University of Leicester Newsletter FEBRUARY 2 FEBRUARY lehttp://www.le.ac.uk BulINSIDE LEICESTER PROFESSORtin REVEALS INSIDE STORY: SCALE OF SHIPMAN'S KILLINGS Bulletin’s AS THE new year the fifteen murders for which SUPPleMENT, with details of opened there cannot he is serving a life sentence, Research Grants have been a national but the likely full scale of his and Books. A newspaper that did killings has been uncovered history of not carry full by an investigation carried chemistry book coverage of the out by Professor Richard is one of those horrifying numbers Baker, Director of the featured. of people who may University’s Clinical have been murdered Governance Research and by the convicted GP Development Unit. CAPITAL Harold Shipman. ACQUISITION: SHOCK FINDINGS: In the 145 pages of his audit London to Paris Shipman has Professor Richard Baker of Shipman’s career from by Sir Eduardo consistently refused uncovered the extent of 1974-1998, commissioned by Paolozzi - his to confess even to Shipman’s killings. second work in continued on page 2 the Engineering Building. Page 3. RINGING ENDORSEMENT FOR LEICESTER PROFESSOR A SHARED EXPERIENCE: European students received a warm welcome from the City and the University. Page 9.

Professor of Ancient History in the School of Archaeological Studies, NEW Lin Foxhall, has been awarded an OPPORTUNITIES: MBE (Hon) for her services in Feature on marking the new Millennium. The Leicester’s new Royal Mail has also issued a stamp Graduate School. commemorating her achievement. Page 20. Full story, page 4. uet Bulletin News University of Leicester February 2001

LEICESTER PROFESSOR REVEALS SCALE OF SHIPMAN'S KILLINGS Volume 33 • Number 4 continued from page 1. February 2001 the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Liam Donaldson at the time of Shipman’s Bulletin News ...... 1-12 conviction, Professor Baker calculated that as many as 236 people may have Business ...... 13 been victims of the GP who worked first in Todmorden in West Yorkshire and later Hyde in Greater Manchester. International ...... 14-15 By investigating the patterns in deaths certified by Harold Shipman, cremation Out & About ...... 16-17 forms and medical records, and comparing those deaths with similar GP practices Artstop...... 18-19 in the same area Professor Baker was able to estimate the scale of murders over Feature...... 20-21 the 24 years of the doctor’s career. Graduate Relations ...... 22 • Harold Shipman issued 521 medical certificates of cause of death. In Student Page ...... 23 comparable practices the highest number issued was 210. Cuttings ...... 24 • Compared to similar practices the excess of deaths certified by Shipman was Teaching Initiatives...... 27 297, of which 236 were deaths occurring at home. People ...... 28-31 • The greatest number of deaths was among women aged 75 years or over, Notices ...... 31-33 followed by women aged 65-74 years and lastly men aged 75 years and over. A.O.B...... 34 • Even in his early career he had recorded an excess of deaths but it was not Crossword...... 35 until 1988 that numbers increased significantly. Photostop ...... Back Page • Deaths were more likely to occur between 1 and 7 pm on weekdays, when relatives and friends were unlikely to be present. They took place during or SUPPleMENT (Research Grants and shortly after a visit from the GP. Books). The next issue of Bulletin is due in March. • The recorded cause of death tended to have a weak link to the victim’s case history. YOUR BULLETIN Government measures have been in place over the last two years to minimise the We wish to encourage members of the risk of a similar series of tragedies in the future. But Professor Baker fears these University to submit items for the Bulletin – are not enough. He recommended the monitoring of GPs’ death rates, more feel free to email stories or suggestions to [email protected]. information on death certificates, more rigorous record-keeping by GPs, and more The Bulletin is edited in the Press and accountability over the administration and distribution of drugs such as Publications Office. The Editor reserves the right diamorphine. to amend or abbreviate copy without notice. Editor: Ather Mirza (3335) Professor Baker, himself a former GP who was chosen to carry out the Shipman [email protected] investigation as one of the country’s leading experts in medical audit, said: “I Deputy Editor: Barbara Whiteman (2676) hope that we can use the methods of the review as a starting point for [email protected] developing a system to prevent such events in the future”. Journalist: Jane Pearson Design and layout: Paula Curtis/Lisa Jackson • The CGRDU in the Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care AVS – Graphics Pictures: AVS – Photography at the University was formally opened by the Chief Medical Officer Professor Cartoons: Barbara Whiteman Liam Donaldson in April 1999. Professor Donaldson is a graduate and Printed by: AVS – Print honorary graduate of the University and a former lecturer at Leicester.

Advertisements: Up to 30 words should be accompanied by cheques, payable to University PETER TAYLOR AT EVENT of Leicester, at the following rates: STUDENTS at two halls of residence got together to organise a new guest House sales and lettings: £5.00 speaker programme. The celebrity they chose to get the ball rolling in January Other sales and service: £2.00 was Leicester City and temporary England Manager Peter Taylor. Free adverts are carried if space permits. Please send adverts to Press and Publications Office. The students, from Gilbert Murray and Villiers Halls in Oadby, are promoting Prices for display advertisements are available on the fund-raising series of events throughout the local community as well as in request from Chris Walters, LUSU Marketing the University. They see the programme as a way to develop a closer Officer (1150). relationship with the local community as well as with past students. The University of Leicester does not necessarily adopt or endorse the products and services “Halls are more than places where students go merely to eat and sleep,” says advertised in Bulletin. The Editor reserves the Matthew Niblett, SubWarden at Gilbert Murray and member of the organising right to refuse/amend any advert without notice. committee. “Students develop lifelong friendships while in Halls, learn how to Email: [email protected] live in co-operative communities and have opportunities to widen their Newsline: 0116 252 3335 experiences of life. Opportunities have included organising hall social events, Advertising: 0116 223 1168 Address: University of Leicester, participating in sporting fixtures and contributing to voluntary activities such as University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH at the local Lancaster School.” Peter Taylor spoke about his footballing experiences at Leicester and previous This icon indicates that a fuller version of the story can be found posts, and offered advice to students on their own career development. www on the University’s web pages: 2 http://www.le.ac.uk/press/press/ uet University of Leicester Bulletin News February 2001

STUDY REVEALS FIRST EVIDENCE OF POLLUTION DAMAGE TO CHILDREN’S LUNGS RESEARCHERS from the Department trigger inflammation in the lungs – exposed. If they are around in the of Child Health and the Centre for leading to wheezing, bronchitis and lungs of very young children they Mechanisms of Human Toxicity at the asthma. could alter the development of the University of Leicester have Speaking to the Leicester Mercury lung and predispose it to chronic uncovered the first direct evidence which broke the story exclusively on respiratory disease.” that carbon particles in exhaust its front page, Dr Grigg said: “These The researchers found the harmful fumes are getting into children’s particles are so tiny that they are not particles in the lungs of all 22 lungs, and causing disease. screened out by the normal Leicester children examined in the Dr Jonathan Grigg, Dr Hazel Bunn protective mechanisms of the two-year study – including babies as and Dr David Dinsdale respiratory system. young as three months old. examined the lungs of “They pass right down into Dr Grigg said: “Children who live children under general the depths of the lung beside busy main roads were found anaesthetic prior to where they sit in the to have twice as many cells an operation for the moist, delicate sacs of the containing the particles as children presence of exhaust lung. When white cells from quieter side streets. However, particles. Examining attack the particles, they even those living in quiet, suburbs cells from the lower release toxic substances have particles in their airways.” lung, the scientists that cause inflammation. observed the cells The team is now planning a further Some particles escape the using an electron study, drawing on surveys of white cells and embed microscope. respiratory illness in Leicester themselves in the lung children, and maps showing particle They discovered tissue. hotspots produced by the city pollution particles in “The fact that there is no council’s pollution control group. the lungs being protection from these cells The study will look at the attacked by the INSIGHT: An electron even when you are indoors relationship between respiratory body’s defence microscopic image of the particles in an alveolar is of particular concern, disease among children and system, the white macrophage. because babies and very exposure to particle pollution. cells. This, in turn, can young children are being

BRONZE INSTALLED THE Department of Engineering has recently used a head, a pair of feet, a pair of hands, and other parts. donation from the estate of the late Douglas MacLellan This enormous wooden sculpture was installed in the (Head of Department, 1965-1988) to purchase a small courtyard of the Royal Academy on Piccadilly during bronze sculpture by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi. last summer. The much smaller bronze maquette has The bronze, called London to Paris, is a maquette of just been installed in the MacLellan Room of the one of Paolozzi’s most recent major commissions, an Engineering Building. eight-metre-long, five tonne wooden flatbed Paolozzi was previously invited by Douglas MacLellan locomotive, mounted on rails and carrying a giant to design a tapestry for the entrance of the Engineering Building. A friend of James Stirling, the building’s architect with James Gowan, Paolozzi was happy to accept, and the tapestry has adorned the foyer since 1982. He was therefore only too pleased to be asked again to produce something for the Department. It was his idea to realise in bronze the maquette of London to Paris. Douglas’s brother Donald and his sisters Louie and Elspeth are delighted that we have chosen to use the donation in this way. The Department is also pleased that it has obtained a work of such distinction from so famous an artist. Douglas would have liked it very much.

Ian Postlethwaite

3 uet Bulletin News University of Leicester February 2001

CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE AND WORK OF PROFESSOR JACK SIMMONS ON December 9, the University commemorated its first Professor of History, Jack Simmons, who died on September 3. More than 150 of his friends and admirers, from England, Wales, Scotland, Switzerland and Nigeria, gathered in the Richard Attenborough Centre to hear twelve distinguished speakers deliver short addresses each covering a different field of Jack’s activity. Former students and colleagues spoke of him as a humane and inspiring teacher, as a leading spirit in the development of the University, and as an outstanding historian of his adopted Leicestershire locality. These activities were only part of his wide-ranging achievement. He was a NOTABLE TRIBUTES: Members of the University were among the distinguished speakers reflecting on the life national figure, as Professor Bonney pointed out in his opening address. and achievements of Professor Simmons. Michael Robbins spoke of him as the foremost authority on British railway history, with a characteristically broad vision which included the railway’s topography, its architecture, and the communities it served. James Robbins, of the BBC, gave a vivid account of Jack as an able broadcaster. Other speakers paid tribute to his valuable work for national museums, and in biography, imperial history, Victorian studies, visual history, and English local history. His publications, of which a list covering fourteen A4 pages was exhibited in the Attenborough Centre’s library, together with a selection of his published works, included impressive items in all these fields. James Walker, of the Archduke Trio, played two of Jack’s favourite pieces and spoke of Jack’s support for the provision of music in the University. The closing address, by the Vice-Chancellor, expressed a warm appreciation of the ideals which inspired Jack and which the University continues to uphold. Those attending the commemoration found it an uplifting occasion, which revealed aspects of Jack’s achievement unknown to them. Refreshments provided by the University and the History Department afforded a welcome opportunity for conversation and renewing contacts. Dr A K B Evans • A further reflection on the legacy of Professor Simmons is on page 34. HONOUR FOR 1996 and was awarded £3 million installed and old bells restored. in National Lottery funding To commemorate ‘Ringing in the PROFESSOR towards the £6 million project. Millennium’ the Royal Mail A PROFESSOR at the University has The Central Council of Church Bell produced a seasonal stamp for the been awarded an MBE (Hon) by Ringers put her in touch with Christmas period. Her Majesty the Queen in fellow bell-ringer Stella Bianco As an American citizen Professor recognition of her contribution to from Sussex, and together they Foxhall received an honorary MBE, the Millennium celebrations. applied to the Millennium a rare distinction, which was Commission to fund a network of Professor Lin Foxhall, Head of the presented to her by the Rt Hon bells to ring in the Millennium. Division of Ancient History and a Chris Smith, MP, Secretary bell-ringer herself, formed the idea Across the country 150 of State for Culture of ‘Ringing in the Millennium’ in communities benefited from the Media and Sport this www project, in which new bells were month. NEW MANAGEMENT COURSE LAUNCHED THE Management Centre has launched a new undergraduate international business and information management. Other degree course for UK/EU and international students. options exist in areas that are topical in today’s global Aimed at future managers across the private, public or business climate, for instance in e-commerce, the voluntary sectors and in all types of business from local to management of cyber organisations, quality and reliability multinational, the BA in Management Studies will equip management and knowledge management. students to take a range of careers, including banking, The BA in Management Studies can lead to opportunities to accountancy and human resource management. The course take postgraduate professional qualifications with also offers a chance to specialise in marketing and finance. organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Core modules will include marketing, accountancy, finance, Marketing the Institute of Personnel Management organisational analysis, human resource management, and may qualify for exemptions from part of www strategic and competitor analysis, operations management, courses run by these bodies.

4 uet University of Leicester Bulletin News February 2001

on a grand scale. THE LANGUAGE OF LEICESTER Once English was in the process of IN December, national and local the place-names of the region: being re-established as a press seized with delight on long- And while this evidence is crucial prestigious medium for writing, it standing research showing the for determining the ways in which became clear that a Standard form importance of the of the language was essential. The Leicester and the East Scandinavians obvious choice was a dialect from Midlands region in the settled in this the middle of the country, evolution of English. area, the intelligible to all. Dr Elaine Treharne, emergence of And, adding to this aspect of Head of the the East comprehensibility and accessibility Department of English Midlands was the opportunity for the East at the University, who dialect in the Midlands dialect to make its mark was much quoted post-Conquest through the immigration of many in the press period also

. East Midlanders into London, the coverage, explains. demonstrates political and cultural capital, THE origins of the clearly the during the fourteenth and East Midlands eventual fifteenth centuries. These dialect derive from intermingling immigrants considerably the Anglo-Saxons, of the two influenced the emergence of who settled in the peoples.

Pic: Leicester Mercury Standard English by working in the Mercian region Words such as crucial areas of trade and from approximately 500AD. They them, their, administration. she, sister, law and gate are all of spoke a Germanic dialect similar It was, then, that the East Old Norse origin, and began to be to that preserved in the Old Midlands dialect, merged with a adopted into East Midlands English poem Beowulf, and this form of the London dialect, gave English probably from the very late form of language was rise in succeeding centuries to Anglo-Saxon period. complicated in the ninth century Standard English, the form of the by the arrival and settlement of English itself was ousted as the language with which we are all the Vikings in and around major written language after the familiar, and to which Leicester Leicestershire Norman Conquest until the and its surrounding locality, The impact of the Scandinavians fourteenth century, but what does contributed so significantly. on the local dialect can be seen in survive shows regional variation

exhibition to Leicester and will TOMODACHI EXHIBITION AT RAC choose the work to be exhibited MINISTER Ken Shimanouchi, Deputy and institutions with similar aims in from the Gallery Tom in Tokyo and Ambassador of Japan will open an Japan. the RNIB New College in Worcester. exhibition of art by students at Julia Cassim, journalist with the With Sian Thomas, Organising Tutor schools for the blind in Japan and Japan Times, has played a key role for Sculpture at the Richard England at the Richard in bringing the Tomodachi Attenborough Centre, and Yohei Attenborough Centre. Nishimura a sculptor and educator Tomodachi, which from Japan, she will be hanging will run from 19 the work for the exhibition. February to 18 March The Exhibition will run at the 2001, follows the Richard Attenborough Centre from success of an Monday February 19 to Friday exhibition of March 16, 2001, 10 am – 4.30 pm Japanese Calligraphy Monday-Friday. held at the Richard • The exhibition is sponsored by Attenborough Centre the Great Britain Sasakawa in 2000. It reinforces Foundation and the Pola Art established links Foundation. between the Richard Attenborough Centre www

5 uet Bulletin News University of Leicester February 2001

“Moreover, by the ages of eight to NEW NATIONAL INITIATIVE nine, children have formed stereotypical views about the world AIMS TO BOOST INTEREST – which includes science and scientists. In particular, research IN SCIENCE indicates many children have made up their mind not to be scientists by CHILDREN as young as eight years old may have made up this age.” their minds not to become scientists – because they believe scientists are ‘middle aged white males who never have fun’! SCIcentre has launched three new projects in order to spearhead Now educationalists at the University of Leicester have improved science education at devised support materials, targeting 12,000 new primary primary level: school teachers, that break down these stereotypes and provide stimulating projects that interest all children. • Science and Literacy: Developing The activities include using the Three Little Pigs nursery rhyme links between science and and a Young Sherlock Holmes role play. language, fiction and non fiction, The experts are part of SCIcentre – the National Centre for • Helping Primary Children Understand Science and Initial Teacher Training in Primary School Science. With the Technology: Practical, Oral and Co-Operative Activities support of industry and through an educational partnership, • Developing Primary Teachers’ Science Knowledge: A bank SCIcentre aims to influence a generation of children. of self study materials. SCIcentre Director Dr Tina Jarvis, a senior lecturer at the Dr Jarvis said the materials would have several benefits: University, said: “SCIcentre believes that capturing the “These materials introduce children to science before they imagination of a child before the age of 11 is crucial for the have made up their mind about not being future scientists. child to develop a lasting interest in the subject. “Good science teaching in the primary school is more likely to “In other words, if the child hasn’t enjoyed science prior to produce confident girls and boys keen to be scientists this age then the child may never enjoy science. The and empowered citizens able to participate subject is then lost to them and makes little sense in effectively in the decisions of the day.” www secondary school. More information on: www.scicentre.org.uk SHEDDING LIGHT STUDENTS from schools and colleges throughout the county were treated to ‘A Little Light Relief’ at the University, when Professor David Phillips OBE, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at Imperial College, London, gave the annual Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society Lecture for Schools, sponsored by the Leicester Mercury. The demonstration lecture covered in a www stimulating and light-hearted way the uses of light in medicine, from a chemist’s point of view. ME AND MY GIRL RETURNS THE University of Leicester Theatre followed its two sell- out successes – Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Ben Elton’s Popcorn – with its biggest production of the season, Me and My Girl. When the show opened in 1984 at the Leicester Haymarket Theatre it broke all box office records. It was nominated for 13 Tony awards in 1987, including Best Musical, and won three trophies. Me and My Girl also won the Lawrence Olivier award for Best Musical. Actor Robert Lindsay, who won the Tony Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in the show, sent a personal message to the University of Leicester Theatre wishing the company luck and offering encouragement in their production. 6 uet University of Leicester Bulletin News February 2001

TOP LEVEL TEAM ASSESS WIDENING PARTICIPATION EFFORT A TEAM from the Department of Education and Employment has met with University representatives to evaluate the success of partnerships for widening participation in Leicester and Leicestershire. The University of Leicester, De Montfort University members of the University and the Students’ and Loughborough University have been working in Union, including Janet Graham, the Director of the partnership with Leicester City Cluster, HEFCE Widening Participation Project in Leicestershire Careers, Leicestershire TEC Ltd and Leicestershire & Rutland; Herabans Kaur, the the local authorities in order to widen participation University’s Widening Participation Project Leader; within the city and the county. James Banks, the Contact co–ordinator and The Government department representatives were currently involved in Shadowing as well as the introduced to the Vice-Chancellor, as well as other Partnerships for Progression mentoring initiative; and Dr Chris Pole as a representative of the Sociology Department which has played a major REGIONAL ENGLISH role in terms of shadowing and mentoring – both high on the Government’s agenda. CONFERENCE IN BEIRUT • More information is available from the IN November three members of staff from the School of Admissions Office website. Education attended the Regional English Conference at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, along with 250 delegates from all over the Middle East. The conference was led by internationally-known keynote speakers in the field from AMAZON IS EXPANDING - Britain, the USA and Jordan, and focused on issues of language and change in general, and in particular on language and STUDY academic and professional communities; language and the curriculum; language, literature and culture; and language and THE lush Amazon Basin is currently wetter than technology. Professor Ken Fogelman was invited to make a any other time on record, a study printed on presentation to the whole conference as a guest speaker, in part December 22 in the international journal because of his long connections with Lebanon in fostering the Science reveals. development of higher degrees there. Dr Angela Creese had an The rainfall history of the Amazon Basin since audience of nearly 50 people for her paper on communication the ice ages is important for a number of in inter-professional relationships, and Dr Hugh Busher gave a questions, such as whether arid conditions paper on literacies, cultures and the induction of students into reduced or fragmented the rainforests, how doctoral studies in education. the tropics contribute methane to the Perhaps more remarkable was the unseen influence of the atmosphere, and how tropical climate may University of Leicester on this conference. Five of the papers out have affected the global water cycle. of the 40 given in total to the conference were presented by Francis Mayle of the Department of Geography students or former students of the University of Leicester. Most and colleagues Rachel Burbridge and Timothy of the students were or are studying on the Doctorate in Killeen used pollen analysis to examine the Education programme. The organising committee was chaired long-term dynamics of forest-savanna by a former student of the University of Leicester, Dr Nola boundaries in southern Amazonia, which are Bacha, who is now one of the senior faculty members in the extremely dependent on climate patterns. Lebanese American University (LAU). She was supported in the public relations work of the committee very efficiently by Rima Mayle’s team found that the forest in Bolivia Bahous, a current Doctorate in Education student and a faculty currently stretches farther south than at any member of LAU, and Nelly Abboud, secretary to Dr Bacha. Two other time in the last 50,000 years, and that other members of the committee, Nabelah Haraty and Irma the rainforest communities at this Ghozn are also current or former University of Leicester southern boundary may be less than www students. 3,000 years old. Hugh Busher 7 uet Bulletin News University of Leicester February 2001

TACKLING ENERGY MATTERS WITH GUSTO! improve their energy performance by optimising capital and running costs. RECENT flooding and inclement campaign. Jamie has a background in Jamie’s industrial and commercial links weather has raised the profile of the training and providing advice on may be of benefit to departments climate change debate. This energy campaigns and seeking partners for co-operative and other environmental projects. He is keen to help research projects in innovative energy impacts associated with the departments to identify technologies and other areas. areas where they can use of energy are important • If you have any queries, comments driving forces behind the reduce “energy waste” to or ideas on energy matters, you University’s employment of support their activities and can contact Jamie on 2308 or e- a new Energy Manager. protect the environment. mail him at [email protected]. Jamie Goth, pictured, Jamie is able to provide If you would like to learn more started work as a Member information on the energy about the University’s energy of the Client Services Unit in efficiency of new appliances programmes, click onto the September. He is leading and equipment, as well as Earthcare web-page on spotlights the implementation of the how to get the best from on the University’s Home Page. University’s energy policy, the first step ones already in use. He is working with of which is to reinvigorate the Estates’ Design Team in this capacity, Earthcare Energy Awareness helping departments to continuously

CHINESE EMPLOYERS SEEK CLMS SUPPORT THE HELP FROM CLMS MODERNISATION OF MALTA'S A TEAM from the Centre for Labour Market Studies TRAINING SYSTEM has recently returned from China, where they have OVER the last year staff from the Centre for Labour been working with the Chinese Employers’ Market Studies have been working with the Maltese Confederation to identify the current state of Employment and Training Corporation (ETC), the training training in Chinese business and ways in which it can arm of the Maltese Government, to update training be improved. provision in Malta. After surveying 500 employers in China, the team – The collaboration has led to a number of exciting Professor David Ashton, Dr Katherine Hills and Ms developments, including a partnership with the Barbara Li – delivered their preliminary results and Foundation for Human Resources Development (FHRD) to recommendations to a conference of Government make available the full range of CLMS training and officials and human resource specialists in Beijing. human resources courses in Malta. The CLMS results highlighted the ways in which new The ETC has also replaced its National Certificate of high performance working and training practices are Training and Development with CLMS’s Certificate in already helping Chinese employers secure substantial Training Practices from January this year. Any Maltese business improvements. Discussion at the conference citizen accepted on the programme are entitled to focused on how these practices can be used to help Government funding of £300. the state enterprises. The team have been invited back to develop their work in China further. They are In addition, CLMS will be invited to provide input currently preparing a full report to be published into the forthcoming Maltese NVQ system on www jointly with the International Labour Organisation. Training and Development Standards.

NEW LINK BETWEEN UNIVERSITIES A MEMORANDUM of understanding has been signed to take PhDs, in between Leicester and a new university in Jordan. three areas – Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Burgess and Professor Archaeology, Adel Tweissi, the President of Al-Hussein Bin Talal Education and University in Jordan, signed the memorandum in Engineering. November (pictured). There is also provision for the Al-Hussein Bin Talal University is a new public university development of with a substantial budget to provide for its rapid academic and development. As part of this process new staff will be research links in other areas of common www trained overseas and the agreement provides for staff interest. to come to Leicester for Master’s courses, and probably 8 uet University of Leicester Bulletin News February 2001

MOVING THE GOALPOSTS necessarily require game goals to be portable. Consequently there are thousands of portable goals A UNIVERSITY sports expert has warned of the in use in the U.K. that are erected and dismantled dangers posed by portable football goalposts through several times a day. The ease with which goals can be a new set of national health and safety guidelines. erected and dismantled are important considerations Colin Hide, Sports and Recreation Manager, is also a when purchasing these items. member of the Institute of Leisure and Amenity “There are, however important safety considerations Management Sports Service Panel and has, through connected with their specification and use. Not least this capacity, prepared a factsheet on the subject. It is the requirement for them to be securely anchored has also been endorsed by the Football Association. whilst in use and when being stored. Colin said: “Most modern sports facilities are multi- “Tragically, in the last 13 years 9 youngsters use and provide accommodation to allow a variety of have been killed by portable soccer goals www games to be played within one space. Such facilities falling on them throughout the UK.”

TACKLING FOULS the health of players. Most people do not think of a £10 million GRANT SUCCESS A UNIVERSITY risk management footballer as a business asset. FOR SCIENTISTS expert, working with FIFA to However, if you consider football as investigate football injuries, is a business, the number of injuries, A TOTAL of 13 awards have taking a new look at an old which prevent players from playing recently been made to the problem. football, is a much higher risk than region’s universities as Lord Sainsbury, the Science Minister Dr Colin Fuller, a lecturer in the that arising from injuries in most announced that 175 projects at Scarman Centre, is known for his other high risk occupations, such as UK Universities are to benefit research into health and safety the construction industry or working from £14m in grants for state- management in the workplace and on oil rigs.” of-the-art research equipment. is currently applying the same risk In November, Dr Fuller attended the management principles to first ever FIFA Sports Medical The region’s universities professional football. Conference in Zurich in order to scooped £874,000 in grants. Leicester attracted £249,000 for Dr Fuller said: “I look at the football present the initial results from the two projects - one led by Chris ground as a place of work. So, I France 1998 World Cup and the New Binns, Physics and Astronomy, examine objects and the other Zealand 1999 Under-17 World Cup. and the other by Dr Eric Hope, people on the pitch as potential Colin Fuller was the only delegate Department of Chemistry. hazards for the footballers. In this from England to give a presentation sense, it is no different from a risk to fellow delegates at the assessment in any industrial or conference, who were the technical commercial workplace. directors and medical ON-LINE BULLETIN: Issues of the specialists from “I also consider the impact of www Bulletin are accessible on CWIS footballing nations all injuries on the financial viability of via the following web address: around the world. clubs and the long-term impact on http://www.le.ac.uk/bulletin/

WELCOME TO ERASMUS STUDENTS STUDENTS on the fourth year of the SOCRATES-ERASMUS programme received a warm welcome to the University and to the City of Leicester from Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Fearon and the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Mrs Barbara Chambers, at the end of November 2000. Nearly 200 students on the programme are studying at Leicester during this academic year, across 20 departments. The University has agreements with 75 European Universities in Finland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Greece and Hungary.

9 uet Bulletin News University of Leicester February 2001

POOR RISK MANAGEMENT CENTRE DIRECTOR A SPECIAL issue of Risk shortcomings in the management INSTALLED AS Management, published by the of the BSE crisis’. FREEMAN OF Scarman Centre, explores recent Moreover, ‘the financial sector has LONDON events such as the Hatfield rail also witnessed crisis, from the crash, the Bristol Royal Infirmary collapse of BCCI and Barings Bank SCARMAN Centre Director Dr Inquiry and management of the in the UK to the failure of LTCM in Martin Gill has been installed as a Freeman of the City of London. BSE crisis, presenting the views of the US with losses of $3.625billion. Dr Gill, who is a member of the regulators, practitioners and As a result, there have been a researchers. newly formed Security Guild was number of regulatory and industry installed at a ceremony at the Dr Martina McGuinness reports: initiatives aimed at ensuring such Guildhall in the City of London ‘Train crashes at Paddington and disasters do not happen again. This with nine other Guild members. Hatfield have left the rail industry means that in crisis and clearly demonstrated operational risk www the disastrous human management is now consequences of poor operational at the top of many risk management’. corporate agendas’. Guest editor, and external examiner at the University’s Scarman Centre, Dr Clive Smallman notes, ‘The Bristol Royal Infirmary Inquiry ADVERTISE FOR showed the impact of poor FREE! operational risk management in the Form on page 32. public sector. More recently the HONOUR: Dr Gill, installed as a Freeman of the Phillips Report highlighted City of London, receives his certificate from Ian Roberton. Socially Responsible Investment putyour Given the choice, would you invest in slave labour, the arms trade or weapons of money torture? Would you choose to invest in human rights abuse or animal testing? whereyour Unfortunately, most of us invest in these atrocities without knowing it. You have the opportunity to change this and exercise moralsare your rights to choose. TM Simply call us free on 0800 542 4255, or e-mail us at [email protected] Independent Financial Advice 71 London Road, Leicester, LE2 0PE

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10 uet University of Leicester Bulletin News February 2001

PRAISE FOR DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE A SATISFIED – if anonymous – would-be distance learners to be satisfaction with the course graduate from the MA Applied disciplined in meeting deadlines, programme was generally very high Linguistics/TESOL course by distance and to consider long-term aims among the respondents: 90% were learning was reported in ELTeaching before settling on a course, she/he very satisified or satisfied. Course Matters recently. Responding to an praised the Leicester programme for materials and tutorial support were enquiry as to which aspects of the the freedom it allowed “to pursue particularly liked. The possibility of programme were particularly good, subjects directly relevant to my tailoring the course to the students’ she/he singled out discourse work”, and added that the own professional needs, as analysis, language description, “applied” aspect of the course was mentioned in the report, is now learning theory, methodology, well met. greater than ever with an increased pronunciation, second language Dr Agneta Svalberg, Co-ordinator range of eight options.” acquisition, syllabus and curriculum, for the MA in Applied Linguistics & teacher training and TESOL (distance learning) added: “In testing/evaluation. While cautioning a mid-course evaluation last year, RISING TO THE CHALLENGE YOUR STARTER FOR 10: The University of Leicester was the very first University to triumph in the University Challenge series – and now it is your chance to follow in the successful footsteps of your predecessors. For more information about taking part in the 2001/2002 series, contact the Students’ Union President or JCR, or email [email protected] or phone 0161 832 7211 ext 3157.

PIONEERING GENE RESEARCH THE British Heart Foundation kicked off its 40th REDUCING RISKS anniversary celebrations by announcing the launch A GOVERNMENT report available from the of the world’s largest study into family heart Institute for Environment and Health at the disease. The new research project, called the BHF University sets out a programme of work to Family Heart Study, aims to pinpoint the rogue improve the way health risks from chemicals are genes which contribute to coronary heart disease. assessed. Proposals include work to improve The £2.5 million project, carried out by the assessment of human exposure to chemicals, and universities of Leeds and Leicester, is seeking computer based models to get a better estimate families across the UK who have a history of of risks. hereditary heart disease and who are prepared to The sustainable management of chemicals – give a small blood sample to the project. A special including pesticides and medicines as well as DNA library is to be set up which will enable industrial chemicals – and the protection of researchers to map genes across family groups in human health in the workplace, the environment order to identify and isolate the problem genes. and in the home is dependent on an assessment Professor Nilesh Samani, based at Glenfield of risks posed by each particular chemical. Such Hospital, is spearheading the project at Leicester. A assessments form the basis of regulatory controls to limit exposure. pilot study looking at the feasibility of this project started in 1997 in Yorkshire and the Midlands. Now, The report has been produced by the a converted London bus has gone on a nationwide Interdepartmental Group on Health Risks from tour in order to recruit participants to the project. Chemicals (IGHRC).

11 University of Leicester February 2001

NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK EVENTS

16th - 25th March 2001

Monday 19th Earth Observation Science Group All Day Sean Lawrence – Keynote Lecture followed by ‘Physics in Force’ workshops venue Roe Farm School, Derby Geology Department 19.30 Mike Branney – Dangerous Volcanoes Countesthorpe College Tuesday 20th Engineering Department 10.00 Ian Jarvis – Design and build a P.I.G. Space School UK Jean Collins – Pharaohs’ Secrets (COPUS Grant) Tuesday – Friday in Schools Wednesday, Thursday evenings + Saturday at New Walk Museum Wednesday 21st University Science Day 9.30 Archaeology: Ruth Young – Looking at Bones – From Garbage to Knowledge Biology: Pat Heslop-Harrison – Cereal Events Chemistry: John Holloway – Fluorine Frolics Computer Centre: Richard Mobbs – Come Surf with Me Geography: ‘Rainfall Simulation Tower’ Mathematics: Jeremy Levesley – Numbers are Magic Will Light - Adventure with Paper Physics & Astronomy: Martin Barstow – The Extraterrestrial Road-show UKSEDS – Our Kind of Town Darren Baskill – Planetarium shows Pre-Clinical Sciences: Jon Scott – Muscles at Work Space School UK: Pharaoh’s Secrets Thursday 22nd Engineering Department 10.00 Ian Jarvis – Design and Build a P.I.G. Saturday 24th New Walk Museum 14.00 Martin Barstow (Physics & Astronomy Department) Chairs a panel of scientists discussing the interaction of their work with their religious beliefs Pharaohs’ Secrets – Interactive drop in workshop for all Snibston Discovery Park All Day Mathematics and Computer Science Department Jeremy Levesley and team – workshop + Awarding Prizes for their schools competition, CASIO sponsorship More information from Jean Collins: 0116 252 2675 email: [email protected]

12 University of Leicester Business Bulletin February 2001

NEW TEAM AIMS TO FORGE CLOSER BUSINESS LINKS MORE links with local and national companies are being beginning of formed by a newly appointed Employer Liaison Team based March to at the Careers Service, College House. recruit Its role is to create partnerships between businesses and the students University to help both students and academics benefit from from ethnic closer links with companies. minorities (March 9) The biggest challenge is getting the message to the business and students community especially SMEs which are not aware of the type with of services Universities provide nowadays. disabilities This is why Haniel Riviere-Allen, Employer Liaison Manager, is (March 16). looking to organise networking events welcoming business The targeted CHALLENGING: The University is committed to associations on campus to promote the University’s services companies raising students’ employability. to companies. Ideally, these events would present the wide have been range of services the University can provide to businesses identified as pro-active in the diversity management of their such as graduate recruitment services, work placement company work force. The Fairs are organised in parallel with schemes, research, conference facilities, in-house business the Equal Opportunity Awareness Campaign Week run by the training, adult education courses and consultancy work. Students’ Union. Haniel said: “The main focus of the team is to raise students’ The team is looking at getting more companies involved in employability by setting up work placements. In order to their existing careers programmes such as Tomorrow’s achieve this, we need to encourage local SMEs to tap into the Managers short course which is a two-day course exploring vast pool of students’ talent and creativity. aspects of generic management within the public and private “Through work placements, students will be given the sectors. Companies can participate by providing a young opportunity to apply their knowledge to real life projects and manager to take part as a group facilitator and/or by demonstrate their skills to concentrate on business issues and sponsoring and delivering some element of the course www solutions, developing IT projects or identifying new business programme. opportunities and contributing to marketing projects.” •For more information please contact Haniel Riviere-Allen Haniel is also pioneering a new concept of Careers Fairs or Anna Hebden on 0116 252 5117. email: [email protected] inviting companies on campus on two separate events at the FIRMS’ APATHY SINKS EDUCATION ACTION ZONES NEW research from the IPPR and Morris last June. Rob Watling, co-author and Deputy the University has shown that the • Many of the businesses who are Director of the Centre for private sector has failed to listed as zone partners have Citizenship Studies in Education at successfully engage in the task of minimal or no participation in the the University commented: “In spite raising educational attainment EAZ. of their promotion as ‘test beds’, through the Government’s the average zone appears to have • Despite efforts to attract schools, Education Action Zones (EAZs) become a combination of a communities and businesses to initiative. traditional school improvement take the lead in zones, none of service and an education business The study, part of a booklet on the zones are entirely ‘business partnership. Public Private Partnerships in led’ – LEAs are central players in Education, published by IPPR’s every one the vast majority of “EAZs have not proved an attractive Commission on Public Private income donated by the private place for the private sector to Partnerships, shows that private sector is ‘in kind’, and thus increase their involvement in sector partners have failed to take limited to a specific activity, education. To claim otherwise risks on leadership or promote which circumscribes the discouraging us from learning significant innovation. Funding for influence of the zone forum. lessons from EAZs – one of their zones has fallen short of most important purposes.” The report explains that the Government expectations. Government’s expectations of levels “The report does not pass The research found that: of interest from businesses were judgement on the overall EAZ • Few zones have attracted too high. Over-regulation and initiative, nor on the achievements £250,000 a year or more from the excessive bureaucracy may have of any individual zone. But it does private or voluntary sectors.. limited the private sector’s interest suggest that some of the grander ambitions for these zones have • The amount of additional funding and the potential of zones to been hard to realise -particularly the raised by zones, although difficult innovate. The authors suggest that attempts to involve the private to calculate, appears not to have zones would have benefited from sector in the funding and reached the £43 million claimed being less reliant on funding from management of projects.” by Schools Minister Estelle the private sector. 13 International Focus University of Leicester February 2001

International Focus provides stories with an international dimension. Any stories or ideas should be sent to Jane Pearson, Press and Publications Office, ext 2440, fax 2485, e-mail: [email protected] FOCUS ON ST LUCIA

By Tony Bush, until December 2000 Professor of Educational Management and Director of the Educational Management Development Unit and Co-Director of the East Midlands Assessment Centre for NPQH. EMDU’s MBA in Educational Management by distance learning is a highly successful degree with more than 700 students in some 40 countries. The course has been remarkably popular in the West Indies, where there are 56 WARM WELCOME: Tony Bush with MBA students in Soufriere. students. The island of St Lucia has some 17 students, a significant total for a country with a population of only 160,000, the St Lucia is a mountainous country with magnificent size of a small London borough. I visited St Lucia in scenery and outstanding beaches. It is one of the February to meet students, talk to the Ministry of Windward Islands, about 100 miles west of Barbados and Education about recognition of the degree and set up only some 250 miles north of Venezuela. It has a superb collaborative arrangements with the Sir Arthur Lewis climate with a temperature in the 80s throughout the year Community College, the island’s further and higher and low humidity. It was a tough job having to go there in education provider. The College is named after one of St the middle of the British winter but someone had to do it! Lucia’s two Nobel prize winners, Arthur Lewis, who was a St Lucia was formerly a British colony which achieved its distinguished economist. The other prize winner is the independence in 1979. It was due to celebrate its 21st writer Derek Walcott. birthday during my visit but the events were postponed due to torrential rain. What did I say about the superb climate? The weather was very good for the rest of my visit. There are 18 secondary schools and some 80 primary schools in St Lucia. It has universal primary education but only about 50% of youngsters progress to secondary schools at present. The country’s education development plan envisages building two new secondary schools as part of its commitment to universal secondary education by 2005. The University is very fortunate in having many high calibre students in St Lucia. They include Ministry of Education officers, school principals, experienced teachers and staff of the Sir Arthur Lewis College. I met several potential students who also make important contributions to the education system in St Lucia. Many of the students are producing high quality work, linking the ideas in the course units and texts to developments in school management in St Lucia. As there is very little indigenous literature, their work is likely to be important in providing examples of the operation of educational organisations in this country. Three students are about to begin their dissertations and we look forward to their success. One of these three is likely to become the University’s first MBA graduate in St Lucia. The race is on! I should like to take this opportunity to express my thanks publicly for the warmth of the welcome I received from students, the Ministry of Education and the Sir Arthur Lewis College during my visit. I wish them all every success in completing their degrees and contributing to the education development of St Lucia.

14 University of Leicester International Focus February 2001

CHANGES IN HONG KONG EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM K C Pun, who writes below, is a future school High School chemistry teacher in management SKH Tsang Shiu Tim Sec School in committee has Hong Kong. He has enrolled on the to include at Leicester EdD course in Hong Kong. least two parents, two Change, Change, Change! teachers, one THE educational system of the world alumnus and one is changing. Hong Kong is no other community exception. The following changes in member as the Hong Kong education system managers. Their will affect school councils, inclusion is principals, teachers and students. aimed at making the school more • By the end of the academic year LEICESTER SUMMER SCHOOL: Hong Kong EdD students with School accountable to 2000-2001 all school teachers in of Education staff on the 1999 Summer School at the University. its stakeholders. Hong Kong should possess basic skills in information technology. The principal, being the chief creative minds. In order to improve executive officer of the school has their creativity, there will be • Benchmarks will also be set for to have specific knowledge and changes in both the curriculum and assessing teachers’ language ability. high-order leadership skills for the the method of assessment. With • In addition, the number of delivery of the required student regard to the curriculum, it has graduate posts in primary schools outcomes. A paradigm shift is been suggested that a 3-3 approach will be increased from 12% to 35%. proposed from hierarchical (ie, three years of junior secondary • As from 2001-2002 stakeholders structures to “collegiality, and three years of senior secondary) such as parents and teachers will teamwork, improvement and may be appropriate for the be appointed as members of the effectiveness”, in the words of the secondary schools, allowing school council once the Education Department, 1999. students to have at least one more year in the university for training consultation document is approved. As a result new principals have to their independence and creativity. • Assessment will also be changed. attend training courses in a broad Reform of public examinations range of subjects including leadership The examination system is also will take place as soon as possible training, curriculum-related studies, under review. It has been suggested after consultation ending in information technology and that the teacher assessment scheme February 2000. managing human and financial will further be developed to avoid resources. The principals’ opinions are judging the students based on their At present school council members being sought in establishing a list of performance in one single usually consist of people appointed skills and responsibilities which are examination. by organisations running the school useful for their continuing and generally do not include As seen above, there will be great professional education. teachers and parents. However, the changes in the educational system Hong Kong teachers are also required of Hong Kong in the coming years. to adapt to the language and IT The target of these changes is policy of Hong Kong. Benchmarks on providing quality education to Hong language and IT competence for Kong youngsters. teachers will be set and training Success depends on whether school courses will be offered to teachers to councils, principals, teachers and help them to achieve greater students can adapt to these language competence and a basic changes. standard in IT. Teachers are under stress to attend the courses to fulfil • The original text, with full list of the new educational requirements. references, is available in Professional Development News, The change also affects the Issue No 15, Summer 2000 (EMDU, students. It has been stated that School of Education). Hong Kong students often lack RINGING THE CHANGES: K C Pun. 15 Bulletin Out & About University of Leicester February 2001

Bulletin is pleased to receive contributions from across the University for Out and About. Send information about what’s happening in your department/unit to Bulletin, Press & Publications Office (email: [email protected]) QUESTION TIME AT THE CONFERENCE OFFICE

THE Conference Office has been worked for the undertaking research to find out the Department for five best times to host events for months. secretaries. Questionnaires for Dr O’Byrne, Manju Mangal secretaries were forwarded to every and other members of the department and each questionnaire Department have recently returned completed was entered in a been very busy with the prize draw, the prize being a golf organisation of the first- umbrella and a bottle of wine. ever national meeting for Manju Mangal, secretary to Dr Ken the British Mesothlioma O’Byrne, Consultant Oncologist at the Interest Group on February Department of Oncology, based in the 26, which is likely to Leicester Royal Infirmary, was the prize attract between 400 and winner. “I was absolutely thrilled to 500 delegates. For further hear I had won. I have never won details about this event, ‘SURPRIZED’: Sarah McRobbie, Conference Sales Co- anything before. So near to the New contact Manju Mangal or ordinator, presents Manju Mangal with her golf umbrella and bottle of wine. Year it was wonderful news. As I play Linda Hollis on golf, the umbrella will certainly come in 0116 258 7602. handy”, said Mrs Mangal, who has WARNING - PLANET EARTH CAN SERIOUSLY DAMAGE YOUR HEALTH!

WITH this as a subtitle for a forthcoming Vaughan College Saturday School, Dangerous Earth, Saturday, March 3 looks like making a big impact. Organised by Professor Andy Saunders of the University’s Department of Geology, ‘mega-events’ that have the potential to cause even planet-wide devastation will be on the agenda. The eight SPRING INTO... speakers include Leicester’s Dr Roz White and Dr Allan LIFELONG LEARNING: Mills, together with speakers from University College Courses, Spring 2001 London, The Open University, and Nottingham Trent contains details of a University. The day is organised in conjunction with the wide range of Geology Section of the Leicester Literary and Philosophical educational opportunities from Society and the Department of Adult Education. Saturday Schools to • For further details, contact Vaughan College Office on residential courses 0116 251 7368. during the Spring Term at Vaughan College, part of the Institute of Lifelong Learning and the University's centre for adult education in the city. To obtain a copy of CHEMISTRY this booklet, contact the College on 0116 REACTS TO 251 7368. EXCELLENT RESULTS: Six first- year undergraduate students in the Department of Chemistry have received prizes for their excellent A-level results last summer. Pictured after receiving Industrial Scholarships worth £500 each are (left to right, standing) Richard Spandl, Matthew Dover, Andrew Gregory, and (second left, seated) Funmi Ade Ojo. With Dr Andrew Ellis, Chemistry Admissions Tutor, (third left, seated) who presented the prizes are (left to right) Angela Francis and Sandip Badyal, both of whom received book prizes worth £100.

16 Bulletin University of Leicester Out & About February 2001

CREATIVE FORCE AT WORK AN eye-catching banner, made by members of Christ Church, Clarendon Park, now hangs in the Octagonal Public Room in The Gatehouse, home of the University’s Chaplaincy. A further example of teamwork and partnership between local churches and the Chaplaincy, the banner incorporates two images – the ‘burning bush’ and the ‘tree of life’. The banner is a welcome addition to the newly-decorated Gatehouse. Other new furnishings were received at its presentation, and gifts were given to those who had created the banner.

BANNER HEADLINE: PLEASANT BUSINESS: In November the Economics Department (Front row, left to welcomed Linda Verdegem, East of England Careers Officer for right) Banner the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). makers Jean Raby, She is pictured here presenting the annual prize for the best Rosemary Barker, second-year student of Business Economics, Mr Lip Whee Helen Millward, Chew. This CIMA prizewinner in 1999-2000 is now in the final Mary Parkin, (back year of his BA Business Economics degree course. Also present row, third and at the prize-giving were (left to right) Professor Kevin Lee, Dr fourth from the left) Alan Baker and Dr Barbara Roberts. Pat Winter and Diane Price, with KEEPING IN TOUCH (back row) Departments may wish to consider forwarding a Chaplains Vincent copy of the Bulletin to members of their staff Price and Fiona who have retired. Press and Publications Office Cownie, in front of the Chaplaincy's will be pleased to provide copies for those who new acquisition. have completed a lengthy period of service within the University. Please ring 0116 252 2415 SEASONAL REMINDERS to request additional copies. ‘And ye, beneath life’s crushing load, whose forms Martin Perkins from the City of Birmingham are bending low…’. Symphony Orchestra played two Charpentier Noëls THE fourth verse of It Came Upon the Midnight on the organ and Minesh Patel came close to Clear rarely seems so appropriate as in the 11th stealing the show with a bravura display of his week of the Autumn Term, so it was a good choice talents on the xylophone. for the ‘audience participation’ number in the Dr Robert Kenny (begetter, deviser and director) School of Modern Languages’ annual Christmas steered us through the programme with an concert in December. For many employees and inimitable combination of learning, wit and friends of the University this event is one of the showmanship. Mulled wine and mince pies in the highlights in the lead-up to Christmas, and this interval gave the audience a welcome chance to year’s performance did not disappoint. chat with friends. As we spilled out of the Fraser With carols sung in English, Czech, French, German, Noble Hall into a rainy London Road, ‘life’s Italian, Spanish and crushing load’ seemed a little lighter. Swedish, Robert Kenny Norman Housley arranged a programme designed to tax the linguistic as well as the THE ‘students’ church’, St Nicholas, was musical skills of his choir, beautifully decorated and full to capacity on a which was made up of past and Sunday evening in December for the Festival of present students and teachers at the University, Nine Lessons and Carols. St Nicholas choir was in augmented by members of the Leicester City Male excellent voice and superbly accompanied on the Voice Choir. They met the challenge admirably. organ by choirmaster Ian Imlay, who had played Interspersed with Christmas songs both old and earlier in the day at the Digby Hall Carol Service. new there was a spellbinding rendition of Ravel’s Also taking part were the Rev Jane Curtis, Chaplain ‘Bolero’ by the Soar Valley Community College to De Montfort University, the Rev Dr Ian McIntosh, Music Centre String Quartet, and a performance of this University’s Chaplain, and Rev David Cawley, the slow movement from an early Schubert sonata Team Vicar. Afterwards, coffee and mincepies were by Matthew Niblett, a graduate of the History served at Vaughan College. Department now studying for an MA in Politics. Diane May 17 Artstop ARTS AND ENTE IN THE R

TICKLING ALONG NICELY QUADRAPHONIC SOUNDS A party from the Departmental Staff Musical foursomes are prominent in University m Common Room Association recently month. The Lindsays continue their exploration enjoyed an uproarious Ken Dodd and Shostakovich quartets on February 21, whil Happiness Show at De Montfort Hall. 7 the v Afterwards, three members met Ken the Ca Dodd, one of the last truly great Music Quart Hall comedians. He had been on stage winne for over three hours, but he was still Comp happy to chat, even though it was two String in the morning! He autographed the popula photo (right) for the ‘DSCR mob’! Berna the ad THE FULL DE MONT Well almost! As always something for everyone at De Montfort Hall. The Reduced Shakespeare Company live up to their name on February 17, while the certainly not reduced Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble (68 strong) present Russian folk songs, dances and music in their athletic and dazzling display on February 21. Paul Rodgers ‘the definitive voice of rock ’n’ roll’ is here on the 20th, and Louis Hoover, ‘the closest thing to Sinatra you’re likely to DEFINITIVE STYLE AT THE RAC: The Andy come across’ offers his Salute to Sheppard Trio play jazz at the Richard Sinatra on the 22nd. Cornwall’s Attenborough Centre on February 10 at 7.30pm. Minister of Culture, comedian For further details ring Jethro tours with Rule 0116 252 2455. Britannia on the 28th - with tickets priced in guineas! The Grimethorpe Colliery RJB Band are the visitors on March 10.

CAMPUS C Terry Pratchett’s stalks the Attenb contribution to L the combined U mystical journey A more serious n and University Si programme inclu neglected Mass soloist Lora Dim depth study of o SETSET TOTO BRINGBRING THETHE HOUSEHOUSE February 24, is o DOWN: Mort prepares for DOWN: Mort prepares for include a buffet actionaction inin thethe Attenborough.Attenborough.

18 TERTAINMENTS Artstop REGION

S GOING TO THE DOGS y music this on of Haydn Two exhibitions at the City Gallery – Elvis hile on March the Whippet’s Hair Salon, a 1960s re- e visitors are creation by Olivia Brown for her ceramic Casals pooches, sporting nylon capes and sitting rtet (left), on salon chairs. Elvis’s clients can ners of the London International String Quartet purchase doggy soaps, shampoos, mpetition 2000. Lunchtime concerts feature the Solaris hairnets and combs! In Self Assembly a ng Quartet on February 28, along with a brace of group of Black and South Asian artists ular solo pianists; Simon Lebens on February 21 and explore cultural identity through self- nard Roberts on March 7. And it’s double four for portraiture, religious narrative and the additional attraction of Schubert’s famous Octet in female body. Both run from February 17 The Lindsays’ last concert to March 31. At Nottingham’s Djanogly on March 14. Art Gallery in Nature and the Beast Peter Randall-Page finds order and symmetry in the TRAVEL AGENTS random The RSC Winter Season at Stratford continues serpentine forms with its first staging since 1989 of The of the natural Duchess of Malfi (February 6-March 3) world, such as starring Aisling O’Sullivan in the title role. In eroded boulders contrast to this violent, sexually-charged and walnut tragedy is Nottingham Playhouse’s kernels (until Emma adaptation of Graham Greene’s wacky and February 25). Johnson. hilarious Travels With My Aunt (February 12- March 3). Over to Northampton’s Derngate for Emma Johnson BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY playing Rent, the musical playing at the Mozart’s Haymarket (February 9-24), is described Clarinet as ‘the most successful new musical since Concerto Miss Saigon’, with four Tony Awards and with the reviewers calling it ‘triumphant, vibrant, European absolutely breathtaking, raw and Union riveting, the hottest property in town’. Chamber Quite a challenge for Paul Kerryson and Orchestra on his players, but with a love story based March 11. Aisling on Puccini’s La Boheme involving a O’Sullivan. group of young bohemian artists in New York, and music ranging from rock and blues to soul and gospel, it should be an CAPERS interesting night at least. ’s Mort, ‘the assassin against whom no lock will hold’, nborough Building in the University Theatre (LUT)’s o Leicester Comedy Festival from February 17-19, while University orchestra, bands and choirs take you on a ey to 2001; A Musical Odyssey on March 10. s note is struck by the Proteus Chamber Orchestra Singers concert on February 17. Their cludes Beethoven’s attractive but rather ss in C and his Emperor Piano Concerto with mitrova. A Saturday workshop, providing an in- f opera scenes from Mozart to Britten on open to participants and observers; the fees et lunch.

19 uet Feature University of Leicester February 2001

LEICESTER GRADUATE SCHOOL The start of the academic year saw the establishment of a reputation of Leicester’s new University-wide Graduate School. The consistent quality Dean of the Graduate School, Professor Graeme Barker, and success. talked to Jane Pearson about what this means for the Postgraduate University and its postgraduates. students on THROUGHOUT the UK, the number of people taking taught courses advantage of postgraduate education and training is make excellent growing more rapidly than any other sector of Higher role models for Education. The University of Leicester has one of the our largest postgraduate populations in the UK with 54% of undergraduates, our students registered for postgraduate degrees. The and really liven up creation of a single Graduate School is an important step student life in any which will enable us to build on existing strengths and department. PhD expand postgraduate provision. students are the Professor Graeme Barker, Graduate Dean. By unifying the many existing examples of good practice people who are in training and supporting postgraduates throughout the pushing the boundaries of their subject forward, yet in University, we want to raise the profile of graduate studies practice there can be times when PhD students can feel – amongst our own staff and students as well as to the very isolated. We have to make sure that we have the outside world. The over-arching mission of the Graduate right mix of departmental and Faculty structures in place School is to ensure that all our postgraduate students, – seminars, workshops, training and teaching whatever their course and whatever their mode of study opportunities, and so on – to ensure that our research (full-time or part-time, on campus or distance learning), students are – and know they are – centre stage in the receive the same high quality of education and support. intellectual life of the university. Of course we are not seeking to replace the invaluable In general, I am keen to encourage departments with work undertaken by Faculties and Departments in distance learning programmes, which is one of the educating and supporting their postgraduate students. enormously successful components of our postgraduate We shall be working with them to make sure best provision, to develop as many opportunities as possible practice is quickly disseminated across the institution, for distance learners to come to Leicester for intensive and that there is a coordinated approach to providing all study sessions. Distance learners have a huge range of our postgraduates with the training that best equips experience through their professional lives to bring to them to progress with their chosen careers. The best way their learning, and mixing distance-learning and campus- to expand our postgraduate programme is by building on based postgraduates can be enormously rewarding for everybody – not just for the two sets of students, but also for their teachers. At Leicester we rightly pride ourselves on our integrated support services for our students – the EDSC, the Careers Office, the Student Welfare Office, Counselling, the Accessability Centre, and so on. The needs of our postgraduate community are more disparate than those of our undergraduates, but we have to ensure that all our postgraduates are aware of, and can access, the services we have put in place for them. Another part of my job will be to work closely with the Staff Development Office and the EDSC in providing training structures to support staff teaching postgraduates. I am also hoping to establish a development fund so that we can give modest support to departments to help them with their plans for graduate work, for example to do some market research for a new course. We also need bring together the numerous studentships and bursaries we offer in Departments and The University is proud of its support services. Faculties to advertise them to best effect, and to get the 20 uet University of Leicester Feature February 2001

best students. I would also like to see a high- quality Teaching Assistant scheme, whereby we can help high-flying students develop an attractive portfolio of teaching experience alongside getting their PhD (on time!). My current base is by the offices of the Faculties of Arts and the Social Sciences in the Attenborough Tower, a few yards from my former office in the School of Archaeological Studies. (I was Head of the School from 1988, when I first came to Leicester to summer 2000, when I became Graduate Dean.) The plan,

Discovering the right postgraduate course - at the Postgraduate fair in November 2000.

example, or students who need to be absent on a work placement for part of their course. In addition to the support of Louise Masterman and her team in the Graduate Office I depend heavily on the advice and support of the six Sub- Deans for Graduate Studies in our Faculties: Arts: Professor Alison Yarrington; Social Sciences – Roger Dickinson; Physical Sciences – Dr Sarah Spurgeon; Education – Professor Audrey Osler; Law – Giorgio Monti; Medicine and Biological Sciences – Dr Peter Meacock. The quality of The Postgraduate Open Evening in November 2000 informed potential students academic provision for our postgraduates is from the region about the opportunities for postgraduate study at the University. overseen by the Board of Graduate Studies, which I chair as Graduate Dean, and on which all though, is for myself and my secretary Tracey Latham to the Sub-Deans for Graduate Studies are members. We join up with the Graduate Office (the former Higher also have three members elected by Senate, the Librarian, Degrees Office, that oversees all the administrative two representatives from departments with big distance aspects of our postgraduate activities) at a central learning programmes, and two representatives from a location on campus. new Graduate School Student Committee I have initiated. I want this committee to be as representative as possible We shall then have a single enlarged Graduate Office of our diverse postgraduate community. It can bring any with enough space not just to deal with all the matter it wishes concerning postgraduate provision to administrative matters but also to be able to welcome the attention of the Board of Graduate Studies (the postgraduates with enquiries in a comfortable, friendly Committee’s Secretary is Penny Williams in the Graduate and efficient environment. Office). Alongside the plans for the Graduate Office we also want We are intending to set up the Graduate School web to provide dedicated study space for research students – pages early in 2001. One feature of these will be a we know from a recent audit that provision of working regular news update for our postgraduates. Once this is space and computing support is more variable than we up and running it will be much easier for the Graduate would wish. The bigger goal must be for us to have a School to keep all our staff and postgraduate students Graduate College with accommodation and study informed about our graduate activities – and also for our facilities designed for the particular needs of postgraduates to make sure any suggestions for postgraduate students. In the meantime, though, I am improvement go either to the Graduate School Student sure that there is a lot we can do working with the Committee or direct to me! Perhaps my most important Accommodation Office to use the excellent and varied task as Graduate Dean is to make sure that the voice of accommodation we already have but in different ways, the postgraduate student is heard loud and clear on all to cater for the particular needs of postgraduate the major committees dealing with the future shape and students – international students with families, for style of the University in the coming years.

21 uet Graduate Relations University of Leicester February 2001

lecturers have included the late actor GRADUATES’ ASSOCIATION and comedian Derek Nimmo, LECTURE 2001 journalist Michael Nicholson OBE, One Step Beyond Judge Stephen Tumim, the late Challenging the concept of Professor Malcolm Bradbury and limitation renowned explorer Dr David Chris Moon, MBE Hempleman Adams. 6 pm, 28 February 2001 For this year’s lecture Chris will be Ken Edwards Building talking about the amazing life Then, in 1995, Chris was clearing anti- experiences he has encountered and Admission free personnel mines in Mozambique the methods he has used for when he was blown up and lost his transforming adversity and THE University is honoured to lower right arm and leg. Miraculously, disadvantage into challenge and welcome back graduate and honorary and within a year, he had got a achievement. graduate Chris Moon (MSc Master’s degree in Security Information Chris is a former army Management from the University of Technology and Leicester, Security Chris Moon is the first amputee to finish established his own security Management, 1996 the Great Sahara Run and the Badwater management and Honorary Master 135 mile Death Valley Ultra (5 business MTB of Laws 1999) to the marathons back to back), which takes University for the (Making The Best – place in temperatures close to those 2001 Graduates’ his philisophy in recommended for slow cooking chicken. Association Lecture. life), got married, He has kindly agreed had a son and run a marathon. Since then he has to present a talk officer who worked for a completed more than 20 marathons entitled One Step charity specialising in and also carried the Olympic torch Beyond – Adversity to clearing landmines in into the stadium in the Nagano Achievement. Asia and Africa. Against Winter Olympics in Japan in February the odds he survived This is an annual 1998. event open to students, graduates and kidney in Cambodia by the Khmer the general public, and is usually given Rouge, negotiating not only his • For more information, contact by a prominent graduate or honorary release, but also that of his two Graduate Relations on graduate of the University. Previous Khmer staff. 0116 223 1363. AN MBA GETS YOU A LONG WAY! LAST September, Adam Lindgreen (MBA, 1996) joined everything in my life.” Before the programme, Adam’s Institut d’Administration et Gestion as Professeur background was scientific. After the programme, he after having finished an MBA at the University of had another platform to build on, a business Leicester and a PhD at Cranfield University. administrative one. Adam is originally from Denmark where he first Says Adam, “It is really amazing how much graduated in Chemistry, Engineering and Physics. knowledge you can take in during an intensive year of Although he had a scientific background, he felt that studying.” The programme provided an overview of he would benefit from doing different business functions and offered the students an MBA at Leicester. two optional courses where he chose business process Talking to former students, re-engineering and the management of people. In his Adam learned that the master’s thesis, Adam looked at marketing practices academic community was in the British food retailing, a study that involved thriving and that the Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s. atmosphere was friendly, Although Adam has studied and worked in a number which would make the MBA of different countries – Denmark, England, Israel, New experience a very rewarding Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway and Spain, he has and enjoyable one. And decided that his future is in Belgium. At the end of his having completed the PhD programme he applied for an academic position programme, he is not in with Université catholique de Louvain, one of the doubt, “This has definitely country’s elite management/marketing universities been one of my best decisions and the country’s only partner in CEMS (Community ever. The MBA changed of European Management Schools).

22 uet University of Leicester Student Page February 2001

EQUIPMENT CHEQUE: Last term, student volunteers from Contact who run the Student Community Action Mobility Playgroup (SCAMP) were presented with a cheque for £200 from the Midlands Co-operative Society. This award recognised the team's commitment to providing play opportunities for children with special needs. Samana Shah, Contact President (pictured third from the left) said "The money will be used to buy new equipment, which will enable even more children to enjoy developing their skills in a safe and fun environment." • To find out more about SCAMP or any of Contact's other activities, get in touch with James Banks, Contact Co-ordinator, on 0116 223 1141, email [email protected]. TEAM EFFORTS THE annual search for the next SANTA'S STUDENT bright young things who want to HELPERS! take over running the Students’ Union for a year is upon us. AT the end of last term, students from Contact, the Student Community Each year in February, a group of Action group, launched a successful students volunteer to stand in the Christmas collection in aid of campus-wide Sabbatical Elections, Women’s Aid Leicestershire Ltd and hoping to secure themselves a the City’s Nightshelter. Toys were year of paid employment with the ONE FOR THE RECORD: This year the collected for the local women’s Union and the chance to see what Sabbatical Team, with the help of a refuge, which were then made it’s like to be a trustee and number of bright ideas, has aimed to available to the women to select, director of a five million pound co-ordinate the biggest election turn- wrap and give to their children on company! There are five sabbatical out to date. Christmas Day. positions; President, Vice President America! We’ve gone for a big Finance and Services, Vice publicity hype about the elections Three sacks of toys were received on President Education and Welfare, and we’ve encouraged people to behalf of Women’s Aid by Michelle Vice President International and “Make your vote count!” I’ve even Venables, Volunteer Services Co- Vice President Communications, all convinced the others in the team ordinator. “We are very grateful to having diverse job specifications to dress up as cheerleaders and Contact, and would like to thank and requiring different skills. American footballers during the everyone who donated toys and gifts. The season can be difficult for families This year’s sabbatical team have campaigning week to try and who have experienced domestic had the challenge of publicising incorporate a fun element into the abuse, and these gifts helped to make the elections to the student body. election process”, says Jodie Harris Christmas a more special and The Union has a very firm belief in Vice President Communications. enjoyable time for the children its democratic structure, but Nominations for the sabbatical affected”, said Michelle. knows that democracy can only positions opened on January 29, work if people are willing to candidates began their participate. SPECIAL campaigning on February 12, and DELIVERY: “We thought it would be great if students get the chance to vote on Toys the theme for the elections could the 21st, 22nd and 23rd with collected by be used in all our publicity and elections results being announced Leicester events. If you think about at ‘Mega’ on the Friday night in students were elections, the first thing that the union. delivered to springs to mind at the moment is local charities. CARRY ON ON CAMPUS RAG, the Union’s charities appeal and Contact, our community action group both offer paid work and fantastic personal development opportunities for those students who don’t want to face the prospect of standing for election. Both of the groups have one paid staff member who supports their activities for one academic year and students who haven’t taken part in the activities of RAG or Contact are welcome to apply. However, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate their commitment to the aims of the group and supporting activity led by students. Good organisational and communication skills are also an advantage. Recruitment for both posts will be taking place towards the end of the term and the positions will be advertised in Ripple and across campus. For more information about these positions contact Chris Hulse, the Union’s Student Development Officer at [email protected] or on 1175.

23 uet Cuttings University of Leicester February 2001

according to Anders Hansen of the science. The subject is then lost to WHAT THE University’s Centre for Mass them and makes little sense to them in Communication Research. He believes secondary school” (Daily Mail). PAPERS SAY that the coded message may have Perhaps if this image altered, TV Hundreds of cuttings pour into the started life as a language used by a programmes would become less University’s Press Office from select few on the sensationalist and around the world, chronicling the Internet, but give more time to activities of staff and students. multinational WHY CALCULATING serious debate of Sarah McRobbie, Conference Sales phone companies science issues. Co-Ordinator, University of have been smart MILLENNIUM DATE IS NOT Leicester Conferences Services, Channel 4’s enough to get in based at Stamford Hall, reviews a SO SIMPLE recent series, on the act. “Mobile selection of newspaper cuttings The Difference, phones have from recent weeks. supposedly clearly made access to modern looked at the issues of race and genetic HAVING done a pretty good job with technology a lot easier for a lot of determinism, but apparently failed to developing our existing language, young people. On the one hand they deliver. “The Difference contains a lot Leicester’s get to use the special of plain bad science” says Associate young people coded language so they Professor Gabriel Dover, Department are now feel they are different, TEST WILL PINPOINT of Genetics, in The Guardian. developing their and, on the other, the skills with an PATIENTS IN NEED telephone companies On a very different note, the abbreviated are clearly aiming their Lancashire Evening Telegraph reports language – text messaging, as used on products at a particular young market” that Kevin Parker, a submarine mobile phones (reports the Leicester (Leicester operator Mercury). I wonder how they manage Mercury). based in THEY'RE TALKING OUR Egypt, is some of the local phrases, such as The Scotsman studying for a Aintshisedote? and also highlights LANGUAGE Diploma in Ashlafternipumfrum! the fact that Management With mobile phones the best seller at young people are being subjected to from the University’s Distance Christmas, it’s big business for advertising and consumerism at a very Learning Centre. “I do have 4–5 hours telecommunication companies, early age. “We’re living in a a days to spare when I’m offshore, so I commodity-saturated culture in decided to use that time to study how which children are trained, quite management works”. nakedly, to become consumers at a very early age” Dr Roger With some distance learning courses Dickinson, Centre for Mass running summer schools at the halls of Communication Research. residence, Kevin would undoubtedly be impressed with the facilities. “A touch However, one area which would of class at Leicester” is how the benefit from promotion to facilities are described in a recent youngsters is changing the article in Coach Tours UK. stereotypical image of scientists. A recent University study into As they say in Leicester … children’s attitudes towards science terrahfernow. found that most young people perceive the image of a scientist as a wild and eccentric man in a white coat. Dr Tina Jarvis of the SCIcentre feels that teachers need CHECK IT OUT NOW! to capture pupils’ imagination All issues of Bulletin from whilst they are still at primary January 1997 to date are school. “If the child hasn’t enjoyed accessible via the following web GETTING THE MESSAGE: University experts have address: assessed the impact of modern technology on science by the time they reach 11, young people. then he or she may never enjoy http://www.le.ac.uk/press/bulletin/

24 uet University of Leicester Advertisement February 2001

25 uet Advertisement University of Leicester February 2001

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26 uet University of Leicester Teaching Initiatives February 2001

SUPPORTING INNOVATION THE University’s Fund for New Teaching Initiatives was established to provide financial support for innovations and developments in learning and teaching. Since its inception, staff from a wide range of disciplines have made successful applications for grants. The fund is administered by staff from the Teaching and Learning Unit, which is part of the Educational Development and Support Centre (EDSC) at the University. Working in close collaboration with both staff and students, the Unit’s aims are to stimulate and support innovations across the curriculum and to disseminate best practice in teaching in Higher Education. SOUND CHECK: The Teaching and Learning Unit can provide guidance on the development and costing of project proposals. Successful applicants Jon Shears and Dr Rosemary Sage check the details of their video RECENTLY-FUNDED PROJECTS project. The Arts in Medicine during their progression through the undergraduate Project Leader: Dr Paul Lazarus curriculum and to relate the key skills attained with the expectations of employers. Particular objectives will be to: Department: General Practice and Primary assess students’ perceptions regarding their skills level on Health Care entry to University; assess their perception of the The undergraduate medical curriculum incorporates two acquisition of these skills during their undergraduate special study modules, whereby students undertake careers; assess the relationship between their skills detailed study of chosen subjects relevant to their medical acquisition and their perception of need in their field of education. The aim of this project is to develop a new employment; determine the match between graduates’ special study module to enhance students’ understanding skills levels and those perceived as desirable by employers. of the human experience in relation to health and sickness Amount granted: £3,580 through an exploration of how this has been explored in the Arts. Whilst the module intends to look at several art forms, it will concentrate on the written word, ie Web-based Atlas of Leicestershire and Rutland literature, drama and poetry, to provide the basis for Project Leaders: Dr Alan Strachan and Mrs Kate study. It is hoped that students will benefit in their Moore dealings with patients and strengthen their empathy, compassion and relationship-building skills. The module Department: Geography will be taught by staff from the Faculties of Arts and Building on an established initiative within the Department Medicine and Biological Sciences and delivery will be of Geography, the aim of the project is to develop a web- enhanced through the use of learning journals to promote based atlas of Leicestershire and Rutland for use as a reflection. learning resource on a number of under- and post- Amount granted: £2,428.56 graduate modules. Students will benefit through gaining an enhanced visual understanding of Leicestershire and Rutland that will underpin much tutorial and project work. Key Skills: From Entrance to Employment Further benefits will be derived from the opportunity to Project Leaders: Dr Jon Scott & Dr Annie Grant enhance their web-based research skills. Project funding will be utilised to purchase the software required for Departments: School of Biological Sciences serving GIS information across the WWW. It is hoped that and the EDSC this will enable further internet mapping projects to be In Biological Sciences, key skills development is addressed developed within the Department of Geography. both explicitly and implicitly. However, it is unclear to what Amount granted: £3,000 extent the students perceive that they have acquired these skills. Further, it is unclear how graduates perceive their key skills training has equipped them for the challenges of • For further information about the University’s Fund for employment. The aim of this project is to investigate the New Teaching Initiatives, contact Richard Clark or Maria development of key skills by Biological Sciences students Graal, 0116 252 5090, email: [email protected]

27 uet People University of Leicester February 2001

RECORD REWARDS delivered a public lecture entitled TWO people with University of Leicester Exploring the Planets. In the same year connections and distinguished and high he was one of several distinguished profile careers in their own particular speakers at the UKSEDS (UK Students fields featured in the recent New Year For the Exploration and Development of Honours List. Space) Conference held at this University. Astronomer Patrick Moore, presenter of The Sky at Night for 43 years and an Receiving a CBE for services to Guiding honorary graduate of this University, is Bridget Towle, Chief Guide and UK receives a knighthood for services to and Commonwealth Chief popularisation of science and to Commissioner. Miss Towle has been broadcasting. Sir Patrick Moore received actively involved in Guiding for 40 years, an OBE in 1968 and a CBE in 1988. during seven of which she served as Leicestershire’s County Guide He is no stranger to Leicester. He was Sir Patrick Moore, OBE. Commissioner. She currently serves as a awarded the honorary degree of Doctor member of the University’s Court and of Science at a summer degree ceremony Council, having been appointed last year to Court in in De Montfort Hall in 1996. In May the following year, February, and to Council in June. as part of the University’s Jubilee Year celebrations, he

class family in Wallasey, Cheshire, and the Department of Italian at Leicester OBITUARIES after school and a spell with the RAF he were marked by increasing university went to the University of Leeds in 1949 cutbacks, his service to Italian studies THE University has learnt, with to read for a general degree. The and his encouragement to colleagues regret, of the death of the following: syllabus required him to take a foreign and students were unfailing, as was his PROFESSOR G H McWILLIAM language, and he initially thought of work for the Leicester branch of the Emeritus Professor Harry McWilliam reading German, but after a memorable Dante Alighieri Society. After his died of a heart condition, from which Open Day at Leeds where he was retirement in 1987 we were proud to he had suffered for many years, at his attracted by the infectious enthusiasm honour him with the publication of a home in Chalfont St Peter on January 1. of one of his first teachers, Frederick Festschrift, where a more detailed Scholar, educator, translator, opera- May, he opted for Italian. Quickly account of his career and publications lover and a kind and genial man with a recognised as an outstanding student, can be found. His commitment to wicked sense of humour Harry he was persuaded to transfer to the Italian was such that, until very McWilliam worked tirelessly for the Honours’ school. He spent a year at the recently, he returned to Leicester to furtherance of Italian studies Collegio Borromeo in Pavia, a period he teach. He will be sadly missed. throughout a long and distinguished often recalled with great affection Julie Dashwood career. when he related stories of the ongoing disputes between the students of the The route which took him to the MS S BIRDI great Pavia Colleges, and then returned newly-established Chair of Italian at Ms Sukhveer Birdi, a second-year to Leeds, where he graduated with a Leicester, to which he was appointed in medical student, who had temporarily First in Italian in 1953. 1972, was not easy or obvious. He was withdrawn for the academic year born on 11 June 1927 into a working- He began his teaching career at Leeds, 2000/01, died on December 13, 2000. then moved to Bedford College and MR C JACOBS to Trinity College, Dublin. He retained Mr Cecil Jacobs, JP, a prominent a life-long affection for Ireland, member of Leicester’s Jewish frequently visiting Dublin and the community and chairman of the family Wexford Festival with his family. In photographic and pharmaceutical 1966 he was appointed to a business, which has nation-wide Readership at the University of Kent, photographic branches, died on where he worked on and published November 15, 2000. He was a trustee his universally-acclaimed translation of the Leicestershire Medical Research of Boccaccio’s Decameron. To this he Foundation from 1978 to 1988. The added, in 1995, a lengthy Trust helps to fund research in the introduction and notes which are a University’s Medical School and local DISTINGUISHED: Professor Harry McWilliam further major contribution to holds a copy of the Festschrift presented to him. hospitals. Cecil Jacobs leaves a wife, From left to right, Dr Jane Everson, his wife, Liz, Boccaccio scholarship. son, daughter and four grandchildren. and Julie Dashwood. Although his fifteen years as Head of

28 uet University of Leicester People February 2001

PROFESSOR SIR MALCOLM Humphreys was the model for the MR P BOULTON BRADBURY CBE fictional Professor Treece. ‘Making a book is a craft, as is making University of Leicester graduate and Born in Sheffield and educated in a clock; it takes more than wit…’ Jean honorary graduate Sir Malcolm Nottingham, Malcolm Bradbury gained de la Bruyère, Du Coeur. Bradbury died on November 27, 2000, first class honours in English at Peter Boulton, Secretary to the aged 68, less than a year after receiving Leicester in 1953. Although University Press from July 1968 until his his knighthood. Renowned as a remembered by contemporaries as retirement in September 1988, died on novelist, critic and academic, he was casual in attitude, this was no real January 4, aged 77. one of the most influential figures in surprise. He had wanted to be a writer the world of contemporary English since the age of 13, and soon he was literature. As Professor of American A Yorkshireman, a birthright of which writing for local newspapers and he was quietly proud, he grew up in Studies at the University of East Anglia Punch. At Leicester he founded the between 1970 and 1994, his prime Wakefield, winning a scholarship to student newspaper, Ripple (originally Rothwell Grammar School, which he achievement was the establishment called Wave), its content then described with Angus Wilson of the hugely always considered was the making of as ‘stylish, discriminating and witty.’ He him. The high quality of the secondary also edited the education that he enjoyed enabled him college magazine, to gain a Postmastership at Merton Luciad, to which he College, Oxford. He read History, contributed short specialising in Military History which articles, stories and was to remain his lifelong interest. The poems. Scripts for outbreak of war led, somewhat the BBC followed, surprisingly, to a brief spell in the as did advice and Household Cavalry but later he comment on his obtained a transfer to the Intelligence writing from C P Corps. He became a ‘codebreaker’ at Snow and Philip Bletchley Park. Peter remained reticent Larkin. about this period in his life although he Bradbury did admitted that he worked on Japanese postgraduate work codes, rather than German for which at Queen Mary he was better fitted. College, London When ‘demobbed’, Peter began a WRITING HISTORY: Professor Sir Malcolm Bradbury gave the and in America, career in publishing and held various University's Convocation Lecture in 1994. On his left is the former achieving his positions with Hutchinsons, Dents, the Vice-Chancellor Dr Ken Edwards and Mrs Janet Edwards, and on his doctorate (in right is Mrs Elizabeth Bradbury and the late Tom Shearer, Chairman of Educational Supply Association and American Studies) Convocation. Macmillans, New York. Following his at Manchester in appointment at Leicester, he initially 1963. By now he was, on his own successful creative writing course, operated with a small staff from offices admission, ‘a version of midAtlantic which guided so many fledgling talents in what is now the School of man’, and although his early teaching into their own writing careers. This and Education, moving subsequently to a at the Universities of Hull and his other teaching, which focused as suite on the second floor of the Birmingham was mainly concerned much upon contemporary Fielding Johnson Building. developments in North America as in with English studies, the invitation in Britain, cost him ‘at least one novel’. 1965 from the new University of East Peter had to manage the Press within a Anglia to set up an American Studies His output was nevertheless tight operating budget. Nonetheless, programme proved irresistible. It was he maintained the stature of the considerable and varied. There were six the pivotal point in his career. novels. He was a great writer of imprint while extending the range of its screenplays, particularly for television, In 1994 Bradbury returned to Leicester field to sustain the Press as the leading including Tom Sharpe’s Porterhouse to give the Annual Convocation British provincial academic house. A Blue, episodes of Inspector Morse, and Lecture. Two years later he was further hallmark was the quality of of course his own most popular novel, awarded the Honorary Degree of book design and production. The clarity The History Man. Early on, he was Doctor of Letters. On that occasion, the of his meticulous Board minutes only mainly seen as a campus novelist in the Public Orator quoted an early job reveals a part of the role that he tradition of Kingsley Amis’s Lucky Jim, reference: ‘He is a likeable man, with a played. As well as representing the and there is no doubt that his fresh, intelligent and humourous mind, Press at book fairs, he nursed authors experiences as an undergraduate at greatly interested in modern literature into print, and attended the increasing University College, Leicester gave him and criticism on both sides of the variety of academic meetings at various the setting and some of the Atlantic, and certain to be a stimulating venues. protagonists for his first novel, Eating influence with students.’ It is an apt Peter was committed to the Press and People is Wrong (1959). He later epitaph. to the University, always taking a deep admitted that English professor Arthur David Johnson 29 uet People University of Leicester February 2001

interest in its affairs. Consequently, he neither hospital staff nor clinical wish to convey their regards to all was regularly seen in the Senior academics could use their positions to members of staff who attended Common Room and at meetings of the gain advantage over the University. In Stella’s funeral who they did not Haldane Society. This close involvement recent years Stella could claim to know have an opportunity to thank with the wider university community more about the space allocations and personally. also included dinner parties at his legal responsibilities for hospital MR K GARFIELD home, hosted by his wife Jean. On accommodation than almost anyone taking early retirement, he moved to else in Leicester. Friends and colleagues were Brightlingsea, Essex, where he served With her experience of project saddened to learn as Clerk to the Trustees of The management Stella was able to of Ken Garfield’s Springmead Trust until very shortly contribute much to the University, sudden death on before his death. though by using constant questioning November 7, and cross-checking between Professor Philip 2000. consultants and building users, she was Cottrell never perceived to be making decisions Ken was MISS S MOORE herself. Likewise in the allocation of appointed Chief Technician in the Central Photographic Unit in 1970 and Stella Moore, space within the university she was a held this post until he retired in April Principal Assistant firm believer in positive management, 1990. He was largely responsible for Director in the and her detailed consideration of users’ the development of what had been a Estates and needs and extensive knowledge of the small team in the Department of Buildings Office, buildings won her the trust of Geography into a much larger, more died on December academic colleagues. This enabled her specialist and highly-regarded unit, 7, 2000, aged 57. to negotiate many ‘transfer deals’ to solve day-to-day demands for space. serving the diverse photographic Although people assumed that Stella The peak of her career was the requirements of the whole University. was a Scot, she was born in completion in 1993 of the Hodgkin Under Ken’s leadership, the CPU Shropshire. Her father was in the RAF, Building, the largest addition to the produced wonders against the odds and Stella lived in various places until academic estate since the Clinical working from a scatter of small studios the family finally settled in Edinburgh. Sciences Building in 1978. and processing rooms in the Bennett Between 1955 and 1961 Stella An active member of the Senior Building. Ken built, helped train and attended Boroughmuir Senior Common Room, Stella was Secretary of encouraged a team of photographic Secondary School and then read the Committee from 1988 until 1998. specialists who not only learned to cope German at the University of Edinburgh. Her outside interests centred on the with ‘challenging’ work-space but how After graduation she joined the countryside. She was a keen to produce top quality images of an Ministry of Labour in Hartlepool as a horsewoman, and her love of animals unbelievably diverse range of ‘subjects’. trainee Executive Officer, within a year could equally embrace a family of Life never seemed to be dull in the CPU returning to a post in the Edinburgh ducks in the Fielding Johnson with Ken and his team continually Corporation Education Department. Courtyard and her own cats. experimenting to produce the ‘require’ There Stella quickly learnt the skills results. At the same time the Unit was In 1991 Stella fell victim to the cancer necessary to deal efficiently with in a perpetual state of change as it tried that dominated her last nine years. She architects, school teachers, to keep pace with developments. Ken determined to fight the disease and government officials and elected was blessed with an excellent sense of recovered to play a major role in councillors. One of her referees fun that endeared him to friends and preparing the first Estate Strategy described her then as ‘extremely colleagues alike and helped him cope under HEFCE rules in 1995, and the competent, thorough and sincere, with with both the challenges of running an design and construction of the Space very intelligent application to the job in essential service. hand and capable of using her Research Centre. She continued to lead Not that the University was and had considerable initiative’. a full life, though her line-dancing career was ended by a broken wrist in been the only thing in Ken’s life. Prior In 1976, following local government 1997. But breaking her other wrist two to his arrival in 1970 Ken, a Leicester reorganisation in Scotland, Stella was years later did not stop her horse boy, had left school at 14, trained as a appointed Assistant Bursar at the riding! butcher and served as ground crew in University of Leicester with Bomber Command in Lincolnshire Stella will be remembered by her many responsibility for the development of during the Second World War and later friends and colleagues for her great the newly-created Medical School and, in Egypt and Palestine. It was during strength of character, attention to in particular, the planning of the this time that he became interested in detail, strong sense of fairness and Clinical Sciences accommodation at photography. After his ‘demob’ he considerable devotion to the ideals of Glenfield Hospital. studied for his City and Guilds in the University. Stella was highly protective of her Photography and held a number of connection with the Medical School, Simon Britton professional positions before his but detailed knowledge of the three • Alex and Terry Moore, Stella appointment to the CPU. main hospital sites ensured that Moore’s brother and sister-in-law, 30 uet University of Leicester People February 2001

Ken had always been a keen DIY active member of the Royal Air Force DEATH NOTICES handyman and vegetable gardener, Association (RAFA) in Birstall. Information about the death of a leaving the flowerbeds to his wife Ken will be greatly missed, but fondly member of the University’s staff or a Jean. After retiring he became more remembered, by all his friends and student (past or present) should be given to Vivienne Paul, the Registrar’s interested in cooking, took classes at former colleagues. He is survived by his Secretary, who will ensure that the Southfields College and became a daughter Katy and by his brother Terry, details are disseminated throughout more than competent cook. Always who was formerly Chief Technician in the University via CWIS. Her telephone an avid reader Ken at last found time the Department of Geography. number is 0116 252 2411. to bury himself in books and Dr Alan Strachan crosswords. He also became a more Notices

CHARITABLE GIVING VACANCY FOR A REPRESENTATIVE The following members of staff in the University, There is a vacancy for a representative of this University instead of exchanging Christmas cards within the on the Governing Body of Leicester Grammar School. University, raised £356 to be donated to Age Concern, Members of staff are invited to register their interest in Leicestershire and Rutland. this post by contacting the Vice-Chancellor on ext 2322. Gail Atkinson, Estates and Buildings Office Janet Bee, Space Centre Diane Marsh, Cashier's Office Patricia Bland, Physics and Astronomy Denise Martin, Research and Business Development Office Simon Britton, Estates and Buildings Office Kate Murray, Research and Business Development Office Craig Brown, Registrar's Office Rebecca Myatt, Residential Services Office Inella Carlisle, Switchboard Diksha Patel, Cashier's Office Renate Christmas, Physics and Astronomy Vivienne Paul, Registrar's Office Lynda Cramp, Finance Office Pam Pollin, Physics and Astronomy Jan Densley, Switchboard Eve Powell, Switchboard Pat English, Physics and Astronomy Pat Russell, Physics and Astronomy Christine Foreman, Physics and Astronomy Louise Salmon, Graduate Office Gary Hague, Finance Office John Scott, Safety Services Office Colin Hide, Sports and Recreation Ted Thomas, Physics and Astronomy Rachel Hopkins, Registrar's Office Gary Toon, Finance Office Julia Hughes, Physics and Astronomy Jenny Vale, Residential Services Office Sally Hurman, Vice-Chancellor's Office Stephanie Vincent, Personnel Office Daphne Jerman, Physics and Astronomy Diane Warne, Safety Services Office Keith Julian, Registrar and Secretary Jackie Wetzig, Academic Office Ann Key, Switchboard Janet Whelan, Graduate Office Sam Kirkwood-Smith, Personnel Office Frances White, Residential & Catering Service Liz Kramer, Graduate Office Kathy Williams, Academic Office Gaynor Lawrence, Finance Office Ian Woodward, Research Office Pauline Lawrence, Research Office Tim Wragg, Residential & Catering Service Stan Lawrence, Estates and Buildings Office Barbara Wright, Vice-Chancellor's Office Sheila Lockton, Personnel Office Martin Wright, Finance Office Brenda Logue, Switchboard Many thanks to all who participated. SPRING PROGRAMME LAUNCHED the University’s Department of Education about his research on the THE Leicester Physics Centre’s exciting Evolution of issue of underachievement in programme for Spring 2001 is off the Stars and to find mathematics in the UK, particularly ground. Norma Corby, Department of Habitable Planets – amongst ethnic minorities. 7.30 pm, Physics and Astronomy, on 0116 252 a talk by Ian Council Room, New Walk Museum, 2073, will be pleased to answer Roxburgh, Professor of Leicester. enquiries concerning this programme, Applied other talks of interest and British Mathematics, Queen Mary Westfield, Monday, March 12 Association Saturday meetings, which 5.30 pm, London. Lecture Theatre A, Computational Complexity – a talk include the following: Department of Physics and Astronomy. by Professor Rick Thomas, Department of Mathematics and Tuesday, February 20 Monday, February 26 Computer Science. 7.30 pm, Council “Eddington and COROT”: European Why Don’t All Children Count? A British Room, New Walk Museum, Leicester. Space Missions to Understand the Association talk by Geoff Tennant from

31 uet Notices University of Leicester February 2001

CALL FOR PAPERS WYGGESTON AND QUEEN THE Sixth Leicester/Pisa Collaborative ELIZABETH I SIXTH FORM COLLEGE Research Colloquium takes place in THE College has enjoyed a long and close Leicester at Beaumont Hall on association with the University of Leicester, and September 14-16. The subject this year its governing body wish to co-opt a member of is Collaboration. The Colloquium is staff from the University who would be interdisciplinary and its publications interested in becoming involved in the governance of a focus on transitional states in European flourishing independent sixth form college in the further thinking. A forum is offered for the education sector. research both of established scholars and For further details telephone the Principal, Dr Rob Wilkinson, of postgraduate students. Further details can be on (internal) 1911, or the Clerk to the Governing Body, obtained from Professor Martin Stannard, Jim Thawley, on (internal) 1905. Department of English, on 0116 252 2621.

Small Ads WHAT IS NIGHTLINE? VICTORIAN DESK Nightline is a telephone listening service run by students for students. FLUTE FOR SALE FOR SALE HOUSE SHARE Whether you want information, a Buffet 861 for sale. £165. Teacher's desk, Share a nice Victorian house on a phone number you can't find, Telephone Janet Whelan, pine, with locking quiet street. Lots of space, own someone to talk to if you can't sleep, Graduate Office, on 2299, email cupboard. £100. friendship when everyone else is out study, own bedroom. £230pcm [email protected], or 0116 Phone 2676 for or an ear to listen to you then that is including bills (except phone, 283 6068 (evenings). further details. why we are here. Whatever you say Council Tax). 10 minutes from the we won't judge you or force our University. Telephone 0116 FOR ALL TYPES OF BRIDAL AND BEAUTY opinions down your throat. We are 252 5969/07960 384534/ TREATMENTS: open from 8pm to 8am each night, [email protected] so please phone us for whatever Contact Amita on 07980 547941 for more details. reason on 0116 223 1230. RUSHKINGTON LODGE KITCHENS Mobile service available if treatment above £10. Kitchens designed, supplied and PROOFREADER FEELING STRESSED? fitted to suit your requirements and Proofreader available to proofread budget. Free estimate. Telephone Enjoy a relaxing Indian Head Message or essays/theses/papers/dissertations/department Michael Fell on 0116 288 4427 or Reflexology treatment from a qualified al leaflets/articles/flyers etc. Grammar and mobile 0771 888 8239. 74 Grange therapist. 10% discount for University staff. punctuation also corrected. For more Road, Wigston. Call Margaret Dunn on 0797 071 6755. information call 0116 271 1362. ADVERTISE IN THE BULLETIN FREE OF CHARGE! Space permitting, Bulletin will publish small advertisements FREE OF CHARGE. Simply complete the form below and return it to Press & Publications Office ([email protected], 0116 252 2415) by the closing date for the preferred issue. Bulletin will make every effort to publish all advertisements received by the deadline, but cannot guarantee their inclusion. PAID ADVERTISING Small adverts (up to 30 words) are GUARANTEED a space at the following rates: House sales and lettings: £5.00 / Other sales and services: £2.00 Prices for display adverts are available from Chris Walters on ext 1150. Tick box for type of advertisement:

PROPERTY ❏ CARS/BIKES ❏ HOUSEHOLD ITEMS ❏ SERVICES ❏ SOCIAL ❏ WANTED ❏ MISCELLANEOUS ❏ Your advertisement: (maximum 30 words) ......

(for information only): Name and department: ...... Daytime telephone number: Evening telephone number: ......

• The Editor reserves the right to refuse or edit advertisements. • This service is available to members of the University only.

32 uet University of Leicester Dates for Your Diary February 2001

INAUGURAL LECTURES Di Palma, Department of Biochemistry Thursday February 22 ([email protected]). Department of English Local History The following lectures take place at Seminar: Metaphors of Death: Thursday February 15 5.30 pm in Lecture Theatre 1, The Commemorative Practice in Orkney and Lunchtime Soundbite: Richard and Julie Ken Edwards Building on the dates Beyond. Dr Sarah Tarlow, School of Latham, with students from the West shown. All Inaugural Lectures are Archaeological Studies. 2.15 – 4.00 pm Africa drumming open to the public (approx). Seminar Room, Marc Fitch course. 12.45 pm – and free. House, 5 Salisbury Road. It is essential 1.45 pm. Richard that those wishing to attend should Tuesday February 13 Attenborough notify the Department on 0116 252 Boring Geology: Centre. Admission 2762 THE DAY BEFORE the seminar. Drilling Holes in the free. Ocean Floor. Professor Saturday February 24 Sunday February 17 Peter Harvey, Opera Workshop: In depth study of Evening Concert: Department of opera scenes. 10.30 am – 5.30 pm. University Singers, Geology. Music room, 10th floor, Charles Wilson Proteus Chamber Building. For further details contact the Tuesday February 20 Orchestra. 7.30 pm. Music Department on 0116 252 2781. Bright Sparks. Fraser Noble Hall. Professor John Tickets £7 Tuesday February 27 Fothergill, (concessions £5, Department of Geography Research Department of students/under 18s Seminar – Late Quaternary History of Engineering. the Amazon Forest-Savanna Boundary, The Ken Edwards Building. £2.50). Contact the Tuesday February 27 Music Department on 0116 Eastern Bolivia. Frank Mayle, University The Heterogeneity of Breast Cancer. 252 2781 for further details. of Leicester. 4.00 pm, Seminar Room (75A), Geography Department, Bennett Professor Rosemary Walker, Tuesday, February 20 Building. Further details from Professor Department of Pathology. Lunchtime Soundbite: International Andrew Millington on 0116 223 1777. Tuesday March 6 students from the University of Co-operation, Trust and Betrayal: Leicester celebrate cultural diversity Tuesday February 27 Game Theory and the Impossibility of through music. 12.45 pm – 1.45 pm. Lunchtime Soundbite: Music from Rational Social Interaction. Professor Richard Attenborough Centre. Leicester Grammar School. 12.45 pm – Andrew Colman, Department of Admission free. 1.45 pm. Richard Attenborough Centre. Admission free. Psychology. Tuesday February 20 Tuesday March 13 MRC Institute for Environment and Wednesday February 28 Wired for Sound: Exploring Synaptic Health Lunchtime Seminar: Mechanistic Lunchtime Concert: Solaris String Transmission in the Auditory Pathway. bases for dose thresholds in the action Quartet. Admission £2 (admission free Professor Ian Forsythe, Department of of non-genotoxic carcinogens. Professor to students). 12.45 pm. Music Room, Cell Physiology and Pharmacology. Kevin Chipman, University of 10th floor, Charles Wilson Building. Birmingham. 1.00 pm. 94 Regent Road Tuesday March 6 Thursday February 13 (third floor), Leicester. Coffee and tea Department of Geography Research Lunchtime Soundbite: Sarah Norris supplied from 12.30 pm. For further Seminar – Capacities for Control: (mezzo-soprano) with Moira Finch details contact Pat Forster on 0116 223 Networks and the Outcomes of (piano). Baroque music to Broadway. 1616, [email protected]. Environmental Regulation. Andrew 12.45 pm – 1.45 pm. Richard Gouldson, London School of Attenborough Centre. Admission free. Wednesday February 21 Lunchtime Concert: Simon Lebens Economics. 4.00 pm, Seminar Room Wednesday February 14 (piano). Admission £2 (admission free (75A), Geography Department, Bennett Lunchtime Concert: Student Recital – to students). 12.45 pm. Music Room, Building. Further details from Professor Music for piano, wind and voice. 10th floor, Charles Wilson Building. Andrew Millington on 0116 223 1777. Admission free. 12.45 pm. Music Tuesday March 13 Room, 10th floor, Charles Wilson Wednesday February 21 Department of Geography Research Building. Evening Concert: The fourth in a series of six concerts given by The Lindsays. Seminar – An Integrated Remote Wednesday February 14 7.30 pm. Fraser Noble Hall. Tickets £12 Sensing – Geographical Information Department of Biochemistry Spring (concessions £10, students/under 18s System Approach for Coastal Habitat Seminar Series: Cellular responses to £3.50). For further details contact the Monitoring. Danny Donoghue, intrinsic DNA damage. Dr T Lindahl, Music Department on 0116 252 2781. University of Durham. 4.00 pm, Imperial Cancer Research Fund. 1.00 Seminar Room (75A), Geography Thursday February 22 pm, Lecture Theatre 2, Medical Department, Bennett Building. Further Lunchtime Soundbite: Alex Sutton and Sciences Building. All welcome. For details from Professor Andrew Jon Cank (folk/blues/jazz). 12.45 pm – further details about this and Millington. subsequent seminars (including 1.45 pm. Richard Attenborough Centre. A MORE COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF postgraduate seminars) contact Claire Admission free. EVENTS IS AVAILABLE ON CWIS. 33 uet A.O.B. University of Leicester February 2001

BRINGING HISTORY ALIVE John R Broome, a student at Leicester’s University magnitude of the decision to grant independence to College from 1951-1955 recalls his memories of India and the unusual way it had been done. Then came Emeritus Professor Jack Simmons, OBE. Jack the incredible outcome of independence when in the Simmons, a founding professor of the University, winter of 1948 India asked if she could become a died on September 3. A celebration of his life and republic yet remain within the Commonwealth. At a work was held in December – see report on page 9. Commonwealth Conference in April 1949 this request I HAVE vague memories of coming to Leicester from my was granted. I have never forgotten that lecture. It was home town of Southampton for interview at the impressive. We felt as if our Professor had himself been a University College in the summer of 1951. I recall Jack participant in these events. Simmons in his study standing before a high fireplace. During my time at Leicester, I travelled by train one He was gentlemanly, reserved, a man of kindness and morning from London Road, Leicester, to St Pancras. understanding. While I stood somewhat in awe of him, I While I was waiting Professor Simmons came onto the remember feeling completely at ease in that interview. I platform. He came straight up to speak. We found an thought he was about forty-five at the time. He was, in empty compartment on the train when it came in, and fact, thirty-six. I had no idea what a young Professor he settled down to travel to London together. Then the was. conversation turned to railway His lectures were a pleasure to history and he gave me an attend. They were so clear, concise, interesting account of the history orderly, balanced and yet contained and architecture of all the stations depth, and were so delivered that on the journey to London, including he helped us to take down their the names of the architects and the substance. We used to have places where the bricks were made. lectures in huts in the quadrangle He talked about the building of the of the original University College track and the link-up between the building. London Midland and Scottish line and the London North Eastern Line I remember him lecturing on British from Marylebone which was done Commonwealth History one especially for the benefit of Queen evening in May 1955 between Victoria. I have never forgotten that 5.15pm and 6.15pm on the subject journey. After that, I could not travel of granting independence to India. by train without looking at station It was our last lecture of the year architecture and being aware if its from him, before taking our Finals. diversity and the local materials He traced out the stages of the used in its construction. progress towards a decision being My final recollection of Jack taken by the British government Simmons is the letter I received from and reached the climax in him after I heard the result of my describing how, in 1942, Winston A WAY WITH WORDS: Professor Simmons' Finals. Each student was the lectures were 'a pleasure to attend'. Churchill, unwilling to grant recipient of a personal letter which independence, sent Sir Stafford gave us his assessment of our effort Cripps with a mandate to offer Dominion Status to India and abilities and how it related to the result, with good after the War, if she co-operated in defending her wishes for our future. territory against the Japanese. When Cripps arrived in Delhi he met Indian journalists at several press • Following graduation, John Broome, along with many conferences, who questioned him regarding of his fellow students, undertook National Service. independence. Without any instruction from Churchill, After two years in the Army, he obtained a post at a Cripps, in response to a question, said that a country Wiltshire Grammar School to teach Latin and History. given Dominion Status could, if it so wished, disassociate Here he taught Norman Housley and saw him through itself from the Commonwealth. This was an historic O Level Latin and History, little realising that after answer. It had been implied before but never expressed Norman had obtained his Open Major Scholarship to until now. The material expression of this answer was Gonville and Caius for History, he would graduate at tested twice in quick succession when Burma and Eire Cambridge and go on to become a Professor of History left the Commonwealth. in John Broome’s old History Department. There were about ten students in our History group that evening. Jack Simmons had vividly brought out the

34 uet 18 University of Leicester Crossword 20 21 22 February 2001 24 25 26

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FIVE PRIZES THIS TIME: First correct entry of the draw – a PRIZE CROSSWORD 50 three-course lunch for two in the Carvery, donated by the University of Leicester Catering Services, second correct by Seivador entry – £15 book token, donated by the University of Eleven of the clues consist of two definitions: of the answer, and of this word Leicester Bookshop, third correct entry – a bottle of wine, preceded by the celebratory theme-word. Other clues are normal. courtesy of the Bulletin, fourth correct entry – £5 book Entries (in a sealed envelope, clearly marked) to token, courtesy of the Bulletin; fifth correct entry – a box PRIZE CROSSWORD COMPETITION, PRESS & PUBLICATIONS OFFICE, FIELDING of chocolates, courtesy of the Bulletin. JOHNSON BUILDING BY NO LATER THAN NOON ON FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY. 1 2 3 4 5 6 NAME: ------DEPT: ------7 8 EXT. NO: ------9 Winners of Prize Crossword No. 49: 10 11 12 13 A three-course lunch for two in the Carvery, donated by the University of Leicester Catering Services – Marguerite Lymn, Cell Physiology and 14 15 16 Pharmacology; £15 book token, donated by the University of Leicester 17 18 Bookshop – Charles Kendall, Histopathology. LRI; a bottle of wine, courtesy of the Bulletin – Gerry Butler, Chemistry; £5 book token, 19 20 courtesy of the Bulletin – Linda Duncan, Estates and Buildings. 21 22 PRIZE CROSSWORD 49 SOLUTION Across: 1 Tessera. 5 Grime. 8 Turkish coffee. 9 Inkpot. 11 Cannon. 12 Rebel. 23 24 25

13 Sobs. 14 Et al. 15 Polar. 17 Lieder. 18 Reason. 21 Ask a policeman. 22 26 27 Airer. 23 Moselle. Down: 1 Tutti. 2 Strikebreaker. 3 Editor. 4 Ache. 5 Global. 6 Infinitestimal. 7 External. 10 Tenor. 11 Cedar. 13 Sultana. 15 Pepper. 16 Reacts. 19 Nonce. 28 29 20 Slam. CLUES ACROSS CLUES DOWN 1. Antipodean person seeking profitable relationship (6) 1. ‘Moonface’: perhaps it sold a million (4) 4. Tolerate rod for royal bodyguard (5) 2. Fool the sea-bird (4) 7. Stevenson’s cook in second place (6) 3. Retired, and puzzling, is me? True! (8) 8. What it means to bring in the goods (6) 4. Add nothing to a struggling sport (4) 10. Excellent part __ find it back in the leg (5) 5. One who ‘decreases’ harder? (6) 12. Two pages that may be used on book’s title (4) 6. Pet outfit (3) 14. Poles dismissed the grass (5) 9. Are you, say, having so many on the side (7) 15. Complaint that’s viral or mineral (5) 10. Coach demolishes trout (5) 17. A rodent or classically, over in NZ, a reptile (7) 11. In the manner of French southern state (1,2) 19. Laurie’s drinking companion, said to be hopeful (5) 12. Rich soils also ploughed with a little manure (5) 20. Birkenhead formerly a producer of jewellery (5) 13. Seek information that may be found in the bowl (4) 21. Look at a lord (4) 14. Exchange hands, turning them over (4) 22. Enigmatical pictures of public transport (5) 16. She is, in order to teach, in US rule perhaps (8) 26. One might disparage Richard Brinsley’s subject-matter (6) 18. Open this for alfresco melody (3) 27. Initially, find it back upon leg again, close to 10 (6) 19. Queen’s replaced one, in anger (6) 28. Picture yellow vessels (5) 23. One’s source of enrichment (4) 29. Order encountered by brick-carrier (6) 24. Source of light that occurred in California (4) 25. Jack, for example, can claim extra credit (4) 26. Vinous beverage is prized at Cheltenham (3) SALAD DAYS 35 Photostop

MANMAN ONON MARS!MARS!

SNAPSHOT UNIVERSITY of Leicester scientists are renowned for their far-reaching NAME: Carolina Pelaz Soto investigations – but Duncan Ross went where OCCUPATION: Clerical Assistant, no man has gone before. International Centre for Duncan provides electronics and technical Management, Law and Industrial expertise in the Leicester team working on Relations, Faculty of Law the £28 million mission to land a probe on Mars. He is pictured with a full-sized model I STARTED work at the International of the Beagle 2 landing craft – on a Centre in September, soon after brilliantly-lit Mars landscape! completing my Museum Studies This was actually sited at the University’s Master's dissertation. My home is in video studio - the University’s photographers the north of Spain, but my colleagues were taking a series of simulation shots of have made me feel at home here. The the landing craft unfurling on the Red Planet. office atmosphere is friendly and the The pictures taken at the University of work is varied - dealing with Leicester will appear on the Project web postgraduates, conferences, booking pages: http://www.star.le.ac.uk/~dro/ forms. I'm becoming expert at handling photocopier misfeeds! Misfeeds • The Mars Express lander, Beagle 2, will are not something the office goldfish is accustomed to, however. It's a land on Isidis Planitia, a large flat region plump creature, and together we see the goldfish stays that way! between the ancient highlands and the I trained as an art historian at the University of Oviedo. I'm 'job hunting' northern plains. The choice of site was announced in December at a meeting of at the moment - looking for a job in a museum. I've spent some time as the Mars Express science working team a volunteer at Belgrave Hall and Gardens in Leicester, which is well worth in ESTEC, Noordwijk, the Netherlands. visiting. There I enjoyed cataloguing their collection of Gimson furniture. The region appears to be a sedimentary I'm looking forward very much to my graduation in July. My family will basin where traces of life could have be coming, but I shall not see the family pets - two dogs and a cat - until been preserved, if primitive life really did I go home to Asturias. exist at some time on Mars.

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