The Ure Museum Is 100 Years Old As a World-Renowned Research and Teaching 496

BulletinFortnightly news for staff | 30 April 2009 | 496

The Ure Museum is 100 years old As a world-renowned research and teaching 496

| IN THE NEWS: institution, the University of Reading is rarely out of the local, national and international media. This is a selection of media appearances by members of the University and press cutting summaries which highlight the important work being done by the staff and students of the University.

30 April 2009 View all ‘In the news’ items at www.reading.ac.uk/about/about-readinginthenews2009.asp |

19 January, BBC Radio Berkshire 12 March, BBC Radio 4 27 March, Reading Evening Post

Bulletin Dr Jane Setter, Senior Lecturer in Dr Matthew Nicholls (Classics) is The Reading Real Estate Phonetics, was interviewed, in her invited onto Melvyn Bragg’s In our Foundation (RREF), a registered capacity as a linguist, about time show, to talk about the charity setup to provide financial Front cover: Dr Amy Smith, swearing. foundation of the library at support for real estate education Senior Lecturer in Classics Alexandria, its organisation, at the University, and the magazine 4 March, Reading Evening Post and Curator of the Ure contents, the scholarship it Property Week teamed up recently, Tackling the staggeringly high level inspired, the stories surrounding its to arrange the visit of the industry Museum of Greek Archaeology, of suicides among young men was destruction and the legacy it left. renowned 1st Friday Club to holds an ancient Greek artefact. top of the agenda at a major one- 17 March, Reading Evening Post Reading for the first time. The 1st day conference hosted by the According to youth animal rights Friday Club brings together young The Bulletin can be found online at University’s Charlie Waller Institute, organisation Peta2 US, the professionals in property to www.reading.ac.uk/bulletin which examined the science, where you can read a pdf of this University is one of the best in the socialise and discuss the challenges stigma and solutions associated issue and access archived issues of country for providing meals for its of the day, whilst hearing from with men’s mental health. past Bulletins. vegetarian students. inspirational, top-level speakers. 4 March, Reading Evening Post The Bulletin is published in-house 18 March, BBC Radio Berkshire 27 March, Reading Evening Post Experts in early childhood care fortnightly during term time. Items BBC Berkshire’s roving reporter Reading University Boat Club are welcomed from every member and education gathered at Maggie Philbin spends the morning (RUBC) capped a wonderful of the University and should be Windsor Racecourse, to pass on reporting live from the Department, winter by being voted Club of the sent, marked ‘Bulletin’, to their knowledge at a key of Typography & Graphic Year by the Reading University Carol Derham conference organised by the Communication finding out about Students’ Union (RUSU), as well as Communications, DEA University designed to improve its unique teaching methods, putting in a superb performance Whiteknights the professional development of fascinating collections and in the recent Head of the River The University of Reading those working in early years research excellence. Race, run over the famous Boat Reading RG6 6AH settings, such as nurseries and email [email protected] 19 March, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire Race Course in London. home-based childcare. Dr Graham Crampton Please note that we reserve the (Economics, Henley Business 30 March, The Times right to edit items and not all 11 March, Daily Mail School) was interviewed on the Moira Clarke (Henley Business material may be used. Free small Simon Gosling (Walker Institute) possible contribution of the School) provides expert comment ads from University members will is a partner in a study that has Independent Transport for an article looking at what be included if space permits. concluded that by the end of this Commission currently holding women want in the retail sector. century, the number of people Copy dates for the rest of the term meetings in Cambridge. It shares dying from the effects of heat in the 31 March, The Guardian Copy date Published some distinguished members with world’s big cities could be double An article highlighting how a virus- 14 May 28 May a similar Commission that recently 28 May 11 June what has been previously estimated. sat in Reading, and the traffic ridden computer can quickly become a serious security threat 11 June 25 June 11 March, Reading Evening Post problems of the two towns have on a university network. Mike The Bulletin is typeset by A charity dedicated to improving some similarities. Roch (Director of IT Services) talks Diana Arnold in Communications, the lives of people with disabilities 20 March, BBC Online DEA and is printed by Advent about the problem and what through opportunities for horse Read about the University’s Colour, Andover needs to be done to avoid it. riding has been able to make huge involvement with the recent positive changes to its operation successful launch of Europe’s Gravity 31 March, BBC Radio Berkshire Campus Author and communication thanks to an Field and Steady-State Ocean Dr Orla Kennedy (Food award-winning partnership with Circulation Explorer (GOCE) satellite Biosciences) appears on Sarah Cleft Constructions in Spoken Reading. The University, through a Walker’s show to give her expert 23 March, Reading Evening Post English Knowledge Transfer Partnership, opinion on detox diets, cancer Over 140 students from the Dr Andreea S Calude, Research provided the dedicated support of protecting foods, speed of eating Fellow, School of Biological Sciences University showcased their a full-time associate, as well as the enterprising ideas to a panel of local and how many calories should we VDM Verlag Dr Müller expertise of senior academic staff business professionals recently. be consuming a day. from the School of Systems ISBN-10: 3639106393 3 April, Farming UK Engineering, to completely overhaul 24 March, BBC News Channel ISBN-13: 978-3639106398 Professor Ian Givens, the joint the charity’s IT infrastructure. Dr Dominic Swords (Henley Clefts constitute a grammatical Business School) gives his expert leader of the University’s Food means for drawing attention 11 March, Reading Evening Post opinion on what’s affected the Chain and Health Research Theme, to the most salient part of a The University was delighted to latest inflation figures and gives an has been chosen to play an message. English is rich in cleft welcome international judge Dame insight into what might happen important role in a new European types and they are a vital tool in Rosalyn Higgins to deliver the over the next year. research network. the repertoire of its speakers and School of Law’s Annual Lecture on 25 March, BBC Radio Berkshire 3 April, The Times writers. However, spoken clefts Thursday 5 March. Sponsored by 3rd year student Esther Press, talks have distinct structural properties Claire Taylor, a management LexisNexis, leading global provider to BBC Radio Berkshire about her and discourse functions from consultant with Sountern of legal information, the theme of house’s success in the University’s written clefts. They are thus of Universities Management Services Dame Rosalyn’s presentation was Blooming Students competition. interest to language teachers, (SUMS) based at the University, is “Departing Thoughts on the The initiative encouraged students particularly since not every the first woman to be named one International Court of Justice”. living in the local community to language has clefts. Clefts are also of the fiveWisden Cricketers of the plant spring bulbs to spruce up of interest to theoretical syntax Year. their front gardens. and to computational linguistics. 496 Ure celebrates | its centenary 30 April 2009

This year, the University’s Ure Museum of | Greek Archaeology is celebrating 100 years of its superb collection. Bulletin As one of the finest collections of Greek and Egyptian archaeology in the UK, the Ure Museum has played a vital part in the teaching and research of the University over the past hundred years. The museum is recognised as the fourth largest collection of Greek ceramics in Britain. Museum Curator, Dr Amy Smith, holds a winged scarab beetle. An artefact representing a dung beetle, an ancient Egyptian symbol of eternal life To mark the collection’s centenary, the Museum hosted a champagne reception on Wednesday 22 April. As well as walking around the Museum, attendees and undertake research. Throughout College, and from this initial donation, were able to hear University experts tell this time, the University has opened the the collection as we see it today, grew. the exciting tales of some of the artefacts. Museum’s doors to the public who have The Museum was established by the Dr Amy Smith, Curator of the Museum enjoyed uncovering the Ure’s secrets University’s first professor of Classics, said: ‘Over the years the Ure Museum through family events, school and group Professor Percy N. Ure, and his wife, has proved to be invaluable for visits or just turning up.’ Dr Annie D. Ure. University of Reading students, providing The collection began in 1909 with the The museum is open to the public them with inspiration in their work as donation of Egyptian antiquities by Mrs between 9am and 5.30pm weekdays. well as being a fascinating place to learn Flinders Petrie to Reading University

All SET for science Residences

Chemistry and PhD student Federico teams achieve Dorati, from the School of Biological Sciences. Federico’s poster entitled A threat to our conkers? Characterisation of the IiP standard horse chestnut bleeding canker pathogen took second prize (£1000) in the Biological Residences were the second Facilities Sciences section. Originally shortlisted Management Department to achieve from 600 applicants, the poster Investors in People Recognition. competed against 59 other posters After much successful team work on presented by a variety of undergraduate developing values, goals and other students, PhD students, postdocs and processes, the Residences team were Federico Dorati lecturers. University of Reading successful in being awarded the IiP co-authors on the poster are Robert Four University of Reading students were standard in August. This achievement is Jackson (supervisor), Graham Holloway selected to compete in the SET for BRITAIN a huge credit to the whole team. (ecologist) and Glyn Barrett (final year awards at the House of Commons in To celebrate this award, staff from across undergraduate). Several compliments March. all the Halls and Groups attended a were paid to the work and the fact that ceremony held at Wantage Hall with They presented posters at a competition the University is at the forefront of this representatives from all Residences which only 100 out of the 600 original research area. Reading East MP, Rob watching Deputy Vice-Chancellor Tony applicants had made it through to. Wilson, spoke with Federico about this Downes unveil the plaque. He important disease and Mr Wilson wishes Dr Emma Johnson, Centre for congratulated the Residences teams on to try and elevate the profile of this Biomimetics, Anthony Portelli, a final year their hard work, commitment and research by raising it with Lord Drayson, undergraduate in Systems Engineering, consequent success. Every Hall or Group the Science and Innovation Minister. Stefano Burattini, a PhD student in now displays an IiP plaque in recognition of the standard.

Bulletin | 30 April 2009 | 496 As partoftheirmoduleinCriminology, Victorian prisonarchitectureandOscar Insight into Reading’s Institute of Education students joinedcolleaguesfromacrossEuropetosharecreativeideas InstituteofEducationstudents Reading’s Wilde’s cellandcontrastthiswiththe criminology CreaTiFoLa experience aspectsofthepastsuchas case atReadingCrownCourtthanksto This wasarareopportunityto granted thisrarepermissiontoenter later, studentsmadeavisittoReading present, morehumaneregime. prison. PaulineBryant,HMGovernor students wereabletowitnessacriminal Reading gave aguidedtour. MrStokesis Court Manager, AndrewBishop.Aweek Stokes, aservingseniorprisonofficer at with ForensicAnalysiswereprivilegedto the RealBalladofReadingGaol. make twoextraordinaryvisitsrecently. the historyofReadingGaol, the authorofanauthoritativebookon this historicalbuildingandAnthony First yearstudentsstudyingChemistry Commission’s declarationthat2009is Set upinresponsetotheEuropean recently participatedinCreaTiFola,an teaching and learning in foreign languages. the programmefocusedoncreativityin the yearofcreativityandinnovation, Students fromtheInstituteofEducation Baysal ÜniversitesiinBolu,Turkey. Erasmus programmeheldatAbant news

Pit ofShame, I zzet

Engaging withemployers A fellowship was recently commissioned by common criteriatosuccessandmany employer. Italsoshowedthereare The researchfoundanumberofschools variety ofapproachestocreativityin of employerengagementwereidentified successfully engagingwithindustry and Turkey –andwereintroducedtoa across Europe–Austria, Belgium, and teachersfromtwelveuniversities music, ICTandscience)joinedstudents Netherlands, Norway, Romania,Spain Denmark, Greece,Hungary, Latvia, Programme, thePGCEstudents(from During thetwoweekIntensive undergraduate students’learningin that showedmultiplebenefitstothe their employability. Eightdifferent types their degreedisciplineandimproving the directaimofenhancingtheir the Centre for Career Management (CCMS) to University, thestudentsand being usedacrosstheUniversity. look atthetypesofemployerengagement

[email protected] contact eitherDavid Stanburyat embedding employability. Forfurther employers. Staff willbeabletodraw on workshops onvoiceandcomposition. which theylatertaughtchildreninlocal produced abookletentitled pedagogical notesandpreparinglessons programme, theyworkedin such asthecareerslearningwebsite– schools. Amongtheteachingteamwas Employer Engagement at across theUniversity. CCMShave information aboutthisprojectplease Destinations® tofindlocalisedways of in whichtheycanengagewith Dr MaryStakelum(IoE)whopresented international groups,exchanging Schools withatoolkitillustratingways teaching, learningandemployabilitythrough best practicesthatcanbeleveraged the toolkitaswellotherresources teaching andlearning.Duringthe http://create2009.europa.eu/ [email protected] whichwillprovide

orJulieRees Enhancing

496 Reading Biology Career Event | alumni defy 30 April 2009 credit crunch | Bulletin The University’s Development and Alumni Relations Office has just completed a record breaking telephone fundraising campaign to raise money for student- focused projects across campus.

Now in its fifth year, the Fund has broken all records – raising over £400,000 in gifts and pledges to support projects that would not otherwise be possible. In the last five years almost £1.7 million has been pledged in total to enhance the student experience. 80 current students took part in two telephone campaigns which took place Getting close to the action: In addition to a university degree, experience in field skills is a high priority for in November, February and March. Over students seeking careers in conservation. 10,000 alumni were contacted, with many The School of Biological Sciences held its employers encouraged by the proactive choosing to make a gift to the Fund. first ever Career Event at the University in nature of the students they talked to. A Andy Wood, Director of Development March. number of employers requested the event and Alumni Relations at the University be run on a regular basis. Approximately 250 students attended said that ‘Given the current economic The project was run through a HEFCE- the event, which included 16 stands and climate, the generosity shown by our funded Centre for Career Management two keynote speakers covering career alumni is overwhelming. This Skills research fellowship. Numerous profiles in biomedical science and demonstrates both the value our alumni people were involved in organising and environmental biology. attach to their own experience at the running the event, in particular Ross University, and the immediate, positive The objectives of the event were to Cameron, Sarah Swan, Gail Hutchinson impact that the projects funded through introduce students to the diverse range and Tania Lyden. A special thanks, their gifts has on current and future of careers that the Biological Sciences however, is due to Marie Greyer, a generations of students.’ provide and to aid their promotional skills second year Biological Sciences student, Projects funded by donations vary from when approaching employers. Initial who was employed through the the Pro-Bono initiative in the Law School, feedback was very positive, with students University’s SEED initiative to organise to Bursaries and Scholarships. Many are appreciating the focus of the event and the logistics of the day. also of benefit to the Reading community, including prizes for students who help people in the local area, see page 9, to bursaries for students participating in the AimHigher programme in Berkshire Schools. Town & Gown Talk Divorce For further information on how to apply for funding, please contact Becki Mckinlay: [email protected] 0118 378 5238 Links between local business and the the talk. It is stimulating for local University took to the divorce courts in businesses to work with the University March when law students worked on a staff and I am always very impressed by practical family law problem posed by the performance of the students’. local specialist solicitor, Tony Roe. Dr Thérèse Callus, Family Law convenor, said: ‘We are delighted that Tony Final year law students had to work continues generously to support our through a detailed case study and come teaching of Family Law here at Reading. up with their suggested order for a Our students benefit greatly from his fictional couple. practical insight and first-hand expertise Tony Roe, who heads his own divorce of the law in action. The School of Law is and family law practice in Theale, Tony committed to strengthening its links Roe Solicitors, said: ‘I was very pleased to with regional businesses and this fruitful be invited by the School of Law to give collaboration is much appreciated by all.’

Bulletin | 30 April 2009 | 496 Visit fromUniversitiPutraMalaysia Sue MorganMemorialTrust Award 2009 Agricultural andFoodEconomics inthe Africa studyingprogrammesin Abdullah, Vice-ChancellorofUPMandhis Hong Kong andChinavisit The SueMorganMemorialTrust Fund2009 Award waspresentedtoMrSteven deserving postgraduatestudentsfrom developed, followingthesigningofa This isanannualprizethatopento visit toUPM’sKLcampuson16March. provide financialsupporttoindividuals senior colleaguesmetProfessorGordon Zhejiang UniversityinHangzhou–who a numberofeventsattendedbysenior university, UniversitiPutraMalaysia(UPM) Marshall, Vice-Chancellor, ProfessorTony record. TheobjectivesoftheTrust areto recently beenrecognisedasoneofthe Linda Irwin,ProfessorPeterJay, Professor December 2008 and the Vice-Chancellor’s Malawi andMozambique, to from African countries, particularly Development withagoodacademic Henley BusinessSchoolandpresentedat Deputy Vice-ChancellorTony Downes, Memorandum ofUnderstandingin Deputy DeanofHenleyBusinessSchool Professor RichardEllis,DeanofLife Downes, DeputyVice-Chancellor, Professor DatukDrNikMustaphaR. Sciences andProfessorJohnHendry School ofAgriculture,Policyand Stephen LeeandNeilLoganrepresented Seri KhaledNordin.UPMalsohasa visitors fromMalaysia’sleadingresearch business people,studentsandalumni. the MinisterofHigherEducation,Dato’ two topbusinessschoolsinMalaysia by the twoInstitutionscouldbefurther to discusshowtherelationshipbetween UPM’s Graduate School of Management Kong and China for the week of 23–27 March. Each receivedachequefor£1000. Development andSustainableLivelihoods. Kuliyazi andMrsGladysNtambalikaboth During MarchtheUniversitywelcomed Members oftheUniversitywereinHong from MalawiandstudyingforMASocial news further

has 1988/89 when she successfully completed Abdullah was pleased toinformthe The Trust wascreated inthememoryof world leadingreputation forresearch within theirowncountries. organised bytheCharteredInstituteof organised bytheChina-BritainBusiness student intheDepartmentofAgricultural she wasworkingasanAgricultural at OxfordUniversity, having completed and FoodEconomicsinthesession assisting theagriculturaldevelopment and theBritishConsulate,hostedby are partnerswithHenleyintheJoint Entrepreneurship Developmentlaunched Centre forInternationalManagementand meeting thatthefirstVice-Chancellorof Council (CBBC);andeventsinHongKong in tropical agricultureandbiosciences. Economist fortheFoodStudies groupin Development. At thetimeofherdeath Mozambique on26June1991.Suewasa Marketing, theHongKongJockeyClub in November2008;eventsShanghai Professor DatukDrNikMustaphaR. Consul-General withtheUKTrade Service Overseas. Sue Morganwhodiedtragicallyin two yearsinMalawi withVoluntary the DepartmentofDevelopment Studies the MScinTropical Agricultural their academicstudy, withaviewto

case studieswithHenleyandtherearea expressed aninterestindevelopingjoint The visitwasorganisedbyHeather alumnus oftheUniversityReading. nurtured anddevelopedinthefuture. number ofleadsandopportunitiestobe Manager, ReadingInternationalOffice. McKeever, InternationalPartnerships Pudong, China(CELAP)have already Kong Police. China ExecutiveLeadershipAcademy Chamber ofCommerceandtheHong Commissioner, theHongKongGeneral UPM, Tan SriDrRashdanBata,isan The futureof science begins University University Challenge After successfullycomingthroughheats here National ScienceandEngineeringWeek events excitement ofscience,thecompetition quick-fire onthebuzzerrounds. chance towin£250towardsbuying enhancing schoolchildren’sknowledge campus andinschools,tohighlightthe events fornearly1000pupils,bothon well asopeningchildren’seyes tothe well asthecovetedScienceChallenge knowledge ofawidevarietyscience exciting eventsaimedatpromotingthe element duringNationalScienceand of slimeandscienceartsessions. shared inmany activitiesinBerkshire supporting theirschoolinthe final.As said: ‘Theday wasfun,fascinatingand science equipmentfortheirschool…as held earlierintheyear, eightteams hosted theGrandFinalofScience and also helps develop a strong team ethic.’ as theUniversityputonaseriesof and encouragethestudyofsciencein and OxfordshireSchools,battleditout about scienceandtechnology. and beyondincludingrobotmaking, noisy asover90childrentook part related subjectsthroughaseriesof made upofYear 9pupilsfromBerkshire role scienceplays inoureveryday lives increases confidence intheirownability Dr RachelSouth,WideningParticipation future. Readingacademicsandstudents During thisten-day celebration,the Coordinator forScienceatthe University Challenge stylecompetitionaimedat Challenge, aregionalUniversity On Friday 13March,theUniversity Office organisedaseriesofexciting Challenge biology classes,mathspuzzles,science trophy! Basedontheformatof to tryandreachthefinalhave a field ofscienceandtechnology. University’s WideningParticipation Engineering Week (NSEW)duringMarch, Local schoolchildrenwereintheir , thequestionstestedpupils’ University The scienceof weather Dr Rachel South, Widening Participation Coordinator,Dr RachelSouth,WideningParticipation Challenge keepsorderduringthefinalofUniversity Walker InstituteforClimateChangeand change. day attheUniversity, wherethefogwas weather forecast.Thewaseven kind enoughtoallowavisitthe fluid lab,launchesofweatherballoons lifted torevealaclearerunderstanding of howweatherforecastersmaketheir predictions andhowwepredictclimate station. schoolchildren hadafunandfascinating activities includingexperimentsinthe and makingtheirownpenpaper Department’s meteorologicalobserving On Wednesday 11March,thankstothe Students tookpartinarangeof the DepartmentofMeteorology, 70local Liquid crystals Liquid crystals lecture groups attending,coveringthetheory generating enoughelectricitytopower and applicationsofLiquidCrystalsinan an LCDdisplay, simply byrubbingtheir attended thelectureandhappilyjoined a jointeventbetweentheDepartmentof informative andengagingway. feet ontheground.Thiswasasubject in withthedemonstrations,pretending Pupils rangingfromyear7to11 interactive lecturefundedbytheRSC: Local schoolandcollegepupilswerealso Office, waspresentedbyDrAdam Chemistry andWideningParticipation Squires oftheChemistrydepartment. Chemistry theNextGeneration that grippedtheattentionofallyear to bemoleculesinaliquidcrystaland treated toacolourfulandenergetic Looking onthebrightsideoflife . Thelecture,

newsBulletin | 30 April 2009 | 496 496

| BBSRC announces new Stories Across Africa make-up of its Council The National Centre for Language and is to deepen our understanding of the Literacy has been hosting a week long conditions necessary for African language Professor Peter Grindrod, School of meeting of educationalists and publishers publishing for children to thrive. 30 April 2009 Mathematics, Meteorology and Physics | from all over Africa as part of a two year The project has two main components: has recently been appointed to the project, Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the first is a case study of African Council of the Biotechnology and , Bulletin African Language Publishing for Children language publishing for children in South Biological Sciences Research Council funded by the Leverhulme Trust. Africa; and the second an evaluation of (BBSRC) by Lord Drayson, Minister for Stories Across Africa, the first pan-African Science and Innovation. The aim of the project, which involves Professor Viv Edwards and Dr Marriote project to produce materials for children The BBSRC promotes research and Ngwaru at NCLL and Professor Uma in African languages. The Reading training relating to the understanding Kambhampati of the School of Economics, meeting focused on Stories Across Africa. and exploitation of biological systems. To date Stories Across Africa has published Professor Grindrod is an internationally stories for children in 24 languages. The known mathematician. He was awarded project is organized around four regional the CBE in 2005 for services to research centres – Central Africa (Rwanda), West and development in mathematics. Africa (Ghana), East Africa (Tanzania) and North Africa (Egypt) – and is coordinated by the Early Literacy Unit of the Project for the Study of Alternative Education in Dr Roland Fox South Africa. The core team was joined in Reading at various points by writers, Dr Roland Fox, Honorary Fellow in the translators, publishers, librarians and School of Biological Sciences has been book distributors from Ethiopia, Kenya, chosen to join the team of ten who will Stories Across Africa project team France and the UK. represent the UK in Brussels as part of an EU-wide exercise to select topics of greatest importance to the future of the EU.

This follows Dr Fox’s participation as a Richard Bisgrove National attendee at the European Richard Bisgrove, School of Biological In memoriam Citizens’ Consultations 2009 in London in Sciences has been elected an Honorary March to debate and vote for proposals Fellow of the Kew Guild. that should be considered by the EU. Further information can be found on the The Guild was founded in 1893 as an ECC 09 UK national website at http://www. association of alumni of the Royal Emeritus Professor european-citizens-consultations.eu/uk Botanic Gardens. Honorary Fellowship is limited to 25 members. The award is Watkin Williams made for Richard’s “distinguished service to the general advancement of The Bulletin regrets to announce the Horticulture and garden history within death of Emeritus Professor Watkin Speech experts convene this country and abroad” and will be Williams on 17 March. presented by the Guild’s President, Professor Williams was appointed The British Association of Clinical Professor Sir Peter Crane FRS, at a Professor of Agricultural Botany from Linguistics (BACL) held its latest ceremony in May. 1 January 1974. He took early retirement Colloquium at the University recently. Richard’s previous awards include the on 30 September 1982 and was Dr Vesna Stojanovik from Clinical Veitch Memorial Medal awarded by the re-appointed Professor (Part-time) from Language Sciences who is Chair, and Royal Horticultural Society in 2004. 1 October 1982 to 30 September 1985. Dr Jane Setter from Applied Linguistics, then acting Treasurer, hosted the event. It drew 44 academics and speech and language therapists from all over the UK Mr Tom Cross and abroad. Regretfully, the Bulletin has also to ‘We organised the two days around announce the death of Mr Tom Cross on teaching and research, as the majority of 27 March. the participants are academics who train speech and language therapists, and so Mr Cross was appointed Lecturer in Fine have interests in both areas,’ explains Art from 1 December 1963 and given the Dr Setter. Feedback on the event, which title of Senior Lecturer from 1 October was a relaunch of the association, has 1969. He resigned with effect from 31 August 1976 on appointment as been very positive. See http://www.bacl. Principal of Falmouth College of Art. info/ for more information.

496

Letter to the Editor Student Community Award | I would like to thank all my friends and The University recently launched the in organising a Christmas Hamper colleagues for their kind sentiments and Student Community Award in recognition project. The inception and organisation good wishes upon my retirement on 31 of the individual efforts of students who of this was all Laura’s work. Laura 30 April 2009

March. help others. encouraged students and staff to | donate goods and made up 30 hampers This award recognises a different type which were distributed to elderly and of voluntary effort to the contribution Bulletin vulnerable local residents through Age made by students who give up Concern, local churches and sheltered their spare time through organised housing schemes. volunteering schemes. The Student Community Award is for those students Joint runners-up were: Katherine who help others on their own initiative, Allum and Sarah Woods for their perhaps by providing support to others, work on the Streetlaw project at John or by making a contribution to the local Madejski Academy; Sarah Jackson for community, or for acts of kindness or her sustained and long term work with good neighbourliness. many children and families through the Lighthouse Kidz Church in Reading and Nominations can be from students, Camilla Strawbridge for her work with University staff, local residents, or young people through Anderson Baptist Susan Addison and her husband Ken organisations students are involved in. Church Youth Activities. A special The Award Committee is made up of mention is also given to Nittin Williams My fellow PAs on the top floor of representatives from Reading University for cooking Christmas dinner for local Whiteknights House treated me to such Students’ Union, local residents, the elderly residents. a wonderful day and send-off on Friday Chaplaincy and the University. 27 March. I was totally spoilt and will The award has been funded by donations The very first winner of the award is remember them, and the day, with great made to the Annual Fund by Reading Laura Cobb, who was nominated by affection. Alumni. three separate individuals for her work I also enjoyed a second send-off on Monday 30 March in the SCR, which was equally enjoyable. It was so lovely Taxonomical musings to see friends and colleagues that no longer work at the University. I received John Mitchell, Lecturer in Art in the in Fine Art at Goldsmiths College, London. generous gifts which were much Institute of Education, is exhibiting his A few years later he was awarded an MA appreciated and will be put to good work in a central London gallery. in Art and Design from the Institute of use. The gifts also included John Lewis Education in London. Since 1980 he has John, who has also taught part-time as vouchers which Ken and I will look exhibited his work nationally and an associate lecturer in the Fine Art forward to spending soon. internationally. This new exhibition, to be department at Reading from 2002–2004, held at the Westbrook Gallery, Windmill I will miss the daily bustle of University studied painting at Edinburgh College of Street, London and called Taxonomical life and all the friends and colleagues Art, where, in his third year, he was Musings, will include examples of recent that I have worked with over my 14 awarded a fellowship to study at Yale work in sculpture and an audio years service but am very much looking University in the USA. On graduating he installation. The exhibition opened to the forward to retirement. went on to do a Post Graduate Diploma public on Friday 24 April for four weeks. Thank you Susan Addison Vice-Chancellor’s Office

Taxonomical musings (detail) by John Mitchell, Institute of Education Small ads 496

| Wanted to borrow AUA, The Association of Try something new Tom Tom Satnav map of North America, to Some interesting new opportunities download and return disc. A bottle of University Administrators for people wanting to give a few hours Champagne in return for this loan, contact The Association of University to make a positive impact on the local

30 April 2009 07703395665 Administrators, (AUA), is a professional

| community: To let membership association for all Higher 3 large well furnished rooms in quiet road, Education managers, administrators and The National Autistic Society seeks Bulletin 10min walk to campus and town centre. Suit support staff. volunteer E-befrienders. This new non smoking professionals. Rooms can be service supplements the existing The AUA promotes excellence and double. New fitted kitchen, bath/shower befriending service, providing people professionalism in Higher Education separate w.c. washing machine tumbler drier with autism with the opportunity to – all on first floor. Large maintained garden. management and administration and is learn social and communication skills in Internet connection. Off-road parking run at local, regional and national level. a way that suits their needs. Volunteers available. Rent £280 pcm inc. (exc of electricity It provides members with opportunities in own room). Deposit 1 month’s rent. For will provide a minimum of 1 hour per further information please call 07940 357056. for personal and professional week to be arranged with the person the development, sharing of best practice A flat for single occupancy in Earley. 5 volunteer befriends. and excellent networking opportunities minutes walk from the University. Close to Reading Community Learning particularly with its annual conference, supermarket and bus stops. Broadband and Centre seeks volunteers with a parking available. Non-smoker only. Contact the largest of its kind in the sector. strong commitment to intercultural [email protected] or phone 07728589120 The University of Reading’s local AUA understanding to become Board Holiday lets branch is part of the South Regional members. They particularly need people French village house in Nebian, Languedoc. Grouping but also has links with the who can advise on financial strategy Sleeps 5 in 3 bedrooms. Private roof terrace. London Region. There are currently and policy, including forecasting, Loads of charm and ancient beams; no TV. 20 members of the branch who are systems, record keeping and reporting, Availability in Easter and Summer holidays, employed in a number of different operational and project funding. £185–£285 per week. For more information areas across the University based at the contact Christine Locke, christine@locke. Ben-Motor & Allied Trades Benevolent London Road campus. gotadsl.co.uk Fund, the automotive industry charity, Secluded cottage in Southern Snowdonia, The local Branch Co-ordinator at the seeks volunteers to help with the stunning views overlooking the Mawddach University is Melissa Bradley, who is also development of sponsored activities Estuary and mountains. Sleeps 7/9, 2 a member of the Board of Trustees for such as cycling/triathlons/sky diving, bathrooms, large living/dining area with the Association. and/or to co-ordinate a national 5 a side wood burner, well equipped kitchen. South If you wish to receive any further football championship and other events. facing sun terrace & garden. 4 miles from sandy beaches. From £275 p.w. Short breaks information about the benefits of Days and times worked are negotiable. possible. Contact Chris & Yvette Gayford 0118 membership or joining the Association, Full training in presentation, events and 987 1885 (or [email protected]). please do not hesitate to contact Melissa any other skills needed is given. Petrol Self catering holidays. 600 year old listed [email protected], local AUA expenses can be paid. cottage Harlech, Wales. Branch contact or visit the website If you would like to know more, please See www.cottageguide.co.uk/harlech www.aua.ac.uk contact Clare Bonney: c.p.bonney@ For sale reading.ac.uk Cambridge MA gown and hood – good New general volunteering vacancies condition £180. Please contact 0118 947 0959 in the Reading area are posted each week on the Reading Voluntary Action website: www.r-v-a.org Wanted: Anglican Chaplaincy Trustees

The St Augustine’s Trust is seeking additional Trustees.

The Trust was set up by Eleanor Palmer TLDF 2009/10 call for applications in 1926 to provide for an Anglican The call for bids to the 2009/10 Teaching of existing activities and developments. University Chaplain. and Learning Development Fund (TLDF) is Both strands provide funding for a The Trust meets once a term to review now open. one year period. Initiatives that align and encourage the work of the Anglican with the University’s Learning and The TLDF supports both new teaching Chaplain. and learning initiatives and the Teaching Enhancement Priorities are Trustees are required by the terms of the enhancement of current practices. particularly welcome. The closing date original foundation to be members of There are two strands to the TLDF: for applications is Friday 8 May 2009. the Anglican Church. the ‘Small Project Scheme’, for one-off For more information go to the CDoTL Enquiries and nominations should projects designed to enhance teaching website: www.reading.ac.uk/internal/ be sent to Mark Laynesmith, and learning and ‘Dissemination of cdotl/Fundingrewardsandrecognition/ [email protected] Effective Practice’, for the dissemination TLDF/cdotl-TLDF.asp 10 496

An exciting opportunity Multi-Faith Prayer Room Work begins on CPU | to rent The Chaplaincy is delighted to announce Construction begins in June 2009 on the the opening of a small multi-faith prayer Central Production Unit (CPU) building for An exciting opportunity to rent quality room at Bulmershe Court. campus catering. Work is expected to be accommodation within a totally 30 April 2009

completed in summer 2010. | refurbished development of apartments The room is already being used by situated within walking distance of the Christian and Muslim students and The CPU building is at the core of the University. staff. The room (BG 24) can be found in new university-wide catering strategy, Bulletin the Myra McCulloch Building opposite which is being rolled out over the next Offered exclusively to University staff Silvers, the Staff Common Room. For two years. and visiting academics, there is a total bookings/enquiries please contact The CPU will be located between the of 11 well-proportioned apartments with Maggie Thorne, Chaplain for Bulmershe, Pepper Lane car park (P11) and the a variety of size, design and outlook. All [email protected] Boiler House. There will be some loss properties are offered with brand new of parking during the works, however furniture, carpets and window coverings. all spaces will be fully restored on Internet/telephone/TV connections are completion of the project. In the early available in each apartment. e-Research Newsletter stages of the project the Pepper Lane Studios The Spring term edition of the e-Research car park will need to be closed for a There are 4 remaining first floor studio Newsletter has been released including a short period to enable heavy plant and apartments each comprising a lounge/ report on the recent Arts and Humanities equipment access to site. There may bedroom, fully-fitted kitchen with workshop and some examples of how be some noise and vibration generated appliances, shower room, secure entry, researchers are using the Grid in Reading; as during the groundworks stage, which gas CH and allocated parking. Rents well as information about forthcoming events. will last until September. range between £600–650 pcm plus bills. You can download the newsletter from There will be some work to utilities in the e-Research Newsletter home page for the vicinity of the site at various times One Bedroom Apartments the newsletters at http://www.reading. in the project. Work will be planned to There are 3, very differently designed, ac.uk/internal/its/escience/its-eresearch- minimise disturbance to the campus one bedroom apartments (1 ground floor newsletter.asp community. and 2 first floor). Each comprises lounge, fully fitted open plan kitchen with appliances, double bedroom, shower Centre for Staff Training & Development room, secure entry, gas CH and allocated parking. Ground floor apartment (the Programme 5–15 May Places on all sessions can be booked by visiting the employee self service http://www. third largest in the building) benefits reading.ac.uk/humanresources/employee_self_service.htm, or by email to [email protected] from French doors onto an uncovered 5 May 10–11am How to use RISIS for Absolute Beginners terrace to the rear of the building. Rents 10am–12noon Understanding and Interpreting Monthly Reports for Principal range between £725–825 pcm plus bills. Investigators 10am–12noon RISIS Admissions: Application to Final Offer Three Bedroom Apartment 12.30–2pm Disability Representatives Lunch and Meeting A spacious, unique, three bedroom 6 May 9.30am–12.30pm Communication Skills for Personal Tutors ground floor apartment occupying 10am–12noon Assessing Group Work the East Wing of the building. Offered 2–4pm VAT in the University either furnished or unfurnished, the 2–5pm Communication Skills for Personal Tutors property comprises hall, extraordinary 7 May 9.30–10.30am Data Protection Act 1998: The Basics open plan lounge/dining room/kitchen 10.45–11.45am Freedom of Information Act 2000: The Basics with appliances, utility room, master 12.30–5pm How to Work Effectively with Industry for Postdocs bedroom with ensuite shower and access 2.30–4pm The Basics of Full Economic Costing (FEC) to rear terrace, two further double 8 May 9.30am–12noon Financial Awareness for non-Accountants bedrooms, family bathroom, secure 12.30–2pm Working under Pressure entry, gas CH and allocated parking. 12 May 9.30am–4pm ILM Endorsed Development Programme in Middle Management Rent £1500 pcm plus bills. Please contact 9.30am–12.30pm Introduction to Agresso BackOffice [email protected] 10–11.30am How to use RISIS: General Use 13 May 9.30am–12.30pm Master Class in Writing Research Proposals (Sciences) 10–11.30am RISIS Modules 2–4pm Endnote for Academics 2–5pm Supervising PhD Candidates (Humanities and Social Sciences) 14 May 9.30am–4pm Introduction to Management and Supervisory Skills 9.30am–12.30pm Advanced Agresso 15 May 9.30am–1pm Staff Development Review: New Staff and Beginners 10am–1pm Getting Started with Blackboard 1.15–2.30pm HoS Briefing with the Director of HR For details of all these courses please see www.reading.ac.uk/cstd or ring ext. 7097

11 The diary is compiled from events posted on the 496

| Events page of the University website. For fuller details and to post your own events or to see events posted after the copy date for the Bulletin please see http://www.reading.ac.uk/events 30 April 2009 |

Tuesday 5 May Monday 12 May Cafe Scientifique,Learning from Tuesday 20 May Bulletin Meteorology seminar, British Meteorology lunchtime seminar, nature – can we steal the best ideas? Classics seminar, Sacrifice: The Big Antarctic Survey -Spin-up of Southern Targeted observations during the Dr Emma Johnson, Queens Head Issues, Professor Robert Parker Hemisphere Subpolar Gyres in a Greenland Flow Distortion Pub, Christchurch Road, 7.30pm (Oxford), 175 HumSS, 4pm Warming Climate, Zhaomin Wang, Experiment, Emma Irvine, GU01 Tuesday 19 May Sutcliffe Lecture Theatre (GU01) Meteorology, 1pm Wednesday 21 May Meteorology lunchtime seminar, Meteorology, 12 noon Institute of Education open Biomolecular Sciences and Convective Cloud Lifescycles, Bob seminar, Schools, Universities, and Biomolecular Sciences and Pharmacology seminar, Subype- Plant, GU01 Meteorology, 1pm the Reproduction of Elites in England Pharmacology seminar, selective modulators of voltage- Biomolecular Sciences and and Germany, Professor Claudius Integration of pharmacodynamics gated sodium channels, Dr Steve Pharmacology seminar, Gellert (University Urbino and and pharmacokinetics in drug England (Pfizer), 101 Seminar Mechanisms of host colonization Munich), Early Years Area, BG14, discovery and development, Dr Sean room, Hopkins Building, 1pm and immune evasion by Bulmershe Court, 3pm Lightowler and Dr Guy Kennett MERL event, The Green Man: Hilary Staphylococcus aureus, Professor (Saretius), 101 Seminar room, Psychology & CLS seminar, Word James and Simon Mayor in concert Tim Foster (Trinity College, Hopkins Building, 1pm Learning: Fast and slow mapping, with special guest Tim Healey, Dublin), 101 Seminar room, Jessica Horst (Sussex), GS05 Music@Reading lunctime concert, Museum of English Rural Life, Hopkins Building, 1pm Psychology, 4pm Royal College of Music, Physics 7.30pm, For further information and MERL seminar, Heroes of the LTR, 1.10pm to buy tickets, visit www.reading. Institute of Education open Reconstruction? Images of farmers ac.uk/merl, call 0118 378 8660 or seminar, Inner Worlds: Music and and farming in war and peace, Dr Chemistry seminar, Novel organic email [email protected], the Autistic Mind, Professor Adam Claire Griffiths (Sheffield). Free and physical chemistry applications Tickets £12 and £10 (concessions) Ockelford (Roehampton), Nike in petroleum studies and how to but please register. 0118 378 Theatre, Agriculture Building, 7pm make a billion pounds using simple Tuesday 13 May 8660 merlevents@reading. chemisty!, B. Moffatt (Petrophase History of Art research seminar, ac.uk, www.reading.ac.uk/merl, Ltd). Chemistry LTG, 4.30pm Ruskin’s Lapidary Loves, Marcia Museum of English Rural Life, 4.30pm Wednesday 6 May Pointon (Manchester and Chemistry seminar, Transition Metal Meteorology lunchtime seminar, Honorary Research Fellow, Catalysed Borylation of C-H Bonds, Water, Life and Civilisation, Emily Courtauld Institute of Art), 230 Professor T. Marder (Durham,), Black, GU01 Meteorology, 1pm HumSS, 4pm Chemistry LTG, 4.30pm History of Art & Architecture Wednesday 14 May research seminar, The 1769 Institute of Education seminar, Quartet; Joshua Reynolds and the How to become a world class First Royal Academy Exhibition, university, Professor Brian Fidler, READING FILM THEATRE Professor Mark Hallett (York), 230 Bulmershe Court, Junior Area, 3pm HumSS, 4pm Psychology & CLS seminar, Doing the Reading Classical Association, time war: Self -regulation and time Palmer Theatre, Whiteknights T Gods and Saints: powerful friends, orientation, Kai Jones (Universiteit van Dr Llewelyn Morgan (Brasenose Amsterdam), GS05 Psychology, 4pm April College, Oxford), 44 HumSS, 7.30pm 30 Thurs Che Part Two (15) 7.30pm Friday 16 May Thursday 7 May MERL event, Sleep at the Museum May Psychology & CLS seminar, “Looking of English Rural Life, Celebrate 5 Tues A Christmas Tale (15) 7pm back..”: Modelling inhibition of saccadic European Nuit des Musees by 7 Thurs Young Victoria (PG) 8pm return and the role of environmental spending the night at MERL. Enjoy 12 Tues Lemon tree (PG) 8pm statistics, Simon Farrell (Bristol), craft activities, and a torchlight 14 Thurs Milk (15) 7.30pm GS05 Psychology, 4pm tour, then camp out in the 19 Tues Revolutionary Road (15) 7.45pm conference room. Bring your kit Institute of Education seminar, 21 Thurs The Class (15) 7.30pm and your midnight feast! Suitable Resources for reading in minority 26 Tues Cadillac Records (15) 8pm languages: European and African for families with children aged 7+. 28 Thurs Doubt (15) 8pm perspectives, Professor Viv Book. £15 per child for breakfast Edwards, Institute of Education, and materials. Accompanying adults free. For further information June Bulmershe Court, Junior Area, 4pm 2 Tues Hansel and Gretel (PG) 7.45pm see www.reading.ac.uk/merl, 4 Thurs The International (15) 7.45pm Sunday 10 May Museum of English Rural Life, 7pm Harris Garden Open Day, The 9 Tues Slumdog Millionaire (15) 7.45pm University of Reading Pre School Monday 18 May 11 Thurs Three monkeys (15) 8pm will be hosting this open day Institute for Cardiovascular and 16 Tues Il Divo (15) 7.45pm providing an opportunity to visit Metabolic Research seminar, 17 Wed Trouble Sleeping (12A) 8pm this beautiful garden, The Harris Redox-signalling and cell cycle 18 Thurs Anvil! The story of Anvil (15) 8pm Garden, 2pm regulation in vascular entodthelial cells, Professor Jian-Mei Li (Surrey) Seats: £4 for members and £5.50 for non-members. Harborne Lecture Theatre, 1pm Further details: please phone 0118 378 7151, (or ext. 7151).