Campus Summer 2013
Summer 2013 www.wales.ac.uk/alumni
The Magazine for University of Wales Alumni
II The Antiques Roadshow at Gregynog II Celebrating the life of R S Thomas II Graduation Celebration 2013 II CAWCS receives AHRC Research Grants II Dr Andrew Petersen: Unearthing the past II Alumni Association Branch & Section News Welcome from your Alumni Officer
Following on from the special edition in March, which highlighted some key developments and initiatives happening Welcome within the University of Wales, I am delighted to welcome you to this year’s from the Vice-Chancellor summer edition of Campus. he University has announced various changes The University of Wales Alumni and developments over the past year with Association is made up of such a diverse Tregard to its on-going transformation through group of people who come from all over the planned merger with the University of Wales: the world, and the University has worked Trinity Saint David. hard to expand this network, understanding its importance and The full constitutional merger can only be finalised potential. Members range from those when the University of Wales has met its legal who have held a University of Wales obligations to students who have commenced study for award for many years, to students who an award of the University. The first phase of the have only just graduated and were in merger however will be completed in August 2013, attendance at the recent Graduation when The University of Wales: Trinity Saint David Celebrations in Cardiff. merges with Swansea Metropolitan University.
The purpose of this magazine is to Those who read the special edition of Campus in March will know about the creation celebrate the achievements of our of Adduned Cymru -The Wales Pledge. Within this period of transformational change, Alumni, and keep members informed the University has taken steps to ensure that the cultural and academic assets which about news, events, and any other the University holds continue to serve the purpose for which they were intended. Good significant developments taking place progress has been made in establishing a range of independent charitable bodies and within the University. trusts, safeguarding their legacy for future generations and Wales as a whole.
This is your magazine, and I would The University has put in place a dedicated area on its website to keep stakeholders welcome any comments or suggestions up-to-date with the merger and reconfiguration of the University of Wales. We are on any aspect of both this, and the keen to hear views from as many people as possible on these developments, and will Alumni Association itself. I’m also take them into consideration as we consult on a range of proposed strategic always on the lookout for any news, initiatives going forward. You can submit your views and comments by visiting the photographs or Alumni events which you Stakeholders’ Voice section on the website. would like to share amongst the community and encourage members to In terms of communicating more specifically with our Alumni, members may be get in touch. interested to read more about the Alumni Liaison Committee. Envisaged as a vehicle for discussion with our Alumni during this period in the University’s history, further I very much hope you enjoy reading this information is available within this magazine, and on our website. edition of Campus. Alongside these developments, it has been another busy year for the University, and Jocelyn Keedwell I hope you enjoy reading about some of the other activities which have taken place Communications Officer (Alumni) during the past couple of months. [email protected] Professor Medwin Hughes DL DPhil DPS FRSA. Vice-Chancellor Contents
Gregynog NNR Status 2013 Graduation Dr Andrew Petersen: Celebrations Unearthing the past Antiques Roadshow visit Celebrating our 3 Honorary Graduates 6 10
R.S. Thomas: Serial Obsessive CAWCS receives Alumni Association Branch Dylan Thomas Centre AHRC Research Grants and Section News – A new lease of life UW Alumni secures 2013 National TSB Enterprise Awards five-book deal Eisteddfod 4 Alumni Liaison Committee 8 12 2 Campus: The Magazine for University of Wales Alumni 3
Gregynog estate named as Wales' Newest National Nature Reserve
At a special event in March, the Gregynog Estate was confirmed as Wales’ newest National Nature Reserve (NNR).
“Gregynog is designated because of the parkland - walking routes that have rich mosaic of parkland and ancient recently been mapped, upgraded and woodlands in the grounds of the hall. way-marked, through a partnership Gregynog has one of the largest project between Gregynog and the former examples of ancient woodland in Wales, CCW to make it easier for everyone to e l
a aptly named the Great Wood. enjoy walking here. H n a l But it is not just the trees themselves that Speaking about the Estate’s new status, A :
o are important; rare lichens cover the bark Karen Armstrong, Director at Gregynog, t o
h of the gnarled ancient oak and ash trees. said:
Gregynog Great Wood P One of these is the lichen Lecanora Gifted to the University of Wales by sublivescens . This species is scarce on a “We are very proud that Gregynog has Margaret Davies of Llandinam in 1960, world scale – and is only known to be here become a National Nature Reserve. Over Gregynog Hall is an historic house and in the UK and in Southern Sweden.” the years, visitors and students have come country estate in the village of Tregynon, to enjoy our estate - through studying its near Newtown. It has Grade 1 listed The NNR declaration also highlights wildlife and ecological interest or simply gardens and is surrounded by 750 acres Gregynog as a place where the public can relaxing in the peace and tranquility of of beautiful grounds and landscapes. come to enjoy the countryside. There are their surroundings.” a number of footpaths through the Designated by the former Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), whose duties have now been taken over by National Resources Wales, it confirms the estate of Gregynog as one of Wales’ most important sites for ancient parkland and wood-pasture habitats, veteran trees, and nationally important lichens, insects, and other wildlife supported by these rare habitats.
Speaking about the reasons for the Gregynog Estate becoming a NNR, Dr Maggie Hill, CCW’s Director for South and East Wales at the time, said: Gregynog Hall and Grounds Antiques Roadshow visits Gregynog
At the beginning of July, Gregynog paintings owned by the late Davies sisters. Hall opened its grounds to host the The programme proved that three oil Antiques Roadshow . paintings in their collection by landscape artist J. M. W. Turner, which were discounted Now in its 36th series, filming for the ever as fakes in 1956, were in fact genuine works popular Sunday evening programme took all along and worth millions of pounds. place in the grounds of the estate with some of Britain’s leading antiques and fine Speaking about being part of the arts specialists on hand to offer free advice Antiques Roadshow , presenter Fiona and valuations to the hundreds of visitors Bruce commented: C B
who turned up on the day. B :
“This will be my sixth year on the Antiques o t o
The show reunited presenter Fiona Bruce Roadshow and I still feel so lucky to be h and art expert Philip Mould at Gregynog presenting the programme. Every week is P Hall following their BBC One series Fake or different; a new location and thousands Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould Fortune where the spotlight was turned on of new visitors.” filming in the grounds R.S. Thomas: Serial Obsessive l i estate, in his new book Professor M. Wynn c n
u Thomas explores the idées fixes that o C possessed and fuelled the poet’s fiercely s t r
A intense imagination, including Wales, his h s
l family, his best-known character Iago e
W Prytherch, and of course, his elusive God. : o t o h
P Speaking about his subject matter, author Professor Thomas explains: “…this study orn in Cardiff in 1913, R. S. uncovers a poet not of a few fixations but Thomas enjoyed a writing career of fruitfully multiple obsessions. The image Bspanning five decades, and is of him as the ogre of Wales and the pest recognised as one of the leading poets of God is greatly complicated by a glimpse of modern Wales. of him as a poet of war, of family, of painting, of loneliness and of searing self- Though his poetry would mainly be examination.” written in English, he also produced Welsh verse, and became a passionate voice R. S. Thomas wrote over twenty volumes of supporting the language. Always poetry, was nominated for a Nobel Prize, controversial, he achieved notoriety as the and among many literary accolades was ‘Ogre of Wales’, a Welsh extremist, and a awarded the Queen's Medal for Poetry. On Friday the 9th August, Professor M. poet of serial obsessions. Equally prolific as a campaigner, after Wynn-Thomas will present the annual retiring from church ministry in 1978 he University of Wales Lecture at this years’ Throughout March and April, the became more political and active in the National Eisteddfod. Held in conjunction University of Wales Press held a number of campaigns that were important to him, with the Learned Society of Wales, events to mark the centenary of his birth becoming a fierce advocate of Welsh Professor Thomas will present a lecture and publication of R.S. Thomas: Serial nationalism. entitled Old Mother: R. S Thomas and Obsessive , by Professor M. Wynn Thomas. the Church in Wales . Held in Y Babell Lên R. S. Thomas died in 2000, but his legacy (the literary pavilion) between 1:45 – As one of R.S. Thomas’s finest critics and lives on, helped by the study centre which 2:30pm, this event is free and everyone is the executor of his unpublished literary bears his name at Bangor University. welcome to attend.
A new lease of life for the Dylan Thomas Centre
With the University of Wales recently taking Centre is already becoming an innovation renovation is only the beginning of what over its lease, the Dylan Thomas Centre in hub for entrepreneurs whilst also ensuring promises to be exciting times ahead. With Swansea has been completely transformed. that the Dylan Thomas offering will be new facilities and services, including further enhanced and ready for the incubation space for innovative businesses Since it was built in the 19th century, the centenary of the birth of Wales’ most that are interested in establishing a Dylan Thomas Centre has been one of famous poet in 2014. presence in Swansea, The Dylan Thomas Swansea’s most iconic buildings leading a Centre is a multi-purpose venue open to varied and interesting existence. Opened in With a focus on innovation, commerce, host a range of events and functions from 1825, the Grade II* listed building has been business and education, the centre’s corporate conferences to weddings. the town guildhall, a juvenile employment centre, and a college of further education. Following refurbishment during the Year of Literature in 1995 it changed its name to Ty LLên and was officially re-opened by former US President Jimmy Carter, and in 2001 the Dylan Thomas Exhibition opened at the Centre.
Operating as a non-profit organisation at the Centre, the University has invested significantly into this long term project. The Dylan Thomas Centre 4 Campus: The Magazine for University of Wales Alumni 5 Alumni Business wins at the Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards In March, the Welsh heat of the Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards was held in Cardiff. Developed to recognise the entrepreneurial talent emerging from universities across the UK, all UK businesses run by university students, or by those who have graduated in the last five years, are eligible to enter The Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards.
Amongst the winners were Like an Egg significant growth, more than doubling Productions took home a £5,000 prize and Productions, a Pontypridd-based film their turnover in the last year. will now also receive a two year mentoring production company whose co-founders package from Lloyds Banking Group. include two University of Wales Alumni, Both Rob and Keiran studied film and who were announced as the winner of the video at the University of Wales, Newport Speaking about winning the award Keiran prize for Best Enterprise. and after two years of freelance work said: “This award means everything to us - decided to start their own Film production to be celebrated like this and have The Best Enterprise award goes to the company, recently moving into their new someone recognise our achievements is business judged to show real potential for studio space in Pontypridd in January unbelievable. With everything we’ve gone growth over the next five years and Like 2013. through in the last two years and even in an Egg Productions , which was the last six months, when we haven’t established in 2010 by University of Wales While Keiran’s role focuses on business stopped, it has helped us to look up and Alumni Rob Godwin and Keiran management and a producing role when see where we’ve been going. And McGaughey alongside their fellow co- it comes to the actual work, Rob’s focus is knowing that other people recognise what founder Chris McGaughey, was on creating and delivering the projects. we’ve achieved is fantastic”. recognised due to the work the business Their work is very varied from community has done with charities and community filmmaking and workshops to high end “The business mentoring is going to be groups in the South Wales Valleys as well corporate jobs. Recent clients include really essential to us. As professional film as their teaching and running of Valleys Kids, Welsh Water and the Wales makers, that’s what we do day in day out workshops. Millennium Centre. They also make music and it’s what we know. What we can lack videos, and were recently nominated for a is business know-how and where we’ve Demonstrating a great deal of business UK Music Video Award. got today has been as a result of us acumen through the creation of their learning along the way. Having someone website to display their work as a means Although they did not go on to win the come in and give us advice to help us to overcome barriers to business Grand final at Edgbaston, as winners of grow that much quicker, and help us bring development, their work has resulted in their regional heat, Like an Egg sustainability to the business is unbelievable - we can’t wait!”
Like an Egg Productions: Chris McGaughey, Rob Goowind and Keiran McGaughey Congratulations to our Graduates
On the 2nd and 3rd of May, over 2,000 Graduates joined the University of Wales to mark the end of their studies at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff. Scholars from across the globe, along with their families and friends descended on Cardiff bay to attend the two-day event hosted by the University to celebrate their academic achievements.
Presided over by the Most Reverend Dr Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Wales, each Graduate was personally greeted by Professor Medwin Hughes DL, Vice- Chancellor, with the Chair of the University’s Council and other senior officers and academic staff in attendance.
During proceedings, the audience were also treated to fantastic operatic performances by students from the Wales International Academy of Voice.
6 Campus: The Magazine for University of Wales Alumni 7 Celebrating our Honorary Graduates
s well as celebrating the achievements of our students, three Honorary Graduates were also admitted to the University Aduring the recent Graduation celebrations in recognition of their achievements and services to their respective fields of work.
The first Honorary Graduate to be The second Honorary Graduate was Dai The final Honorary Graduate presented presented was Hywel Ceri Jones, CMG. In Jones Llanilar, MBE. A Welsh television during the celebrations was Andrew recognition for his dedication and lifelong presenter and radio broadcaster, he is also Green. Presented by Professor Dafydd commitment to his work in Europe, one of the best known faces in Welsh Johnston, Director of the University of especially in the field of education, the farming. Awarded an MBE in the 1999 Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and University awarded Hywel Ceri Jones the New years honours for services to Celtic Studies, he was awarded the degree honorary degree of Doctor of the Entertainment in Wales, he has also won a of Doctor of Letters honoris causa in University, which was presented by Alun BAFTA Cymru for his contributions to recognition of his significant contribution Thomas, Chairman of the University Welsh television broadcasting, and the Sir to the safeguarding of Wales’ cultural Council. Hywel Ceri Jones has held many Bryner Jones Award for his contribution to heritage through his work as the Librarian senior posts at the European Commission rural affairs (both in 2004). Presented by of the National Library of Wales. Speaking and is responsible for the creation of Council member Arwel Ellis Owen, the after the ceremony, Andrew Green many EU flagship programmes such as University of Wales awarded Dai Jones commented: “Having worked in the ERASMUS. Llanilar the degree of Masters of Arts Higher Education sector in Wales for most honoris causa , in recognition of these of my career, it is a great honour for me to Speaking after receiving his award, Hywel extensive contributions to the be recognised by the University in this Ceri Jones said: “I am very happy to development of agriculture in Wales and way”. deepen my close relationship with the for his distinction as a television presenter University of Wales and delighted to see and singer. The University of Wales is delighted to the significant effort of the University to recognize the achievements and develop a high quality international Clearly delighted by this further contributions that Hywel Ceri Jones, Dai dimension.” recognition, Dai Jones Llanilar said on Jones Llanilar and Andrew Green have receiving the award: “This honour has each made in their respective fields and is touched my heart and I am enormously very proud to welcome them all as grateful”. Honorary Graduates of the University of Wales.
Hywel Ceri Jones CMG Dai Jones Llanilar MBE Andrew Green CAWCS receives two AHRC grants
In March, the University of Wales resource for both the general public, and Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic for comparative study. Studies (CAWCS) was awarded research grants from The Arts and Led by Principal Investigator (Project The warrior stela from near Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Leader) Dr David Parsons at CAWCS, with Badajoz, Spain (1300-900 BC) for two separate research projects. Co-Investigators Dr Barry Lewis (CAWCS) and Dr Jane Cartwright (UW:TSD), this previous AHRC-funded project at CAWCS The first project, which will focus on the digital resource will take the form of a showed the inadequacy of this theory for Cult of Saints in Wales, was awarded a number of online editions of the gathered explaining the evidence in the research grant of £774,582, over four texts, with extensive bilingual notes and westernmost areas, and Cunliffe's work on years. full translations into English (and also, in maritime networks and Koch's on Atlantic the case of the verse, into modern Welsh). Europe's first written language, Tartessian, Saints, holy men and women who offered There will be digital images of many of led to a shared conclusion: Celtic probably believers a direct link between heaven and the manuscripts and separate discussions evolved from Indo-European in Atlantic earth, were central to the culture of of the more important codices. Europe during the Bronze Age. Christian societies in pre-Reformation Europe and beyond, and study of the Dr David Parsons said of the collaborative Led by Principal Investigator (Project origins, nature and development of project: “The work builds on the Centre’s Leader) Professor John T. Koch at CAWCS, saints’ cults is flourishing internationally. extensive experience in editing medieval with Co-Investigators Professor Sir Barry The Welsh sources, however, are at best Welsh texts, and recent successful digital Cunliffe (University of Oxford), Professor partially known. editions. One of the most exciting aspects Raimund Karl (Bangor University), and of the project is that Saints’ cults in Wales Paul Vetch (King’s College London), this Taking place at CAWCS, in collaboration tend to be local or regional phenomena, project, entitled Atlantic Europe in the with King’s College London, the University and there will be many opportunities to Metal Ages (AEMA): questions of shared of Wales: Trinity Saint David (UW:TSD) engage, not only with academic language , will produce major new and the National Library of Wales, the researchers, but also with local audiences, resources available in print and on line for new research project entitled, The Cult of such as local historians or school and the earliest language evidence in Western Saints in Wales: Medieval Welsh- church groups.” Europe and its background in later language sources and their transmission , prehistory. therefore aims to raise awareness of the A second AHRC grant of £689,167 will interest and importance of these Welsh support a 3-year research project taking Project leader John Koch said of the sources both inside and outside Wales by place at CAWCS, in collaboration with the Project: “Prehistorians and historical producing a freely available online digital University of Oxford, King’s College linguists have a responsibility to Wales London, Bangor and the other Celtic countries, especially University, and the to people who speak and learn Welsh and National Library of the other Celtic languages. They want to Wales, on the know how, where, and when these archaeological languages emerged—what the experts background of the know and don’t know. What are the emergence of the viable models and the evidence favouring Celtic languages in them? Otherwise, we are supporting Western Europe. cultural heritage with yesterday’s theory.”
Many still believe Speaking about receiving both AHRC that 'the Celts' grants, Professor Dafydd Johnston, spread from Iron Director of CAWCS, said: “There is fierce Age central Europe competition for Research Council funding, n i
p (c. 750–100 BC) and the Centre’s success in gaining grants m a
r bringing Hallstatt of these magnitudes demonstrates its C
n and LaTène strong international reputation and i t r
a material culture outstanding track-record in running M
: and Celtic speech collaborative research projects. The o t
o with them; so funding will enable us to make a h
P earlier eras further substantial contribution to the Scene from the Life of St Winifred by John Hardman & Co. (1861), west are non-Celtic understanding of Wales’s cultural Church of St Winifrede, Holywell. by definition. A heritage.” 8 Campus: The Magazine for University of Wales Alumni 9
UW Alumnus secures Book Deal Alumni Liaison for Childrens’ Fantasy Series Committee As mentioned in the special edition of University of Wales Alumni Rich Pitman is hoping to emulate the Campus back in March, the University success of fellow author J.K. Rowling after signing a five-book deal is looking to appoint an Alumni to write a series of childrens fantasy stories. Liaison Committee to act as a focal point for our discussions with the Alumni. The University uses various Rich came up with an idea for a children’s Originally from Newport, Rich studied for channels to keep in touch with its fantasy series based around a character a BA in Recreation Management at Alumni and recognises the importance called Jimmy Threepwood last year. Swansea Metropolitan University and of seeking their views on significant Following the perilous story of an eleven- then went on to study for his PGCE at the matters concerning the University and year-old boy taken to a world of magic and then University of Wales, Newport. its Alumni. evil and trained to one day fulfil his destiny and destroy the world, The Jimmy Speaking about the series and becoming This is especially the case as we are Threepwood series secured Rich a five-book a published author, Rich says: considering changes which are due to deal with Plymouth-based company Ghost take place at the University over the next Publishing with the first book of the series, “It all happened very quickly. I’ve always few years, and it is envisaged that this entitled Jimmy Threepwood and the Veil enjoyed writing as a hobby but my family committee will not only be a vehicle for of Darkness, published in October 2012. were surprised when they read the draft discussion during this period in the history copy. of the University of Wales, more importantly it will promote two-way In the short term I want children to enjoy liaison and communication. and become immersed in the story and I hope it will inspire people to have a go at As the University did not receive sufficient writing and stretch their imaginations to applications by the original deadline of their limits. 30th April to meet the selection criteria for the new Committee, which needs to In the long term I hope that the five represent the broadest possible range of stories have an impact on people’s lives in Graduate interests, the decision has been the way Harry Potter did. I hope these taken to reopen the process and extend stories continue the good work of J.K. the deadline for applications. Rowling and introduce reading to the next generation of children.” Further information about the committee and what is expected of potential The second book in the series, Jimmy members can be found on the website. To Threepwood and the Elixir of Light, is be considered as a member of the new due for release this coming October, with Committee, you will need to complete the the third already in development. electronic application form also available online - visit www.wales.ac.uk/ALC The Jimmy Threepwood series is available to buy at Waterstones, WH Smiths and on The deadline to receive applications Amazon. will be 4:45pm on the 9th August 2013.
Have your Say
There is a section on the University’s website where all the merger and reconfiguration developments are explained in detail along with a series of frequently asked questions - visit www.wales.ac.uk/developments for more information. In addition to this, as part of the University’s commitment to consult with its stakeholders, we are keen to hear any comments you may have regarding any of these developments. You can submit your views and comments via the electronic form on the website - visit www.wales.ac.uk/stakeholdersvoice Dr Andrew Petersen: Unearthing the past
In 2010, whilst carrying out excavations of a number coastal Hoard of silver rupees hidden in the sites in northern Qatar for the Qatar Museums Authority, wall of the Mosque at Rubayqa Archaeologist Dr Andrew Petersen came across a scattering of Islamic Archaeology and Heritage project. masonry and pottery. As excavations began, nothing could Speaking about the projects Dr Petersen said: have prepared Dr Petersen for the scale of the find as he uncovered a Middle Eastern settlement buried under the sand “Archaeology in Qatar was very for around 125 years. underdeveloped until about five years ago when the government decided to invest in culture, heritage and museums.
The main focus of interest of the Wales Qatar Archaeology Project has been Ruwaydha which dates primarily from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In addition to monumental architecture the site also has a wide range of finds from Africa, India, Iran and China which reflects its strategic position on international trade routes.
Rubayqa is a smaller site dating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries where there was extensive evidence for trade and storage of dates. The site was important because of its specialised nature and because of the detailed tribal history attached to the settlement.” Dr Andrew Petersen Gaining his first degree from St Andrews in Despite reading sources about an old include Islamic urbanism, pilgrimage Scotland in Medieval History & hidden settlement called Rubayqa on the routes and fortifications. Archaeology, Dr Petersen went on to study Ras al-Sharig Peninusula, Dr Petersen was for an MPhil in Islamic Art and Architecture not expecting to discover such a large old For the past few years, he has led a team at Oxford University. He then went on to Islamic coastal settlement complete with a working on the archaeology of these two write his PhD in Islamic Archaeology at the fort, mosque, domestic dwellings, auxiliary coastal settlements as part of the Qatar then University of Wales, Cardiff. buildings and 100 kilos of pottery and artefacts. Ruwaydha fortifications excavated in May 2013
These excavations were part of the Wales Qatar Archaeological Project in partnership with the University of Copenhagen and the Qatar Museums Authority. They covered both this site at Rubayqa and also another large site of over two and a half kilometres long at Ruwaydha.
As Director of Research in Islamic Archaeology at the University of Wales: Trinity Saint David, Dr Petersen has carried out fieldwork in many parts of the Islamic world including Iraq, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). His current research interests
10 Campus: The Magazine for University of Wales Alumni 11
Speaking about his want to become an Archaeologist, and his interest in the academic field of Islamic Archaeology, Dr Petersen explained:
“I got into Archaeology because I wanted to do something that involved both physical and mental work and also something which meant I could spend time working outside. Also I have always been interested in history and believe that the past has direct relevance to the Date presses at Rubayqa present.
In the 1980’s Islamic archaeology barely gives significant insights into the origins As an Archaeologist, Dr Petersen spends a existed as an area of study. I was already and development of Islam both as a lot of time in the field. When he is not studying medieval archaeology and I was religion and as a culture. away, he likes to spend as much time as fortunate to have taken a course in possible with his family. On giving advice Islamic history taught by Hugh Kennedy One of the Dr Petersen’s first independent to anyone wanting to follow in his who supported my interests working in research projects in Islamic archaeology footsteps and become an Archaeologist, Islamic archaeology. My first excavation was an investigation of the Hajj (Muslim Dr Petersen said: in the Middle East was directed by the pilgrimage to Mecca) road in Jordan. As Crusader specialist Denys Pringle who was part of his research interests in Religion in “I would advise anybody who wants to later my PhD supervisor at Cardiff.” Islamic Archaeology, the work took place work in this field to specialise in over many years and recently resulted in something that can be more generally After working as an Amman Research the publication of the monograph The useful – I specialised in recording and Officer for The Council for British Research Medieval and Ottoman Hajj Route in interpreting historic architecture. When in the Levant (CBRL) in Amman, Jordan, Jordan; an Archaeological and Historical working on projects overseas, such as the and then as Assistant Professor in the Study. Dr Petersen’s research was used in Middle East, you have to be patient as Department of History and Archaeology the recent British Museum exhibition on things can change quite rapidly or you at the UAE University in the Emirate of the Hajj and he is currently helping the may be left waiting months for visas or Abu Dhabi, Dr Petersen was interested in Museum of Islamic Art in Doha develop permits. Finally I would say that coming back to Wales. With both a well- their own exhibition on the Hajj. publication is very important in established archaeology department and archaeology. Without publication, an important Islamic studies centre, the Going forward, Dr Petersen is currently excavation or survey is of no scientific Lampeter Campus at the University of working on the final publication of the value.” Wales: Trinity Saint David was the ideal work at Rubayqa in Qatar, and continuing place to work. research into the site. In October, the n o t
team will begin using a Microdrone (an t i r
During his career, Dr Petersen has focused Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) on the B n on a small number of Principal Research excavations as both a surveying tool as a D :
Interests and key projects within Islamic well as a means of getting aerial views of o t o
archaeology. Due to the overlapping of the site. Another exciting aspect of the h different cultures and religions, Palestine work is using the thermal imaging P is a major research interest, and from the features as a means of remote sensing of perspective of Islamic archaeology it has buried features- although already having a number of major sites (e.g. the Dome of had preliminary success using this in the Rock) as well as large numbers of Dubai, it is an opportunity to try this on a smaller monuments and settlements. The larger scale in Qatar. Because archaeology Archaeology of Arabia is also of interest is fairly new in Qatar, new technology can because it is the birthplace of the Islamic be employed from the beginning, and this religion. Often ignored because the major highly sophisticated equipment has been centres of Islamic civilization such as purchased through the Qatar Foundation Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus are with the research is being carried out Carved bone object in the form of an oryx excavated at Ruwaydha in May 2013 outside the Arabian Peninsula, the jointly with Virginia Commonwealth investigation of archaeology in Arabia University. Alumni Association Branches already in existence UK Regional Branches • Bangor • Carmarthen Branches and Sections • Liverpool • Swansea International Branches he University is keen to University and its alumni by providing a • France • Germany maintain links with all our local alumni community with links for • Hong Kong • Italy fellow alumni moving into the area and • Japan • Sri Lanka • USA alumni, wherever they are T networking opportunities through social • Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in the world, enabling them to events. Subject-related Sections (UK Based) keep in touch with each other • Classics and feel part of a wider If there is no established international • Culture of the 18th and 19th Centuries international community. alumni branch in your area and you would • Ethnology and folk studies like to start one, or if you are part of an • Philosophy active branch that is not listed, please As part of this, the Alumni Association • Theology contact [email protected] for further Branches and Sections aims to help information and advice. further communications between the Information on how to contact or join these branches can be found on the website at www.wales.ac.uk/alumni
Join us at the National Eisteddfod
Held from the 3rd to the 10th of To be held at 12:00pm in Societies’ forum will provide more focus for August in Denbigh, The University of Pavilion 1, the Section’s Chairman Mr collaborative ideas ahead of the get- Wales will once again have a presence John Ellis-Jones will first give a talk together in the University stand. at the upcoming National Eisteddfod, entitled With pickaxe, shovel and pen: re- sharing a stand with our merging forming the past, followed by the forum The University looks forward to partner the University of Wales: Trinity which should last for 30 minutes. All welcoming all Alumni members who are Saint David. Alumni members are welcomed to join attending the National Eisteddfod to the and it will not only be a great opportunity stand, whether it is during the specific get- Although representatives from the to hear an interesting and charismatic together on the Monday afternoon, or at University will be on hand all week to talk, but it is hoped that the following any other time in the week. speak with Alumni members, the University has put aside a specific time on the afternoon of Monday the 5th August to focus on our Alumni and in particular the Sections and Branches of the Alumni Association.
Running from 1:00-2:30pm at the University stand, it will be an opportunity for those who are already members of a branch to help facilitate discussions regarding ideas for collaboration, and for University’s Stand at last years Eisteddfod Alumni who are passing through to find out more information.
Although it is envisaged that the get- together will be rather informal, there is an opportunity for Alumni members to attend a forum organised by the Classics Section of the Alumni Association prior to the University event. Organised as part of their annual Eisteddfod meeting, it will be a chance to discuss collaborative ideas between Branches and Sections in a more formal setting.
12 The Procession Campus: The Magazine for University of Wales Alumni 13 Branch & Section Round up
Classics - The Section’s annual English world, and the major challenges in Sri Lanka - The branch recently selected the lecture was held in conjunction with the achieving sustainable developments with new Office Bearers for the 2013/14 session. Bangor and North Wales Branch of the balanced ecosystems. A week later in Cardiff Mr Sujan Malewana has been named as Classical Association in January where Dr we invited students who had been President, with Ms Shivalatha Sivasundaram Magdalena Öhrman lectured on participating at the University of Wales serving as Secretary. Arrangements are also Seamanship in Virgil’s Aeneid . In May, Graduation Celebration, to a celebration being made to hold an ‘Evening Forum’ for Welsh-speaking members of the Section party at Henry's Cafe & Bar where they members to come together and listen to came together in Gregynog for a one-day were all congratulated for their talks from two prominent personalities in Sri meeting where, following a committee achievements along with our hope that Lanka. This will be held on the 2nd August at meeting and lunch, three papers were many of them will become active members 6:00pm at the Imperial Institute for Higher presented. Dr Telfryn Pritchard recalled the of our German branch. Education (IIHE). The Topic for this Forum is Classics Department of Aberysywth Japan - One of the Branch’s key missions is Practical vs Professional Thinking in University and its contributions in the 1950 to promote better communication between Business . As a follow up event, and 60s; Professor Ceri Davies discussed all members. This is achieved by holding arrangements are also being made to translations of Sophocles’ Antigone into monthly dinner and drinks parties to conduct a Dinner Dance during the month Welsh; and Mr John Ellis Jones gave an connect current Japanese students and of September exclusively for the Alumni illustrated talk about reconstructing ancient existing branch members, and organising members. Greek houses. The Section’s next meeting lecture events every few months in either Swansea - The branch has had another will be at the National Eisteddfod in Tokyo or Osaka. In May, we invited the successful year, holding three meeting and Denbigh, held on Monday the 5th August at chairman of Bosch Japan to our Tokyo welcoming new members. The first meeting 12 noon in the Societies’ Pavilion 1. campus, where he lectured on their was our AGM where the Branch Everyone welcome. Management Strategy and Vision, followed appointments were made followed by a talk Culture of the 18th and 19th Centuries by a lively exchange of questions and by Miss Margaret Jones about the work of The 2013 annual conference, held in July, answers. We hope to continue expanding the Samaritans. Our Spring meeting was was this year focused on Gwyneth Vaughan and improving our network of alumni in the held at Swansea University where the guest and her life. Speaker Rosanne Reeves talked future and if you would like to find out more speaker was Phil Bowen, a retired school about how Gwyneth Vaughan, the first please email walesmba-alumni- teacher who gave a striking and engaging woman to give an address from the [email protected] illustrated talk about Osborne House on the Gorsedd stones, believed that women had Liverpool - Two very successful meetings Isle of Wight. The Branch Annual Lunch was an important contribution to make to the have been held in the period since summer held at Sketty Hall, Swansea and we enjoyed world, and discussed women’s role in 2012. Last September, Professor Laura an extremely pleasant time together. Our society, female emancipation, as well as McAllister from the School of Management, guest speaker was Phillip Sillick MBE who topics such as the future of the National Liverpool University, gave a very perceptive entertained us with anecdotes of his Eisteddfod in regular columns in the Welsh lecture on ‘Y Cynulliad-Ddoe, Heddiw ac experience as a magistrate. and English press. Other speakers at the Yfory’ [The Assembly, Yesterday, Today and Theology - In September, two lectures were conference included Marion Loeffler and Tomorrow], with an introduction on Welsh held both focusing on an event that had a Cathryn Charnell-White, both research success at the Olympic Games in her role as far-reaching effect on Christianity in Wales - fellows at CAWCS, Robin Chapman, Lecturer chair of Sports Wales. In February Professor The ‘Great Ejection’ of 1662. Dr Eryn M. in the Department of Welsh at Aberyswyth Gale Owen-Crocker, Manchester University, White delivered the lecture at Coleg Gwyn, University, and Leila Salisbury. came to lecture on ‘The Bayeux Tapestry’, a Bangor while Professor John Gwynfor Jones France - Having recently formed in June, we subject that appealed to around sixty eager spoke at the event in Carmarthen. This year are currently recruiting members with a view listeners. the Section will hold a lecture in Cardiff on to holding our first meeting in Paris this Philosophy - The annual conference will be the 16th September which will be delivered coming December. Utilise the networking held this year on the 11th October in by Dr Carys Mosley. Issue 64 of opportunities of being an Alumni of Aberystwyth. The theme of the one day Diwinyddiaeth is also in the press, and it University of Wales with both your local symposium will be on the application of includes an editorial essay by Professor network and with members all around the ethics across a range of subjects from Euros Wyn Jones, the two lectures delivered world. Join the Linkedin group (University of language policy through to sports. at Bangor and Carmarthen last year, essays Wales Club of France) now to connect with Speaking at the Welsh language event will on spirituality and pastoral work, as well as other French alumni and learn about events be a range of leading academics in their several reviews. or meetings in your area, or for further field. Starting the day will be Dr Huw Lewis USA - With a core membership of around information please contact Jorg discussing linguisitic justice while later on in thirty, we are still a relatively new Branch. Stegemann, who is based in Paris, via email the morning Dr Carwyn Jones will be Communicating primarily via email and at [email protected] discussing ethics in the field of sport. Post social media, we are always looking to German - At the end of April, our annual lunch sessions will be by Prof. Steve Edwards increase our membership and plan more symposium was held once again in on health policy while the day will be activities and events. If you are interested in Hamburg. Three prominent speakers brought to an end by Meirlys Lewis as she finding out more about the branch and presented very interesting topics including discusses morality. Proceeding will be held in becoming a member, please email Dr Brian the financing of cultural activities and how Welsh throughout the day and is free to Tucker, who is based in Chicago, Illinois, at its effectiveness could be improved, how attend. To learn more e-mail [email protected] computers have changed the business [email protected] Don’t forget Register your email address to ensure you receive all future communications from the University of Wales. Go to www.wales.ac.uk/alumni
Summer 2013 www.wales.ac.uk/alumni
The Magazine for University of Wales Alumni University of Wales Alumni Association With thanks to everyone who contributed On the Cover Email: [email protected] to this issue Telephone: +44 (0)29 2037 6999 This is the Website: www.wales.ac.uk/alumni University’s Crest. Address: University Registry More information II The Antiques Roadshow at Gregynog about the Armorial II Celebrating the life of R S Thomas II Graduation Celebration 2013 King Edward VII Avenue The continued support of Ede & II CAWCS receives AHRC Research Grants II Dr Andrew Petersen: Unearthing the past II Alumni Association Branch & Section News Cathays Park Ravenscroft towards publication costs is Bearings of the Cardiff greatly appreciated University can be CF10 3NS found on our website - visit Editor: Jocelyn Keedwell www.wales.ac.uk/Crest Design and Print: Yogi Creative les)
14