Issue 1

Lampeter Life

www.uwtsd.ac.uk University of Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 1 Welcome

Welcome to the first edition of ‘Lampeter undergraduates at the University has the past few months and in this edition Life’. The University has had another improved in two consecutive years to 85% we look at some of the highlights during successful year as we continue to move from 79% two years ago. This improvement graduation, the opening of the University’s up in all the major league tables. The has seen UWTSD climb 44 places in the UK Academy of Sinology as well as a visit to the recent Times and The Sunday Times Good Universities NSS table. This is testament to campus by BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards University Guide 2018 showed that the the hard work and quality of academic staff who was guest lecturer at this year’s Cliff University has been ranked 16th overall we have at the University. Tucker Memorial Lecture. in the UK for ‘Teaching Quality’ and third in Wales. These results come swiftly after We’ve just welcomed a new cohort of Finally, we’d like to thank you for your the University was recently awarded its students to the Lampeter campus and we continued support as we look forward to highest ever Student Satisfaction score look forward to another busy academic another exciting year for the University. in the National Student Survey 2017 year. ‘Lampeter Life’ gives you a taste of (NSS). Satisfaction amongst final year what has been happening on campus over

Contents

4 12 Lord Elystan-Morgan Academy of Sinology receives Honorary Doctorate opens its doors

6 13 Five New Professors Exploring the Materiality of Practice Appointed of Foodstuffs

8 14 Harmony Conference Medieval New Year

9 15 Cliff Tucker Chinese New Year Memorial Lecture

10 16 Student Article published ’s Legends in ‘Anthropology Now’ of the West app 2 | Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 3 Lord Elystan-Morgan receives Honorary Doctorate

During the graduation ceremonies on Morgan of Aberteifi in the County of as a politician, lawyer and a judge. On the Lampeter campus Lord Elystan- Dyfed. He held the office of Recorder receiving his Honorary Doctorate, Lord Morgan was awarded an Honorary between 1983 and 1987 and the office of Elystan-Morgan said: Doctorate from the University. Circuit Judge between 1987 and 2003. “The gratitude I feel towards the Born in North Ceredigion, Lord Elystan Presenting the award to Lord Elystan- University of Wales Trinity Saint David Morgan was educated at Ardwyn Morgan was UWTSD Associate Pro-Vice is concurrently a mixture of humility Grammar School, and the Chancellor Gwilym Dyfri Jones. He said: and indeed of wonderment. You University College of Wales, Aberystwyth have honoured me far, far beyond any before training to become a solicitor. “It is my very great privilege to present possible expectation that I had. In his early political career he was a Lord Elystan-Morgan, the former candidate but later joined Cardiganshire MP and High Court May I also congratulate all of you the Labour Party before being elected Judge and one of Wales’ greatest living that have received your degrees and Member of Parliament for Cardiganshire statesmen, for admission to the degree various other qualifications. You have at the 1966 general election. of Doctor of Literature. Lord Elystan- achieved a great deal and I salute your Morgan is a statesman of stature and achievements most sincerely. You are He served as a junior minister in the brilliance who served Wales with great members of a distinguished school Labour Government as Under-Secretary distinction for over fifty years. of learning that had its origins 195 at the Home Office from 1968 to 1970. years ago. It was founded as a religious He was also chairman of the Welsh An unassuming, kindly and institution but over a period of time it Parliamentary Labour Party between unprententious gentleman, he has been has served Wales and Great Britain with 1971 and 1974. Having left politics, Lord instrumental in the emergence of a honourable distinction and credit. The Elystan Morgan concentrated on his legal confident, successful and self-believing efforts you have made are indeed part career. He was admitted to Gray’s Inn in nation, in shaping the identity of a of the supreme pioneering spirit of this 1971, entitling him to practise as mature, culturally-vibrant, and forward- University and it shows the willingness of a barrister. looking Wales.” many generations to sacrifice everything in the name of higher education. You are Lord Elystan Morgan was made a Life Lord Elystan-Morgan’s contribution to life now part of that rich heritage.” peer in 1981 with the title Baron Elystan- in Wales and beyond has been immense

“An unassuming, kindly and unprententious gentleman, he has been instrumental in the emergence of a confident, successful and self- believing nation, in shaping the identity of a mature, culturally-vibrant, and forward-looking Wales.” Gwilym Dyfri Jones, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor

4 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 5 Five new Professors of Practice appointed

The title of ‘Professor of Practice’ is bestowed upon an individual to honour and recognise that person for having attained academic and/or professional distinction in those disciplines which are aligned with the strategic intentions of the university.

The five individuals who were honoured by the University are Professor Jianjun Bu; John Darlington; Alan Ereira; Saleem Asghar Kidwai and The Revered Dr Jeremy Duff.

Professor Jianjun Bu is the Director of UWTSD’s Teaching Centre at Renmin University of China and has almost 22 years of experience working in higher education. With an excellent reputation for research, teaching and international education, Professor Bu has led the HND centre of Renmin University since 2003.

Having undertaken a PhD in Management in June 2015 from the National Trust where of the Somme), then for 15 years with BBC Mr Kidwau is a trustee of South Wales Dr Duff was born and brought up in Dr Duff is a biblical scholar, publishing and International Cooperation, Professor Bu went he was Regional Director, North West of TV, winning many awards including the Islamic Educational Trust; Secretary General Liverpool. At eighteen he became an officer teaching in the area of New Testament and on to become Vice President of the School England. In this position John championed Royal Television Society’s Best Documentary at the Muslim Council of Wales; a trustee in the Royal Engineers, serving overseas Greek, and has a nationally recognised of Talent Training at the Information Centre a diverse portfolio of high profile projects Series (Armada) and creating the series that of the Muslim Council of Wales Charitable with the British Army and United Nations, expertise in the formation of priests and for Social Sciences at Renmin University of at places ranging from mansions such launched the History Channel (Crusades). Foundation; Chair of the Executive and then went up to Cambridge where he other ministers. However, his real passion China before being appointed Director and as Dunham Massey, Lyme Park and Little He then became a successful independent Committee of the Islamic Social Services received a First in Mathematics and a First is in the power of the Bible to transform Assistant Dean of the School of Training and Moreton Hall, to the mountains and producer, working closely with ex-Python Association-Wales; Chair of the Executive with Distinction in Theology and Religious individuals and communities when taken Education. He took up his current role as countryside of the Lake District. He is also a Terry Jones. Committee of the New Leaf- Rehabilitation Studies. Doctoral research in New Testament away from elite interpreters and put in the Deputy Dean of the School of Training and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries as well of Ex-Offenders, and Vice President of the and Christian Origins then followed at hands of people in their own language, as Education in 2013. as a Member of the Chartered Institute for In 1990 he encountered the Kogi, a Welsh Scouts Council. Jesus College and The Queen’s College, was done first in Wales by William Morgan in Archaeologists and frequently writes for The remarkable indigenous community in Oxford and then a research fellowship at St 1588 – who himself has been the priest at St Professor Jianjun Bu, holds a number of Art Newspaper. Colombia with whom he has made two The Revered Dr Jeremy Duff is the Principal Cross College and tutorial appointments at Padarn’s church near Aberystwyth. other positions including Deputy Director of films regarded as seminal. His account of the of the St Padarn’s Institute, established Worcester College and Wycliffe Hall. In 2004 the Central Education Committee of Chinese More recently Mr Darlington has enjoyed Kogi, From the Heart of the World, won the in 2016 to provide education, training, he moved back to Liverpool becoming the “I’m delighted to appoint such eminent Peasants And Workers Democratic Party; contributing towards Oxford University’s Green Book Award. He founded the Tairona formation and professional development Director of Lifelong Learning in the Anglican individuals as Professors of Practice at the Expert Group Leader of HND program Department of Continuing Education, Heritage Trust to help the Kogi preserve for the Church in Wales. St Padarn’s brings Diocese, and Dwelly-Raven Canon at University,” said UWTSD’s Vice-Chancellor CSCSE China Ministry of Education, and mentoring post-graduate students from and convey their culture. He has written a together many strands from across Wales, Liverpool Cathedral. Then in 2010 he moved Professor Medwin Hughes, DL. a Member of the Standing Committee of London City University and coordinating number of works on historical topics, most including a significant partnership with ‘to the coal face’ becoming vicar of a highly Beijing Haidian District People’s Political a regular series of lectures at the Royal recently the Nine Lives of John Ogilby. He UWTSD. This continues a long tradition of deprived part of Widnes, near Liverpool, “They join a number of exceptional Consultative Conference. Geographical Society on an historical theme. is currently working on a cultural history of partnership between the Church in Wales where under his leadership the church saw individuals who are working with the The latter has brought speakers from Syria, gold, for publication in 2019. and the University, stretching back to the significant growth, particularly though university to bring their unique and John Darlington is the Executive Director Antarctica and Egypt to a UK audience on origins of the Lampeter Campus as St David’s partnerships focused on recovery from professional expertise to benefit our for World Monuments Fund Britain (WMFB), topics as diverse as the Oxyrhynchus scrolls, Mr Saleem Asghar Kidwai, OBE is the Co- College which was founded by Bishop addictions, domestic violence, in further students. The role of Professors of Practice a UK charity that champions and breathes the preservation of huts of the heroic era Founder and Chief Executive of EBSP Ltd, Thomas Burgess in 1822 to prepare priests education and the town’s nightlife. is relatively new to the University and new life into extraordinary buildings in of polar exploration and reported on most Leadership, Equality and Diversity Training for the Church in Wales. allows us to work with partners with Britain and across the globe. WMFB is the recent events in Syria. He is also a special Centre. He is also the Co-Founder and specific expertise related to our strategic largest affiliate of World Monuments Fund, contributor to the British Museum’s Iraq Chairman of Islamic Banking and Finance aims who sometimes do not come through based in New York, the leading independent Training Scheme, helping to teach Iraqi Centre UK and serves as Independent the traditional academic route. Through organisation for the protection of cultural conservation professionals about the UK’s Director at Cardiff and Vale University Health their involvement in our provision we can heritage. Mr Darlington has a professional approach to heritage management. Board. Mr Kidwai is a Member of Board of enhance the access to a range of defined background in heritage, scholarship and Governors, Cardiff Metropolitan University skills to support academic delivery and build environmental management and the Alan Ereira is an award-winning writer and a Wales Committee Member of Equality “I’m delighted to appoint such eminent upon our rapidly improving reputation for charity’s current projects include Stowe and producer-director who specialises & Human Rights Commission Wales. He is delivering graduate skills in the context House, St Paul’s and Coventry Cathedrals, particularly in history and archaeology. also a Director of Groundwork Wales and individuals as Professors of Practice at of employability, sustainability and work- Newstead Abbey, Charlton House, Strata He worked for 15 years with BBC Radio, Chair its Finance Committee as well as a the University.” related education and training.” Florida and initiatives in Zanzibar and being awarded the global Japan Prize for the member of Glas Cymru. Jordan. John Darlington joined WMFB in best educational radio programme (Battle Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, Vice-Chancellor UWTSD

6 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 7 Harmony Conference

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David hosted its second annual public Harmony conference at the Lampeter campus this year.

Entitled “What is the Relationship Between Harmony and Sustainability?” delegates had an opportunity to hear the thoughts of leading environmental commentators and activists including Quaker Writer David Cadman; John Sauven, Executive Director of Greenpeace UK; Tony Juniper, an independent sustainability and environment adviser and Peter Davies who is the former Welsh Government Sustainable Futures Commissioner.

The four distinguished experts, who are also UWTSD Professors of Practice, opened the conference by giving a short statement on the theme of Harmony before discussing their views in a series of Question and Answer sessions with students from disciplines across the University, including Philosophy, Anthropology and Business. John Sauven, Executive Director of Greenpeace UK Dr Nicholas Campion, Director of UWTSD’s Cliff Tucker Sophia Centre and Conference Chair said:

“The University was proud to host another John Sauven, Professor of Practice and Postgraduate student, M.A. Rashed day in its series on Harmony with the Executive Director of Greenpeace UK was thoroughly enjoyed the conference Memorial Lecture University’s Harmony Professors of Practice. delighted to be a part of the conference. and relished the opportunity to discuss The University has been developing policies the different notions of Harmony in the and teaching related to sustainability in “Part of our role is to come and give a lecture company of fellow students, staff and the BBC broadcaster and author Huw Edwards story of the London Welsh without recent years – we are now interested in a couple of times a year to the students, the distinguished Professors of Practice: was the guest speaker at this year’s Cliff understanding the story of their numerous developing the philosophical notion of staff and to the local community and really Tucker Memorial Lecture. chapels in the city. Since a considerable Harmony within the curriculum and in to try and find ways in which the whole issue “Being able to contribute to the Harmony amount of new and colourful information connection with the wider community. around sustainable development, harmony conference of 2017 was a uniquely inspiring The title of this year’s lecture was Ar has come to light regarding the roots of the “The conference was an outstanding and protection of the environment can be experience. Considering the expanding drywydd y ‘Ginshop’: Capeli’r Cymry yn Nonconformist causes in London, it was an success in terms of contacts made and ideas brought into the university and into the conflict that exists today on many levels, Llundain (On the trail of the Ginshop: the opportunity to explain more about their shared. Bringing teaching staff and students curriculum - to give it a higher profile and societal, political, and subsequently chapels of the London Welsh). Huw Edwards importance during the lecture.” from across disciplines together with the also get people out of their silos. environmental, it has never been as essential was born in but from the age of Harmony Professors was a vital step towards So the important thing we’ve been as it is today to understand the philosophical four, was brought up in , near Cliff Tucker is commemorated at the developing philosophical perspectives doing today is talking to philosophy significance, classical and contemporary, of . He was educated at Llanelli Boys’ university through a history research which can underpin the University’s students, anthropologists, economists harmony in our everyday lives.” Grammar School and graduated with a degree scholarship in his name and sustainability agenda and develop its and so on. This is the way we need to first-class honours degree in French from through the construction of the Cliff Tucker national and global collaborations.” go – we need everyone to start thinking University College, Cardiff, in 1983. As Lecture Theatre on the Lampeter campus. about these issues. the BBC News lead presenter for major Previous guest speakers include the former Students themselves also had an breaking news in the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan opportunity to present papers on a range “It’s tremendously important that young “...it has never been he presents Britain’s most watched Williams, and the composer Sir . of Harmony themes and discussed a variety people and students in particular are news programme, BBC News at Ten, the of perspectives with the eminent Professors discussing these issues, because in a way, as essential as it is corporation’s flagship news broadcast. Dr Rhiannon Ifans from the Faculty of of Practice. Lecturers from a range of subject the future is theirs, the consequences of today to understand Humanities & Performing Arts added: areas also presented case Studies linked what we do today - they will definitely The Memorial Lecture is named after to Harmony. feel, so it’s really important that they the philosophical magistrate and politician Cliff Tucker, “The Faculty of Humanities and Performing take responsibility for this - that they feel significance, classical who was educated at St David’s College Arts were pleased to welcome the author, The event took place on the University’s empowered and have the knowledge to Lampeter before going to work as an scholar and broadcaster Huw Edwards to Lampeter campus and was organised in be able to deal with these really important and contemporary, industrial executive with British Petroleum. the Lampeter campus. It was wonderful to partnership with the University’s Institute issues. I think it’s been fantastic today to see the Cliff Tucker theatre full. It certainly of Sustainable Practice, Innovation and talk to students across all of these different of harmony in our Huw Edwards said: “I very much enjoyed was an evening of entertainment and Resource Effectiveness (INSPIRE) and the disciplines and to have this debate everyday lives.” my visit to the University of Wales Trinity learning, and one that will remain in the Sophia Centre for the study of Cosmology with them,” Saint David Lampeter and I’d like to thank memory for a long time to come.” in Culture. M.A. Rashed, Postgraduate student everybody for their warm welcome. It is impossible to understand the remarkable

8 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 9 Student Article published in ‘Anthropology Now’

Early in the year Lampeter based student “Her work illustrates the real-world value of Lucinda Walker, originally from Salisbury, Anthropology and how the discipline can submitted a paper to Anthropology Now be used to make the world a better place. and was swiftly informed that the article Lucinda’s work should inspire others to both would be published in the April edition. reflect on their contribution to the world and to act to make a difference. Anthropology Now is a unique, peer- reviewed publication for research-based “From her research and work with the articles, book, film and exhibit reviews, charity Love Zimbabwe, Lucinda is now photo essays and commentaries. The considering the social consequences of the Journal in particular provides opportunities commodification of light in rural Zimbabwe. to inform readers about emerging She should be very proud of herself! I know perspectives on important issues, and I am proud of her!” thus contribute to public understanding of the human condition. Lucinda is now looking forward to seeing her work published and is working on Lucinda’s article explores the agency of light, further papers that she’s keen to submit to exploring complex and in-depth concepts other academic publications. that tackle the themes of materiality and immateriality. Lucinda’s fieldwork experience “This is really exciting,” says Lucinda. “I never in Zimbabwe with the charity Love thought I’d have a paper published as an Zimbabwe was the foundation for the article undergraduate. I now want to continue in which she analyses her experience and writing. This experience – along with the how this contributed to her research. fantastic support of my lecturers - has given me the confidence to carry on.” “I’ve been to Zimbabwe with the charity Love Zimbabwe twice since starting my Lucinda who graduated from UWTSD in course at UWTSD,” says Lucinda. “This has July has her sights firmly set on working been a fantastic experience. I’ve taken part in International Development. In the in voluntary work, living in villages, visiting meantime, Lucinda is continuing to work the Domboshawa caves and building with Love Zimbabwe, taking on a role as a keyhole gardens for water projects. charity trustee.

“After returning to University, I decided to focus my dissertation on light – the commodification of light and its impact on society. In the module Materialities in Anthropology, I created sculptures “I never thought I’d have out of rubbish inspired by the caves in Domboshawa – looking at how light a paper published as an changes their form and how light can undergraduate. I now make material objects immaterial. I then further explored this theme in the paper want to continue writing. I submitted to Anthropology Now.” This experience – along

The paper has been commended by with the fantastic the journal’s editors with one of them support of my lecturers commenting, “It is very creative…I’ve never read anthropological work on light - has given me the and lighting before, this is a very original confidence to carry on.” direction to go!” Lucinda Walker, Student at UWTSD UWTSD Anthropology Programme Director, Luci Attala, is extremely proud of Lucinda’s success. “I am absolutely thrilled with Lucinda’s achievements,” says Luci.

10 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 11 Academy of Sinology Exploring the Materiality opens its doors of Foodstuffs

to set a good example in order to build up A major international archaeology book launch itself. We’re very proud of the Dr Katharina Zinn, Senior Lecturer in a culture of learning. As the positive impact publication has been launched at the final output and we’d like to thank the New Egyptian Archaeology and Heritage added: of the education of the ancient sages and University of Wales Trinity Saint David. York based Wenner-Gren Foundation for of religious education gradually become their support. “It was a very successful event and we’d like influential in the world, all great scholarly ‘Exploring the Materiality of Foodstuffs’ by to thank everybody that supported us and minds which share the same mission can Dr Louise Steel and Dr Katharina Zinn is This volume explores the materiality of contributed towards the evening’s success. join forces in order to promote social the output of a Wenner-Gren Foundation foodstuffs past and present, examining stability and world peace. That will be a funded workshop held at UWTSD’s Lampeter humanity’s intriguingly complex We’ve ensured that this book considers great blessing for the whole of humanity.” campus in 2014. relationships with, and experiences of, food. a wide range of cultures, spanning from The book also makes a fresh contribution to ancient China to modern-day Kenya. The Chin Kung Multi-Cultural Educational The scope of the publication is our understanding of materiality through a The broad collection of interdisciplinary Foundation is a Hong Kong based interdisciplinary and the contributors are novel focus on material culture, analysing chapters reveal the multiple interplays organisation, established by Master Chin international and include world-renowned objects used to prepare, wrap, serve and between foods, bodies, material worlds, Kung, a Buddhist monk whose core belief anthropologist Prof Rick Wilk (Indiana consume food and the tactile experiences rituals and embodied knowledge that is that all religions share a common, University) and archaeologist Prof Brian involved in its production and consumption. emerge from these encounters and which, universal element of shared values, Hayden (Simon Fraser University). This We believe that Exploring the Materiality in turn, shape the material culture of food. toleration, compassion and a respect for new publication explores the materiality of Food ‘Stuffs’ will make an important the views and beliefs of others. of foodstuffs past and present, examining contribution to this burgeoning field and One of the highlights of the launch was humanity’s intriguingly complex will be of interest to archaeologists and the re-enactment of an ancient wine These values reinforce Lampeter’s long relationships with, and experiences of, food. anthropologists working in the key area of drinking ceremony. This ceremony included history as a world centre for multi-faith food research.” the mixing of wine and water in a replica and multi-cultural study, and will build Dr Louise Steel, Reader in Mediterranean Mycenaean krater and using a dipper juglet upon the Faculty’s existing provision in Archaeology at UWTSD said: As part of the official launch a re-enactment serving it into different types of drinking the field of Chinese Studies, the study of of an ancient wine drinking ceremony was cups according to status or ethnicity. We also Ancient Civilisations and home to Wales’ “We’re delighted with the interest shown in held as recorded in the art of the Near East demonstrated the correct way to drink from The new Academy of Sinology based in Wales but looking out across the world. first Confucius Institute. our new publication and it was very pleasing and Aegean. these cups, according to ancient etiquette Lampeter has opened its doors to the first “This is a major development and is one of for us to see so many people attend the of course.” cohort of students this year. many which we are pursuing centred upon The Academy’s aim is to guide and the expertise and location of Lampeter. It educate its students towards a deep The Academy of Sinology was established will not only benefit the University but understanding of the classic Chinese in July 2016 as a joint institution between will also benefit the town and the texts, and the legacy of the ancient the Chin Kung Multicultural Educational community in Ceredigion”. Sages including the Sakyamuni Buddha, Foundation and the University of Wales Confucius and Laozi. It uses an immersive Trinity Saint David, marking the beginning Speaking via video during the celebration, teaching methodology allowing the of a new era in the studies of ancient the Venerable Master Chin Kung praised students to focus their learning on one Chinese culture, values and ethics. the University for its vision and celebrated subject until they are able to translate its rich heritage in the teaching of their learning into deep understanding The nine students who have recently religious education. and insight by the end of each module. embarked on their studies within the There are six modules within the MA and Academy were greeted by members of He said: “There is a sign at the entrance the programme runs for 72 weeks. the University along with members of the gate illustrating the history of the Lampeter Chin Kung Foundation in an evening of campus. It says that Saint David’s College thanksgiving, prayer and song. was founded by Bishop Thomas Burgess in Lampeter in 1822 and that it is the oldest “The Academy of The purpose of the Academy is, through college in Wales. It was established with a education, instruction and enlightenment, goal of improving the education of Anglican Sinology has the to reintroduce ancient heritage and culture clergymen. From 1827 to the 1920s, two- to the international community, at a thirds of the Clerics of Wales graduated great honour to be moment when so much change and chaos from this college. established on this in the world undermines people’s faith and belief in social harmony, mutual respect “Today, the Academy of Sinology has campus with its and peace. the great honour to be established on extraordinary past this campus with its extraordinary past Commenting on the development of the achievements and legacy in the field of achievements and Academy, Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, religious education. I hope the academy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales of sinology can shoulder the responsibility legacy in the field of Trinity Saint David said: “This development of reviving the education of ancient sages religious education.” is very much grounded in the tradition of of the East and learning from the religious the University’s Lampeter campus as a multi- education of the West to carry the past Venerable Master CHin Kung faith and multi-cultural centre, rooted in glorious history of St David’s College. This is

12 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 13 Medieval New Year Chinese New Year

The Medieval New Year was celebrated “UWTSD Lampeter is one of only a very Monastic Wales and the Swansea The Confucius Institute opened its doors Alex Liao, a volunteer teacher from China currently taking an MA in Heritage at Beijing on the Lampeter campus as hundreds small number of UK institutions that offers ‘City Witness’. to the community in Lampeter to celebrate Sichuan Province also showed how Chinese Union University and has been studying for of people attended the University’s first Medieval Studies at undergraduate level Chinese New Year’s Day. painting developed from calligraphy and two semesters at the Faculty of Humanities Medieval Day. and our first Medieval Day allowed us to Medieval Studies is an interdisciplinary helped workshop participants to draw at the Lampeter Campus. showcase and celebrate the University’s degree that draws on the expertise of its Around 60 people of all ages, all with an pandas - the iconic animal most often The free public event was a day of ‘living role in the teaching of Medieval history,” internationally renowned staff in History, interest in Chinese culture, were welcomed associated with China. During the Chinese New Year period history’ and included re-enactments she adds. Janet is well known for her English, Welsh, and Archaeology, and to the festively decorated Confucius Institute staff from the Confucius Institute with the University’s Norman, Viking and research on medieval monastic orders and makes full use of its rich collection of Reading Room on the University’s Lampeter Visitors also tried their hand at paper visited schools all over Ceredigion and Battle societies; archery and medieval is the author of many books and articles medieval manuscripts and early printed campus to take part in a range of workshops. cutting. This traditional art form is closely Carmarthenshire to bring a Chinese craft demonstrations. on the subject. She works closely with books, which are accessible to students at linked to Chinese New Year celebrations Spring Festival experience to pupils. colleagues in UWTSD and in other all levels. During the day, visitors were given the and at this time of year, families across Children in these schools had an During the day, visitors to the University’s universities in Wales, and in and opportunity to try their hand at a variety of China decorate their windows with beautiful opportunity to make Chinese dumplings, Lampeter campus also had the beyond. Professor Burton is also Director The Medieval Studies BA offers students traditional Chinese activities and workshops. images of flowers, animals and the lucky learn about the Chinese Zodiac – especially opportunity to hear the University’s of the Monastic Wales project. the opportunity to study this exciting ‘Fu’ character to guarantee a prosperous the Rooster - and heard more about how Medieval Choir perform in the chapel and vibrant period of history, combining Sam Qin, from Beijing Union University, year ahead. At the end of the workshop families in China celebrate their long on campus as well as being able to view “Our Medieval Studies degree schemes modules that cover broad sweeps of introduced the ancient art of calligraphy. everyone had made an extra-lucky 3-D winter holiday. displays of a range of medieval research have been very successful and many of time, which allow them to consider long Much more than just the practice of papercut to take home. projects. our graduates have gone on to further term developments in politics, society, Chinese handwriting with a brush and ink, research, and to careers in heritage; economy, and culture, and others that calligraphy is a form of artistic expression Fan Tai Chi workshops and the opportunity “The University of Wales Trinity Saint museums, archives; heritage tourism as focus on particular topics and genres, such that requires stillness of mind and body. to take part in Chinese tea ceremonies David has a strong reputation for well as teaching and a range of as Medieval Welsh Prose, Anglo-Saxon were also offered during the day under the its Medieval Studies programmes in administrative posts. poetry, and the impact of the Normans on As well as being a talented calligraphist, guidance of Ellen Zeng. Lampeter and as we looked forward to the medieval world. Sam is also a Chinese teacher, teaching the Medieval New Year, we thought it “Staff across the disciplines – History, students at Crickhowell High School and The tea ceremony was beautifully would be a great opportunity to celebrate Archaeology, Literature, Manuscript For further information on the Medieval teaching Chinese to Tourism Management accompanied by the tones of the zither with the local community by organising Studies – are engaged in a number of Studies provision we have at the students at UWTSD Swansea. (guzheng) played by Elan Mu. Elan is a public Medieval Day,” says Janet Burton, major research projects that feature University please contact Professor Janet Professor of Medieval Studies. Medieval themes, such as the Newport Burton:[email protected] Ship; Strata Florida; Saints in Wales;

14 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 15 Ceredigion’s Legends of the West app

The University recently celebrated its An exhibition of rugby related memorabilia visitors to engage more deeply with the The Welsh Rugby Union also acknowledges and around Ceredigion. The Lampeter place in Wales’ rich rugby history as it was also launched – an exhibition curated culture of the region and explore the places Lampeter’s importance to the birth of content covers some of the history of how launched its involvement with a new and by the University’s Heritage Studies and spaces associated with the legends rugby in Wales, giving their full support rugby was brought to Lampeter, with an innovative heritage app. students based at Lampeter. contained on the app. to last year’s season of events. audio narration by Selwyn Williams himself, including historical photographs of the To celebrate Wales’ Year of Legends With funding from the Regional Tourism With Lampeter being the birthplace With articles in the University’s archives town and University, and information about staff and students from the Lampeter Engagement Fund (RTEF) from VisitWales, of Welsh rugby, it was fitting that the featuring former students reminiscing Rowland Williams as well as his portrait. campus have been working in partnership the Ceredigion and the Dyfi Biosphere content about the town focussed on its about playing rugby at Lampeter in the with Ceredigion and the Dyfi Biosphere Destination Partnership group has sporting heritage. 1850s, rugby matches were certainly “The University has also launched a Destination Partnerships to deliver a developed a new App with Bangor based thought to have been played between temporary exhibition of Rugby covering project that will bring the region’s digital company, Locly to bring Ceredigion’s The 2015 /2016 rugby season marked students from 1850 onwards, although the the period from the birth of the game to stories, legends and folklore to a new legendary landscape to life, delivering the 150th anniversary of the first first competitive match using the rugby the current era, that ran throughout the and broader audience. stories, legend based games, activities competitive rugby match ever played in rules wasn’t played until 1866. Summer. The exhibition was curated by and information to visitors as they roam Wales between St David’s College and our very own Heritage Studies students The university’s input focuses on the region with their smartphones. The nearby Llandovery College. Local historian, Selwyn Williams who has and has been supported by the Welsh celebrating Lampeter’s place in rugby new app, works with GPS and iBeacon written a book about the town’s place in Rugby Union who’ve loaned us some history with the town being recognised as technology to locate the user and push It is widely accepted that rugby was rugby history entitled The Fighting Parsons artefacts from their collection.” sport,” says Dr Jeremy Smith, Dean of the the birthplace of rugby in Wales. To mark content to their devices, encourages introduced to Wales by the Rev. Professor features on the app and tells the story of Faculty of Humanities and Performance its involvement in the project coaches from Rowland Williams, who became Vice- the town’s legendary rugby heritage. During last year’s celebration, the University at UWTSD. the Scarlets rugby region were invited to Principal of St David’s College in 1850 and Lindsey Gilroy, Business Development unveiled a memorial on the University’s the campus to hold training sessions and who’d played Rugby Football as a Officer at UWTSD’s Lampeter campus has campus in the town to commemorate “It is our continued aim to raise awareness activities with up to 80 children from Ysgol student at Kings College, Cambridge. been instrumental in the development Rowland Williams’ contribution to Welsh of Lampeter’s connection with the game Bro Pedr. of the project and has been working rugby. A special rugby fixture between the whilst also allowing University staff and in collaboration with the Ceredigion University and the invitational side, Welsh students, the people of Lampeter and Destination Management Partnership. Academicals was also played. rugby fans across Wales to find out more about its history and its origin,” he adds. “The Legends of the West App is a “The 2015 / 2016 rugby season was a very wonderful overview of the exciting legends special one for the University of Wales “We are very proud of the University’s of Ceredigion and includes St David, Twm Trinity Saint David. It marked the 150th role in the development of rugby and are Sion Cati, the , and even covers anniversary of the first competitive game delighted to be celebrating Lampeter’s some contemporary legends such as the of rugby played in Wales as well as noting place in rugby history by being part of successful TV show Hinterland filmed in Rowland Williams’ contribution to the such an exciting digital project.”

“The Legends of the West App is a wonderful overview of the exciting legends of Ceredigion and includes St David, Twm Sion Cati, the Nanteos cup, and even covers some contemporary legends such as the successful TV show Hinterland filmed in and around Ceredigion.” Lindsey Gilroy, Business Development Officer at UWTSD’s Lampeter campus

16 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 17 CONGRATULATIONS to the Class of 2017 University of Wales Trinity Saint David University of Wales Trinity Saint David Lampeter Campus, Ceredigion SA48 7ED @StudyUWTSD

Tel: 01570 422351 www.uwtsd.ac.uk UWTSD 20 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life