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UNIVERSITY From Plough to Plate Special International Issue OF READING 04. Sowing the seeds of change 06. Showcase – Polly Vacher MAGAZINE 10. Food for thought… For Alumni and Friends

1926– years80 2006 University of Reading

Autumn/Winter 2006 | Issue 03 Features 04 ‘From Plough…’ International and rural development at Reading 06 06 Showcase – ‘Wings around the world’ 08 Researching for a brighter future: Scholarship student 08 Sakthi Vaiyapuri 10 ‘To Plate…’ The impact of food research at Reading

12 Q&A – The Fight against Breast 20

CONTENTS Cancer – Dhami Pugazhendhi 20 A day in the life of… Mark Anderson: advancing heritage …editorial research and community development in Africa Regulars 01 University News

13 Alumni News It is an exciting time here at the University of Reading. We are seeing a changing landscape internationally, with students coming 15 Where are you now? & Benefits to Reading from more countries than ever before and more staff members travelling overseas, both for academic work and to meet 18 Events Round-up potential students. We continue to recognise the importance of our international students; they bring a diversity of culture, faith 19 Events Diary and experience to the campus and it is this mixture of outlooks, ideas and knowledge that makes Reading such an exciting place in which to study, and to work. This special international issue of the magazine shows both the global impact the University of Reading The ‘University of Reading Magazine’ is University of Reading Magazine makes in its activity and that of its international alumni – we hope published by the Development and External Autumn/Winter 2006, Issue 3 you enjoy reading about their achievements. Affairs Office of The University of Reading. Editor For further information concerning any of Trish O’Neill The International and Study Abroad Office and the Develop- the articles in this issue, please contact: Editorial Board ment and External Affairs Office are continuing to develop our The Editor, University of Reading Magazine, Marion Armson presence overseas – we are expanding our international activities Development & External Affairs Office, James Barr to recruit more international students, but at the same time we Blandford Lodge, Whiteknights, Ian Burn Reading RG6 6AH Matt Carey are putting in place a much firmer plan to communicate more Tel: 0118 378 8006 Fax: 0118 378 6587 Carol Derham effectively with our overseas Alumni. You have invested in Read- email: [email protected] Brenda Morris web: www.reading.ac.uk/alumni ing and you have all brought something individual to the campus Contributors No part of this magazine may be reproduced and have made a unique contribution to what makes Reading the Professor Niranjan, Food Biosciences University that it is today – it is time that we show our apprecia- without the prior permission of the Professor Chris Garforth publisher. Whilst every care has been taken Polly Vacher tion of our Alumni by investing in how we communicate with to ensure the accuracy of editorial content, Mark Anderson you. We look forward to seeing more of you at our increasing no responsibility can be taken for any errors and / or omissions. The views expressed in With thanks to Lucy Ferguson, Press Office, numbers of international alumni receptions overseas (see pages this magazine are not necessarily those The University of Reading 18 &19 for the most recent reception reports), and we are keen to of the University of Reading, the Editorial Design by Lift Creative Communication hear from more of you as you keep us informed about what you Board or the Friends of the University. All Design, www.studiolift.com rights reserved. Telephone: +44 (0)118 958 9209 are doing now, and what your time at Reading has meant to you. Special thanks go to our designers at Lift Finally we would like to send our very best wishes to Marion (Matt Carey, BA Typography, 1997 and Armson of the Alumni Relations team – who many of you will have Stephanie Lee, BA Typography, 2005) had contact with and who is leaving us at the end of the year. We and to Ian Burn, University Library. wish Marion every success for the future and on behalf of all of you, Printers: Warners Midlands Plc. thank her for all that she has achieved for alumni at the University. Printed on 75% recycled silk Photo credits: Alison Fabian for ‘Researching Trish O’Neill for a brighter future’; Austin Brown, John Editor / Alumni Relations Manager Dunlop and Polly Vacher for ‘Wings around © The University of Reading 2006 the world’ and A. Malan and S. Court for ‘A Caroline Nunnerley Cover Image: Rice farming the padi fields Day in the Life of Mark Anderson’. Director, International & Study Abroad Office 01 | uNiveristy news

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on field scabious.field on Under the of the terms agreement,Under AN at least invest expects to ANGLE In total, of Reading is a top rated research Univer research rated is a top of Reading sity with and depth strength through its have to delighted are base. We technology with thethe work Uni opportunity to its intellectual commercialise to versity period of time an extended property over successes.’ some early to and look forward tended to become rarer still, while the still, become rarer to tended more become even commoner species have plentiful.’ Strategic partnership and management plc, theANGLE venture specialising in the consulting company has of technology, commercialisation partnership with strategic signed a 20 year of Reading. the University refusal right of first GLE has the exclusive intellectual in all University invest to property (IP) that AN is commercialised. in each spin-out company GLE will invest a 15% £0.5 million. In return for up to for returns in all commercial ANGLE share the support consultancy to will provide on IP commercialisation. University years of the five the first £3 million over Ven of New Director agreement. ANGLE’s said: ‘The University Bence, Stephen tures, Andrena hattorfiana Andrena Copyright:Minet. Gérard of bees and of the flowers The diversity has declined significantly they pollinate, the and thein Britain Netherlands over an by research to according 25 years last from of researchers team international (Leeds, Reading three UK universities the and from Netherlands and and York) of 100s for records Biodiversity Germany. in almost fell that bee diversity found sites (Agricul80% of them. Roberts, Dr Stuart species pollinator said: ‘In Britain, ture), have in the past rare relatively that were Bee diversity diversity Bee - - - - -

This state of the art facility took nearly nearly of the art took facility This state in the ULL have The laser pulses created find out how is going environment the find out how is a comprehen need What we change. to elements. of all the picture interactive sive planet Earth health give a real to want We of health and diagnose its state check, to the Earth future. for a prognosis give to can be likened satellites observation body scanners in this respect.’ O’Neill, currently Director of the Data Director currently O’Neill, at the Centre Uni Assimilation Research said: ‘Accurately O’Neill Professor versity. the happen to what’s going to predicting on Earthenvironment this century is the to It isn’t enough big scientific challenge. to the on its own atmosphere look at, say, medical science, DNA sequencing and even even and DNAsequencing science, medical of about the more composition discover to archaeological finds. The University has developed a laser labo has developed The University some of thatratory is capable of showing The known. processes physical the fastest (ULL) can gener Laser Laboratory Ultrafast laser light pulses with high energy du ate less than of a millionth one* tenth rations of a millionth of a second long. design and build and now to years two of recently suite an impressive contains instruments. developed of functions and will be used a wide range theories in fundamental investigate to applications in as practical as well physics The Earthcare satellite will scan the Earth’sEarthcare the The scan will satellite space atmospherefrom - - -

The NCEO will be led by a newly ap a newly will be led by The NCEO The new centre, proposed and funded proposed centre, The new ltrafast laser capable of showing some of the of some showing ltrafast of capable laser fastestphysicalprocessesknown PhD studentJustinnewSteele-Davies PhD the with U Fastest physical processes known processes physical Fastest changes – for instance ozone depletion, at instance – for changes mospheric pollution, and melting sea ice. Alan Professor Science Director, pointed detailed understanding of these changes understanding detailed so that conditions environmental future already have The centres can be predicted. environmental significant highlighted data from Earth observation satellites to to Earth from data satellites observation both changes and regional global monitor a develop in the and to environment, by the Natural Environment Research Research Environment theby Natural responsi overall will have Council (NERC), of Earth suite observation NERC’s bility for use These centres of excellence. centres The UK’s first national centre for Earth national centre The UK’s first at be co-ordinated is to (NCEO) observation Reading. of the University Health check on Earth Earth on check Health

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niversity of U Boris Johnson MP JohnsonBoris In brief In unrivalled climate expertise within Named after Sir Gilbert the University. meteor the eminent Thomas Walker, ologist, the Institute will address fun questions in understandingdamental and forecasting climate variability and change and its impacts – on timescales of weeks to decades and beyond. The Director of the Institute is Founding also Director Professor Julia Slingo, for of Climate in the National Centre Atmospheric Science. The The selected been has Geography of ment two only of universityone as depart part countrytake in to the mentsin pro government million £2 major a schools. in geography boost to gramme graduate Geography Ambassadors in Reading and Maidenhead schools, alongside graduate geographers from youngsters to enthuse the workplace, to of continuing about the potential study geography as part of their educa tion. The project is supported online geography ambassadors by prominent such as Nick Crane from BBC’s ‘Coast’ and Nick Middleton from Channel 4’s ‘Surviving Extremes’. November. in Sir David King, the UK Government’s launched the Adviser, Chief Scientific Institute for Climate System Walker the Research which aims to integrate Boris Johnson, Conservative MP for visited the University of Read Henley, The outspoken shadow ing in October. education secretary met with the Vice-Chancellor Gordon Marshall and professors for a tour of the University, before speaking to students and taking questions during a meeting with the Politics Society. Mr Johnson – a vigorous supporter of pushing higher education, currently for more use of academic scholarships – gave a talk the importance on of politics for the young. research opened at the the at opened research versity of London) acted as Under Reading’s geography students (along Uni with colleagues at Queen Mary, Geography ambassadors Geography We were Borissed! were We A pioneering centre for climate climate for centre pioneering A » » »

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‘The survey shows that students attend that students shows ‘The survey Williams Syndrome is caused by an Williams is caused by Syndrome pat a unique have Williams People Robson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching Teaching for Pro-Vice-Chancellor Robson, and Learning at the University. sciences also said that they too were 86% 86% sciences also said that were they too withhappy the courses they various had taken. here their studies will enjoy ing Reading of support and can expect a high level Rob said Professor theirfrom department,’ abnormality in chromosomes, and shows abnormality in chromosomes, shows and person in ability from a wide variation person. to and mental of emotional, physical tern and weaknesses. strengths University of Reading and Dr Janice Brown and Dr Janice Brown of Reading University investi at London South Bank University has revealed in infancy attention gating months old, babies are four that, at just in at visual information organise able to to according three ways, different least These brightness, shape, and proximity. veryyoung in findings mean new that organising of capable much more are fants had thantheir psychologists visual world also thought. The study previously understanding for has implications such as disorders certain developmental Williams Syndrome. - niversity top marks top niversity -

Over 1,300 final year students from students from year final 1,300 Over A number of departments at the Uni In a survey for the Higher Education for In a survey Research by Dr Emily Farran at the Farran Dr Emily by Research Findings, based on research by Dr by based on research Findings, were 86% satisfied with were their course in thethese physical Those studying areas. their course. The Schools of Agriculture particularly also scored and Psychology that they indicated their students well, versity beat the national average scores. scores. beat the national average versity Geography, Physical studying Students Science and Management Environmental 88% satisfied with that they were stated with their course. part in the took national survey. Reading Funding Council for England (Hefce), England Council for Funding UK out of 129 22nd rated was Reading being satisfied students for institutions level of satisfaction with of satisfaction their course at level the National to according the University, Survey. Student Students give give Students 82% an impressive expressed Students their children are able to learn new words. words. learntheir new able to children are to their talk should definitely Parents than more they children – even young do.’ already may scientists and parents have previously previously have and parents scientists for message The said Dr Schafer. thought,’ that there should be aware ‘They parents? the at which age limit’ to be no ‘lower may may be underway long before children say children say be underway long before may children may much. ‘It appears that young flexibly than use more word understand previously recognised. previously that what is suggests Schafer Graham learning of a word a ‘formal’ considered Psychology and Clinical Language Studies Studies and Clinical Language Psychology that children understand has revealed visual informa use and can process word efficientlytion earlier and more was than Research undertaken by the by School of undertaken Research Infant research Infant

02 | uNiveristy news 03 | uNiveristy news -

ickwood R icki V owing boost! owing Listeners learn that Stalin was greatly greatly learn was that Stalin Listeners eading Women’s quad team l to r: Cox, Alex Cox, r: to l team quad Women’s eading R BeckyCopping; Zoe Garellr; Zammit;Maria and Campbell perplexed by the huge array of cutlery the array at by huge perplexed an while one particular British dinner, the wrecked concoction nearly ice cream In China, diplomats conference. entire sheep’s with of struggles bear’s paws, tell of all, warm cockerel’s worst dog and, eyes, And there some plain speak was testicles. ing about the culinary between tensions and France. Britain R Club Rowing of Reading The University in performance a terrific the 2006 gave Sports Association British Universities held in Notting Championship Rowing their The club returned to ham in May. home with Thames-side an Caversham including medal haul of 13, impressive four bronze. and four silver gold, five Alex Gregory singles his BUSA retained the women’s John won St title. Atlanta effort as she is a fantastic junior singles, Reading. year at in her first only dining Carrington, Lord The Right Honourable and Secretary Chancellor of the University joined a 1970–74, Defence for of State to veterans of diplomatic cast high profile adventures about theirtalk gastronomic BBC Radio 4 series for in a new abroad food, what happens when which charted policy collide. wine and British foreign Diplomatic Diplomatic ------

- Contrails affect the climate by by the affect climate Contrails Schools at the University who are who are Schools at the University Professor Glenn Gibson, leader of the Professor makes to climate warming is so high climate to makes happens because the only cooling effect when the the sun is up, whereas warm and night. occurs bothing effect day responsible for at least 60% of the cli at least for responsible with aircraft warming associated mate coun For (contrails). condensation trails restrictions tries without night-flying theto contribution of thesethe flights larger.’ warming can be even contrail some of reflecting the sun’s energy space, which cools theback to earth. greenhouse enhance the They natural from emitted energy trapping by effect the Earth’s surface and atmosphere, a warming – the greenhouseleading to warms. and the prevails effect climate The contribution that night-time flying to take a unique approach to its research its research approach to a unique take to a number of cross-discipline developing by themes.’research in this programme involved currently and Develop include Agriculture, Policy the Biologi BioCentre, ment, Archaeology, Biosciences, Pharmacy cal Sciences, Food and Psychology. and its role in healthand its role and and disease, diet DNA performance, based and food ageing, components of ancient gut flora analysis foods. from components and the bioactive Chain and HealthFood pro research said: ‘thisgramme, of a number is the first being launched programmes of research which will use expertise at the University Schools.Read our of selection large a from lie in a diverse strengths ing’s research enabling thenumber of areas, University - -

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Principal researcher Dr Nicola Stuber Dr Nicola Stuber Principal researcher

only one in four flights over the UK over flights one in four only occur during the night, these flights are tions could help minimise the impact tions could help minimise the impact on our climate. of aviation though that even shows ’the study says; A study by the by Department of Meteorol A study restric that night-flying ogy suggests Night flights impact climate change climate impact flights Night Chronic diseases are a major and grow a major diseases are Chronic factors influencing dietaryfactors choice, milk underpinning their investigations by by underpinning their investigations exploring the Subjects that effects. will be during the include; examined programme sity’s international expertise a across sity’s international of Schools, wish researchers wide-range ingredi particular food investigate to beneficial properties, have ents that may ing societal and financial concern.ing societal Moreo population ageing an increasingly ver, means that prevalence there is a greater of these diseases. Exploiting the Univer and cancers can be prevented by changes changes by and cancers can be prevented and diet. production food in lifestyle, and Health issues. Harnessing £5 million of current funding, the programme new diseases such as heart how will investigate disease, Type gastroenteritis II diabetes, The University of Reading has recently has recently of Reading The University launched a multi-disciplinary science Chain Food investigate to programme Food Chain and Health and Chain Food 04| feat

ur sowing the e : sowing the seeds of change seeds of change

The UK’s number one rated School of Institute of International Development and Applied Econom- Agriculture at Reading paves the way ics. The Institute brings together all the taught postgraduate programmes offered within the School – those formerly run for excellence in research and teaching; by the Departments of International and Rural Development, looking not only at agricultural issues Agriculture, and Agricultural and Food Economics. This new development builds one of Reading’s unique features – the wide but rural environments, countryside and range of social and natural science disciplines which contribute the businesses and people affected by to research and teaching on issues of international development. Bringing together the programmes opens new opportunities for them and the policy-cum-political sharing perspectives across disciplines in ways that makes sense environments in which they function to the mature professionals who make up most of our postgraduate student body. from local to global level. So why do they come? ‘I’ve come to Reading to gain a solid foundation of theory behind development, specifically on com- Chris Garforth, Professor of Agricultural Extension and munication in development. After working in Afghanistan with Rural Development, tells more about the real world issues media development for two years, I wanted the opportunity to the School approaches through its international work. analyse my experience there, whilst building my skill set for future projects.’ This is Leslie Knott, who joined our new MSc in Staying relevant Communication for Development after spending two years in For over a hundred years, international and UK students have northern Afghanistan helping develop a local radio station run been setting out from Reading with new knowledge and skills to by women. make a difference. In just about any country in the world where Bhakta Shangson has been appointed to a government training professionals are working in the broad field of international and institute in Bhutan. This new position, in a new policy environ- rural development, you will find alumni from what is now the ment, requires fresh insights and skills: he hopes to develop School of Agriculture, Policy and Development. Social develop- them through the MSc in Extension for Natural Resource Based ment specialists who studied in the International and Rural Livelihoods. ‘I expect to learn how people in similar situations Development Department, which evolved from the Agricultural but from different countries carry out their professional tasks Extension and Rural Development Department; crop and animal and blend this with my knowledge of the local context to make scientists with MSc, MPhil or PhD degrees from the Department the institute work for the betterment of the Bhutanese people.’ of Agriculture; and economists and policy analysts from Agricul- Bhakta was also keen to study in a country with a totally different tural and Food Economics. While the University’s institutional culture from his own. structures change, the defining characteristics of the programmes remain – their high quality and their relevance Bursaries – new financial support to to the changing world in which our graduates work. postgraduate students A major stumbling block for international students, especially A new institute – the same quality and values those from developing countries, is to find sufficient funding for In October, 90 new students began MSc and MA programmes in studying in the UK. During 2005/06, the International and Rural the School. They have followed a trail blazed over a century, but Development Department was able to help address this need by they are also the first members of a new institute – the Graduate offering bursaries and scholarships to nine students from Cameroon, Uganda, Nigeria, Nepal, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia funding to put his ideas into practice. Since 2001, he has won a

05| and Mongolia. Money for the bursaries came from a generous do- succession of grants to develop innovative programmes enabling feat nation from an anonymous benefactor. Dr Howard Jones, who led poor dairy cattle owners – particularly women – to improve their the negotiations for the bursary fund, says: ‘An exciting develop- access to knowledge and expertise in animal health and manage-

ment has been to use this funding to attract additional Scholar- ment, with obvious benefits to their families’ income and wellbe- ur ship funding from a range of organisations; the Papworth Fund, ing. The School has contributed to this work and in 2006 are the Beit Trust, the Canon Collins Trust, and Rotary’. beginning a new three year programme of collaboration through e The bursary funding will continue, in the first instance, for a grant he has won from the British Council’s Development : sowing the seeds of change five years, and in conjunction with the linked Scholarships, Partnerships in higher education scheme which will support should be an important spur to recruitment of international stu- partnerships between Higher Education institutions in the UK dents. In the case of the Beit Trust, the arrangements have been and overseas finding new ways to fight global poverty. further developed to create the setting up of between two and three tripartite Beit / Chevening / Reading Scholarships annually Meeting new challenges and opportunities over a three-year period, commencing 2006/07. We hope to estab- The School has earned a reputation for providing programmes lish such joint-funded Chevening Scholarships with other fund- that are academically challenging and professionally rewarding. ing organisations. Reading is now one of the few universities able We are committed to maintaining this by continuing to respond to provide full international scholarships in Development. This to the changing needs and opportunities of our future students. October, a further batch of students who otherwise would not As Professor Richard Ellis, Head of the School says: ‘in a situa- have been able to take up their offer of a place on a postgraduate tion where poverty and inequality, rise in global temperatures, programme have arrived thanks to this bursary fund. and tension over access to resources put pressure on the world’s ability to feed a growing population and deliver a higher quality World class research of life, there can be no more relevant postgraduate programmes One of Reading’s attractions as a place to study is its international than the multidisciplinary ones we offer at Reading’. reputation for high quality, relevant research. From the Bazoft wa- tershed in Iran, to remote islands of The Philippines and village for- From left to right: ests of Malawi, the School’s PhD students are carrying out research Farmers in Nepal preparing to sow a new variety of beans; Rosa Katanga, that will help shape their countries’ futures and development poli- who studied agricultural extension at Reading, works with farmer groups cies. Two of our hundreds of PhD graduates are working on forest in Zambia to improve their income and food security; Alice Townsend uses regeneration and sustainability in Amazonia and on biodiversity the skills gained in her MSc at Reading to develop training programmes for conservation in Chile. The School’s staff are at the forefront of re- small scale farmers in northern Ghana; Women in Uganda contributing to search on pressing issues – poverty and livelihoods, climate change a research project on the supply and demand for agricultural information, and global warming, biodiversity conservation, food production, in which Reading collaborated with the Natural Resources Institute and globalisation and its impact on developing countries. Makerere University; Nepalese farmer sowing maize: Reading staff and PhD Among the diversity, a common thread is relevance to the lives students have done a lot of research on farming systems in the hills of Nepal; of people in the countries where we work. Dr Kevin Waldie’s re- Carpentry is an important livelihood for many in Tanzania, but one which cent study of youth livelihoods in Kenya and Uganda has given us puts pressure on local forest resources. Balancing these conflicting demands new insights into the constraints that face young people in on natural resources is an important element of much of our research; trying to make a living for themselves, but also the many ingen- ious ways in which they tackle them. Dr Peter Craufurd and Dr Peter Dorward have developed new ways of working with farmers postgraduate programmes to identify rice varieties with characteristics suitable for different environments. Dr Tim Wheeler leads a team of scientists explor- You can find out about the ing how crops respond to changes in climate – an important step 13 taught postgraduate to assisting farmers and policy-makers adapt to change. Tim’s programmes currently offered research involves working both in the lab and a variety of field within the School at situations – ‘Over the last 15 years or so, I have worked in many http://www.apd.rdg.ac.uk/ different farming systems. These include: the groundnut crop apdgraduateinstitute.htm in the Gambia; the potato-based systems of the mid-altitudes Information on research of Bolivia; and maize cropping systems in Central and South degrees, current research activities in the School, and lists of America and in Africa.’ recent research publications by members of staff, is available Many of our alumni continue to work with us after they through the School’s website: http://www.apd.rdg.ac.uk graduate. Dr Ramkumar’s PhD research in the 1990s on farmers’ information systems in southern India inspired him to seek Showcase polly vacher WINGS AROUND THE WORLD

She’s become the first person to fly with physical disabilities the opportunity to learn to fly. The aim is to provide a challenge which enables them to come to terms solo around the world and land on all with their disabilities and to start to make a life for themselves. Mandy Pantall, one of the ten scholarship winners this year has

06| seven continents, the first woman to an irreparable spinal injury following a horse riding accident. showcase fly solo over the North Pole in a single At the end of her flying training her father wrote: ‘Thank you for engine aircraft and the first woman to everything you have done for Mandy. Our daughter was a wreck and now we have her back and she is alive again’ fly solo in Antarctica. Polly Vacher MBE I was soon on my way soaring above the city of Birmingham (MA, Music Education, 1992), despite flanked by a Hurricane and Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial flight. Suddenly my nerves disappeared as I settled in having only a few years of flying the familiar cockpit. I set course northbound on my first leg to : poll experience, had already completed Scotland and allowed myself a twinge of excitement mixed with apprehension at the daunting task ahead. a lateral solo circumnavigation of the I glanced down at the spectacular fiords as I headed North y v world in 2001 for the charity Flying along the coast of Norway until I finally landed several days later in the tiny town of Longyearbyen on the island of Spitsbergen. ache Scholarships for the Disabled; the next Here I had to wait for ten days for clear weather to fly over the journey would take her on a 35,000-mile North Pole. Imagine setting out towards the pole over miles and miles of

r adventure crossing thirty different sea ice with no-one for hundreds of miles to come to my rescue if countries on every single continent. something went wrong? And something did go wrong- the engine stopped just two hours from my destination of Resolute Bay in Polly tells The University of Reading Northern Canada. Prior to that on reaching the Pole, I was so Magazine about a remarkable excited that I called my husband in Oxfordshire on my satellite phone. ‘I am on top of the world’ I yelled against the engine noise expedition that would gain her ‘For heaven’s sake, head south’ was his practical response and of three world records and push course I did. I went on heading south through the United States, Central her to extremes. and South America until I reached Ushuaia, a tiny town on the Beagle Channel. It is the most southerly town in the world. Here A stiff breeze created a cold draught of air across the airport I had to wait for five weeks for good enough weather to cross and I couldn’t resist a shiver. But there was more to the shiver Drake’s Passage to Antarctica. Amazingly just four days later I than the cold, for a BAE 146 had just landed and on board had a good weather report and clear skies to cross Antarctica to was Prince Charles. I was about to fly my single engine Piper McMurdo where I had a fuel cache and would then fly up to New Dakota around the world over both the Poles and the Prince Zealand. flew into Birmingham International Airport to see me off. A third of the way across the Antarctic continent I encountered I couldn’t believe this was really happening to me. huge headwinds of 50kts which meant that I was only covering the surface at 80 nautical miles an hour instead of 130. It was After the initial formalities the Prince and I wandered across becoming increasingly obvious that I would not have enough the tarmac to where my aircraft was parked. It seemed so tiny fuel at this rate to make the whole journey so I took the difficult compared to the Prince’s huge jet parked not far away. He asked decision to turn back. I was gutted at first and tears rolled down all sorts of questions about the two years of meticulous plan- my cheeks in self pity. Then the most amazing thing happened. I ning which culminated on this special day and I described the thought ‘This flight is to help people with disabilities, how much desert and jungle training. It had been a tough five days tramping worse is it to have an accident and end up in a wheelchair or through the bogs of the lake district in the driving rain where without a leg for example, than just missing a short distance of two ex marine commandos pushed me to my limits all day and the earth’s surface’ this helped me enormously and I sat back and half the night. I told him about learning to ditch in the sea and enjoyed the wonderful scenery lying beneath me. coping with a life-raft and about the nights spent camping on an How then could I get to New Zealand? The easiest thing would Alpine peak building snow holes and igloos. have been to pack up and fly home, but this wasn’t an option for The Prince paused for a moment to scrutinise his signature me and I then did the longest detour on earth. I flew back up to which dominated my starboard wing, and he couldn’t resist California and across the Pacific to New Zealand. It was a distance asking me how I would manage to go to the loo in the cramped of 14,000 nautical miles and 133 flying hours! cockpit! Both wings were covered with names of individuals, schools, clubs and societies. Each had donated a minimum of £25 to ‘Flying Scholarships for the Disabled’ to have their name on my wing. ‘Flying Scholarships for the Disabled’ offers people 07| showcase : poll y v ache r

From left to right, top to bottom: Find out more Flying over Antarctica; Flying over the Alaskan bush where Polly had done her original Arctic survival course; Prince Charles inspecting his ‘Wings Around the World’ by Polly Vacher is published name on Polly’s wing; A Spitfire and Hurricane escorted Polly’s departure by Grub Street, London and is available from www.worldwings.org from Birmingham; Ice survival – building a snow wall around her tent, or through your local book shop. to survive Antarctic blizzards The flight raised over £400,000 for ‘Flying Scholarships for the Disabled’ (FSD) and as a result FSD has now been established in Australia, America, and Norway.

To find out more about ‘Flying Scholarships for theDisabled’ look at www.toreachforthesky.org researching for a brighter future

08| feat ur e : r esea r ching fo r a b r ighte r f u t ur e

The University of Reading is extremely Reading offers many opportunities for overseas students, one being a Felix Scholarship. James Barr met up with Read- proud to be internationally renowned ing student Sakthivel Vaiyapuri, on a Scholarship from India, for the quality of its teaching and and enjoyed an intriguing chat about his life back home, learning. As one of the foremost research important research work and plans for the future. universities in the UK, Reading attracts Halls at the University must seem a million miles away (about students from all over the globe, enabling 4000 as the crow flies) from Anayampatti (Salem District, Tamil- nadu), the remote southern Indian village where Sakthi was born the University to continue to grow and be and raised. So how does a 25 year old from a modest community successful whilst lending a wonderfully of 1,500 people, most of whom are agricultural workers, arrive at a leading research university in England? cosmopolitan feel to the campus. To earn the chance to come to Reading, Sakthi had to have a healthy body and healthy mind. After village school, he had to travel three miles to further his education, a journey undertaken by foot each day. With secondary school completed and a move to university, came a 5.30am start, the same walk and a 60 mile bus journey to attend Thanthai Hans Roever College in Perambalur. Here he studied for his degree, a BSc in Biochemistry, gaining a distinction and ‘Best Student’ award with the highest mark in this subject ever seen at the college. His score also meant he came 5th out of some 2,300 students in the entire University; a fantastic achievement. Sakthi’s next big step was to study for his Masters in Biotech- nology in Chennai at the University of Madras. Again he excelled, coming in the top 10 out of 1,400 students, earning an outstanding grade with his thesis on viral shrimp diseases. The opportunity to study in the UK is a highly sought after privilege in India and will more than likely lead to an excellent career, but worried his English was not good enough to study in the UK, Sakthi started his research in the Department of Biotechnology at the University of Madras. There he stayed for two years. With his English much improved, desire to go abroad and burning ambition to support his family Sakthi spoke to Michael McHarg, International Officer at the University, about the pos- sibility of coming to Reading to carry on his research and study for his PhD. Unfortunately there were no Felix Scholarship places left. Undeterred he raised an £11,000 loan from an Indian bank and landed on these shores in 2004. On his arrival in Reading Sakthi held down several part-time jobs, including gardening and cleaning the University chaplaincy

09| centre, not only to make ends meet and pay off the interest on feat his loan, but to send money to his family back in India. However, during his first year all his hard work was unexpectedly rewarded.

A Felix student dropped out and Sakthi was offered the vacant ur scholarship allowing him to pay back the loan! He then managed to get a room on campus at Wells Hall where he became resident e assistant which proved very useful in paying his accommodation : r

costs. At the moment he is helping to teach undergraduate practi- esea cal classes as well as researching his PhD, and is also a supervisor at the campus coffee shop, Dol.cHeVita.

Various universities, including Oxford, were keen to have r

Sakthi but he chose Reading as they wanted him to continue ching fo with his chosen research field, snake venom, and because of the excellent reputation the University has forged throughout Asia. Sakthi’s fascinating research focuses on two main areas: how the blood clotting and anti-clotting effects of a viper’s venom could be used to help the body e.g. treating both heart attack and haemophilia, and how to produce a synthetic antidote against vi- r a b per venom, which could be made cheaply and used in poor areas – such as Sakthi’s village back home. He has presented his results at several major conferences in the UK and other parts of Europe. r

‘When I eventually return to India and work, I plan to set up a ighte research facility in Anayampatti,’ he says. ‘This will provide it and other communities like it with much needed affordable anti-venom and related research to improve the lives of the poor.’ Sakthi’s family and village are understandably never too far r f

from his mind, he has not been back to India for over a year, and u

he is determined to do all he can for them and other less prosper- t ous areas back home. He has set up a charity to sponsor students ur From top to bottom: Sakthi’s house in India; Sakthi delivers a lecture at his from India called the ‘BritIndia Education and Social Welfare old school; Working in the lab. Trust’. Currently he sponsors his younger brother who has fin- e Left: Sakthi returns to his village. ished an MSc in Chemistry and is looking for a PhD abroad, and two other students from his village. ‘Education is very big business in India and no one’s interested in giving education to rural villages as they cannot pay for it,’ The BritIndia Education and he reflects. ‘I wish to help make sure there is schooling available in and around my village. Many parents in India are completely Social Welfare Trust uneducated. I had to teach mine how to write their own names, The BritIndia Education and Social Welfare but they understand how important education is and are willing Trust’s aim is to improve rural education and to make tremendous sacrifices to help their children.’ development. Many talented students are not Even though he is a long way from home and communica- able to access educational opportunities due tion is via letters and telephone only, Sakthi knows his parents to financial restraints, this will help them are extremely proud of him, and rightly so. His commitment from school age through to higher education. is unwavering, enthusiasm obvious and a smile is never too far The Trust also aims to assist communities away. Fortune played a small part in him coming here but we are through adequate housing, food, and other very lucky to have him, as Sakthi epitomises what studying at necessities for a normal life. Reading is all about. Ambition, dedication, enjoyment and a will to succeed. For further information about Sakthi’s Trust you can contact him on: Tel: +44 (0)7706868420 Email: s.vaiyapuri@ reading.ac.uk or [email protected] food for thought…

10| feat ur e : food fo r tho u ght …

Food is currently at the centre of Food Biosciences investigates most elements of the food chain, from food bioprocessing, microbial and molecular national media attention and a subject science, sensory qualities, nutrition, and safety, to effects of top-rated teaching and research at within the gastrointestinal tract. This gives the Department unique strength across the whole multidisciplinary Reading. In this issue, we take a look at spectrum of Food Biosciences. the impact the University and some of its alumni are having on food-related The Department is the foremost centre for research in the area of functional foods within the UK, which potentially have far- issues. A long-standing tradition within reaching effects across the globe. Its research efforts have been the School of Agriculture, Policy and further strengthened by the launch of a new university-wide multi-disciplinary programme called ‘Food Chain and Health’. Development and the Department of Harnessing £10 million of current funding across various Food Biosciences (part of the School Schools, the programme addresses how global diseases such as heart disease, Type II diabetes, gastroenteritis and cancers can of Chemistry, Food Biosciences and be prevented by changes in lifestyle, food production and diet. Pharmacy) has ensured that Reading Acute and chronic diseases are a major and growing societal and financial concern. Moreover, an increasingly ageing popula- remains crucial to global research. tion means that there is a greater prevalence of these diseases. The School plays an integral part in developing novel functional food ingredients including ‘prebiotic oligosaccharides with enhanced biological activity and food functionality’. Enhanced functions include a generation of synbiotics targeted at specific disease states and population groups. Disease states currently under investigation include irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer and acute food-borne disease with population groups currently targeted including infants and the elderly. Alumni Profile The work many of out graduates do in relation to food has meant they have made a massive impact in countries across the world. In this special report, we hear from Dr Alastair Hicks (BSc Hons. Food Technology, 1968) and Dr Narin Tongsiri (PhD Food Science, 1972), both based in Thailand. Alistair explained to The University of Reading Magazine how his degree has made a difference across the world and led to an extraordinary career… ‘I joined the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO/UN) in 1984 at their HQ in Rome as Food Industries Officer; I was then was promoted to Senior Regional Agroindustry and Postharvest Officer, in the FAO Regional Office for Asia and Pacific, Thailand, giving technical and policy advice on to governments of 46 FAO member countries in the Asia -Pacific Region. ‘I’ve made over 150 missions for FAO/UN and published over 11|

The power of bioactive food feat 200 papers on food / agroindustry development, and postharvest ingredients management, spoke at 69 international, regional and national conferences in 20 countries; in FAO Regional Expert Consultations;

Current treatments for devastating degenerative diseases such as ur and in a variety of publications.’ Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular dis- ‘I’ve worked in consultancy and academia, in Australia, Thailand ease are limited in their ability to tackle the underlying degenera- e

and Samoa. Earlier, I worked in food industry management and food : food fo tion. Consequently it is desirable to develop methods of treating product development with two multinational food companies, H.J. or preventing the underlying degeneration of cells and tissues. Heinz and Unilever. Heinz sponsored me through NCFT in Weybridge, Recent attention has focused on the protective effects of major the honours degree coming from the University of Reading. I’m an dietary polyphenols called flavonoids which are powerful antioxi- Australian, who has lived, travelled and worked globally’. dant compounds. Flavonoids are present in high concentrations ‘One meets fine people, like Dr. Narin Tongsiri, (PhD Food Science, in the human diet, for example in fruit, vegetables and plant-de- 1972 Reading, also Thailand Overseas Secretary) with a remarkable rived beverages such as teas and red wine, and thus consumed in r tho career; so when our paths crossed in the late 1970’s we resolved to varying amounts by the population in general. Recent evidence make a difference in the region, by promoting food and agroindustry. suggests a significant role for flavonoids in attenuating or delay- Dr Narin is an FAO consultant who has worked in Bangladesh, ing degenerative processes associated with neuronal cells and Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Viet Nam, Myanmar and Lao PDR.’ other cells and tissues in the body and the Department is pres- u Together with Dr Lakkana Rujanakraikarn (MSc. Food Technology ently investigating the effects of flavonoids as food components ght 1974 Reading) they are actively involved in running a Mekong Sub- capable of beneficial effects against both neuro-degeneration and Region Food Security project with Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet age-related memory decline. The potential of flavonoids as modu- Nam, to provide packages of skills especially for women farmers … lators of cardiovascular disease is also being investigated. and rural entrepreneurs, co-ordinating activities in developing food In this respect their abilities to influence endothelial function, products acceptable to the market. The ultimate goal is to alleviate the activation of human blood platelets and blood pressure are food insecurity, by preserving and adding marketable value to foods, being pursued. providing them enhanced, stable income – through Food Technology Professor Niranjan of the Department said, ‘It is hoped that As Alastair says, ‘The world is your oyster with food technology’ research efforts will provide the background for new and promis- For more details go to: http://www.fao.org/world/regional/rap/ ing preventive treatments for a number of ailments. For instance, the research on prebiotics and their positive influence on gut microflora will reduce gut problems within the population, especially since such problems are known to take up more GP time than most other complaints added together! The research on unique partnership with flavonoids will address the debilitating diseases of old age. This is Henan University, China particularly relevant in an ageing population where an increase in healthy ageing is desired. Functional food ingredients of this The University of Reading has nature will help to achieve this goal through the encouragement formalised a partnership with of healthy life-style, in particular diet. Importantly, the Depart- Henan University of Technology ment also maintains a strong research base into food science and (formerly Zhengzhou Institute of technology – ensuring that the quality and taste properties of Technology) in China. The Vice- traditional and novel food ingredients are maintained.’ Chancellor from the University and the President from the Top left: Close up of a Flavonoid structure, present in fruit and vegetables. Institute signed a Co-operation Top right: Dr Alastair Hicks and Dr Narin Tongsiri. Agreement involving students Right: Vice Chancellor Professor Gordon Marshall meets with members of completing courses at the Institute entering the Department of Henan University. Food Biosciences to take either BSc or MSc degrees in Food Science.

Henan recruits students onto a 2-year international programme during which they study key sciences (equivalent to the first year of a Food Bioscience BSc degree) and English language. Successful completion of this programme provides access to the second year of degree programmes in the Department of Food Biosciences here at Reading. the fight against breast cancer Q&A with Dhami Pugazhendhi

What spurred you to carry forward the research you are 12| Scientists at Reading p dhami Q&A: are leading research into now doing? I wanted to do a PhD in cancer and Parkinson’s Disease as it possible causes of breast fascinated me. My grandfather had cancer and I was deeply moved cancer. Dr Philippa Darbre when he was ill. I wanted to do something which would make a real difference. of the School of What made you decide to come to the University of Reading? Biological Sciences has I was looking at places in the UK, India and Germany where I indicated that chemicals that mimic the could further my studies. I looked at Reading’s website, and the first web page I looked at was Dr Philippa Darbre’s; I emailed u her and she replied immediately, and recommended the Felix gazhendhi body’s natural hormone, oestrogen, may affect a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Scholarship. I applied for the Felix in January, 2003 and I had my interview on 2 June 2003. I was accepted on 5 June 2003 – so it all happened very quickly! Aluminium compounds that are present (and in some cases, How did you make the transition and find out more about what make up a quarter) of antiperspirants can break through the your studies under the Felix Scholarship would be like? skin and once in the body may mimic oestrogen – known to I contacted other Felix scholars and gained more information be a factor in the development of breast cancer. Dr Darbre about the University and where I would live, so when I arrived, and her team are carrying out the first study to show the ac- it was not too bad – it made the transition easier. The Felix Trust cumulation of parabens in human tissue. Parabens are used made me feel very welcome. They were very helpful and organised as preservatives in thousands of food, chemical and get-togethers with other Felix scholars. pharmaceutical products. What was it like leaving India to come to Reading and how have 25 year old Dhami Pugazhendhi, a Felix scholar at the Univer- you found life at the University? sity, is working towards her PhD and is part of Dr Darbre’s team. I did not even have a passport and had never left India before I The Felix Scholarship Trust offers up to 6 scholarships, each for came to Reading! I arrived on 25 September 2003, and I went to Indian graduates at The University of Oxford, The University of live in Bridges Hall, which is where I still reside, and there is a re- Reading & The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) ally good mix of people. I was very impressed with the University every year to read for a taught graduate course or for research, when I got here and continue to be! who would be unable, without financial assistance, to take up What has this opportunity meant to you and to your future life? their place. Applicants must be under 30 years of age and have at I am really pleased to be working with Dr Darbre, but it requires least a first-class Bachelor’s degree from an Indian university. a lot of money to do this sort of research into breast cancer. I now Tell us a little about your background? really want to work in India, although breast cancer is not as I was born in Gandhigram, Tamilnadu in India. My father works common there. for the government so I travelled round India during my school- I just want to help people and I am pleased I have been able to ing. I think this was a good thing as it meant I mixed with many give something back to society. I think it is important people do different people throughout my schooling and gave me an these subjects in India. I feel that in India, a lot of people study interest in others and the world around me, which has proved engineering and social sciences as they can earn more money important when studying overseas. but I think scientific research is vital and it is something I would highly encourage others to do. What did you study before coming to Reading? Interview by James Barr and Lucy Ferguson I have a BSc in Zoology from the University Madras in Chennai and a Masters in Bioinformatics from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore. What did some of your research entail whilst in India? I did a six-month project for my Masters at the centre for Cellular Molecular Biology, which is very famous in India. 13 | alumni and friends news - - - Vibrio Vibrio - bacterium during several out during several bacterium

The World Health Organization (WHO) Health Organization The World international ‘The prize comes as an As well as being Head of the Molecular As well estimates that infect are a million people estimates and that ed with more each year cholera the by killed are By disease. than 100,000 of the the make-up analysing genetic cholerae breaks Asia, Africa and Latin America, in and his colleagues demonstrated Faruque of the bacte strains that toxigenic new how and showed rium arise frequently, these emerge. variations been have that of therecognition we work healthdoing in promoting in developing countries, and this will further encourage said Faruque. forward’ move us to is at the ICDDR, Faruque Genetics Unit in the Departmentalso a Senior Associate Healthof International at Johns Hopkins in the US, and has published University thanmore 90 scientific papers. - - - Vibrio Vibrio Professor Eugene Amoah (PhD, Agriculture & Horticulture, 1982) Amoah (PhD, Agriculture & Horticulture, 1982) Eugene Professor Outstanding of thehas been named recipient ‘John W Davison His USA. Georgia, University, State Valley at Fort Award’ Teacher the of Ag is a ‘three-peat’recognition College for performance He credits Home Economics and Allied Programmes. riculture, and teaching and commitment to his inspiration for students of his component the thempreparing is an important future for efforts.research Exceptional Exceptional Educationalist award. his Professoraccepts Amoah - - - -

, which causes cholera. Shah Faruque (PhD, Biochemistry & Shah Faruque on the focuses research Dr Faruque’s niques to address health-related issues in health-related address to niques has contributed countries. He developing of to the the understanding significantly infec molecular epidemiology of bacterial contribution has been tions and his major and epidemiology of in genetics cholerae 10th General Conference of the Academy of the Academy Conference General 10th principal aim is to The academy’s in Brazil. and excellence scientific capacity promote in the South. development sustainable for the Inter for works 1988) Physiology, Diarrhoeal Disease for national Centre the Prize in won in Dhaka, and Research his contributions to Medical Sciences for phenomena of natural the understanding with epidemics. cholera associated molecular biology tech use of advanced A Reading alumnus and Bangladeshi and Bangladeshi alumnus A Reading World a Third has been awarded scientist Prize at the of Sciences (TWAS) Academy Professor Saleuddin said, ‘I was was ‘I said, Saleuddin Professor the University of Dhaka and took took and Dhaka of University the soon and position teaching a up Univer the to off was thereafter, Professor Saber Saleuddin (PhD (PhD Saleuddin Saber Professor the received has 1963) Zoology, from medal service distinguished Zoolo of Society Canadian the Biology of Professor is He gists. is and Canada University, York at Journal Canadian the of co-editor Zoology. of to came and Bangladesh in born the at Zoology of Department the Oil Burmah a with University, my do to Scholarship Company to returned I Reading, After PhD. sity of Alberta, Canada, on a ‘Na a on Canada, Alberta, of sity Canada of Council Research tional

Outside academia, Professor Saleuddin has been involved in in involved been has Saleuddin Professor academia, Outside Skidmore, School of BiologicalSciences. of School Skidmore, Dr Faruque’s last visit to campus with Dr Chris Dr with campus to visit last Faruque’s Dr helping new immigrants in Canada, largely through the Bang the through largely Canada, in immigrants new helping six for President was he which of Canada, of Association ladesh years. sabbaticals, one of which was in the Department of Zoology at at Zoology of Department the in was which of one sabbaticals, still am I Physiology. Eggshell Bird on worked I when Reading level.’ reduced a at but publishing and teaching both in active Duke University and finally, in 1967 I joined York University. Over Over University. York joined I 1967 in finally, and University Duke programme. research credible a established I years 35 next the reviews and articles journal 125 published have I years the Over four took I tenure academic my During books. three co-edited and International Fellowship’. A couple of years later I went to work at at work to went I later years of couple A Fellowship’. International

of animals of Advancing the study study the Advancing

for research into cholera into research for Alumnus wins accolade accolade wins Alumnus Professor Saber Saleuddin receivesSaleuddinProfessor Saber Distinguished the Service Medal. - - - -

. ice-Chancellor’s V [email protected] [email protected] In October Stuart Dunlop, the Director Dunlop, the Stuart Director In October met in late Committee The Executive new an attractive circulating are We Alumni meet in Bangkok for the the for Bangkok in meet Alumni reception Are you based in Thailand (particularly Bang based in Thailand (particularly you Are in or surrounding and interested areas) kok If meeting up with other graduates? Reading Lamsam based in Atchana so, please contact a network start to like who would Bangkok in the Please email her area. of graduates at direct A call to our our to call A graduates! Thai panding association and joining in please contact with our celebrations, 378 8006 or MorrisBrenda on 0118 email bished museum, withbished museum, an expert introduc tea have Smith herself, and to Amy tion by – these refreshments delicious and cakes other departments for set a nice precedent The Friends! from grant a who receive the of Director of Music, and Nils Franke, Practice in Professional Music Teaching enti and talk a performance Course, gave thetled ‘Schumann’s Young’, Albums for contributions from including outstanding – a very and successful pianists young evening. enjoyable plan the 80th to Anniversary October The Chancellor and Lady celebrations. for arranging kindly most are Carrington visit Bledlow to a party Friends The from Other 22 June 2007. on Manor Gardens include a concertprojects in the Great the Hall in the and a visit to Spring term, plus a cake Department of Meteorology in July the AGM before cutting ceremony will be published in the details More 2007. Spring magazine. who of anyone know if you brochure: in joining this ex be interested would - - - - eport niversity of of niversity eading – the the – eading In September, the Curator of the Ure the Curator In September, R ments at the University, 45 members were 45 members were ments at the University, on Theatre in theentertained Bob Kayley an excellent by the Bulmershe campus Pinter’s Harold from taken performance, students Second Year ‘The Basement’, by in the and Department Theatre of Film, Television. Smith Archaeology Amy Museum of Greek the refur view fully to members invited Interested in finding out more about in finding out more Interested and groups Secretaries who may Overseas Check area? out the website meet in your at www.reading.ac.uk/alumni tistics at the University of Reading – the – Reading of University the at tistics R.N. by view’ personal A years. forty first send by obtained be can copy A Curnow. for draft bank sterling U.K. or cheque a ing Profes to R.N.Curnow, to payable made £6 Section, Statistics Applied R.N.Curnow, sor Reading, of University Building, HarryPitt U.K. 6FN, RG6 Reading Gate, Earley International Alumni Statistics at the the at Statistics U R years forty first and statistics of teaching the of history A University the at statistics in research Sta ‘Applied available. now is Reading of - - - -

- - -

re Museum re U

If you are contacted by YouGov/IFF YouGov/IFF by contacted are If you In June, prior to the Annual General the Annual General In June, prior to next summer. Research, please take time to complete complete time to please take Research, participa and return it – your the survey see will be able to You tion is valuable. on thethe of this web results survey as well as providing input to government government to input as providing as well and review. policy development you a questionnaire. Any information you you information Any a questionnaire. you and pro will help in reviewing provide current students moting courses and give progression, career early an insight into tunity for you to let us know what you what you let us know to you tunity for your gained since you been doing have Research, are YouGov/IFF qualification. send and they may conducting a survey naire as partnaire of the Higher Education six Destinations (HESA) Agency’s Statistics studies your finished months you after another oppor is now in 2002/03. There 2002/03? a question completing recall may You qualification in qualification Did you you Did your complete Meeting at which the Vice-Chan present on develop date us up to cellor brought Association will celebrate 80 years from its from 80 years Association will celebrate at the instiga March in 1927 formation tion of William M Childs, the University’s Vice-Chancellor. first Yet another full and exciting year for for year another full and exciting Yet more members in 2006, with an even in 2007 when the one promised eventful The newlyrefurbishedThe The Friends Friends The

14 | alumni and friends news Events round-up Meteorology at forty On 5 and 6 May, the Department of Meteorology celebrated 40 years since its foundation by the late Professor Reggie Sutcliffe. The alumni event, (a suitably rainy day!), was attended by 250 alumni, students and staff. The day included lectures, demonstrations and a reprise of songs from 15 years of departmental pantomimes, and finished with a cake cutting. The Mayor of Reading and the Chairman of Wokingham District Council also attended.

Friends meet again in Sri Lanka

18|

al From left to right: Joseph Jenness; Gennaro Gargano; Madeline Jenness; Angela Pine-Coffin (Mrs Gargano, BA French/Italian 1970); Prof John Douthwaite (BA Italian 1970); Mrs Rita Douthwaite; u Margaret Handscombe (Mrs Jenness, BA French/Italian 1970); Gillian Heywood (Mrs Forlivesi, BA Italian mni and f 1970 ; Alan McIlmoyle; Angela Elliott (Mrs Green, BA French 1970); Miranda Jones (BA French/Italian 1970); Margaret Lyons (Mrs McIlmoyle, Horticulture 1969); John Green; Glynis Howard (BSc Biology 1969); Ian Holt; Gillian Hargreaves (Mrs Holt, Geography 1969). Also present: Anna Detheridge (Mrs Niccolai, BA French/Italian 1970); Diana Winton (Mrs Howell, BA French/Italian 1970); Kathy Wray (Mrs Macchioni, BA French/Italian 1970); Shirley Hill (Mrs Cello, BA French/Italian 1970); Fabrizio Niccolai; Friends meet again in Sri Lanka Vaughan Howell; Paolo Macchioni; Isabella Forlivesi; Primo Forlivesi. Alumni Neil Stevens (Physiology, Biochemistry and r Nutrition of Farm Animals,1988) and Nigel Kenward iends news (Microbiology, 1989) met up again in 2006 in Sri Forty Years On… Lanka. Neil now heads up ‘Tearcraft’, an organisation promoting fairtrade handicrafts in the UK, while At the end of April a group of alumni Reunion held in Reading in 2001. The Nigel is now the General Manager of Community with family members and partners, met weekend was enlivened by much remi- Restoration and Upliftment Foundation (CRUF), a for a weekend on the Adriatic Riviera to niscing over photographs both ‘historic’ tsunami relief charity that was set up in Sri Lanka by celebrate forty years of friendship. and more recent. Despite the lack of the one of Tearcraft’s trading partners. The Alumni were all either former resi- hoped-for Italian sunshine, the weekend Although the two have been in contact, the meet- dents of St Andrew’s Hall or graduates in was a huge success and plans are being ing in Sri Lanka was the first time they had spent Italian and/or French, and were celebrat- made for another get-together in the not- more than a few hours together in the last 17 years. ing the fortieth anniversary of their first too-distant future. meeting as ‘freshers’ in1966. Anyone wishing for further informa- Some members of the group have been tion, contact Gillian Forlivesi through the in touch constantly since graduation; Development & External Affairs Office. RREF Dinner others were ‘rediscovered’ at the Alumni The 5th RREF Annual Dinner took place in October, attracting 450 people. This is the Foundation’s biggest fundraising event and this year was no exception. On the night the auction raised £6,180 and the ‘Heads & Vice-Chancellor’s Reception, Tails’ game raised a record amount of £3,991. RREF would like to thank all that attended and especially its sponsor Macdonald & Company for all their Beijing support and help in making the evening such a success. Thank you! Many of those attending commented that they were delighted not only to have the opportunity to renew old friendships but also to meet new fellow alumni. Pro- University’s first fessor Gordon Marshall said, ‘The Beijing reception again proved to be one of the highlights of my trip to China. It was Donor Event wonderful to see such a diverse group of On the 7th October, the Vice-Chancellor, Development alumni. The atmosphere was fantastic and Alumni Relations team and project recipients with plenty of reunions, laughter and welcomed back 100 of some of the University’s most The Vice-Chancellor in Beijing graduates catching up on news. Several committed supporters to thank them for their devo- alumni also indicated that they were tion to Reading. The Vice-Chancellor and Senior Interna- coming back soon to do further degrees.’ Thank you to all our donors who attended on the tional Officer, Stephen Wallis, met with We hope to launch a Reading alumni day and to those of you who were unable to make it 85 of our alumni based in Beijing on network in Beijing in the near future and – without your support so many successes at the Uni- the 17th October – over forty per cent of if you would like to be involved in this, versity of Reading would not have been possible. all our alumni based in the city! Guests please get in touch with the Alumni Rela- More information on the donor event will be heard the Vice-Chancellor outline recent tions Team. included in our new donor newsletter in 2007. developments at the University. International Office trip to Knights Sri Lanka Reunite! (PhD 1983), inviting him to meet me in The 6th an- Colombo. He arranged for me to visit Per- nual University of adeniya University near Kandy where he Reading Knights is head of the Department of Agricultural American Football Extension. In fact several past alumni Club Old Boys were lecturers / researchers at Peradeniya. Game took place in An alumni reunion dinner was also June, and saw the held at the Royal Botanic Gardens in veteran Dragons team overcome the current Kandy – the largest and most impor- student team 20–6. tant in Sri Lanka, managed under the The Old Boys Society exists to enable direction of Mr Lal Jayaratne (MSc 1993). former Knights players, coaches and admin I would like to thank him for making staff to support the current team (both in these facilities available in such beautiful spirit and financially), as well as being a surroundings. It was a most enjoyable oc- means of keeping in touch with ex team casion. Conversations recalled memories mates. Lal Jayaratne and Michael McHarg of very happy times spent at the Univer- If you are an ex-Knight and are interested 19| ‘I arrived in Sri Lanka in March to attend sity. in joining the Old Boys Society (membership al the British Council Education Exhibition It was also a great privilege to be is free), please contact Andy Marsh at in Colombo - a major opportunity to talk u

taken by Dr Wanigasundera to Nuwara [email protected] or Russell mni and f to students interested in coming to study Eliya, the main tea growing area in Sri Morey at [email protected] at Reading. The Exhibition was a success- Lanka where other Reading alumni were ful occasion – 6,000 students attended employed. Alumni meetings and events and considerable interest was shown in I returned to Reading thinking how Are you holding an alumni reunion our programmes. well the University was represented and or event? If so, please do contact us One of our recruitment strategies is how privileged those I met felt to have with your photographs and event to maintain contact with our overseas been associated with the University. A r

reports – we love to hear what iends news alumni. Indeed we regard our alumni degree from Reading is indeed held in you’ve been up to and can advertise as our best ambassadors. I contacted high esteem all over the world.’ and help plan your reunion. Overseas Secretary, Dr Wanigasundera Michael McHarg, Senior International Officer

Events Diary University Public Lecture Series Vice-Chancellor’s Reception for alumni in Oman Annual General Meeting of The Friends of the University Contact [email protected] for more info 19 April 2007, The Ambassador’s Residence Wednesday 11 July 2007 at 3pm; Tea at 4.30pm. or call 0118 378 7110 Advance notice is given to all of our alumni based in AGM at 5.30pm Oman. The Vice-Chancellor and Ambassador to Oman A talk and tour of the Department of Meteorology will be hosting a very special reception for alumni at by kind invitation of Professor Anthony Illingworth. his residence. If you know of anyone who is not Please note there will be a cake cutting ceremony receiving the magazine, or has not heard about this at this event to celebrate 80 Years in existence. event – please do ask them to update their details at www.reading.ac.uk/alumni so that we can ensure all Calling all 1967 Geographers! Reunion our alumni in Oman and neighbouring Gulf states are Saturday 30th June 2007, 11.00am–3.00pm, notified. Whiteknights Campus Jim Burrows is currently planning a reunion for all House of Lords Alumni Event 1967 Geographers back on campus for 2007. If you are 15 June 2007, 6.30–8.30pm interested in reuniting with your peers do get in We are giving advance notice of a very special event touch. If any alumni know of any ’67 Geographers who open to all alumni hosted by the Chancellor, Lord may not have heard about this reunion – do ask them Carrington. A reception will be held on Friday, 15 June to get in touch with Jim, who can be contacted by 2007 – on the Terrace and in the Cholmondeley Room email at [email protected] from 6.30 – 8.30 pm (to include drinks and canapés). Glaciers & Climate Change – the view from space As part of this event, alumni will be able to take a tour 1970s Music Reunion Dr Chris Stokes of the Lords before the reception begins. This is a Calling all music graduates. A reunion is being 23 January, 2007, 8.00pm, Palmer Building, unique opportunity in a unique setting. Places are planned for summer 2007 so please email Jane Whiteknights likely to sell out fast, so fill in the booking form with Derrington (1972–75) at [email protected] this magazine or go to www.reading.ac.uk/alumni. if you would like further information. Early Words – what do they tell us? Dr Graham Schafer 1967 Reunion 20 February 2007, 8.00pm, Palmer Building, 16 June 2007 Whiteknights Alumni are notified of a 40 year reunion for 1967 graduates, following reunions held in 1997 and 2003. Living under ‘totalitarianism’ – The Italians and the If you are interested please contact Martin Lyons (BA Mussolini dictatorship Politics & Economics, 1967) at martin.lyons@iclway. Professor Richard Bosworth co.uk or call: 01737 352621and do encourage others 6 March, 2007, 8.00pm, Palmer Building, you may know of who have not heard about the Whiteknights reunion to get in touch. Gala Concert by University Chorus and symphony Prospective Student Open Days orchestra to celebrate the 80th birthday of The Friends Friday 22 June and Saturday 23 June 2007, of the University 10.00am – 3.00pm Saturday 17 March 2007, 7.30pm, Great Hall, London Road. All are welcome to attend and there is no need to Open to all. There will be a pre concert Reception in book. For more details contact: Amy Wigham Tel: 0118 Building 46, London Road. For further details contact 378 6554; email: [email protected]; www.rdg. Stuart Dunlop Tel: 0118 378 8518 or Email: music@ ac.uk/opendays. reading.ac.uk a day in the life of mark anderson

From left to right: Mark Anderson explores South Africa’s North West Province; Introducing 20| feat school children to the archaeological legacy of their ancestors; Archaeology has the power to captivate young learners, who are the key to Africa’s future. ur from elephants and rhinos to lions and leopards. Some of the more extrovert creatures, like ostriches and baboons, rarely e

: da hesitate to ransack our living quarters if given half a chance! My morning usually begins with a strong cup of coffee over the embers of the previous night’s camp fire, where I contem- y in the life plate the archaeological goals of the day as the rising sun burns through the mist. By the time the rest of the team are sitting at the breakfast table I’ve fallen in love with Africa afresh, and can’t wait to get out to the site to proceed with our mapping, survey- ing, excavating and recording activities. If it is an ‘Open Day’ we can expect visits from local school groups in the afternoon, who come to learn about our work. For most of our visitors, including the teachers, this will be their first Mark Anderson (BA Archaeology, contact with archaeology of any kind, and particularly with the 1998) is the Founding President of the physical legacy of their own ancestry. It is deeply rewarding to experience the excitement and sense Marothodi Institute for Archaeology in of revelation among the children as they question our crew and Africa (MIAA), an international non-profit pour over our excavated finds. Many declare a decision to become archaeologists later in life, which is probably the first time they scientific, educational and humanitarian have thought about any profession, or even education beyond organisation dedicated to advancing their school years. With some 40 million children in Africa unable to get to school at all these are the lucky ones, which is why heritage research and community the historical colonial downplaying of African achievement has development on the African continent. left such an enduring scar. As an archaeologist working on a continent still struggling My archaeological passion was ignited during my under- with poverty and underdevelopment, it has been impossible to graduate years at Reading’s highly-esteemed Department of ignore the potential held within my discipline to help redress Archaeology, when I had the opportunity to excavate in Italy, some of the imbalances left from Africa’s colonial past. Germany, and at Reading’s own training school at Silchester. The daily discovery of ancestral achievement through archaeology has cultivated an unyielding commitment to strive for a After obtaining a Masters degree in Professional Archaeology at brighter tomorrow. Oxford, I went on to work as a ‘circuit digger’ for a number of UK I established the Marothodi Institute in 2005 to develop herit- organisations, particularly the Museum of London Archaeology age-centred research initiatives that can be used to create locally Service. Looking back, it may well have been all those months sustainable educational and empowering experiences for disad- working in subterranean environments by lamplight that fuelled vantaged African communities. Membership of MIAA is open to my yearning to explore the sun-drenched plains of Africa! the general public, and is a non-profit organisation. We have seen In early 2002, my life changed dramatically when I packed that by encouraging young Africans to understand and value a suitcase and moved to South Africa to pursue a PhD at the their heritage they can become skilled and proactive custodians University of Cape Town. The beauty of this vibrant, colourful city of the archaeological resources they will inherit, and that in pur- still never fails to amaze and delight me, but it’s when I travel suing this we can make a meaningful contribution to the ‘United upcountry into the African bush that the real magic begins. Nations Millennium Development Goals’ in Africa. I direct a research excavation of a colossal stone-walled tribal Despite the challenges that the continent currently faces, the capital in South Africa’s North West Province, not far from the spirit of the African people is both humbling and inspiring. As border with Botswana. Here, most communities live in modest the setting sun sets fire to the majestic hills of the Pilanesberg semi-rural conditions characterised by small tin shacks, bleat- at the end of a fruitful day’s excavation one cannot help but feel ing goats and scrawny chickens. Our accommodation during the deeply optimistic about the future of these wonderful people and fieldwork season is in log cabins inside the Pilanesberg National their beautiful land. Park, where it is possible to come face-to-face with anything To learn more, go to: www.marathodi-institute.org University Merchandise

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One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade Chinese proverb

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