DOCSLIB.ORG

The Ceremonial Heads of Uk Universities

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Ceremonial Heads of Uk Universities 036-043_THE_DEC0111.qxp:Layout 1 29/11/11 13:01 Page 38 WHO’S REPRESENTING? THE CEREMONIAL HEADS OF UK UNIVERSITIES WHO’S REPRESENTING? THE CEREMONIAL HEADS OF UK UNIVERSITIES University Position Name Background In post since University Position Name Background In post since University of Aberdeen Chancellor Lord Wilson of Tillyorn Retired diplomat; former governor of Hong Kong 1997 University of Dundee Chancellor Lord Patel Obstetrician 2006 University of Aberdeen Rector Stephen Robertson Comedian 2008 University of Dundee Rector Brian Cox Actor 2010 University of Abertay Dundee Chancellor Lord Cullen of Whitekirk Senior member of the Scottish judiciary 2009 Durham University Chancellor Bill Bryson Author 2005 Aberystwyth University President Sir Emyr Jones Parry Retired diplomat 2008 University of East Anglia Chancellor Sir Brandon Gough Businessman and chartered accountant 2003 Anglia Ruskin University Chancellor Lord Ashcroft Businessman, author and philanthropist 2001 University of East London No chancellor Aston University Chancellor Sir John Sunderland Former president, CBI; former chief executive, Cadbury Schweppes 2010 Edge Hill University Chancellor Tanya Byron Psychologist, writer and television presenter 2008 Bangor University President Lord Elis-Thomas Welsh politician; former leader of Plaid Cymru 2000 University of Edinburgh Chancellor HRH the Princess Royal, Member of the Royal Family 2011 University of Bath Chancellor Lord Tugendhat British politician and businessman 1998 Princess Anne Bath Spa University No chancellor University of Edinburgh Rector Iain Macwhirter Scottish political commentator 2009 University of Bedfordshire Chancellor Baroness Howells of St Davids Former director, Greenwich Racial Equality Council 2009 Edinburgh Napier University Chancellor Tim Waterstone Founder of Waterstone’s 2007 University of Birmingham Chancellor Sir Dominic Cadbury Former chairman, Cadbury Schweppes; former chairman, Wellcome Trust 2002 University of Essex Chancellor Lord Phillips of Sudbury Solicitor and politician 2003 Birmingham City University Chancellor Anita Ward Lord Mayor of Birmingham and councillor 2011 University of Exeter Chancellor Baroness Benjamin Broadcaster 2006 University of Bolton Chancellor Baroness Morris of Bolton Politician 2010 University of Glamorgan Chancellor Lord Morris of Aberavon Retired politician and barrister 2002 Bournemouth University Chancellor Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers President of the Supreme Court of the UK 2009 University of Glasgow Chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman Cancer researcher; former Chief Medical Officer 2006 University of Bradford Chancellor Imran Khan Pakistani politician and former cricketer 2005 University of Glasgow Rector Charles Kennedy Politician; former leader of the Liberal Democrats 2008 University of Brighton No chancellor Glasgow Caledonian University Chancellor Lord Macdonald Journalist and broadcaster; television executive 2007 University of Bristol Chancellor Baroness Hale of Richmond Legal academic, barrister and Justice of the Supreme Court of the UK 2004 of Tradeston Brunel University Chancellor Lord Wakeham Businessman and politician 1998 University of Gloucestershire No chancellor University of Buckingham Chancellor Lord Tanlaw Businessman 2010 Glyndwr University No chancellor Bucks New University No chancellor University of Greenwich Chancellor Lord Hart of Chilton Politician 2008 University of Cambridge Chancellor Lord Sainsbury of Turville Businessman, politician and former science minister 2011 Heriot-Watt University Chancellor Baroness Greenfield Neuroscientist, writer and broadcaster 2006 Canterbury Christ Church University Chancellor Archbishop of Canterbury, University of Hertfordshire Chancellor The Marquess of Salisbury, Politician and seventh Marquess of Salisbury 2005 Rowan Williams Leader of the Church of England 2005 Robert Gascoyne-Cecil Cardiff University President Sir Martin Evans Nobel laureate in physiology or medicine 2009 University of the Highlands Chancellor HRH the Princess Royal, Member of the Royal Family 2012 Cardiff Metropolitan University President Delme Bowen Lord Mayor of Cardiff 2011 and Islands Princess Anne (yet to start) University of Central Lancashire Chancellor Sir Richard Evans Former chairman, BAE Systems 2001 University of the Highlands University of Chester Chancellor Duke of Westminster, Property developer, landowner and former Territorial Army officer 2005 and Islands Rector Garry Coutts Businessman 2010 Gerald Grosvenor University of Huddersfield Chancellor Sir Patrick Stewart Actor 2004 University of Chichester No chancellor University of Hull Chancellor Baroness Bottomley Politician 2006 City University London Chancellor David Wootton Lord Mayor of London; lawyer 2011 of Nettlestone Coventry University Chancellor Sir John Egan Former head, Jaguar; former head, BAA 2007 Imperial College London Chairman of the Baroness Manningham-Buller Former director general, MI5 2011 Cranfield University Chancellor Baroness Young of Old Scone Chief executive, Diabetes UK 2010 Court and Council University for the Creative Arts Chancellor Zandra Rhodes Fashion designer 2010 Keele University Chancellor Jonathon Porritt Environmentalist, writer and broadcaster 2011 University of Cumbria Chancellor Archbishop of York, University of Kent Chancellor Sir Robert Worcester Founder, MORI 2006 John Sentamu Second most senior cleric in Church of England 2007 Kingston University Chancellor Sir Peter Hall Theatre director 2000 De Montfort University Chancellor Lord Alli Media entrepreneur 2006 University of Lancaster Chancellor Sir Chris Bonington Mountaineer 2005 University of Derby Chancellor Peregrine Cavendish 12th Duke of Devonshire 2008 University of Leeds Chancellor Lord Bragg Writer and broadcaster 1999 A o some, they are just “an archaism” and election for the new Cambridge chancellor P who has been chancellor of the University of / E R “powerless figureheads” without suggests that it is a role many care about. U Exeter since 2006, aims to make “every single T I think to myself: “Is this the one A E purpose; to others, they are “passionate From the former cricketer turned politician F graduate and their family feel special”. T X E who’ll change the world?” That’s my champions” and influential lobbyists for Imran Khan to actor Sheila Hancock, and the R Benjamin experienced the joy of the occasion excitement on greeting each graduate. universities at a time when such support is Archbishop of Canterbury to the musician for the first time in 2005, when Exeter desperately needed. Sir Robin Biggam, former Brian May, a quick scan of today’s university awarded her an honorary doctorate, an experi - I hope my words of encouragement chairman of the now-defunct Independent chancellors (see table) reveals that they are a ence she describes as “the highlight of my will inspire them to make a difference Television Commission, maintains that a diverse group who are doing an assortment of life”. As someone who left school at 16, on person is qualified to be one only if he or she things in the wider world. Among UK universi - graduation day she felt as though she “had has reached “at least” the age of 50, while the ties, around 18 per cent of ceremonial heads gone to the Moon and back”. She now former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies could be described as “celebrities”. Twenty- endeavours to attend every graduation cere - Campbell proclaims that they should be “seen seven per cent come from the world of busi - mony, where she aims to make a connection, often and heard rarely”. ness, 26 per cent have a background in politics however brief, with each graduate. “I think to The job of university chancellor, which is and 43 per cent are peers. Seven universities – myself: ‘Is this the one who’ll create something nearly 800 years old, is certainly peculiar. including the University of London – are repre - scientific that will change the world? Will this Partly it is about pomp and ceremony; as sented by royals. Ten honorary heads have a one be prime minister? Will they be a teacher?’ honorary head of the institution, chancellors background in academia and 18 in the media. That’s my excitement on greeting each are expected to dress – as the broadcaster and All have busy lives outside academia and graduate. That’s the focal point. It’s that chancellor of the University of Roehampton limited time to spare, so what can they moment between me and the student. I hope John Simpson puts it – “in impossibly bright contribute to their institution? Most obviously, my words of encouragement to them will colours” in readiness to shake an astonishingly a celebrity can raise the profile of a university inspire them to go out and make a difference.” large number of hands on graduation day. and, perhaps, add an air of glamour; while Not all chancellors are so confident of their Beyond that, the list of official duties is “laugh- those who are well connected in the worlds of ability to make an impact, however. On gradu - ably short”, says Matthew Moss, private politics or business might hope to win friends Lord Ashcroft ation day, Lord Adebowale, chief executive of secretary to the vice-chancellor of the Univer - in high places and influence policy on their Anglia Ruskin University the charity Turning Point and chancellor of the sity of Cambridge – and for that reason, the institution’s behalf. University of Lincoln, often imagines that “the post is “what the incumbent makes of it”. But Other chancellors claim to care predomi - Lord Sainsbury people taking pictures
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Welcome WHAT IS IT ABOUT GOLF? EX-GREENKEEPERS JOIN
    EX-GREENKEEPERS JOIN HEADLAND James Watson and Steve Crosdale, both former side of the business, as well as the practical. greenkeepers with a total of 24 years experience in "This position provides the ideal opportunity to the industry behind them, join Headland Amenity concentrate on this area and help customers as Regional Technical Managers. achieve the best possible results from a technical Welcome James has responsibility for South East England, perspective," he said. including South London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent, James, whose father retired as a Course while Steve Crosdale takes East Anglia and North Manager in December, and who practised the London including Essex, profession himself for 14 years before moving into WHAT IS IT Hertfordshire and sales a year ago, says that he needed a new ABOUT GOLF? Cambridgeshire. challenge but wanted something where he could As I write the BBC are running a series of Andy Russell, use his experience built programmes in conjunction with the 50th Headland's Sales and up on golf courses anniversary of their Sports Personality of the Year Marketing Director said around Europe. Award with a view to identifying who is the Best of that the creation of these "This way I could the Best. two new posts is take a leap of faith but I Most sports are represented. Football by Bobby indicative of the way the didn't have to leap too Moore, Paul Gascoigne, Michael Owen and David company is growing. Beckham. Not, surprisingly, by George Best, who was James Watson far," he explains. "I'm beaten into second place by Princess Anne one year.
    [Show full text]
  • February 2010 the NEWSLETTER for ENT PROFESSIONALS
    ENT•UK BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF OTOLARYNGOLOGISTS HEAD AND NECK SURGEONS www.ENTUK.org Vol. 20, No. 1, February 2010 THE NEWSLETTER FOR ENT PROFESSIONALS Vote early and vote often Contents Tony Narula Vote early and vote often aving been elected to the have dried up follow- Council of the Royal Col- ing the change in immigration Managers- lege of Surgeons in 2004 rules last year. it is time to take stock of don‟t you just love them? H what is going on in the medico- SAFETY political landscape as I seek re- Patient safety is the new buzzword Procedure Based election in early 2010. being used by everyone from Sir Assessments (PBAs) Liam Donaldson downwards EWTD (upwards?). It‟s a bit like mother- Members of ENT-UK will have seen hood and apple pie: everyone is in Independent practice acres of comment on this issue. favour of this but being in favour survey Especially from the President of doesn‟t make it happen. All sorts the RCS John Black. I have fully of new institutions have sprung up Notes supported his stance that rules like the National Patient Safety introduced to protect truck drivers Agency to protect the public. Re- Goodbye to All That or production line workers are not validation also comes into this appropriate for professionals. On (see later). In fact Safety will be- the other hand no-one can deny come a fig-leaf to close hospitals. English college council that in certain specialties (eg The CEO of the NHS has said quite report 2009 Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics) explicitly that he wants to transfer prolonged hours are unreason- huge swathes of activity into the ENT UK charitable able.
    [Show full text]
  • Daily Sparkle 2020-07-11.Pdf (PDF, 395
    The Fountain Saturday 11 July 2020 On This Day The Way We Were bit.ly/2ZznRuZ bit.ly/2OkufBV Seb Coe competing Flatley dryer advert By the 1980s, Britain suddenly I didn’t use my Flatley drying found itself with three great cabinet much in the summer. middle-distance runners. But it was still a useful thing There was great rivalry to have ‘just in case’. We didn’t between the three. There was have tumble driers when I was Steve Ovett and Steve Cram. a new housewife. And there was Sebastian Coe. Drying cabinets were just a He set eleven world records, big box with a heating element and he won two Olympic in the bottom. It had wooden gold medals. He was a great rods across the top to hang the athlete and sportsman and washing on. It was great for was brilliant at both 800m tea-towels and pillow cases. and 1500m. And on 11th July Stan always said electrical 1981 he set a new world record heating was expensive. He in the 1000m. didn’t like having the fan Sebastian Coe went on to heater on. But actually, the organise the London Olympics drying cabinet was quite cheap in 2012. That, too, was a to run. I thought it was well superb achievement. worth it. Copyright © 2020 Everyday Miracles Ltd T/A The Daily Sparkle ® www.dailysparkle.co.uk 11 July 2020 1 That’s Life Over To You tinyurl.com/vzbgeqa bit.ly/2H98twH Opera glasses Book of inventions My Aunt Ellen loved the opera.
    [Show full text]
  • 2014 Commonwealth Games Statistics – Men's 800M
    2014 Commonwealth Games Statistics – Men’s 800m (880yards before 1970) All time performance list at the Commonwealth Games Performance Performer Time Name Nat Pos Venue Year 1 1 1:43.22 Steve Cram GBR 1 Edinburgh 1986 2 2 1:43.82 Japheth Kimutai KEN 1 Kuala Lumpur 1998 3 3 1:43.91 John Kipkurgat KEN 1 Christchurch 1974 4 1:44.38 John Kipkurgat 1sf1 Christchurch 1974 5 4 1:44.39 Mike Boit KEN 2 Christchurch 1974 6 5 1:44.44 Hezekiel Sepeng RSA 2 Kuala Lumpur 1998 7 6 1:44.57 Johan Botha RSA 3 Kuala Lumpur 1998 8 7 1:44.80 Tom McKean SCO 2 Edinburgh 1986 9 8 1:44.92 John Walker NZL 3 Christchurch 1974 10 9 1:45.18 Peter Bourke AUS 1 Brisbane 1982 10 9 1:45.18 Patrick Konchellah KEN 1 Victoria 1994 10 9 1:45.18 Savieri Ngidhi ZIM 4 Kuala Lumpur 1998 13 12 1:45.32 Filbert Bayi TAN 4 Christchurch 1974 14 1:45.40 Mike Boit 1sf2 Christchurch 1974 15 13 1:45.42 Peter Elliott ENG 3 Edinburgh 1986 16 14 1:45.45 James Maina Boi KEN 2 Brisbane 1982 17 15 1:45.57 Andy Carter ENG 2sf1 Christchurch 1974 18 16 1:45.60 Chris McGeorge ENG 3 Brisbane 1982 19 17 1:45.71 Andy Hart ENG 5 Kuala Lumpur 1998 20 1:45.76 Hezekiel Sepeng 2 Victoria 1994 21 18 1:45.86 Pat Scammell AUS 4 Edinburgh 1986 22 19 1:45.88 Alex Kipchirchir KEN 1 Melbourne 2006 23 1:45.97 Andy Carter 5 Christchurch 1974 24 20 1:45.98 Sammy Tirop KEN 1 Auckland 1990 25 21 1:46.00 Nixon Kiprotich KEN 2 Auckland 1990 26 1:46.06 Savieri Ngidhi 3 Victoria 1994 27 22 1:46.12 William Serem KEN 1h1 Victoria 1994 28 1:46.15 John Walker 2sf2 Christchurch 1974 29 23 1:46.23 Daniel Omwanza KEN 3sf1 Christchurch
    [Show full text]
  • To: Sir Liam Donaldson Chair, WHO World Alliance for Patient Safety World Health Organization IER/PSP 20 Avenue Appia CH-1211 Geneva 27 Switzerland
    To: Sir Liam Donaldson Chair, WHO World Alliance for Patient Safety World Health Organization IER/PSP 20 Avenue Appia CH-1211 Geneva 27 Switzerland As surgery is an integral part of health care and a major public health concern, and whilst the volume of surgery is rapidly growing worldwide, the California Hospital Association welcomes the new "Safe Surgery Saves Lives" initiative of the World Health Organization's (WHO) World Alliance for Patient Safety, which for the first time, addresses patient safety in surgical care as a matter of global importance. The California Hospital Association considers the improvement of surgical safety as essential to public health and endorses the concept of the "WHO Surgical Safety Checklist". The Checklist aims to support surgical teams anywhere in the world to ensure that patients undergo the right operation, at the correct body site, with safe anesthesia, established infection prevention measures, and effective teamwork for safer care. The California Hospital Association also supports the establishment of "Surgical Vital Statistics" requesting that countries track surgical volume and in-hospital surgical death rates. The importance of concerted unified action in these areas cannot be overstated. Together, we can prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths and complications from surgery on a global level. The California Hospital Association, therefore, strongly supports the "Safe Surgery Saves Lives" initiative and congratulates WHO on making it possible for all stakeholders to move in this direction. Date: February 12, 2009 Signature: ___________________________________ Name/Title: C. Duane Dauner, President/CEO .
    [Show full text]
  • Patient Safety Collaborative
    OXFORD AHSN Patient Safety Collaborative OCTOBER 2014 Oxford Academic Health Science Network Foreword Place the quality of patient care, especially patient safety, above all other aims FROM: A promise to learn – a commitment to act: Improving the safety of patients in England by the National Advisory Group on the safety of patients in England (the Berwick Review), August 2013. Patient safety is a priority for the Oxford Academic Health Science Network and for all our partner organisations. This document showcases some of the good work to enhance safety already established in our region based on priorities determined by patients, families and NHS staff. Our new Patient Safety Collaborative has a vital role to play in developing new programmes, coordinating patient safety initiatives and evaluating their impact across the region to make sure that patients receive safe, high quality care wherever they are seen and whatever treatment they receive. Professor Gary A Ford, CBE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, OXFORD AHSN CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS DOCUMENT INCLUDE • Charles Vincent (PSC Lead) • Helen Mackenzie (Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust) • Peter McCulloch (Oxford AHSN Patient Safety Academy) • Will Pank (Oxford AHSN Best Care Programme Manager) • Emma Vaux (Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust & Patient • Simon Pizzey (Oxford AHSN Informatics Lead) Safety Federation) • Susan Procter (Buckinghamshire New University) • Jill Bailey (Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust) • Sarah Pyne (Oxford AHSN PPIEE Manager) • Paul Durrands (Oxford AHSN Chief
    [Show full text]
  • Two Day Autograph Auction Day 1 Saturday 02 November 2013 11:00
    Two Day Autograph Auction Day 1 Saturday 02 November 2013 11:00 International Autograph Auctions (IAA) Office address Foxhall Business Centre Foxhall Road NG7 6LH International Autograph Auctions (IAA) (Two Day Autograph Auction Day 1 ) Catalogue - Downloaded from UKAuctioneers.com Lot: 1 tennis players of the 1970s TENNIS: An excellent collection including each Wimbledon Men's of 31 signed postcard Singles Champion of the decade. photographs by various tennis VG to EX All of the signatures players of the 1970s including were obtained in person by the Billie Jean King (Wimbledon vendor's brother who regularly Champion 1966, 1967, 1968, attended the Wimbledon 1972, 1973 & 1975), Ann Jones Championships during the 1970s. (Wimbledon Champion 1969), Estimate: £200.00 - £300.00 Evonne Goolagong (Wimbledon Champion 1971 & 1980), Chris Evert (Wimbledon Champion Lot: 2 1974, 1976 & 1981), Virginia TILDEN WILLIAM: (1893-1953) Wade (Wimbledon Champion American Tennis Player, 1977), John Newcombe Wimbledon Champion 1920, (Wimbledon Champion 1967, 1921 & 1930. A.L.S., Bill, one 1970 & 1971), Stan Smith page, slim 4to, Memphis, (Wimbledon Champion 1972), Tennessee, n.d. (11th June Jan Kodes (Wimbledon 1948?), to his protégé Arthur Champion 1973), Jimmy Connors Anderson ('Dearest Stinky'), on (Wimbledon Champion 1974 & the attractive printed stationery of 1982), Arthur Ashe (Wimbledon the Hotel Peabody. Tilden sends Champion 1975), Bjorn Borg his friend a cheque (no longer (Wimbledon Champion 1976, present) 'to cover your 1977, 1978, 1979 & 1980), reservation & ticket to Boston Francoise Durr (Wimbledon from Chicago' and provides Finalist 1965, 1968, 1970, 1972, details of the hotel and where to 1973 & 1975), Olga Morozova meet in Boston, concluding (Wimbledon Finalist 1974), 'Crazy to see you'.
    [Show full text]
  • APPENDIX C Respondents to the Inquiry's Stage Four Consultation
    SHIP05$$$7 30-11-04 13:02:18 Pag Table: SHIPMN Unit: PA0C Page Type: SO Proof Round: APPENDIX C Respondents to the Inquiry’s Stage Four Consultation Paper Organisations Author (if named) Action against MedicalAccidents Mr Peter Walsh,Chief Executive Ms Fiona Freedland, Legal Director Association of Chief Police Officers in Chief Constable William Rae, Honorary Scotland Secretary Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Mrs Pauline Webdale, Fellow & Previous Managers, Administrators and Receptionists NationalChairman Association for Nurse Prescribing Ms Barbara Stuttle, Chair Avon, Gloucestershire & Wiltshire Strategic Dr M Durkin, Director of Clinical Quality Health Authority Barnsley Primary Care Trust Dr Joan Miller, Consultant in Public Health Billericay, Brentwood & Wickford Primary Care Mr David Gibbins, Director of Modernisation Trust and Commissioning Birkenhead & Wallasey Primary Care Trust Mr John South, Director of Primary Care British Medical Association Ms Sally Watson, Director of Political & RepresentationalActivities Burntwood, Lichfield & Tamworth Primary Care Trust Calderdale Primary Care Trust Ms Ruth Lumb, Clinical Governance Manager Cheshire & Merseyside Strategic Health Dr Iqbal Sram, Assistant Director, Clinical Authority Performance Cheshire West Primary Care Trust Dr Maureen Swanson, MedicalAdviser & Clinical Governance Lead City & Hackney GP Appraisers Workshop Dr Christopher Derrett Committee of GeneralPractice Education Dr Pat Lane, Chair Directors Commission for Healthcare Audit & Inspection Mrs Elizabeth
    [Show full text]
  • Book Reviews
    book reviews The nation’s doctor: the role of the Chief Medical Officer for working men. Morant, appointed to launch the new scheme, 1855–1998 needed to enlist the support of the medical profession. The general Sally Sheard and Sir Liam Donaldson. Radcliffe Publishing practitioners (GPs), however, had been stirred into opposition by in association with The Nuffield Trust, Oxford, 2005. the BMA. Morant joined forces with Dr Christopher Addison, a 264pp. £40.00 Liberal MP and Dean of St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical School, and together they successfully enrolled doctors for the scheme. Sally Sheard, Senior Lecturer in the history of medicine at Liverpool From 1911, Addison, Morant and Newman worked towards the University, and Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer, creation of a Ministry of Health. Morant, a member of the Department of Health (DH), have collaborated to review the evolu- Machinery of Government Committee, produced the design and tion and development of the role of the Chief Medical Officer Addison, Minister of Reconstruction in the Wartime Coalition (CMO). Their book is not organised chronologically or biographi- Government, brought in the bill for the new ministry in November cally (although at the end there are vignettes of all holders of the 1918. The ministry was established in July 1919 with Addison as office) but rather by themes. Their account closes in 1998, a year minister, Morant as permanent secretary and Newman as the first after the return of the Labour government, with the retirement of CMO. The LGB, which had consistently opposed the creation of the Donaldson’s immediate predecessor, Sir Kenneth Calman.
    [Show full text]
  • “Hammerfest” by Bill Bryson Introduction
    Generalitat de Catalunya Departamentd’Ensenyament Escoles Oficial d’Idiomes “Hammerfest” by Bill Bryson Introduction William McGuire "Bill" Bryson , OBE , (born December 8, 1951) is a best-selling American author of humorous books on travel, as well as books on the English language and on science. Born an American, he was a resident of Britain for most of his adult life before returning to the US in 1995. In 2003 Bryson moved back to Britain, living in the old rectory of Wramplingham , Norfolk, and was appointed Chancellor of Durham University . Bill Bryson, the author of the set of columns collected in “Notes from a big country,” is an American who wrote travel books and newspapered in England for 20 years before returning to New Hampshire with his wife and family in 1996. This book consists of many chapters, and in each of them the author dwells upon different aspects of life in America. The chapter “So Sue me” is taken from this book. In this chapter the writer reflects on the issue of crime, and mocks at the amount of ridiculous lawsuits with his typical sense of humour In the early seventies, Bill Bryson backpacked across Europe – in search of enlightment, beer, and women. Twenty years later he decided to retrace his journey. The result is the affectionate and riotously funny book Neither here nor there . One of the chapters taken from this book describes the Northen lights and is called “Hammerfest”. This text is full of epithets and is rich in descriptive nouns, adjectives and verbs. The main aim, apart from enjoying reading, is to understand descriptive texts, learn the vocabulary selected by the teacher, use it in the context, gives detailed descriptions.
    [Show full text]
  • Bill Bryson's Notes from a Big Country As a Critique of American
    “Typically American”: Bill Bryson’s Notes from a Big Country as a critique of American society Diplomarbeit zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades eines Magisters der Philosophie an der Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz vorgelegt von Marin Tomic am Institut für Amerikanistik Begutachter: Hölbling Walter, Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr.phil. Graz, 2011 Table of Contents 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1 2. Background ...................................................................................................................... 3 2.1. Bill Bryson and his work .................................................................................... 3 2.2. The relevance of stereotypes .............................................................................. 3 2.3. Bryson’ use of stereotypes ................................................................................. 6 2.4. America as a stereotype ...................................................................................... 7 3. The image of the USA ................................................................................................... 8 3.1. America in German Literature ......................................................................... 12 4. The ‘dumb’ American ................................................................................................. 14 4.1. American ignorance ........................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Literary Tourism: Opportunities and Challenges for the Marketing And
    Literary tourism: Opportunities and challenges for the marketing and branding of destinations? Anne Hoppen a, Lorraine Browna,n, Alan Fyall b a Bournemouth University, United Kingdom b University of Central Florida, USA a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t This paper revisits the phenomenon of literary tourism and explores the means by which destinations can leverage benefit in the form of destination branding and marketing strategies. The paper commences with an overview of the typologies used to categorise the phenomenon and to outline the various forms it takes in the particular geographic context of the UK. The extent to which literary tourism is a sub-set of cultural and heritage tourism is then explored with the migration from niche to mass tourism opportunity an emerging trend. With regard to literary places, the study identifies author-related, fictional-related, book and festival related forms of literary tourism. Thereafter the study critiques further the migration from niche to mass tourism, the move from cultural and heritage tourism to international literary themed development, the collaborative development of literary destination products and experiences, opportunities for destination brand development and finally broader policy and wider local visitor management issues. The study concludes by advocating a collaborative approach to future literary tourism development with collaboration needing to be consistent with the desired target markets of each stakeholder, consistent with existing brands and perhaps most importantly, sustainable in the longer term. & 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. 1. Introduction Literary tourism occurs when authors or their literature become so popular that people are drawn to either those locations associated with the author (e.g.
    [Show full text]