Venta 17 - University of Winchester

For alumni and friends of the University of Winchester
Issue 17 – Winter 2007
University Centre – now open
Graduation 2007
Focus on climate change
Winchester Business School
Loyalty discounts are available for our
alumni who enrol on a Masters Programme
at the University of Winchester.
Masters courses available for
September 2008 enrolment:
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Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Business Management (MSc)
Business Management with Finance (MSc)
Business Management with International Business (MSc)
Business Management with Marketing (MSc)
Christian Spirituality (MA)
Contemporary Popular Knowledges (MA)
Creative and Critical Writing (MA)
Cultural and Arts Management (MA)
Design for Digital Media (MA)
Design for Digital Media (MSc)
Devised Performance (MA)
Education: Professional Enquiry for Education Professionals (MA)
Education: Professional Enquiry for Medical Professionals (MA)
English: Contemporary Literature (MA)
Field Archaeology (MA)
Film Studies (MA)
Global Environment and Development (MSc)
Global Shakespeares (MA)
Health Informatics (MSc)
Human Resource Management (MSc)
International Communication (MA)
Managing Contemporary Global Issues (MA)
Managing Health and Social Care (MSc)
Marketing (MSc)
Regional and Local History and Archaeology (MA)
Religion: Rhetoric and Rituals of Death (MA)
Social History (MA)
Theatre and Media for Development (MA)
Writing for Children (MA)
For more information about the courses please contact
the Course Enquiry Team on 01962 827234
or at course.enquiries@winchester.ac.uk
For more information about the loyalty discount please
contact the Alumni Office on 01962 827403
or at alumni@winchester.ac.uk
Winter 2007
them in the near future. You will see why we are so proud of
the building from the images and description in the pages
that follow.
The new Winchester Business School will be officially
launched next year, but we are very pleased that it is up and
running and we have appointed an excellent Head, Professor
Neil Marriott. We have ambitious plans for the new Business
School and we will share more details with you in future
issues.
Welcome
Welcome to the new Venta! We do hope that you
will enjoy the new magazine style which now has a
wider coverage of current events.
There have been lots of exciting developments in recent
months. In early August, I attended the Bar End Athletics
Development press launch. This is a tremendous project
in partnership with Winchester City Council (supported by
Hampshire County Council), Winchester Athletics Club,
Sport England and Norwich Union. This will clearly be a very
important and welcome addition to our sporting facilities.
The University Centre is another major project which will
have a huge impact on the student experience. Work started
on knocking down the front end of the University on my first
day here. I have watched with interest over the months as
building rubble was replaced by a large hole in the chalk and
finally the University Centre emerged.
Students are already making full use of the new facilities
and we hope that the wider community will also benefit from
I am pleased to tell you that the University is very active
in responding to the sustainable development and climate
change agendas. This autumn, for example, we hosted a
public lecture by Jonathan Porritt CBE, launched a new
research centre focusing on the humanities approach to
climate change, and we are working in partnership with the
Cathedral on a series of climate change lectures. I do hope
that you will be able to join us for some of these events.
Finally, I wanted to say a very warm thank you to everyone
who has contributed so generously to the Winchester
Development Fund. Your gifts are very much appreciated. I would also like to say a warm welcome to the 1,200 new
graduates who are now members of the University’s Alumni
Association, receiving their first copy of Venta. Good luck on
your chosen career paths in this new phase of your life.
Wishing you and your families a very joyful festive
season,
Professor Joy Carter
Vice Chancellor
Contents
Page 2
Bar End
Page 11
Winchester Business School
Page 3
Graduation 2007
Page 14
Desperately seeking
Page 5
Winchester University Press
Page 14
Blast from the past
Page 6-7
Climate change
Page 16
In memory of
Page 8-9
The University Centre
Page 16-17
Events and reunions
1
University News
Venta 17: Winter 2007
Work starts on University
athletics track
Teaching Awards 2007
Two former students from the University of
Winchester were recently nominated as finalists at
the South of England Teaching Awards 2007.
The finalists – both teachers at Overton CE Primary School
in Hampshire – went on to be awarded Distinctions in their
respective categories.
Samantha Bates, who graduated two years ago, received a
Distinction for the TDA Award for Outstanding New Teacher
of the Year.
Margaret Douet received Distinction for the Ted Wragg
Award for Lifetime Achievement sponsored by the Innovation
Unit.
Vice Chancellor Professor Joy Carter starts the development of Bar End
Margaret Douet injects fun into the classroom
The redevelopment of the University of Winchester’s
sports grounds at Bar End in Winchester is now
underway after Sport England formally pledged
£908,514 to complete the funding required for the
project.
Construction officially began as the Vice Chancellor took the
controls of a digger at a special celebration to cut the first turf.
The new facilities at Bar End will include an Olympic standard
400m eight-lane athletics track with supporting field events
facilities, an all-weather hockey and general sports pitch,
floodlighting and an extended pavilion.
In addition to the funding from Sport England, the University
and Winchester City Council have put in over £1 million
each and Hampshire County Council contributed a further
£210,000. Winchester and District Athletics Club have
enthusiastically helped to ‘back the track’, raising a further
£22,000.
Construction is now underway and the new facilities at Bar
End are on track for completion in early 2008 with the
pavilion extension later in that year – well in time for training
for the 2012 London Olympics!
The University is leading the project with Winchester City
Council. The Centre will provide first-class outdoor sports
facilities for students and the entire Winchester community.
Local schools, youth clubs and sports clubs such as
Winchester and District Athletics Club and Winchester
Hockey club are already looking forward to its completion.
“I’m very pleased that we now have all the funding in
place and work is starting on a project which will provide
a step-change in sports provision in Winchester,” said Vice
Chancellor Professor Joy Carter. “These marvellous facilities
will benefit not just the University but the local community
which is expected to take up 90 per cent of the bookings.”
2
Margaret participated in an Early Years science project,
Spreading Innovative Practice: Teachers & Young
Children Exploring their Worlds together linked to the
MA in Education: Professional Enquiry at the University
of Winchester. The course allowed her to explore new
possibilities for professional action.
“We’re very proud to have two of our teachers recognised in
this way,” said Fiona Wyeth, Headteacher at Overton Primary.
“Sam and Margaret represent the best that there is in the
teaching profession and although they’re at opposite ends
of the continuum, they share many qualities in common
– passion, commitment and a desire that their children not
only learn but have fun at school.”
“Winchester has always had an outstanding reputation in the
field of teacher training,” said Professor Anne Williams, Dean
of the Faculty of Education at the University. “We’re delighted
that two of our students have received Distinctions in this
prestigious annual event and look forward to many more in
the future!”
Professor Joy Carter, Mayor of Winchester and
Councillor George Beckett
Full details of all teaching programmes available at the
University of Winchester can be found on
www.winchester.ac.uk.
University News
Venta 17: Winter 2007
Glittering line-up at Graduation 2007
The crowds outside Winchester Cathedral were
delighted to get a glimpse of a number of well
known faces from television, stage and screen
when they attended Winchester Graduation
ceremonies in October.
TV gardener and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh MBE has
been a Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire since 2001 and has
been actively involved in the region for nearly 30 years.
He was the main presenter of BBC2’s Gardener’s World
for seven years, and then took gardening to BBC1 with the
hugely popular Ground Force, which at its peak pulled in
over 12 million viewers.
Alongside nearly 1,200 students graduating this year were
four very special guests receiving honorary awards from the
University.
Sir John has worked with the University over the years
on a number of musical ventures, including the extremely
successful The Mystery of Faith concert in Winchester
Cathedral in 2005.
English film, TV and stage actor Colin Firth arrived at the
Cathedral straight off the film set of Mamma Mia! in Greece.
The Firth family are well known at the University with father
David, a former history lecturer, and mother Shirley, a
lecturer in comparative religion.
Internationally acclaimed writer and critic Dame Antonia
Byatt received a CBE in 1990 and a DBE in 1999 for her
services to literature. She won the Booker Prize in 1990 for
Possession, which was adapted into a film starring Gwyneth
Paltrow. A former lecturer, her other novels include The
Biographer’s Tale and the quartet, The Virgin in the Garden,
Still Life, Babel Tower and A Whistling Woman.
Colin first sprung to fame as Mr Darcy in the 1995 BBC
adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Since then he has played
leading roles in a number of popular films, including Love
Actually, Bridget Jones and Nanny McPhee.
Colin Firth
World renowned composer Sir John Tavener received a
knighthood for his services to music in 2000. His dramatic
cantata The Whale, which premièred at the London
Sinfonietta’s début concert in 1968, was later recorded by
Apple Records. His work, A New Beginning, premiered as
part of the New Year celebrations in London’s Millennium
Dome in 2000.
Dame Antonia Byatt CBE
Sir John Tavener
Alan Titchmarsh MBE
New courses coming to Winchester
LLB Law
Common Law was established by King Alfred in Winchester
back in Anglo Saxon times so it’s only fitting that the
University will be able to finally offer the opportunity to study
Law in the city from September 2008.
The University’s stimulating and demanding course will
stretch students’ research, problem solving and negotiating
skills. Mooting will bring the course alive with participants
engaging in animated legal arguments to defeat their
opponents.
Core subjects will include areas such as Public Law, Law
of the European Union, Criminal Law, Property Law and
Human Rights.
“We are delighted that Winchester is to offer law,”
commented Mike Russell-Smith, President of the
Hampshire Law Society. “We wish the law students every
success in their studies and hope that some will one day be
solicitors in Hampshire”.
BSc Social Work
A new programme in 2008 will provide training for those
wishing to pursue a career in social work. When the
students graduate as qualified social workers they will
be able to make a really difference to the lives of the
vulnerable, marginalised and excluded individuals and
groups in society.
As well as classroom-based learning, students will
participate in practical learning, undertaking work
placements in the Hampshire area for the voluntary, private
and statutory social work sectors. This will provide them
with the real-life knowledge, skills and values to effectively
manage the different challenges and dilemmas they will
experience when they graduate.
Times Higher Awards
The University of Winchester has one of the
best student support packages in the country
– according to the Times Higher Education
Supplement Awards 2007.
Winchester has been short-listed for the category
Outstanding Student Financial Support Package and will
hear the final result at a presentation ceremony to be held in
London on Thursday 29 November 2007 at the Grosvenor
House Hotel in London.
The THES Judges have been especially impressed by
the King Alfred Scholarship at Winchester which provides
significant support to young people leaving care who want to
continue into higher education.
3
University News
Get creative!
A group of enterprising students and graduates
from MA Writing for Children have reformed the
Winchester Circle-Writing for Children (WC2) critique
group to provide invaluable criticism and support
to children’s writing enthusiasts. They meet once a
month at the University to share information and discuss work, giving frank and constructive feedback.
For more information about WC2, please contact Chris at
Chris.Klimowicz@winchester.ac.uk
Due to popular demand, a similar circle has recently
been set up for MA Creative and Critical Writing
(CCW) students and graduates.
The contact for the CCW critique group is Linda Broadbent
at mail@lindabroadbent.co.uk
Teenage bestseller
Forbidden – a teen novel that examines modern-day
cults from an insider’s point of view – has been
chosen by teenage readers in New York as one of
their favourite reads of last year.
The novel, which was recently selected for inclusion in the
New York Public Library’s Books for the Teen Age, was
written by Judy Waite (MA Writing for Children 1997 to
2000) who now works as a creative writing lecturer at the
University of Winchester.
“I’m especially delighted about this recognition as the idea
for Forbidden was seeded in my early twenties, travelling
around America with a rucksack on my back,” explained
Judy. “I was approached by Moonies who tried to seduce
me and my friend into joining their cult. This was not
uncommon at that time and a fascination with cults, and later
religions generally stayed with me.”
Forbidden was first published in the UK in 2002 but only
came out in the States last year. Judy’s latest book, Game
Girls, was published by Andersen Press this summer. This
young adult fiction novel looks at the story of three college
age girls who get drawn, for their own individual reasons,
into prostitution.
Further details about Creative Writing courses at the University
of Winchester can be found on www.winchester.ac.uk
Venta 17: Winter 2007
International festival of writing
‘Biggest and most successful yet’
Former Children’s Laureate, Jacqueline Wilson OBE,
led a star-studded line-up of novelists, poets and
playwrights recently at Winchester’s 27th Writers’
Conference.
This major eight day international festival attracted more
than five hundred participants to the University to take part
in a series of workshops, talks, seminars and one-to-one
appointments with established authors, literary agents,
commissioning editors and book industry professionals.
“This year was the biggest and most successful yet,” said
Festival Founder-Director, Barbara Large from the Faculty of
Arts at Winchester. “Jacqueline Wilson was a tremendous
inspiration to the aspiring writers who filled The Stripe
auditorium. She received a three minute standing ovation.”
Jacqueline Wilson OBE
Popular TV screenwriter at Winchester
The award-winning children’s author and television
script writer Andrew Norriss (PGCE, 1973 to
1974) inspired trainee teachers recently when
he returned to the University to run a couple of
creative writing workshops.
Andrew’s past literary successes include Matt’s Millions
and 1997 Whitbread Award winner, Acquila. He is also the
creator of the hugely popular comedy series The Brittas
Empire and the children’s TV series Bernard’s Watch and
Woof.
During his visit to the University, he explained to a group of
primary education students that he didn’t discover his own
creative talent for many years.
“After I qualified as a teacher at Winchester, I taught A level
history at Peter Symonds College for eight years,” explained
Andrew, who lives in Hampshire. “I was increasingly
bothered by the niggling feeling that there was something
missing.
The author’s latest book, The Portal, was published by
Puffin in August and follows the adventures of two brothers
who discover an intergalactic portal behind their father’s
office door.
“It’s a very good moment when a new book arrives from
the printers,” said Andrew. “In fact, the only bad thing about
being a writer is realising that the script you promised is
due in tomorrow and it’s going to take you at least another
month to finish!”
He looks back fondly on his time at Winchester, where he
met his wife (Jane Brown, Teaching, 1970 to 1974).
“I had very happy times at Winchester,” he said. “Marrying
Jane was definitely one of my smarter moves. The
University still looks like a splendid, happy and exciting
place to learn. Long may it flourish!”
“A visit to a hypnotherapist to give up smoking revealed the
surprising fact that I actually wanted to be a writer. Once I
started writing it gave me a buzz like nothing else and now
that’s all I do.
“When aspiring writers ask me for advice, I state my belief
that the biggest single requirement for success in this
field is persistence and self-belief. Keep writing and keep
sending it off!”
The writing workshops went down well with the students.
“Andrew’s experience as a writer, teacher and former
student enabled him to hit just the right note,” said Jonathan
Rooke, a senior education lecturer.
4
Andrew Norris
“Keep writing and keep sending it off.”
University News
Online writing resource for teachers
The University of Winchester has been involved in
creating a brand new website to help teachers get
everyone excited about writing. The website – www.everybodywrites.org.uk – provides
inspirational ideas and practical resources and acts as an
online hub for teachers, allowing them to share information
and expertise about promoting writing. Lecturer Liz Chamberlain of the Faculty of Education at the
University has been working as the Primary Consultant on
the project, providing case studies and teaching sequences
as well as support to pilot schools. She has also been editing
the site. “My role has been to ensure that the site has the primary
teacher’s voice, so teachers find the material accessible and
relevant to them,” she said. “I’ve been working in primary
education for nearly 20 years now and can’t stress enough
the importance of making writing a purposeful and valuable
part of children’s lives.” Everybody Writes was launched nationally on 19 October.
Some of the pilot schools featured on the website ran active
writing days with children writing in chalk and sand. Other
ideas included poems hung from trees as well as letters
from ants hidden around the school grounds. Teachers can
become involved in the site by contributing ideas as well as
signing up to join a network of Everybody Writes enthusiasts. “Teachers will also be able to have their work accredited for
MA credits through the University,” explained Liz. “Feedback
so far has been extremely positive.” Everybody Writes has been developed by Booktrust in
partnership with the National Literacy Trust, and funded by
the Department for Children, Families and Schools.
Venta 17: Winter 2007
Hot off the University Press!
“We signal to the academic world that Winchester has a press that is ready for the best
manuscripts from the best writers.”
Dr Andrew Linzey, pictured here with (from left) Joyce D’Silva, Vice Chancellor Professor Joy Carter, Winchester City
Council Leader Councillor George Beckett, Professor Elizabeth Stuart and Professor Christopher Mulvey
Winchester now has its very own University Press!
More than 100 guests gathered at the University’s
West Downs Centre in July to toast the launch of its
very first publication.
In addition the University has a special interest in titles
that relate to the literature, history and culture of the city
of Winchester, the county of Hampshire and the region of
Wessex.
“I’ve dreamt of a Winchester University Press for a very long
time,” said Professor Christopher Mulvey, Managing Editor of
Winchester University Press. “It’s wonderful to see the first
title come fresh from the printer, ready for the world!”
More information about Winchester University Press can be
found at www.winchester.ac.uk/universitypress
The University Press first title – Creatures of the Same God:
Explorations in Animal Theology by the Revd Dr Andrew
Linzey – develops, updates and builds upon influential work
in the area of animal theology.
“It’s a great book,” explained Professor Elizabeth Stuart, Titles
Editor of the Press and Director of Research and Knowledge
Transfer at Winchester. “It makes the rational, ethical and
theological case for animals at a time when there is a dearth
of rational discussion about how we should treat animals.”
Dr Linzey, who is also an Honorary Professor at Winchester,
is Director of the new Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. He
has achieved international standing as the pre-eminent
theologian on the moral status of animals.
New autumn title
Winchester University Press is pleased to
announce the publication of its second title,
Tradition and Higher Education by Harold
Silver.
The book explores centuries-old university traditions
and alternatives in higher education institutions that
have emerged from other traditions. It discusses
a variety of historical themes as well as global
approaches to the study of higher education.
“Silver is another internationally acclaimed author,”
said Professor Christopher Mulvey. “We signal to the
academic world that Winchester has a press that is
ready for the best manuscripts from the best writers.”
The launch event in July drew together people from the
press and publishing world together with local political
leaders and friends from the community.
“Staff were amazed how all the children wanted
to write.”
The University Press was established with a mission of
enhancing research and spreading knowledge through the
publication of titles of high academic quality in the fields of
the Arts, Education and Social Sciences.
5
University News
Venta 17: Winter 2007
Exploring new dimensions
A brand new research centre exploring the
relationships between the arts, humanities
and climate change has been launched by the
University of Winchester.
The new centre will be co-ordinated by lecturer Ross
Catterall from the Business Management Group together
with Professor Andrew Melrose from the Faculty of Arts.
“This is a vitally important area for multidisciplinary research,
especially in areas where the University of Winchester
already has strong capabilities to contribute to the global
debate,” said Ross, who was founder member of Leicester
Environmental Action Group and has considerable
experience in co-ordinating university research centres. “We
hope the new centre will provide important new dimensions
for climate change research.”
The University hopes to establish a series of initiatives,
including high profile conferences, seminars and a
challenging Masters programme.
Ross Catterall
Professor Andrew Melrose
Vice Chancellor steps up as Global
President of leading environmental forum
Professor Joy Carter, Vice Chancellor of the University of Winchester, has become the Global President
of the Society of Environmental Geochemistry and
Health (SEGH).
SEGH was established in 1971 to provide a forum for
scientists from various disciplines to work together in
understanding the interaction between the geochemical
environment and the health of plants, animals and humans.
Now it has become the premier organisation in its field with
members representing expertise in a diverse range of scientific fields, such as biology, engineering, geology, hydrology,
epidemiology, chemistry, medicine, nutrition and toxicology.
interdisciplinary approaches in the area of environment and
health are becoming increasingly imperative.”
The conference in New Orleans examined essential
urban contamination data taken both before and after the
devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
“It was the first conference of its kind, in terms of
geochemistry and health,” reflected Professor Carter.
“There are massive world changes ahead; we need to fully
recognise the extent of complexities and uncertainties with
respect to the effects of multiple toxic pollutants and health.”
“Interdisciplinary approaches in the area
of environment and health are becoming
increasingly imperative.”
Prior to Winchester, Professor Carter was Dean of the
School of Environment and Applied Science and Professor
of Environmental Geochemistry and Health at the University
of Derby and prior to this, Reader in Environmental
Geochemistry at the University of Reading. She maintains a
keen interest in International research and actively promotes
sustainability at the University of Winchester.
Professor Carter made her first presidential address in New
Orleans, Louisiana, over the summer as part of a special
Urban Geochemistry and Health Conference examining the
aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
“SEGH’s findings influence policies throughout the world,”
said Professor Carter, who is a passionate advocate for
environmental concerns. “I’m looking forward to continuing
SEGH’s excellent work.
“Issues such as climate change are hugely important to
our planet. The knock-on effects will be significant and
6
Professor Joy Carter overlooking the Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisianna
University News
Venta 17: Winter 2007
Time to act
Leading environmentalist Jonathon Porritt CBE,
Co-Founder of Forum for the Future and Chairman
of the UK Sustainable Development Commission,
visited the University of Winchester to deliver
the latest Enterprise Lecture titled Low-carbon,
sustainable living: just how hard will it be?
Despite vowing never to return to Winchester after the
failure of the Twyford Down campaign, Jonathon animatedly
discussed sustainable living and the increasing environmental
crisis with the full-capacity audience.
“There is no escape” Jonathon said. “There is no other
generation onto whom we can pass this responsibility. We
don’t have a choice – it is imperative.
“How do you change the way people live when they’re
accustomed to having it – politicians know how difficult it is
to change people’s ways. These are inherited behaviours that
are deep-seated in rich societies, whereas poor societies
aspire to that way of living.”
But all is not lost, Jonathon stressed. “The fact that we’re
so bad is good. If we were a hyper-efficient society then it
would be more difficult to make changes. We’re starting to
get the realisation that the way we’re going isn’t that smart.
Left to right: Honorary Fellow Barbara Bryant, Sir Jonathon Porritt, Councillor George Beckett
and Vice Chancellor Professor Joy Carter
Efficiency, technology and common sense are not beyond
reach of society.”
“This is a problem which has mounting concerns for us all,”
confirmed Vice Chancellor Professor Joy Carter. “We were
delighted to welcome Jonathon Porritt to the University to
spark much needed debate surrounding these important
issues. There is a growing need of urgent action in this area.”
Attending the lecture was Jonathon’s fellow Twyford
Down campaigners, Honorary Fellow Barbara Bryant and
Winchester City Council Leader Councillor George Becket.
Not a spare seat in sight!
Jonathon Porritt was made Chairman of the UK Sustainable
Development Commission, the Government’s principal
source of independent advice across the whole sustainable
development agenda, in July 2000. He has also been
a member of the Board of the South West Regional
Development Agency since December 1999 and is CoDirector of the Prince of Wales’s Business and Environment
Programme.
The lecture coincided with the launch of the paperback edition
of his popular book, Capitalism As If The World Matters.
Jonathon Porritt is an eminent writer,
broadcaster and commentator on sustainable
development. Amongst his significant
accomplishments he was Director of Friends of
the Earth between 1984 and 1990, co-chair of
the Green Party between 1980 and 1983 and
Trustee of the World Wildlife Fund UK between
1991 and 2005.
Perspectives on climate change
The University has been hosting a topical series of
lectures in partnership with Winchester Cathedral
since the end of October exploring the many issues
surrounding climate change.
21 November – Ruskin and Environment: Scientific
Observation and Biblical Prophecy. Professor Michael
Wheeler, author of Ruskin’s God, Lay Canon, Winchester
Cathedral
Speakers so far have included Martin Harper, Head of
Sustainable Development at the Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds, and Professor Sir Ghillean Prance,
Scientific Director of the Eden Project.
28 November – Lower Carbon Futures and Personal
Responsibility. Dr Brenda Boardman MBE, Environmental
Change Institute, University of Oxford
The lectures are being held on Wednesdays at 7.30pm in
The Stripe. Entrance is free and there is no need to book.
5 December – The Meaning of Events: God’s Judgement
or Ours? Vernon White, Canon Theologian, Winchester
Cathedral
7
University News
Venta 17: Winter 2007
New heart for
University community
Tommy Geddes, Pro Vice Chancellor
“This magnificent building is the crowning glory for
our Director of Estates, Chris Higgins, who retires this
month. Over the last 13 years he’s shown considerable
commitment and inspiration. Together with a dedicated
group of staff, he really has helped to transform the
University.”
Revd Jonathan Watkins, University Chaplain
“The Centre looks absolutely stunning! I’m already thinking
about how I can use The Vault for an alternative worship
event.”
Ben Bond and Alix Blow, third year students
“The new bar and gig space are as good as any club
you’d find in Bournemouth or Southampton. It’s made a
real difference to the entertainment options here, there’s
plenty of space for workshops too!”
Steve Bowers, Student Union President
“All the spirit and atmosphere of the old Student Union
has been put it into this new state of the art building. The
students love the new facilities, all of our events have sold
out so far for this year!”
Professor Anthony Dean, Dean of the Faculty of Arts
“The Centre not only offers a range of exciting opportunities
to the University but should benefit the wider community
of Winchester as well, especially on the entertainment
side. The Winchester Writers’ Conference is just one of a
number of initiatives which will now be held in it.”
8
University News
Venta 17: Winter 2007
£10m University Centre – up and running!
Students at the University of Winchester returned
after their long summer break to find a brand new
heart to the King Alfred Campus! Besides a few final
details, the new £10m University Centre was ready
for action and against all odds, was offering hot and
cold food and drinks to everyone in the bright and
spacious new Food Hall.
A few days beforehand, the new multipurpose Centre had
opened its doors with a party for University staff and friends
in The Vault, a trendy bar and venue space which doubles as
a cinema and is large enough for 1,200 people. The event
acted as a dry run for Student Union (SU) staff who gave
guided tours and welcomed nearly 300 inquisitive guests.
Since October students have been able to enjoy their
fully operational new facilities, including a state-of-the-art
Student Union complete with Games Room, Terrace Bar,
SU executive offices and a Learning Café with 50 desktop
computers and space for 50 laptops.
The Terrace Bar
There is also an impressive Main Reception for the
University, a brand new home for P & G Wells Bookshop and
a handy new mini mart convenience store.
Come along and visit the brand new Winchester experience!
P & G Wells Bookshop
The Learning Café
The Food Hall
The Vault
The Wokery
Details of future concerts and bands at the centre
are available on www.winchester.ac.uk and
www.winchesterstudents.co.uk. Watch out for
regular updates! The University Centre is also
available for hire out of term times.
Please contact conferences@winchester.ac.uk
or ring 01962 827663 for further details.
The Mini Mart
9
University News
Venta 17: Winter 2007
New home for literary works
Education, History, Literature, American Studies and much
more.”
Speakers at the launch included Mrs Vivyenne Rubinstein,
Trustee of the collection and former President of the British
Federation of Women Graduates. For eight years Mrs
Rubinstein served on the Women’s National Commission
where she was one of the two UK representatives to the EU
in the setting up of the European Women’s Lobby.
The catalogue for the collection can be viewed online
at www.sybilcampbelllibrary.org.uk. The Sybil Campbell
Library is available for use by researchers and others, by
arrangement; books cannot be borrowed.
A historic literary collection built up over 70 years
by the British Federation of Women Graduates has
joined the University Library on long-term loan.
A special launch was held at The Stripe in the spring
to officially welcome the Sybil Campbell Library.
The collection contains some 8,000 items and in part
reflects the entrance of women into higher education and
academic and professional life in the late 19th and early
20th centuries. Important benefactors of the collection
included Leonard and Virginia Woolf and members of the
Bloomsbury Group, Beatrice and Sidney Webb, Harold
Laski, Alys and Bertrand Russell, plus academics and
writers of the day. Sybil Campbell was the first woman
Stipendiary Magistrate in Britain.
“The Centre for the History of Women’s Education is
delighted that the Sybil Campbell Collection has been
deposited at the University,” said Professor Joyce
Goodman, Director of the Centre for the History of
Women’s Education. “The collection covers areas that
are central to the University’s research interests, covering
Sybil Campbell
Alone at sea
power of positive thinking can be a great thing. I try to live
my life by that now.”
During the course of her career Debra has launched two
companies; she is a published author and has represented
Great Britain at World Championship level. She is also
a regular presenter for the BBC, with credits including
Grandstand and Extreme Lives.
Recent expeditions have included sailing around Antarctica
and becoming the first Briton to complete the gruelling
Yukon River Quest.
Which one will you choose? was the cryptic title of
an Enterprise Lecture given by transatlantic rower,
Debra Searle MBE at the University of Winchester
in June.
Debra was heralded by The Times as “Britain’s latest sporting
heroine” back in 2001. She attracted extensive international
media coverage when she carried on rowing alone across
the Atlantic Ocean after her husband, an experienced
oarsman, had to be rescued.
“I get a bit fed up being constantly referred to as the wife
who got left in the middle of the Atlantic!” she told a full
10
lecture hall at The Stripe. She went on to share some of the
highs and lows of her incredible journey which took three
and a half months to complete.
Details about future and past talks in the Enterprise Lecture
Series at the University of Winchester can be found on
www.winchester.ac.uk/?page=8100
“I was considered the weakest competitor in the Atlantic
Rowing Race,” she recalled about the 3,000 mile journey.
“I couldn’t row before signing up for the event, I was the
smallest competitor by far, and I was scared of deep water,
the dark and sharks.
“When I was at my lowest point and wanted to give up, my
twin sister Hayley gave me some very good advice. She
reminded me that you can choose your attitude and the
Debra after rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic
University News
Major support for
Winchester Business
School
Venta 17: Winter 2007
Dance school wins Business
Start-Up of the Year
Earlier this year, the Bulldog Trust awarded the
University of Winchester with funds totalling
£100,000 to help create and grow a brand new
centre of excellence – the Winchester Business
School.
This well established Trust exists to generate notable support
for selected charities. Amongst other ventures, it issues a
number of educational grants annually.
“We’re absolutely delighted with this generous show of faith
from the Bulldog Trust,” said Vice Chancellor Professor Joy
Carter. “This sponsorship is important as seed-corn funding
for a major strategic initiative at Winchester.”
Sarah Hughes and Jenny Rooney at the Awards ceremony
The University hopes to build from the existing team of around
twenty individuals, currently designated as the Business
Management Group. It has recently appointed Professor Neil
Marriott as Head of the Winchester Business School.
Two enterprising graduates have scooped the title
of Hampshire Start-Up Business of the Year 2007
for their company, Platform School of Dance, at this
year’s Winchester Business Excellence Awards.
Professor Neil Marriott
The Business Excellence Awards recognise the achievements
of local businesses and rewards them for their commitment to
excellence. Three out of the four nominations for the Startup Business of the Year Award were University of Winchester
graduates who had utilised the University’s Business Start-Up
Scheme to develop their companies. Sarah Hughes (Dance
Studies and English Studies, 2002 to 2005) and Jenny
Rooney (Performing Arts with Dance Studies, 2002 to
2005) impressed the judges with their enthusiasm and
proven business sense to scoop the award.
“I’m very excited to join the University at this time,” said
Professor Marriott, who until recently was Associate Dean of
the Faculty of Business at the University of Glamorgan.
“Winchester has a clear strategic vision for the future of
business programmes and the members of faculty are
enthusiastic and ambitious. I’m particularly keen to develop
a range of postgraduate programmes including a new MBA
which could be up and running by September 2008.”
Professor Marriott received his MBA and PhD from Cardiff
University and holds a BSc in Economics and Business
Studies from the University of Wales. He is a Member of
the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy
and has lectured in Accounting and Finance for over two
decades. In 2008 he will be Chair of the British Accounting
Association and hopes to build on this particular area of
expertise at Winchester.
Full details of the business programmes and the Business
Start-Up Scheme at the University of Winchester are
available at www.winchester.ac.uk
Their company was one of the first to join the University’s
Business Start-Up Scheme back in 2005. Since then they
have gone from strength to strength offering classes in
ballet, jazz, street and Latin American dance.
“It was fantastic to win the award – there was some very
fierce competition,” said Sarah. “We’re really pleased that all
our hard work has been recognised and all the hours we’ve
put in have been worthwhile.”
“The University Business Start-Up Scheme really helped
us in our first year. Our mentor was absolutely invaluable,
as she helped us to recognise our potential and opened
us up to new ideas. The scheme provided us with all the
vital elements we needed to start a successful business,“
she added. “Our newest initiative is called Platform Parties.
The parties are fun and original, and have proven to be a
huge hit with the children, especially the cheerleading ones!
Platform Parties are so popular that we’re now expanding
the concept to cater for corporate events and parties.
“In the future, we’re aiming to acquire exam status, hire new
teachers, introduce new styles and eventually have our own
Platform School of Dance students
premises. A year ago this would have seemed impossible
but the company has expanded so much over the past 20
months that it is now definitely within our reach.”
The University of Winchester’s Business Start-Up Scheme is
open to students, graduates (living in Hampshire) and staff.
For further information about the scheme and how to apply
contact Trish Kernan, Business Development Manager, on
01962 827578 or email Trish.Kernan@winchester.ac.uk
Congratulations go to the other two Start Up-Scheme
finalists at this year’s Winchester Business Excellence
Awards, Wet Picnic (www.wetpicnic.com) and The Lifetime
Company (www.thelifetimecompany.co.uk). There were eight
award categories overall to enter, each offering a substantial
prize and media package worth over £1,500.
This year the University sponsored the Entrepreneur of the
Year Award which went to Sara Pepper of Bouquet Bouquet
for her innovative and enterprising business idea. Bouquet
Bouquet produces and markets charming and highly original
bouquets online through a small number of selected outlets.
11
University News
Venta 17: Winter 2007
Wild moves from Marwell
Dance students from the University of Winchester
returned from the prestigious Fontys Dance Festival
in Tilburg, Holland in June where they received
outstanding reviews for their unusual animal
choreography.
Students from Winchester performed an exciting new piece
titled Cartoon with Parergon and Crisis set to the music
of didgeridoos and inspired by the giraffes, meerkats and
Patagonian mara at Marwell Zoo.
festival attracting dance troupes this year from Belgium,
Czech Republic, Germany, Ghana, India, Israel, Norway,
Portugal, Sweden, the UK and Vietnam.
“It’s been an invaluable experience,” enthused third year
Winchester dance student, Katie Cobie. “I’ve learnt a lot
about how to manage my time and develop performance
skills – training and performing almost every day for ten
days gave me a good insight into what a career in dance
may involve.”
Photographs © Russell Sach
“This is the fourth year running we’ve been invited to appear
at the Festival,” said Paul Jackson, Associate Dean of the
Faculty of Arts. “It has been the highlight of the year for
my students and has really opened their eyes to genres of
dance from all over the world.”
The Festival was first founded as a showcase for student
work 10 years ago alongside the European League of the
Institutes of Arts. It has now become a major international
Dance at Winchester top in the UK for student satisfaction
Choreography and Dance as well as other
undergraduate study programmes at the University
of Winchester have scored highly in the National
Student Survey 2007, released this September.
Winchester is ranked the highest nationwide for Dance with
a 95 per cent overall satisfaction rating. It was also top in
terms of teaching, assessment and feedback, academic
support, organisation and management, and personal
development. Sports, Media, English, Archaeology and Education Studies
all ranked in the top 25 universities in terms of overall
satisfaction, and along with Psychology and Social Care
Studies these programmes ranked in the top 10 institutions
nationwide in terms of personal development. Overall, the University of Winchester performs as well or
better than many other universities and is ranked in the top
15 universities in terms of personal development, equal with
the universities of Oxford and St Andrews. “We offer an excellent university education to our students
and this survey confirms that our students are highly satisfied
with their learning at the University,” said Pro Vice Chancellor
Professor Chris Turner. “It is also a wonderful testament to
the staff whose professionalism and personal commitment to
students has produced this outcome.”
Prison theatre sets the scene for new drama series
Drama4Difference brought the University and
local community together for a four week long
celebration of drama at Winchester this spring
– featuring a vibrant mix of performances, events,
lectures and discussions.
The drama series opened with an adaptation of Ubu the
King, combining the talents of students and prisoners at
West Hill, HMP Winchester. As well as appearing in the show,
the students coached the prisoners in performance skills,
including choreography and line learning. The collaboration
resulted in a show which was hailed as an “overwhelming
success” following standing ovations and five sell-out
performances.
One of the stars of the show was 25 year-old Louis, who
12
is currently serving a four year jail sentence. “I’ve regained
my focus and ambition for life” said Louis, who now sees a
future for himself in the performing arts. “When I’m released I
plan to take the world by storm!”
Other shows during the Drama4Difference month included
The Birthday Party, The Attic and a wide range of group
performances by final year drama students.
“We wanted to bring a whole series of different events and
programmes together under one umbrella,” said Dr Rob
Conkie, Programme Leader of Drama at Winchester. “It’s
probably the only performance festival of its kind in higher
education. We’re already planning Drama4Difference2 which
will take place after the Easter holidays next year.”
Premier at West Hill Unit, HMP, Winchester
Alumni News
Venta 17: Winter 2007
Rave reviews at The Fringe
A University theatre company was short-listed this
year for Best Emerging Company in the Total Theatre
Awards at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2007.
Student Drama Festival earlier this year. “The manager of the
Bedlam Theatre approached us at the NSDF and asked if we
would like a slot at his theatre.
The River People was founded by drama and performing
arts graduates, Edward Wren (2003 to 2006) and Claire
Harvey (2001 to 2004) whilst studying for their degrees at
Winchester.
“Taking part in the Fringe was an amazing experience
although at times it was tough – physically, financially and
mentally. We’d flyer all day, sometimes in costume, have
some food and then off to perform at six – after that we
were ready for bed, to do it all over again!
Their company was one of a shortlist of six chosen from
nearly a thousand shows at Edinburgh this summer. The
Ordinaries …In An Awkward Silence was performed
throughout August at the popular Bedlam Theatre, just off
the Royal Mile.
“We were really lucky to have such a great venue,” explained
Claire, whose company also won awards at the National
“The nomination for the Award was a real surprise. Although
we didn’t win we were highly commended for a new
company, and we were up against other companies who
were considerably more established. We had great press
responses too. The Independent, The Guardian and The
Podcast network all gave us brilliant reviews.
The Ordinaries ...An Akward Silence
2012 Olympics cultural celebrations
As part of the 2012 Olympic Games, the Cultural Olympiad
will offer the chance for the public to participate in a
major cultural celebration to showcase British talent and
innovation. It will reflect the spirit and key themes of the
London Games – internationalisation, generating a positive
legacy and inspiring and involving young people. As Creative
Programmer for the region, Caterina hopes to ensure the
cultural side of the Olympics plays as big a part as the
games themselves.
Caterina graduated from Winchester 16 years ago with a
degree in Drama, Theatre and Television Studies. Since
then she has accumulated a wealth of experience planning
and executing large cultural events, including the Hat Fair
in Winchester, the Arts Fresco in Market Harborough and
Watch This Space at London’s National Theatre.
“I’m thrilled to be involved; it’s a fantastic opportunity with
so much scope,” she explained. “It’s all about pushing the
boundaries and bringing something new to the community.
I’ve already begun informal discussions with the University
and hope to include it in my future plans.”
Photograph © Gabriele Stabile
Winchester graduate Caterina Loriggio has just
started her new role as the 2012 South-East
Creative Programmer for the Cultural Olympiad.
Art Fresco, Rin Tin Tin
The Lion King and beyond …fresh challenges for theatre director
“Working for The Lion King was a fantastic experience,” she
said. “It’s big and exciting, and you’re dealing with 2,000
people every performance. It’s a fabulous production, I must
have watched the opening scene of the show over 100
times and it has never failed to catch my breath. But soon I
decided I needed more of a challenge.”
Karen went on to look after 26 theatres across the country
as national sponsorship manager for Clear Channel
Entertainment, which is now Live Nation. “I enjoyed helping
the diverse venues to develop their marketing partnerships
and sponsorships. The community theatre knowledge I
gained during my degree was particularly useful at this time,
as many of the theatres wanted to be involved in this kind
of scheme.”
Karen has now returned to Cumbria to take up her biggest
challenge yet as Theatre Director of Rosehill Theatre.
“Regional theatres allow a far greater flexibility to experiment
than national theatres,” she explained. “There are so many
opportunities to develop and grow the business. Managing a
West End theatre is very glamorous, but developing a regional
theatre offers a buzz that the West End just can’t match.
“My advice to people looking to get into theatre
management is to always remember that it’s a business like
any other. Get as much experience in admin and accounts
as possible. It sounds dull but it’s essential that the arts
respect their own finances. Being creative with a sound
grasp of the money is rare but impressive!”
Photograph Catherine Asmore © Disney
Karen Thompson (Drama Theatre and Television
Studies, 1991 to 1994) has managed theatres all
over the country, including the West End’s famous
Shaftesbury and Lyceum Theatres. She has now left
the glamour of London shows, such as the massive
Disney show The Lion King, to return to her native
West Cumbria as director of the Rosehill Theatre in
Whitehaven.
“I’m keen to expand the youth theatre at the Rosehill Theatre
and develop a varied programme of events to ensure that
there’s something for everyone in the community.”
Karen got her first theatre management position by applying
for everything she saw in The Guardian and The Stage until
she got her lucky break.
The Lion King
13
Alumni News
Venta 17: Winter 2007
Zambian encounters
by John Cuthell (Education 1963 to 1966)
“If Google Earth had existed back in 1970 a bird’s
eye view of the Kafue River in Zambia might have
revealed two twigs moving slowly downstream.
Zoom in a bit, and the twigs turn into something
more substantial. Zoom in a bit more and they turn
into dugout canoes. You’ll see I’m in one of them
– and I’m waving.
Back then I lived in Luanshya and every day I used to drive
along the main road to Mpatamatu Secondary School, where
I was head of the English department. At the end of the day
I’d drive back, conscious of the fact that that my life and work
were surrounded by thousands of miles of bush, landscape
and life about which I knew nothing. So one day when my
neighbour suggested a fishing trip I agreed to go.
There we were, a few days later, making camp, hiring a
couple of dugout canoes with local fishermen and spending a
couple of days fishing – at the same time keeping an eye out
for the less than neighbourly hippopotami.
Then
...and now
I cast my spinner towards the riverbank, the top of which
shimmered in the late-morning haze. A shape appeared, its
shadow reflecting on the surface of the water, ‘You’re John
Cuthell, aren’t you?’ a voice rang out. An interrogation was
the last thing that I had expected that day. The apparition,
complete with bush hat, peered over the edge of the bank
Blasts from the past – good old days
Kenneth Why (Certificate in Education, 1946 to1948)
“I still fondly remember the big freeze of 1947,
when there was snow all around King Alfred’s
College and the boiler had burst so we had no
heating. We all carried on regardless and I used to
go to lectures with an overcoat over my dressing
gown!
King Alfred’s had only just been handed back from the
military occupation during the war so it was bare and
almost unfurnished, and to top it all there was an outbreak
of German measles, but this just heightened the sense of
camaraderie between us.
On warm summer evenings we were serenaded by
nightingales as we went up the hill to visit the nurses at the
hospital. I still have copies of the college magazine from
that era to which I used to contribute the odd poem. I met
my wife in 1951 in my first job after completing National
Service. She was a Reading graduate on teaching practice
for her Diploma in Education. We married on Boxing Day in
1952 and celebrated our 54th wedding anniversary before
she passed away at the beginning of this year. We lived three
quarters of the year in Patong, Phuket, with our son who
owns a wonderful guest house there. We were lucky enough
to escape the worst of the 2004 tsunami.
I’ve been back to a couple of Winton Reunion Weekends
and was astonished that Frank Blackburn, who’d been our
P.E. tutor, still remembered me after 40 years!
Winchester has changed a lot since my time but is still a
lovely place to visit.”
and looked down at me. The man appeared to be pushing
a bicycle.
‘You’re John Cuthell, aren’t you?’ he repeated.
Words almost failed me. ‘Yes,’ I replied.
The river edged the canoes downstream. ‘I was at Winchester
with you,’ he shouted after me. ‘Good fishing!’ He waved. The
figure soon became a silhouette. I waved back.
My neighbour’s canoe reached our campsite first. All that I
could think about was the figure with the bicycle.
‘Who was that?’ he asked.
‘I don’t know,’ I said. ‘He said that I was at college with him.’
I still don’t know! Can you help?”
If you were that man with the bicycle please solve the mystery
and contact the Alumni Office on 01962 827403.
Culham College
connections
Until Culham College closed in 1979, there was
much friendly rivalry in a number of sports between
students of Culham and King Alfred’s College.
A Culham College Association of former students and staff
is still active and meets in the old college buildings, which
are now used by a European School. The Association has
produced Bedside Culhamite which is an anthology of prose
and pictures from Culham magazines 1866 – 2005.
Copies are available priced £10.75 (including postage and
packing) from the Honorary Treasurer, 46 St John’s Road,
Tackley, Oxfordshire, OX5 3AP.
Desperately seeking
Hannah Callum who attended King Alfred’s College
from 2002 to 2004.
“I’m in England due to work and wanted to say hello. Hope
everything went well for you at University and afterwards”
Todd Anderson (2002 American Exchange Student).
Please get in touch by emailing alumni@winchester.ac.uk or
telephoning 01962 827403.
Back row, left to right: Foster, Onslow, Sherratt, Coleman, Hampton, Helme, Boyer, Henry, Dowling, Why (Hon. Sec.)
Front row, left to right: Knight, Gardiner, Ewart, Smith (Captain), Pearce, Foster, R.F., Bailey
14
Peter Keeble (1960 to 1963) placed an ad in the last
edition of Venta. “I was really surprised at just how many
replies I received and how many old friends came out of the
woodwork. If you’ve lost touch with an old friend from your
Winchester days, I can recommend Venta as a very good
place to start looking for them.”
Alumni News
Venta 17: Winter 2007
Overland Fiesta
Andy Robinson (BA Geography and History, 1991
to 1995) has just completed a staggering 10,000
mile road trip to Mongolia – raising over £6,500 for
charity and the money is still coming in!
Andy, who works as an excursion leader for Exodus Travels,
set off with his boss in a £200 woefully underpowered,
wholly unsuitable 19-year-old Ford Fiesta.
After travelling through 18 countries the two-man team
finally arrived in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, feeling tired,
filthy and triumphant, and travelling at just 20mph!
“We decided we wanted to travel somewhere off the beaten
track without our normal resources and back-up, and
raise money for charity at the same time,” explained Andy.
“We picked three charities to support: The Wiltshire Air
Ambulance, The Leicester Hospital Charities and The Lotus
Children’s Centre in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
In the middle of nowhere
“The locals we met along the way were amazing. In Iran
they gave us fuel despite the current fuel shortage, in
Turkmenistan we got taken in by the locals and treated like
royalty, and in Mongolia they pushed us out of the sand and
towed us over a mountain pass. It took us six days to drive
the 1,000 miles of utter wilderness in Mongolia!
“When we finally arrived at Ulaanbaatar the Fiesta was in a bit
of a mess. We only had working brakes on the right side of
the car, the handbrake had fallen apart, there was a two foot
crack in the windscreen, the fuel tank was almost punctured
and the front wheel rims were horribly bent out of shape.”
The Lotus Children Centre, Ulaanbaater
Breakfast on route
The journey home from Ulaanbaatar gave them plenty of
time to dream up more ideas for their next big adventure
around the world. In the meantime they are leading a six
month expedition for paying customers from Columbia to
Argentina.
PhD in retirement
Congratulations go to Howell George Moses
(Teaching Certificate, 1951 to 1953) who, at the
age of 77, has just graduated from the University
of Wales Institute with a PhD in Education.
Howell has had a long and distinguished career in teaching,
specialising in the field of special needs education.
“My decision to concentrate my efforts in this area is best
summarised by the quote, ‘Go not to those in need, but
to those who need you most’. I wanted to help those that
had the least support in the educational system. I have
written educational textbooks which are still used today by
teachers all over the world. I wrote the Christian Adventure
series whilst in my first teaching post, and then went on
to publish Headway Mathematics, Headway English and
Learning for Living.”
As well as teaching, Howell became an executive
member of the National Union of Teachers, the Schools
Broadcasting Council for Wales and the National Council
for Academic Awards. After his retirement he was elected
as Chairman of Caerphilly County’s Special Needs
Services.
“These positions gave me a special insight into education
decisions. When I retired it was suggested to me that
I should write a book about my experiences. I decided
instead to undertake a research project which took me
seven years to complete.”
Howell George Moses
15
Alumni News
Venta 17: Winter 2007
What’s on
Digging up the past
Dramatic encounters
Early 2008
Winton Sports Reunion
(tbc - see alumni website)
2008 will mark 30 years since the Archaeology
course first started at Winchester, so we’re
celebrating this landmark year with an Archaeology
Reunion on 20 September in the new University
Centre. Archaeology would like to invite all its
former students, staff and friends to join them for
this special occasion.
A Drama and BAPA Reunion will be held on 15
March 2008 in the new University Centre at
Winchester. Anyone with a link to Drama, BAPA,
KASPA, PAW, Dance, etc, is welcome.
Details of the day’s events will be published in the New Year.
To register your details with the Alumni Office please phone
01962 827403 or email alumni@winchester.ac.uk
More details about the event will become available on the
alumni website in the near future
www.winchester.ac.uk/alumni
14 February 2008
Graduate Recruitment Fair
15 March 2008
Drama and BAPA Reunion
11, 12 & 13 July 2008
Winton Club Reunion
6 September 2008
‘Ten Years On’ Reunion 1997, 1998, 1999 Graduates
20 September 2008
Archaeology Reunion
For more information on all of the events and reunions listed
above, please contact the Alumni Office:
T: 01962 827403
E: alumni@winchester.ac.uk
W: www.winchester.ac.uk/alumni
In memory of ...
We have recently been notified of the deaths of the
following alumni and staff.
We send our condolences to their families.
R Fairfoull D I R Porter C M Williams
V Taylor
J Guilmant L J MacFarlane
F W Newby A T Viney E Meider J Sellors N Bass
C J Foster A D G Webb
G A Butterfield
D T Hendy R B H Scroggs
J Harris
A P Ayling J Brown K Boon
H Mitchell 16
1931 to 1933
1931 to 1934
1932 to 1934
1932 to 1934
1934 to 1936
1938 to 1939
1938 to 1940
1939 to 1941
ATS
ATS
ATS
1947 to 1949
1952 to 1954
1954 to 1956
1959 to 1961
1963 to 1965
1967 to 1970
1970 to 1973
1974 to 1976
1991 to 1994
2005 to 2006
Check out the Facebook group for the reunion – ‘King
Alfred’s Drama and BAPA Reunion 2008’.
Go Alfies!
This year’s Winton Weekend 2007 attracted more
than 700 alumni and current students coming from
all over the country to take part in a weekend of
sports and revelry. The result was close but Team
Alfie (alumni) pulled off an overall victory with
a final score of 7-6 improving on last year’s 6-6
draw.
Over the two days, despite the threat of rain, the matches at
Bar End and on the King Alfred Campus were cheered on by
crowds of keen supporters. There was everything to play for
right up to the last match when the Team Alfie stepped up to
finally win the weekend.
Congratulations to Team Alfie but watch out – Team
Winchester is already in training for the rematch in a few
months time! Check the alumni website for dates and details.
Obituary
G. A. Butterfield (1934 to 2007)
Tony Butterfield (Certificate of Education 1954 to
1956) was born in Portsmouth and educated at both
primary school and King Edward’s Grammar School
in Bury St. Edmunds. He arrived at Winchester after
he had completed his national service, where he
first served in the Royal Navy and then later in the
Royal Air Force.
At King Alfred’s he showed a considerable interest in
English and Drama and produced many plays. He was also
President of the Irving Club and ensured the success of
every aspect of its work.
broadcasting for BBC Radio Oxford. His very first film, Spring
Awaits the Fall, has been planned to screen at the Winton
Reunion 2007.
His memorial meeting on 15 September 2007 was held at
the New Beaconsfield Hall in Shipton-Under-Wychwood, a
building to which he had given much attention and interest
when it was at the design stage. Diana died in 1998 and
to his stepdaughter Sonya and her husband we extend our
sincere condolences.
In 1956 he went to the Central School of Speech and
Drama and subsequently was both a teacher and a county
adviser for drama. In September 1967 he joined the staff
of Culham College where he had particular responsibility for
Drama. Here, in the early seventies, he met Diana who was a
mature student and they married in 1975.
Tony left in 1978, a year before Culham College closed
down, taking on a great deal of freelance work, including
G. A. Butterfield
Alumni News
Venta 17: Winter 2007
Winton Reunion 2007
Wedding bells
This year has seen a remarkable rise in the number
of alumni and staff weddings at the University of
Winchester. Many thanks to those who’ve sent
photos…
Last July saw yet another successful Winton Club
Reunion – this time with the added benefit of
sunshine! Needless to say many old friendships
were renewed and many memories shared over a
few glasses of wine.
At the Luncheon, Rob gave an entertaining speech, “The
geography may alter, the buildings and the campus expand
and the name may change, but the ethos that created our
past and gave us our future can and should remain.”
Winton Reunion 2008
The Reunion Service was led by The Very Reverend James
Atwell, Dean of Winchester, and the University Chaplain,
Reverend Jonathan Watkins. It was followed by the traditional
Reunion Luncheon, which had 125 alumni and guests in
attendance, including several former members of staff: Joy
Nolloth, Jean Sawyerr, Harry Meredith, Denise Baker and
Doug Bowers. The Luncheon toasts were given by Professor
Chris Turner (President of the Winton Club), The Mayor of
Winchester, Chris Pines (also an alumnus) and Rob Pepper
(1967 Year Secretary). As is tradition, we will be celebrating the landmark years:
Fifty Years On (1958 graduates), Forty Years On (1968
graduates) and Thirty Years On (1978 graduates).
The 2007 Reunion paid special mention to those who were
‘Forty Years On’. The 1967 Year Secretary, Rob Pepper, coordinated his year group and many came back to celebrate
this landmark year.
Invitations will be sent out at the end of April. Please
put us in touch with any alumni who are not already
registered with the Alumni Association so we can reunite
as many old friends as possible.
Last ones out!
Cheese and Cider
A group of 1988, 1989 and 1990 graduates will go
down in posterity for holding the last official event
in the old Student Union building bar.
Mike Leigh (Drama, Theatre and TV Studies, 1986 to 1989)
organised the reunion for old friends to relive their University
days in the place where they’d partied 20 years before.
The popular Cheese and Cider club reunited at Winchester
last spring to sup a pint of scrumpy and talk over old times.
The 2008 Winton Club Reunion will take place
on the weekend of 11, 12 and 13 July in the new
University Centre. Accommodation is available on
campus for those who stay for the entire event.
Charlotte Way and Tom Stevenson
In August, Charlotte Way and Tom Stevenson were married
in the University Chapel and enjoyed their reception and
evening celebrations at West Downs. The couple first met in
2001 on their BA Drama Studies Course.
David Storrie and Victoria Hawksworth
In the same month, David Storrie and Victoria Hawksworth
held their reception at West Downs after a ceremony at
Christchurch Church.
Victoria (BA Primary Education, 2000 to 2004) and David
(Education lecturer, 2005 to present) met through a local
speed dating scheme and were soon seeing each other
regularly.
If you would like to hear more about how you can use
the facilities at the University of Winchester, including the
brand new University Centre, please contact Hannah Lane
at conferences@winchester.ac.uk or telephone 01962
827663.
Before long, everyone was drinking at the bar, catching
up on gossip and dancing to DJ Normski’s 80s beats.
Contact Venta Now!
Left to right: Mike Leigh, Steven Furst
and Angus Scott
Alex Maguire, Robin Catchpole, Peter Wylie, Matthew
Horne, Rees Jenkins, David Bonehill, Paul MacFarlane,
Marc Lasseter, David McKeown and Glen Tyreman
Do you have news to share? The Alumni Office is
busy gathering stories and features for the next
issue and would love to hear from you. Get in touch!
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