e-mail goldsoc@gold.ac.uk, www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/alumni

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feature

Identity, Branding and Redesign Work has been continuing on the rebranding project for Goldsmiths, following the strategic review reported briefly in the last issue of Goldlink.

Any brand encompasses a set of associations, perceptions and related messages, as well as visual elements, to help people to understand what an organisation does, how it relates to them, and how it is different from others. In short, our brand enables us to identify, to differentiate and to communicate what is unique about Goldsmiths.

Goldsmiths – as with other universities – operates in an extremely competitive market – not just within the UK, but competing for students and funding on a world-wide basis. As competition has increased, many other UK universities have considered the importance of their brand and their identity, undertaking research similar to ours.

A number of our key competitors have already been through such an exercise, which has helped them position themselves successfully in an area that arguably should be occupied by Goldsmiths.

Research and design The research results – from staff, students, alumni, and opinion formers – showed useful insights; two areas are worth highlighting.

First, Goldsmiths remains committed to the future of the federal University of London, despite Imperial voting to leave. Professor Geoffrey Crossick, Warden of Goldsmiths, said earlier this year: “We know the benefits that it brings to our research, teaching and reputation. We are confident that, working with our colleagues across the University, we shall secure its continuing strength.”

The student questionnaire supported this: 45.5% of the respondents named the University of London degree as one of the most relevant factors influencing their decision to come to Goldsmiths; the fourth most popular answer after London location, reputation, and quality of

the course. As one student said: “The University of London brings academic credibility. It evokes a centre of excellence and gives access to extra facilities for students. It distinguishes us from the new universities.”

Second, the Goldsmiths’ brand continues to be perceived as cuttingedge, creative, radical, and challenging. Commented one student: “If there is something that I’ve learned here, it is how to think differently, how to question things from different perspectives in order to learn about our lives, but also, through this approach, to give voice to people who do not always have the power to do it. I feel that this is a very important point and one which is nowadays quite difficult to find in other universities, not only in the UK but across Europe.”

The research crystalised the Goldsmiths’ brand and provided a new mission, vision and values. It also showed a clear need to refresh the current identity, which has been in place for many years.

The design agency showed early design ideas to students and staff in the Great Hall. Since then, designers have been working with the project team including the Students’ Union, to refine the identity, which will then be rolled out across Goldsmiths.

Branding and our alumni As one of our former students, you are an important part of the Goldsmiths brand. You chose to study at the College. In turn, there is a benefit from that brand name – for example, in terms of your personal development, the friends you have made, your CV, or by contributing to your networks, your employability, or your attitude to life. As we continue to refine and then communicate the new brand, the profile of Goldsmiths will feel the benefit as, we hope, you will do so too.

Vicky Annand Head of Communications and Publicity

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Development News

Since the last issue of Goldlink, the Development Office has been hard at work raising funds, developing projects, arranging events and communicating with you, our alumni. One such communication took place at the end of April with an alumna that we had previously lost contact with and then managed to find. She had not heard from Goldsmiths for over 40 years and was delighted to be back in touch once more. This is definitely one of the benefits of working within a Development Office: the exciting variety of alumni we have the privilege of contacting and getting to know.

One of the areas which the College has been focusing upon is the overall strategic development of its campus. This work is an important step towards informing and prioritising our future focus and obviously has particular relevance to the work of the Development Office.

Progress has been made in this area and the Development Office has been successful in attracting valuable ‘gifts in kind’ from architects and consultants, who have been persuaded to donate some of their time to provide professional advice and services to assist us in this process.

In the last edition, we informed you of the annual internal process for nominating projects that will require external funding. The response from academic and administrative departments was very encouraging, and we have now successfully secured Senior Management Team agreement to take forward six very interesting and exciting projects.

In future issues, we will report back on our progress.

We have also been enjoying further success in securing donations. Once again the majority have been made towards scholarships and bursaries.

We are grateful to all our donors and, in particular, would like to thank the Goldsmiths’ Company which recently made a generous donation of £18,000 towards supporting three undergraduate students with

scholarships, for the course of their studies. These scholarships will run until 2008. Also of note, is the launch of ‘The Paice Professional Development Award’ – initiated by father and daughter, Richard and Adriana Paice – to encourage the professional development for our students. The successful applicant will have access to business mentors, as well as receiving funding (£1,500) towards the professional seminars, trade shows and travel costs associated with delivering the project.

In order to recognise our past and recent donors, the Warden, Professor Geoffrey Crossick, hosted an inaugural Benefactors’ Cocktail Party at Goldsmiths in March of this year. The event was well attended and guests enjoyed the opportunity of returning here – some after many years – and having the chance of meeting and talking to other like-minded benefactors. It is envisaged that this will become an annual event.

We have also been busy abroad and Goldsmiths has now successfully launched the Greek Alumni Network, an article appears on page 13.

The Malaysia network is set to follow suit and we are quietly confident from the communications we have received that these groups will be swiftly followed by others.

Sadly, I have to announce that Claire Norden, our Alumni Officer, will be leaving us to become a Development Manager at Trinity Laban. We shall be sorry to see her go and want to thank her for all her hard work and wish her well for the future. Claire’s successor is William Finch and he will be taking up his appointment this summer. Lastly, please do keep in touch; we really enjoy hearing from you and we wish you all a very relaxing summer.

Rosie Dewhurst Director of Development

New Chair of Council Christopher Jonas CBE FRICS has been appointed the College’s next Chair of Council and will take up his position on 21 September. Christopher is a graduate of the London Business School and in his wide-ranging career he combines experience as an advisor on property strategy with a record as a main board director in both the private and public sectors. He has worked with a number of arts organisations and universities including English National Opera, Tate Modern as well as City University and the University of Edinburgh.

Currently he is Chairman of the Council at Roedean School and was the Vice-Chair of Council at UCL. He is also the founder of ProHelp – a charity that arranges for over 1,000 professional firms to provide free expertise to voluntary organisations. Christopher is looking forward to working with Goldsmiths and recently commented: “This appointment is both stimulating and challenging. I see a tremendous future for Goldsmiths with its strong reputation and I am delighted to have been asked to play a part in this. There is a lot of work to be done on the way. I am looking forward to bringing my perspective to this and to contributing to the future of Goldsmiths at such an interesting time.”

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news

Coming soon – new gym at Goldsmiths

Goldsmiths has teamed up with leading leisure solutions company, Pulse Fitness, to develop its own state-of-the-art fitness centre on campus, investing over £750,000 in a massive drive to improve leisure facilities and services.

trainers. All these machines will have built-in entertainment, so users can watch their favourite TV shows and personalise workouts.

The new fitness centre, situated in the lower gym in the Lockwood Building, will be ready for use by the start of the autumn term, by students, staff, former students and members of the local community.

In addition, there will be easy to use strength training equipment and a free weights area.

Club Pulse at Goldsmiths will also offer a range of fitness programmes in a dedicated workout studio including exercise classes, spinning, nutrition and weight management advice and personal exercise programmes

When it's finished, the space in what was the lower gym will look and feel very different.

There will be a mezzanine floor to increase the space and the whole area will be fully airconditioned. The spacious fitness suite will house around 90 exercise stations including brand new cardio fitness equipment, treadmills, bikes, step machines, rowers and elliptical

It will be open 7 days a week, throughout the year (except when the College is closed at Christmas and Easter), and the best and low cost way to use the facilities will be by taking up membership. The costs will be very competitive – around £15 per month for students and £25 per month for staff and former students.

Alan Bennett

Ian Gulland Lecture Theatre, 1 March 2006 “A living national treasure,” everyone murmurs as they fill the Ian Gulland Theatre to bursting, their eyes shining. Though to foreign eyes like mine, Alan Bennett just looks like an avuncular uncle in sensible shoes and corduroy. Peering at the floor through thick spectacles, he appears abashed at all the attention, hardly the famous author of such acclaimed and diverse works as Talking Heads, the Lady in the Van, and the Madness of King George.

Funnily enough, it’s speaking the same language that makes you realise how great the differences are: although the grammar and syntax might be the same, it’s little words – blimey, ironmonger, lorry – that suddenly make you aware of the distance. “I didn’t think you’d find him funny, being Australian,” someone says kindly.

The evening is a leisurely ramble with him through his diaries, published in the generous tome ’Untold Stories’: vignettes which range from the hilarious to the poignant – the odd well-timed expletive or risqué anecdote aside.

Neil Rogers is the College's Sports Development Manager, and has been closely involved with the plans for the new gym. He is extremely excited about the project. “The new fitness gym is going to make a huge improvement to our campus facilities. The Students' Union has campaigned for this for several years and it's great that the Union has been able to work closely with the College to bring it about. As well as being open to students, the new gym will be open to staff, graduates, and people from the local community and Goldsmiths will benefit from the income share we've negotiated with the company who'll be running it.”

More information about taking up this great alumni offer can be found in the covering letter sent with this magazine.

I’m struck by how acute his eye is, from reflections on mouldering churchyards to an attachment to a particular kitchen utensil, delivered in a disarmingly soothing Yorkshire lilt and leavened by razor-sharp timing. His England isn’t a cliché of dripping umbrellas and cucumber sandwiches, but a place where the seemingly prosaic is imbued with a subtle poetry, humour and humanity.

Queuing to get the book signed, everyone’s face is garlanded with smiles.

How his hand must ache, especially when one excited fan plonks down

six copies. Yet he keeps signing, keeps smiling, and I can suddenly see why he’s so adored. No airs or graces: just selfdeprecating good humour.

A few weeks later I bump into him in Camden.

He does a good job of remembering me. “You must call out when you see me,” he says gently.

“I’m blind as a bat.” And, waving as he sets off again, his specs twinkling.

I’m sure he’s joking.

Sunil Badami MA in Creative and Life Writing (2006)

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Corrine Burton Award Art Psychotherapy students Caroline Riches (1st year) and Samantha Dobbs (2nd year) are the successful recipients of the Corrine Burton Art Psychotherapy Scholarships. The memorial scholarships are awarded each year and cover the tuition fees for the duration of a two year course. Funding for a further two years will be awarded if the winners work in a hospital or hospice with cancer patients, after graduation.

The Corrine Burton Memorial Trust was set up in 1992 in memory of Corrine Burton, a talented artist who died of cancer. The College is extremely grateful to Sir Michael Burton, Corrine’s husband who works tirelessly for the Trust to raise the funds to allow these scholarships to take place.

Dangoor Scholarships Sixty students received Dangoor Scholarships at a reception held last December. The £1 million Dangoor Scholarship Scheme aims to help promising students who have overcome financial or family problems to reach university. The Scheme has benefited 1,000 students across sixteen universities, with each of them receiving an award of £1,000.

At the event was special guest David, son of Naim Dangoor after whom the scholarships are named. He said that education had been a lifesaver to his father who had fled from Iraq in the 1960’s before settling on the UK to complete his education.

Some of the students awarded a Scholarship explained the difference the money would make. Emma Baggott, Drama and Theatre Arts said: “This scholarship feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my mind, I’ve got a little girl and a both my boyfriend and I are studying, so our student loan is our only income. The story of Naim Dangoor is very moving. We need more people like him – hard working and willing to help others.” Nicky Bywater, Textiles, added ”The scholarship money amounts to one-sixth of my grant and loan, so it will really make a difference. I really appreciate that the existence of this Scheme. Just knowing that our financial worries are acknowledged gives you more freedom and peace of mind.”

Left to right: Professor Di Waller, Samantha Dobbs, Sir Michael Burton, Caroline Riches and Professor Geoffrey Crossick

University of London External Programme Did you know that you can continue studying with the University of London (UoL) even if you’re now in a full-time job? In addition to 125,000 College-based students, UoL degrees are also available through its External Programme – and have been since 1858.

Currently, there are more than 34,000 students in countries ranging from Australia to Zambia, studying for over 100 different awards via External study.

Studying at a distance allows you to fit your study around family and work commitments. With no travel, relocation or accommodation costs, it represents excellent value for money, and you can sit your exams in any region of the world. Assessment by unseen written exams or coursework, is set and marked by the same academics who assess College-based students.

Our extensive suite of programmes ranges from education to management and from law to an MBA, so there’s something to suit all tastes. Interested? To find out more please email enquiries@london.ac.uk or visit www.londonexternal.ac.uk

Shostakovich – 100

Beanpole Families

2006 sees the centenary of the birth of Dmitri Shostakovich, the greatest and most-performed of twentieth-century Russian composers, whose music is directly linked to the history of Soviet Russia. To celebrate Shostakovich’s life and work, Goldsmiths Centre for Russian Music will be bringing together leading international performers and writers for a two-day event at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on London’s South Bank on 24 and 25 September.

Psychology Professor Peter Smith has conducted a study on grand parenting, which suggests that the proportion of children born with all four grandparents alive is higher in this generation than in any previous generation. The average age of a new grandparent is now 49 and families are becoming smaller and closer as a result. Professor Smith has coined the term “beanpole families” to describe them.

As well as concert performances of Shostakovich’s chamber music, the event will feature panel discussions, exhibitions of archive material and film showings accompanied by Shostakovich’s scores. More information can be found at www.rfh.org.uk or from the Centre for Russian Music tel 020 7919 7646.

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spotlight

Open Book – Education for Everyone Every day you pick up the paper and read about crime, antisocial behaviour and drug related offences. Behind the façade of the Main Building, Goldsmiths is at the forefront of an exciting project called Open Book. The project encourages ex-offenders, addicts and those with mental heath problems, the opportunity to enter higher education.

Founded out of ALIC (Action Learning in the Community), Open Book has been running at Goldsmiths for four years. Joe Baden is the coordinator of the project.

means students have to re-identify themselves away from violence, drugs and crime and take responsibility for their past as well as their future. Sessions covered include general academic theories and concepts, essay writing structure and financial information. This helps build confidence, structure lives and creates a real belief in what can be achieved. Joe believes that education is the key and can help people who considered themselves unable to gain a degree the chance to put their past behind them and start focussing on the future.

Joe’s enthusiasm for the project is evident, as is his belief that people from all walks for life should have access to learning and education.

He believes strongly that people will not re-offend or re-abuse if they are taught self worth and have pride in what they achieve.

Patrick is studying for an MA in Cultural History having already completed his undergraduate course in History at Goldsmiths. His dry humour came across instantly as did his obvious intellectual talent; in his 40s he was the oldest of the people interviewed. Entering the College via the Open Book scheme four years ago after spending six months in rehabilitation recovering from drug and alcohol abuse, he has not looked back. Inspired by a workshop that Joe took at Brixton FE College, four years later Patrick is now helping Joe run workshops.

As well as studying for his Masters, he also acts as mentor for new students starting out on Open Book, giving them advice and guidance with both academic and personal problems. When asked about his future plans Patrick’s enthusiasm for the project was evident: “I need a year out to catch my breath! But I still want to be involved when I’ve finished – I want to be able to encourage others and work five days a week running workshops and mentoring current students.” His long term goal however is to gain a PhD in Early Medieval History. Patrick is not the only success story.

Working with probation offices, mental heath organisations and addiction agencies, potential students are invited to an hour-long taster session at Goldsmiths. With the backing and support of the Students’ Union (SU), the sessions are set up for those interested in returning to education. Joe is extremely grateful for the support of the SU: “Without the backing, encouragement and support of the SU, I think the project would have found it very difficult to get off the ground”. Volunteers from the student body play an important and vital role in providing drop in sessions and support to all Open Book students.

Once signed up on a six week ‘Return to Study’ course, potential students are accepted into a support group which gives them the chance to mix with others in a similar situation. There is even a 24 hour help line available should they need it. During those six weeks Joe attempts to find ways to help them to find themselves. This often

About to embark on the BA in Drama and Theatre Arts, Nordine has gained in confidence and found his communication skills have improved

spotlight

no end: “When I arrived I was the quietest in the class, now you can’t shut me up!” he says. Nordine puts this down to being able to mix with people from all walks of life, together with a willingness to learn that encompasses the ethos of the programme. Although he finds the course demanding, help is always available, he also feels the other students are very sensitive to him. Future plans for Nordine include wanting to be a good family man and a loyal husband as well as gaining his degree.

Jason’s story is a rather different. Born and raised in New Cross, Jason walked past Goldsmiths and thought it was a place for other people and not for him. Putting the past behind him, he feels he has been given a second chance and entered a new world. He has become self motivated and like all the students spoken to, has gained in confidence.

Jason is cagey about telling the story of his past and although he has many good friends on the course he feels there is no need to drag it up: “my aim is to concentrate on the future not to dwell on the past, I’m not hiding from it but I don’t think that the other members of my course need to know”. Now treated as an equal Jason is very much looking forward to continuing his studies next year having gained a place on the BA Media and Communications degree.

Open Book has great plans for the future, Vicky Loveday, an alumna of the College who entered Goldsmiths via Open Book, will soon be supervising drop in sessions for prisioners who are studying access courses while serving sentences in Wandsworth Prison. The aim is to bring the reality of the outside world and in particular learning techniques into the prison environment. Paid for her work, she is keen is put something back into the scheme that enabled her to study. “I love

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what I do and just want to give others the opportunities that where given to me”. Vicky like Patrick also has plans to study for her PhD, and has already started her research focusing on issues surrounding social exclusion.

After speaking to the students, it was clear that all of them had been made welcome at Goldsmiths and none of them felt that they were treated any differently to those that had come through a more traditional A level route. It seems very ironic that the all the students on the Open Book course are busy reinventing themselves for the better: this appears to be no different to an 18 year old arriving at the College and discovering themselves for the first time.

Open Book treats everyone equally: there are no favours asked either financially or academically, students gain entry to their course due to their own achievements and desire, which is a credit to them, Open Book and Joe. Patrick summed up the project brilliantly.

“Open Book is not just a do-gooding philanthropic exercise. Having people like ‘us’ in seminars and discussions can’t help but improve the cultural mix and that in turn raises the critical abilities of the students as a whole.”

Claire Norden Alumni Officer

Open Book UNIVERSITY ACCESS SCHEME

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The Students’ Union 2005-06

It is quite hard to sum up a year’s worth of activities in a Students’ Union. For every major campaign the Union runs, and for all the major developments you see, there are hundreds of student-led events and activities that simply can’t be covered in this type of summary. I am extremely grateful to those individuals who work week in, week out to put on exciting events, engaging campaigns and important development opportunities for other students.

The Students’ Union has done some important work this year to develop the provision that we area able to offer our members. In the past 5 years, we have grown the membership services we provide in the form of more professional academic advice and casework, more community volunteering opportunities, more professional sporting provision and greater society support.

The growth in these services is now paying dividends. Smiths Magazine won best designed publication at the Guardian Media Awards; four of our sports teams won their respective leagues; two of our sporting number took part in the British University games.

These increases in provision are all well and good, but they only really tackle the type of students that are traditionally supported by a Students’ Union. This year, we undertook a detailed study into the experience for postgraduate students studying at Goldsmiths. The results are in and we are working on developing a high quality services to all our members.

There are many highs and lows experienced in this job, and moments where I have been overwhelmed with pride. I am proud that this year

we have seen a growth in the number of students taking part in student activities, that the long awaited fitness gym will be opened during the summer break, that there is a permanent prayer space for students of faith and that we have been awarded a prestigious award

by Lewisham Council for its growing Ethical and Environmental work.

Throughout the year the Union has put on numerous event for all tastes, we've had everything from Brazilian Capoeira to Drum & Bass, Ska Punk to UK Hip Hop, if there's something we don't do we encourage students to get involved and the Union will help them start their own night. We also have some of the best live music nights in London and attract countless new and exciting unsigned bands to the Union, plus the odd signed band too including Graham Coxon, Art Brut and the Mystery Jets. We also attract some of the biggest names in DJing including Massive Attack, Pendulum and Bloc Party. For all our diverse and unique events we hold there is one night that really captures the imagination, from the trendiest art students to the cheesy pop queens everyone loves Club Sandwich, running for over 10 years it has fast become a Goldsmiths institution.

I’m proud to have worked for a Students’ Union that is respected throughout the country, which changes students’ lives for the better, and which has bold aspirations for the future.

Dave Charlesworth BA Fine Art 2001-04 Union President 2005-06

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Alumni news Claire Diamond (BA Textiles 2002-05) has just won the Society of Designer Craftsmen’s TSB Award for Excellence. Claire’s textile work was exhibited at The Mall Galleries back in January. The Society of Designer Craftsmen was founded in 1888 and presents the best British contemporary crafts, for the last sixteen years a winter exhibition has been held to show the work of both new and established makers.

Claire is currently on the Next Move scheme run by the Crafts Council and based within the Design for Interior Textiles Department at Wolverhampton University.

Ex Student wins Converted Theatre Prize Fin Kennedy (MA Writing for Performance 2001-02) has won one of the most converted theatre writing prizes in Britain, the Arts Council England’s John Whiting Awards for New Theatre. The award is given to a play that demonstrates ‘distinctive development’ in dramatic writing with ‘relevance to contemporary society. The play has been performed in London literary departments for over a year but has never been staged.

Jin Aowen (BA Textiles) was selected by the UK China Culture Association from over 100 artists to commission a painting for the Prime Minister. The painting, entitled ‘Peony’ was presented to Tony Blair in February. Jin said “Having my work accepted by Tony Blair is a great honour and I hope this is the first step towards bringing contemporary Chinese art and culture into Britain.”

‘How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found’ is the story of a young executive who, reaching breaking point decides to disappear. It is the first time in the competition’s 38 year history that the prize has gone to an unproduced play and the judges where shocked to discover that theatres had turned the play down. Speaking to The Times Fin said “The play doesn’t fit the traditional mould. There’s a general lack of imagination in the mainstream new writing houses in London.”

Tod Higginson (Drama and Theatre Arts 2000-03) Following a year as Technical Director for political theatre group subVERSE, Tod is making his first foray into theatrical production this August with the Open Secret season at the Lion and Unicorn.

Fin currently teaches play writing to teenagers in inner-city London youth clubs and is enrolled on a PGCE at the University of Greenwich. Although since winning the award he has deferred the second half of his course. He still wants to work in schools and colleges but as a play writing specialist rather than a full-time teacher.

Highlights will include three full-length plays, including “new” Jacobean drama The Counterfeiter's Tragedy; innovative programmes of music and theatrical shorts.

Full details are available at www.opensecretseason.co.uk

The Order of the Bath – Revd Dr Peter Galloway (History 1973-76) Published July 2006 by Phillimore and Company The Order of the Bath is one of the highest ranking and yet least known of the United Kingdom honours. Designed specifically for those in the senior ranks of the armed forces and the civil service, it was founded by King George I in 1725, and its members gather in Westminster Abbey every four years for a service of thanksgiving at which senior Knights or Dames Grand Cross are installed. HRH The Prince of Wales is the Great Master of the Order, and has written a foreword to this new book which was commissioned by the Order itself.

Ruthanne Tudball (Ceramics 1987-89) has become a successful potter with a worldwide reputation. Recently returning from a six week tour of Australia she still manages to find time for local activities in Norfolk.

Although Ruthanne’s first degree was in English, Ruthanne impressed the late Ken Bright so much with her portfolio and pots that he gave her chance to fulfil her dream. She had a desire to explore salt glazing, however her ideas where temporary halted due to Lewisham being in a smoke free zone. Salt glazing creates a visual pollution of white clouds, which are emitted from the Kiln when pottery is being fired. Not put off by this she researched and experimented with different kinds of sodas and clays and has now become an authority on the subject, even writing a book titled ‘Soda Glazing’ Her work can be seen in contemporary museums and collections in the USA, the Netherlands, Germany, Taiwan and throughout Britain. Despite being in worldwide demand she is firmly rooted in Norfolk, running workshops and encouraging others to explore their creativity. Ruthanne concludes: “Teaching has always been part of my creative life, and helping students to find a way to discover their own creative voice is a particular goal of any teaching or workshops that I do”.

If you would like to be featured in Goldlink please do contact us, we are always interested to hear what our former students have been doing.

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news

Goldsmiths Design Shows 2006

Goldsmiths Design and Eco-Design students held their degree show in a former brewery on Brick Lane, part of Free Range, Europe’s largest graduate art and design show, where industry players and members of the public can discover new talent and buy student work. In total the exhibition hosts the work of more than 2,000 art, design and photography students during the months of June and July.

The work was as varied as ever and included: a knitting machine designed to make knitting accessible to those who have suffered a stroke or some other physically limiting condition; the BarEquaLizer system that graphically communicates waiting times to bar staff when you are waiting to be served; a project which explores the way household dirt and dust can be used to grow plants, make ornaments or simply accumulate in an aesthetic way.

news

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First Overseas Network Launched We currently have over 200 Greek alumni and our first overseas alumni networking event took place on 31 March in Athens, Greece.

The event was organised with the help of Ivi Nafpliotou (BA Communications and Sociology 1996-99) and was held at the Galaxy Bar situated on the tenth floor of the Hilton Hotel. This is a well-known bar for meeting people and enjoys panoramic views of Athens. Upon arrival everyone was served a complimentary drink and it was encouraging to see 26 people attend.

Members of the College’s recruitment team, Geraint Fox and Lesley Hewings welcomed the group and stayed to network and update former students about the current life of the College. The event was without doubt a success. People expressed the view that they would enjoy more regular events and Ivi kindly agreed to act as the facilitator.

It was obvious that Goldsmiths had paved the way for many interesting careers; amongst the alumni were journalists, artists, musicians and psychologists.

The group came up with some brilliant ideas including a message board and their own website to advertise events within their own work organisations. This would also benefit them by increasing communication, and give them the opportunity to post job opportunities and offer work placements.

The event ended with dinner at a restaurant in the famous Kolonaki Square and a further meeting was held in June to discuss future plans.

If you are based in Greece and would like join the Greek networking group please email the Development Office.

Helen Mason (Teacher Training 1929-31) Helen studied at Goldsmiths for her Certificate in Teacher Training and has just celebrated her 95th Birthday. She specialised in Art and English, producing the Surrey Hostel play in her second year. Her art work included illustrating a series of nursery rhymes, in the form of a play ‘At the Court of Old King Cole’. Helen taught all her working life until she retired as Headmistress of Feltham Comprehensive School in 1974. Her daughter, Gillian Oxford has published a book called ‘What Time is it Now?’ which includes autobiographical chapters and illustrations by Helen. For more details please call 020 8445 0090.

Greek alumni celebrating Goldsmiths first overseas networking event, with Lesley Hewings (centre-foreground)

Goldsmiths and the London Bach Society Many Goldsmiths’ alumni will remember studying and performing with Paul Steinitz, who was first appointed to the Music Staff by the late Betty Barnard in 1945, retiring subsequently in 1976. Paul’s national and international reputation as a Bach scholar and conductor was gained through his work with the London Bach Society, which he founded in November 1946. Current and former Goldsmiths’ students joined the ranks of the original choir or became supporters throughout and some still keep in touch. There are also those with whom we have lost touch and our Diamond Jubilee to be celebrated in November 2006 creates an opportunity to put that right. The anniversary will be marked by the annual Bach Festival founded in 1990 to develop and extend Paul’s work into a new century. If you would like to have information about the LBS Diamond Jubilee please do get in touch with us, either by post or e-mail.

Margaret Steinitz (Mrs Paul Steinitz) Music 1970-73 LBS, 73 High Street, Old Oxted, Surrey RH8 9LN lbs@lonbachsoc.demon.co.uk Alternatively do visit our website www.bachlive.co.uk for further news and information.

1954-59 Reunion – Saturday 28 October 2006

Have ten years really gone by?

This is our fifth reunion and a most enjoyable afternoon is in prospect.

You should have received an invitation by post – if you haven’t please do contact me either by telephone (01923 677151) or email albarclay@aol.com.

DTA and ETA 1996 – Have ten years really gone by?

Are you a former Drama Theatre Arts or English Theatre Arts Student?

Did you graduate in 1996? We are holding a reunion on Saturday 16 September 2006.

The cost will be £15 which includes a buffet lunch, tea/coffee and biscuits.

Its going to be a night to remember so please make a note in your diary.

Looking forward to meeting you all again.

Al Barclay 1956-58

Please contact Gordon Maxwell to register your interest and for further details. Email gordon.maxwell@talkbackthames.tv. Tel 07957 509611

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services

Goldsmiths Society Services Alumni Benefits Alumni Discount Scheme

In Touch

Interested in further study? Want to develop your knowledge and skills? Why not come back and study?

If you would like us to help you to make contact with lost friends, we can help by passing on your letters or e-mail address to fellow members of the Society. Your search can also be featured in future editions of Goldlink, on the website Message Board or listed on Goldsmiths Reconnected, to see if others know of their whereabouts.

The College has introduced a special discount on tuition fees for all former students who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, Dip HE or postgraduate taught programme at Goldsmiths, and who now wish to progress to a different postgraduate degree. In order to apply for the reduced tuition fee, you will need to have been accepted on to your intended programme of study and to satisfy all the normal academic admissions criteria, as well as all the conditions of enrolment and registration set down by the College. For further information please visit: www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/ alumni/services or contact Steve Edwards, in Fees and Awards e-mail s.edwards@gold.ac.uk

Library Access Alumni can use the College's library for free, and make reference use of the available books and periodicals.

The Development Office is pleased to report that it is now possible for alumni to borrow books from the library for the first time. There is a charge of £50 for this service, but former students get borrowing rights for a full 12 months.

Further information about how to apply can be found on the library’s website at http://libweb.gold.ac.uk/ homelinks/alumni.php. Alumni can either apply for a day ticket or request a long-term reference ticket, which is now renewable annually.

Confirmation of Awards and Transcripts If you require a transcript or official confirmation of your qualifications, please complete the application form available at: www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/registry/ transcripts-archives.php.

All other enquiries should be made in writing to Archives (MB122), Goldsmiths, University of London, New Cross, London, SE14 6NW or email archives@gold.ac.uk. Please give your full name, date of birth, full title of programme and time of study.

Careers Advice Do you have vacancies to fill? Can you spare time to join the careers network, and talk to current students about your own job? The Careers Service would like to hear from you. If you can help in any way, please contact the Development Office who will pass on your details to the Careers Service.

Goldsmiths Reconnected Log on and register at www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/alumni and click on Goldsmiths Reconnected. Once registered, you can update your details online, access information about other graduates and receive advanced information about College news and events. We hope that this will supplement the more traditional ways we currently keep in touch with you.

Chatham House Chatham House, home of the Royal Institute of International affairs has teamed up with Goldsmiths to offer former students discounted membership. Attend events, read about the real issues behind the news and access one of the most extensive collections on international affairs. To take up this offer or for more information please contact Charlotte Armah, tel 020 7957 5721 or e-mail carmah@chathamhouse.org.uk

Gym Membership Want to get fit and enjoy state of the art new fitness equipment? Why not join the Goldsmiths Gym, for a special alumni rate of £25 per month. Just bring in the voucher sent with this magazine and you can enjoy over 90 exercise stations, all fitted with built in TV entertainment. For further information on how to join please refer to the letter sent with this edition of Goldlink.

Society web pages www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/alumni/ Are you in contact with any students that we might have lost touch with? Why not visit our website and search on our ‘Lost Alumni’ pages. Through the pages you can also e-mail contributions for Goldlink at the touch of a button, or leave messages on the Message Board for other alumni to read. You can find out how to get news of forthcoming events, and get further information about library access and transcripts.

obituaries

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Fondly Remembered Alice Mary Linnett (née Batchelor) (Teacher Training 1940-42) Alice joined Goldsmiths in 1940 when it had been evacuated to Nottingham. She formed part of the Advanced History Group and quickly established herself as one of the most reliable and dependable students of her year. She was an accomplished sportswoman, a keen swimmer, and represented the College in Women’s Cricket for which she was awarded her Full Colours.

In 1944 she married fellow student Laurence Linnett from the Science Degree Group. They lived in her home town of Tonbridge, and after the birth of a son and daughter she returned to full time teaching. She and her family subsequently moved to Cambridge and Belfast before returning to Tonbridge in 1961, where she continued with her teaching career at Sussex Road Primary School until she retired.

In June 2003 she and her husband decided to settle in Cornwall to be near their families. However, her hopes to be with her great grandchildren and further enjoy the delightful Cornish countryside were diminished by increasing ill health, and sadly she passed away on Saturday October 15 2005.

I shall always recall her cheerfully surviving a school practice in Beardal Street!

Brenda Bentall (née Hancock) Teacher Training 1940-42 Roger Penn (Geography 1956-59) Roger Penn BSc FRGS was born in Blackheath in 1923 and was a geography student from 1956-59, following in the footsteps of his mother. He served in submarines in World War II, and then joined the New Zealand Shipping Company, travelling around the world several times. Roger was Head of Geography in Maldon, Buenos Aires, Shrewsbury and Tunbridge Wells. In 1974 he moved to Brussels where his wife Danae was working in the European Commission.

Roger had four books published and was working on his fifth book, (Haffner’s Pilgrims, a novel set in Germany, France and Devon during World Ward II), when he suffered a severe stroke which left him unable to write or speak. Nevertheless, he continued to travel extensively and to maintain links with Charlton Athletic Football Club of whom he was a life-long supporter.

However in the spring of 2000, Roger’s health was deteriorating in the cold damp Belgian climate and inspired by Ruth Graters Book A house in the Sunflowers, he and Danae decided to move to south west France.

Living in Gascony certainly improved Roger’s health, but he broke his hip in March 2005 and died in Auch Hospital on 22 April 2005.

Danae Penn

Lord Merlyn-Rees (Teacher Training 1939-41) Lord Merlyn-Rees died on 5 January 2006 aged 85 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. However, this did not prevent him from leading an active political life and he last spoke in the House of Lords in midDecember during a debate on terrorism.

In 1939 he went to Goldsmiths to train as a teacher and was one of those relocated to Nottingham, when the Teacher Training Department was evacuated shortly after the start of the Second World War. He become President of the Students’ Union in 1940 and then joined the RAF. He entered Parliament at a by-election in 1963 in the Leeds South seat, which became vacant after the death of Hugh Gaitskell. During his career he was Northern Ireland Secretary for Harold Wilson and Home Secretary in James Callaghan’s government.

Tony Blair described him as a “modest, generous, wise and loyal” man who won widespread affection, respect and admiration.

Lord Merlyn-Rees was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Goldsmiths in 1984.

Mr William (Bill) Jones (Academic Registrar 1956-80) Mr Jones was a gentleman in all senses of the word. How do you encapsulate, portray and project the essence of his personality on paper?

His quietness, modesty and forbearance will always be remembered and indeed recalled with pleasure. Those of us who were privileged to know and work for him will have many memories to take out and relish from time to time, often at unexpected moments. Initially appointed to the newly created post of Deputy Registrar, he later became the College’s first Academic Registrar: hence making this a notable double first!

Not only did he have a wide knowledge and experience of office procedure but also of its skills, including shorthand – something of a hazard to one who worked for him! His patience must have been sorely tried at times, but never did he show annoyance. He would cheerfully answer queries, even at awkward times. If he did not have the answer at his finger tip, it only took a few moments to produce the most relevant document from his unique filing system. His various offices have since been put to other uses; indeed his last office is now a lift shaft. But the spirit of this man is beyond bricks and mortar. Truly here is a veritable exemplar that ‘Manners Maketh a Man’ Moria Rees Administrative Staff 1951-91

Goldsmiths Reconnected Update your details online and receive information about College news and events

www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/alumni Keeping you in touch with Goldsmiths