University of Newcastle Upon Tyne

ARCHES The Magazine of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne

Issue 3 | Autumn 2003 Spreading the Sun Safety Message Towards a Cultural Quarter ARCHES Editorial ARCHES Contents

ARCHES News 4-12

Newcastle Universities Welcome to Issue 3 of Arches, the magazine United Toon and gown coming together of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in Malaysia. Police Chief’s Rude Passion Nick Fisher and the second earl of Rochester.

Nanotechnology Skin Deep Rock Art It’s in the news but what is it Cancer research backs the sun Prehistoric art gets the modern touch. all about? safety message.

Many of you will have shared my disappointment in June when Newcastle Gateshead’s joint bid to become European Capital of Culture 2008 narrowly missed out to Liverpool. ARCHES Features 13-17

It is important to acknowledge, however, the tremendously positive impact the bid process has had in galvanizing the North East and changing national and international perceptions of the region. The competition for the title of European Capital of Culture 2008 has already had, and will continue to have, a transforming effect on both the landscape and cultural activity in the North East. Not winning the title is tough, but in a very real sense this has been a good example of the maxim that it is not the winning but the taking part that matters.

The exciting plans outlined on pages 13–15 to develop a Cultural Quarter on the University campus perfectly illustrate the ongoing commitment of this University to play a leading role in our regional cultural renaissance. These plans, which are on top of a current programme of building and redevelopment across Towards a Digging up Dirt the University totalling more than £80 million over seven years, will transform Cultural Quarter The history of agriculture the way we engage as an institution with the general public both locally and Unveiling plans for an exciting at the University. further afield. I very much hope that our alumni will be among the first to come cultural quarter on campus. back to visit us and witness the major changes taking place.

Finally, if you are interested in following progress on the Cultural Quarter and the many other interesting stories taking place at the University then you might ARCHES Regulars 18-23 like to consider taking advantage of our new NewsLink service. This service is fully accessible on the external website at www.ncl.ac.uk/press.office/newslink and anyone wishing to receive a weekly NewsLink bulletin by e-mail can join Events/Listings simply by sending a request to [email protected]. Reports on past alumni activity and notice of future events. I do hope you enjoy reading this latest issue of Arches magazine. Classnotes With very best wishes Catch up with the latest news from old friends and acquaintances.

Alumni Profile Matthew Nicklin on the world of King’s College media and entertainment law. Firewatchers Reunite Professor Christopher Edwards A special evening for the alumni Vice-Chancellor firewatchers of World War Two.

The University of Newcastle upon Tyne Magazine | Issue 3 Autumn 2003 | www.ncl.ac.uk | 3 ARCHES News

NEWCASTLE Universities Bright Ideas to Beat the UNITED! ‘Brain Drain’

Bright ideas for businesses have won two teams of entrepreneurial students a string of awards in the national When Newcastle United travelled to Malaysia to play in the inaugural final of the Graduate Enterprise Programme – an annual FA Premier League Asia Cup this summer, it provided Newcastle and competition to showcase student enterprise companies from Northumbria Universities with the perfect opportunity to team up to universities across the UK. encourage more students from the Far East to study on Tyneside. The two companies – Magnetics, which designs and produces The Universities were one of the tournament sponsors and, as well as promotional fridge magnets, and Ignite, a company set up to providing pitch-side advertising, they also produced a two-minute provide an economical printing service for small companies – advertisement which was shown on giant TV screens in Kuala Lumpur’s HONOUR FOR SIR BOBBY notched up an unprecedented four awards between them. national Bukit Jalil Stadium, and in the commercial breaks during the live TV coverage of the games. Chancellor Christopher Patten chats to PARTNERS students. Magnetics, set up by Ben Woodhead and Mark Wallace, won Newcastle United’s manager, Sir Bobby Robson, has been the Learning by Doing category and was recognized for its Assistant Director of the International Office, David Forman, said: ‘There are honoured by the University for his achievements during his ethical and environmental principles. The company was also already a lot of students from the Far East studying in Newcastle, but we footballing career, spanning 53 years as a club and named runner-up in the Company of the Year section. hope to attract many more through our involvement in the Asia Cup’. international player and manager. Chancellor Joins Ignite, which is run by fellow students Charles Baybutt and The tournament also caught the imagination of many Malaysian alumni who At a ceremony in May, Sir Bobby received an Honorary Doctor Summer Celebrations Jennifer Tomkinson, won the Innovative Product or Service award. attended the matches and visited a special alumni booth at the stadium. of Civil Law degree from the Chancellor of the University, the Around 30 alumni and guests also enjoyed afternoon tea with the Right Honourable Christopher Patten CH. Also receiving The success of Magnetics and Ignite has delighted Gareth Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christopher Edwards, at the Palace of the Golden honorary degrees were Fiona Reynolds CBE, Director-General of North East students attending a Summer School in July had a Trainer, who manages the University’s Enterprise Centre, which Horses in Kuala Lumpur, organized by David Forman and local alumni leader the National Trust; international expert in computer security, chance to share their experiences with the Chancellor of offers expert advice to students with ideas for starting up their Dato’ Dr Haji Mohamed Ishak (Dip Town & Country Planning 1964, Professor Fred Schneider, of Cornell University; and eminent the University, Christopher Patten, when he dropped in on own business. He believes enterprise programmes such as Dip Landscape Design 1973, Hon DCL 1993). industrialist, Dr Herbert Loebl OBE. a workshop in the students’ Union. Newcastle’s, which is one of only a handful in the UK, have ‘massive potential’. They were joined by Jane Taylor, Tamsin Ridden and Rhiannon Haywood, who were among almost 3,000 students graduating He said: ‘Apart from job creation, one of the advantages of from the University this summer. Three years ago, Jane, student enterprise is that it gives the students a good reason to Tamsin and Rhiannon took part in the very first PARTNERS stay in the region after they graduate, helping to halt the ‘brain For a team of football-loving Malaysian students, Summer School. drain’ effect that concerns economists. This region has got a A QUESTION OF SUPPORT... Newcastle United’s participation in the FA Premier League fantastic business support culture, plus great commercial ideas. Asia Cup presented something of a dilemma: just which Rhiannon, who gained a BSc Honours in Applied Biology, said: The University is producing graduates who can make a team should they support? ‘It’s really great to see these students enjoying the Summer contribution to the regional economy, and the North East is a School. Attending a similar event back in 2000 was a very very fertile place for these ideas to grow’, he added. All of them grew up in Malaysia supporting their national side, enjoyable experience, and I would encourage all of them to but now the team, who regularly play in five- and six-a-side believe in their own ability, and take the opportunity to study inter-university matches, are such big fans of Newcastle United at the University.’ that they have adopted the team’s famous black and white kit as their own. Mr Patten had his own words of encouragement for the students. He said: ‘Simply by being here, you have already made a As the Asia Cup kicked off, they admitted that they hadn’t significant commitment to university study. I wish you all well, decided whether they would like Newcastle or Malaysia to win. and hope to see you at your own graduation in a few years’ time.’ Ahmad Aslam Kamarudin, an MSc Mechanical Engineering student, said: ‘We’ll be supporting both Newcastle and Malaysia The Assessed Summer School was part of the University’s in their first round matches. But if Newcastle meet Malaysia in PARTNERS (Progression and Access Routes to Newcastle the next stage, we really won’t know which team to cheer on. University) programme, a scheme set up to encourage We will all be feeling divided loyalties as we watch the game.’ applications from students who might otherwise not have considered university as an option. In the event, the Malaysian national side and Birmingham City FC were knocked out in the early stages of the tournament, Since the scheme began, in 1999, applications from PARTNERS leaving Newcastle United to face London-based Premiership schools have risen by 63 per cent. Newcastle alumni help to club, Chelsea, in a nail-biting final – which Chelsea eventually support the programme by providing scholarships and bursaries The Magnetics team: l-r Ben Woodhead, James Rossiter, Sophie Cross and United we stand! Members of the Malaysian students’ five-a-side team. won on penalties. for students entering the University through PARTNERS. Mark Wallace.

4 | The University of Newcastle upon Tyne Magazine | Issue 3 Autumn 2003 | www.ncl.ac.uk The University of Newcastle upon Tyne Magazine | Issue 3 Autumn 2003 | www.ncl.ac.uk | 5 SKIN CANCER FACT: SKIN CANCER FACT: SKIN CANCER FACT: ARCHES News Feature Most forms are caused by excessive exposure It is the most common cancer in the UK and Everyone, regardless of skin colour, should be to the sun and can take 20 to 30 years over 2,000 people die each year as a result. careful in the sun and take sensible precautions to develop. to protect themselves from damage.

SKIN DEEP ‘Every time you sunbathe – and especially when you get sunburned – you add an extra SPREADING THE SUN SAFETY MESSAGE layer of damage. This makes the skin saggy, leathery, thick and discoloured.’

‘You are damaging the DNA in your skin cells, One person you won’t see returning from his summer holidays which can lead to skin cancer. It’s like a time sporting a suntan is Dr Mark Birch-Machin. bomb which could go off in 15 or 20 years.’ Dr Mark Birch-Machin

Dr Birch-Machin is building a reputation as a The programme followed six young women in powerhouse, mitochondria. This can happen as leading UK skin cancer expert, and is spreading their twenties who volunteered to take the test early as childhood and causes permanent damage the sun safety message to ordinary people before and after a week’s holiday in the Spanish to our skin cells. Some of the rays can form free through the media. island of Ibiza. The test involved analysing DNA radicals, which can change our DNA, while others from samples of skin taken from the volunteers. have a directly harmful effect. Particularly around the summer months, his The results were startling – they showed that telephone is busy with calls from journalists from after just one week of sunbathing all of the girls These findings informed the development of the all over the world – testimony to his ability to had done serious permanent damage to their skin. test featured in Tonight With Trevor MacDonald, explain complex science in a way their readers, which provides a diary of sun-damaged DNA in viewers and listeners can understand. The damage represented a skin cancer ‘time skin cells. In future years doctors could potentially bomb’ says Dr Birch-Machin, who was use it to provide tailor-made sun safety advice for The charity Cancer Research UK, which funds interviewed extensively in the half-hour show. patients. It may also be a useful tool for the some of his research, has adopted him as an The women had also increased their chances of cosmetics industry, as it could measure how well official media spokesman on skin cancer. looking 40 or 45 years-old by the time they sunscreens work. reached 30. Dr Birch-Machin’s public information role takes Dr Birch-Machin’s media work began two years on added gravity as each year in Britain over He explains: ‘Every time you sunbathe – and ago when the University Press Office issued a 2,000 people die from skin cancer, a disease especially when you get sunburned – you add an news release offering seasonal advice to summer linked to sun exposure. Moreover, a recent UK extra layer of damage. This makes the skin saggy, holiday makers. Media training followed, which survey showed a worrying gap between how leathery, thick and discoloured. You are damaging improved his interview technique. much people know about the disease and how the DNA in your skin cells, which can lead to skin little they do to protect themselves. cancer. It’s like a time bomb which could go off in He says: ‘Sharing our expertise with the public is 15 or 20 years.’ just as important as doing the science, as ultimately, Most recently his scientific research, carried out it could help save lives. If we can convince people of in laboratories at Newcastle University, was a Dr Birch-Machin, a reader in molecular the importance of looking after their skin in the sun, central feature of a special edition of the ITV dermatology with the University’s School of then it’s a job well done.’ current affairs show, Tonight With Trevor Clinical and Laboratory Sciences, has been MacDonald. The programme makers sponsored investigating skin cancer for several years. More information about skin cancer can be Dr Birch-Machin and his team to try out a found on Cancer Research UK’s website: pioneering test they have developed that charts Laboratory tests showed that harmful ultraviolet www.cancerresearchuk.org/sunsmart/ the amount of permanent damage the sun’s rays radiation (UV rays) in sunlight can penetrate our have done to the skin’s genetic material, DNA. skin and attack the DNA found in the cells’

6 | The University of Newcastle upon Tyne Magazine | Issue 3 Autumn 2003 | www.ncl.ac.uk The University of Newcastle upon Tyne Magazine | Issue 3 Autumn 2003 | www.ncl.ac.uk | 7 TELL US YOUR STORIES If you have interesting memories and with a view to developing a feature for ARCHES Alumni News stories about student expeditions in past our alumni website at years then we would like to hear them www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni/news/rememberwhen

and personal skills, conduct some first-rate research Tanzania in order to combat native species loss STILL SPRIGHTLY AT 90 ALUMNI ASSIST and at the same time experience new and caused by habitat destruction and forest STUDENT EXPEDITIONS interesting cultures. Our student expedition fragmentation. Britt Larsen said: ‘Dr Makundi members tend to be motivated and resourceful helped us to recruit local students to the project individuals who are required to organize and raise by posting our advertisement in his University Armstrong College graduate Constance Ayre, née Atherton Newcastle University alumni in some of the funds for their expeditions in the midst of their whilst we were still in the UK. In this way we (BSc Geography 1935, DThPT 1936) received a ninetieth remotest and least accessible parts of the world normal studies. They carry the excellent chose five brilliant students who worked with us birthday surprise in the form of a birthday card from the are helping current students taking part in the reputation of the University around the world, and in the field for five weeks. Dr Makundi also University on 21 April 2003. Student Expeditions Programme. in many cases the research they undertake on arranged for a trapping session to be held for us their expeditions aims to offer positive benefits to when we arrived in Morogoro, so that we could Connie Ayre is one of the last surviving graduates of Armstrong Newcastle has a long tradition of sending student communities and the environment in the familiarize ourselves with types of traps and College (then part of Durham University), which became King’s expeditions overseas dating back to at least the countries that are visited. trapping methods as well as handling animals. We College in 1937 and finally the independent University of 1960s. However, it is only recently that the spent three lovely days in the University, feeling Newcastle upon Tyne in 1963. Although classified as a ‘lost student teams have been encouraged to link up Last year three students taking part in the very welcome.’ alumna’ for the past 67 years, Connie’s son-in-law, David Budgen, with former students from the countries being Newcastle University Lulanda 2002 expedition to alerted the University to his mother-in-law’s whereabouts and visited, sometimes with very positive benefits. In Tanzania benefited from contact with a number Each year a couple of expedition teams report forthcoming birthday. the past two years, expedition teams have been of alumni including Dr Rhodes Makundi (MSc back on their experiences in the ‘Tales from the assisted to varying degrees on expeditions to the 1984, PhD 1996) of the Sokoine University of Bush’ lecture within the Insights Public Lectures Much to everyone’s surprise, the School of Geography, Politics Bahamas, Fiji, Indonesia, Kenya, Papua New Guinea Agriculture in Morogoro, Tanzania.Team members series. This year’s lecture will be held at 5.30 pm and Sociology still had Connie’s undergraduate dissertation on file and Tanzania. Rebecca Haylow, Britt Larsen and Lisette Coiffait, all on Tuesday 25 November in the Curtis on the subject ‘A Dissertation on Upper Weardale (with special zoology undergraduates, collected data to make an Auditorium of the Herschel Building. reference to development during the nineteenth and twentieth Connie Ayre’s graduation photograph. Student expeditions provide a marvellous assessment of the forest corridor programme centuries)’. There was also recorded a very favourable reference opportunity for students to develop their academic implemented in the Udzungwa Mountains of www.ncl.ac.uk/press.office/lectures from Professor G H J Daysh in support of Connie’s application for teaching, which was to be her chosen profession on graduating from the College.

Connie continues to lead a very active life and said: ‘I was delighted to get a letter from the University for my ninetieth birthday, which in some ways was even better than a letter from the Queen! It was a real surprise, which was passed around Police Chief’s Rude Passion at my birthday party at home in Stanhope. I enjoyed my time at Armstrong College, especially the time in the Geography Department under Professor Daysh.’ Newcastle University alumnus Nick Fisher brilliant and inspirational tutor, Ken Robinson. He venues in and around Oxford associated with the (BA English Language and Literature 1971, introduced me to Rochester – the combination of poet. I edited the conference papers, MLitt 1987) has an unusual interest away from passionate love lyrics, biting satires and rude commissioned a CD from the Consort of Musicke his day job as a police chief superintendent in poems made an unforgettable impact – and and co-edited a performing edition of the Greater Manchester Police. supervised my Master’s research.’ Rochester’s songs.’

Nick works for HMIC (Her Majesty’s Inspectorate In 2002 Nick undertook his most unusual project to of Constabulary – irreverently nicknamed date. ‘I discovered that an eminent Dutch composer, OFPLOD). He is part of the process by which the Hans Kox, shared an interest in ‘the Wicked Earl’, and Home Office judges whether a particular police he challenged me to write the libretto for a chamber force is ‘efficient and effective’ and so justifies its opera based on the last weeks of Rochester’s life. It central funding. Away from police work, however, seemed a good idea at the time! The experience of Nick has pursued a long passion for the poetry of seeing the finished opera performed this year was John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester, a both moving and a little strange’, he remembered. famously libertine seventeenth-century poet and wit who wrote some of the filthiest verses in the Nick is now busy submitting his doctoral thesis English poetical canon. on Rochester for a PhD from the University of Leeds. Despite the Earl’s racy reputation, Nick ‘The English Department I graduated from in remains adamant that there is no contradiction 1971 had a reputation for being a lively and between his own professional life and his interest stimulating place’, Nick explained. ‘I happily Nick’s interest in Rochester has kept him busy. in the controversial poet. ‘Rochester was actually returned for a second helping, obtaining my MLitt He recalled: ‘To mark the 350th anniversary of his very much part of the Establishment – and there after part-time study in 1987. I was fortunate in birth in 1997, I organized a colloquium at is a surprising professional link as he coined the Connie’s dissertation. having in my second undergraduate year a Wadham College, Oxford, and a music festival in word “shoplifting”.’

PRAISE FOR NEWCASTLE’S PREHISTORIC ART TECHNOLOGY-TRANSFER RECORD GETS THE MODERN TOUCH

As the sale of one of its ‘spin-out’ companies The research, by Nottingham University Business manufacturer of antibodies, probes and kits used helps position the University among the best School, identified four UK universities that are primarily in cancer detection and characterization. universities in the country for technology excelling at technology transfer. Although the Last year five Newcastle spin-out companies were transfer, another prepares to expand its interim report, which was published in June and formed; now, the University has set itself the business into the United States. detailed UK university technology-transfer target of increasing the number to between seven activities in 2002, did not name individual and 10 per year. Newcastle University has been named as one of universities, an article in the Times Higher the UK’s top universities for technology transfer Education Supplement subsequently named Director of Business Development, Dr Douglas Rock art found at Roughting Linn, near the Scottish border. – using its world-class research facilities to Newcastle, along with Edinburgh, Loughborough Robertson, said: ‘Spinning out companies from our benefit businesses and the economy. and Strathclyde, as the universities which served powerful research base is helping to create People will be able to ponder the mystery that phenomenon, has donated his extensive records, research associate with the School of Historical as case studies. sustainable jobs and wealth. We also work with shrouds Northumberland’s collection of including photographs, drawings and books, to the Studies, said: ‘Stan’s collection is one of the finest A survey revealed that the University’s £5 million existing companies to help them improve their prehistoric stone carvings by logging on to a University. In a project sponsored by the Arts and that exists. We’re extremely privileged to have sale, last year, of its shares in its spin-out Novocastra Laboratories, which was taken over products and processes. We pride ourselves on website that goes live next year. Humanities Research Board, the aim is to make benefited from his many years of hard work. We last July by Vision BioSystems, was set up by being open for business, quite literally.’ company, Novocastra Laboratories, represented the Beckensall Archive available on the World hope the website will encourage further research as the most profitable equity sell-off by any former Professor of Pathology, Wilson Horne, and Northumberland is widely regarded as having the Wide Web to researchers, schoolchildren and well as a general public interest in this fascinating university in the country. his colleagues. It quickly became a world-leading www.ncl.ac.uk/ris/busdev country’s richest collection of rock art. About 900 anyone else who may be interested in finding out element of our heritage.’ panels exist and are typically a series of cups and more about these fascinating marks our ancestors circles of various sizes carved into a slab of rock. made on the landscape. Theories about the origins of the rock carvings Most of the carved rocks are located in the vary. One says they are symbolic expressions of countryside, but many have been removed to New information, such as global positioning system the changing relationship Neolithic people had museums or private houses and some have been readings – highly accurate positions of the artwork with the landscape. Another says the carvings Worm-breeding technology developed by University scientists could lost. Examples include England’s largest such site at compiled using satellites – and up-to-date fulfilled a human need to mark the local Worm Firm Wriggles let American anglers off the hook. They are facing a shortage of bait Roughting Linn near the Scottish border. photographs, will also be included on the Internet environment. Ultimately, nobody knows for sure as the booming fish farm industry consumes huge quantities of site. The site is due to go live in 2004 and is believed why they exist, or who created them. into US Market home-grown worms. Retired head teacher, Stan Beckensall, who has to be the most detailed of its kind in the world. spent a lifetime charting the ancient Project leader, Dr Aron Mazel, an archaeologist and www.historical-studies.ncl.ac.uk Seabait Ltd, an award-winning ‘spin-out’ company that uses advanced technology to breed ragworms in North East England, has launched a subsidiary at Franklin, Maine. Stocks of 'wild' worms are running low in Maine as the traditional industry of digging them from the sand struggles to keep pace with demand from fish and shrimp farms. Seabait (Maine) LLC will be the first commercial worm farm of its type in the USA. Experts Bristle at Toothbrush Misuse Professor Peter Olive, one of Seabait’s founding scientists, of the School of Marine Science and Technology, said: ‘Seabait Ltd, through its American Breakfast TV viewers took a lesson in teeth are unlikely to make their teeth and gums subsidiary, will make good the supply of live worms for marine angling in the cleaning from University dental scientists who cleaner, and are likely to cause permanent USA as well as providing additional material for supply in frozen form to the led an early morning demonstration for the damage, the study showed. South Americas’ hatchery feed market’. benefit of watching cameras. Professor Heasman said: ‘Despite our findings, Earlier this year, Seabait won two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in the The live broadcast from the Dental Hospital – anecdotal evidence within the dental profession international trade and sustainable development categories, having previously shown on BBC One’s Breakfast News programme suggests that the majority of the population still won an award in the environmental achievement category in 1994. – focused on two volunteers who demonstrated believes that the longer and the harder you brush, the right and the wrong way to brush your teeth, the better for your teeth it is’. High-tech worm-breeding techniques include cryogenics to freeze worm with commentary from University expert embryos for storage and using ‘waste’ hot water from a nearby power station Professor Peter Heasman. People who are unsure about the right technique to keep sand beds at the perfect breeding temperature. to use should visit their dentist or dental hygienist. The BBC was one of many media outlets from ‘They will be able to train you and will show you Seabait Ltd has set up the subsidiary with the help of a development loan of Australia to America that covered the results of approximately how much pressure you should be up to $485,000 from the Maine Technology Institute and is now seeking Professor Heasman’s study, which found that applying’, said Professor Heasman. further venture capital for a large-scale expansion programme. brushing for two minutes, at a pressure of 150 Professor Peter Heasman uses a model to demonstrate the grams, was the right combination for the average www.ncl.ac.uk/dental Graham Rutherford, Managing Director of Seabait Ltd, with ragworms. www.seabait.com/index.html correct way to brush teeth. person’s cleaning routine. People who exceed this

Nanotechnology TOWARDS A CULTURAL QUARTER

The rapid rate of scientific advance brings enormous benefits to society, but some feel that risks associated with new areas of technology are too great. Recently concerns were voiced by the Prince of Wales over perceived risks associated with nanotechnology, so we asked Professor Ken Snowdon, Director of the Institute for Nanoscale Science Claire Hardy, Project Manager of the Cultural Quarter Project, unveils and Technology (INSAT) at the University to provide a lowdown on this emerging technology. the exciting ideas that are coming together at the University for the development of an integrated Cultural Quarter and a new Combined Museum complex within Terry Farrell & Partners’ campus Masterplan What is nanotechnology? and technology drivers and excellent candidate public domain. Any dangers that may be posed by Nanotechnology is a technology defined in terms applications for micro-, nano- and molecular- nanotechnology are already being proactively (described in Issue 1 of Arches). of scale. It describes materials, systems and scale fabrication and manipulation technologies. investigated, with notable studies being carried devices with characteristic dimensions in the In addition, miniaturization technologies have the out by the Centre for Environmental range 1-100 nanometer (nm). One nm is potential to revolutionize drug delivery and the Nanotechnology at Rice University in the USA, 1/1,000,000 of a millimetre, or roughly the distance treatment of disease, and enable the and by the Royal Society/Royal Academy of spanned by four atoms, so nanotechnology is all development of affordable sensors for real-time Engineering. Nanotechnology has a high profile at about controlled component design and fabrication recording of neurological activity and other the present time coupled with some confusion as on atomic and molecular scales. It unites findings biological functions. to what it really is. The Institute’s remit is to For many years the University has fostered a The infrastructure of these cultural assets, and their and processes from biotechnology and genetic educate the public and industry about range of cultural activities, located on the 2003 immediate surroundings, are a major part of the engineering with chemistry, physics, electronics and nanotechnology – what it is and what it isn’t. In campus and representing a key interface with problem. The Hancock Natural History Museum is materials science with the aim of manufacturing September, for example, we ran a competition for the city and the wider region. But these WHERE ARE WE NOW? a splendid Victorian listed building housing a cost-effective innovative products. local schools to raise awareness of the subject and separate activities have never realized their nationally designated collection; however, because to encourage sixth formers to take up a career in full individual potentials, let alone the wider of inadequate investment in its infrastructure, Commonplace examples of nanotechnology the field. synergies possible between them. A bold new The cultural assets that will comprise the heart of it does not achieve its potential as a visitor products include some magnetic memory devices, vision has now been developed by a the Newcastle Cultural Quarter consist of three experience. The Museum of Antiquities and the optical, protective and decorative coatings, some What are we doing at Newcastle? wide-ranging partnership of local bodies, led museums, an art gallery and a theatre. They are Shefton Museum are housed separately in sunscreens and many cosmetics. The Institute for Nanoscale Science and by the University and including BALTIC The currently managed separately and sit within a accommodation that is not purpose-built for Technology (INSAT) is the University’s research Centre for Contemporary Art, the Natural poorly developed part of the University's museum purposes and, like the Hatton Gallery, Why is there such excitement about this area institute for nanotechnology established in 1999. History Society of Northumbria, the Society of city-centre campus. They are unrelated to each not easy to find within the campus. It is these of technology? We have 15 research groups associated with the Antiquaries, Newcastle City Council, New other in terms of marketing and operation and do four elements which comprise the Combined Nanotechnology has been recognized by leading Institute providing depth in certain fields of Writing North, Northern Stage, Tyne and Wear not, therefore, take advantage of the opportunities Museum project, which is the subject of a major industrialized countries to be of potential key microsystems and nanotechnology and we focus Museums, to establish a Cultural Quarter. to explore relationships between them. bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund and other economic significance in the twenty-first century. on particular application areas, for example, This will transform the space where city and sources of funding. The trend in manufacturing industry towards At Newcastle, for example, scientists are working artificial prostheses and joints. Impressive central University meet into an exciting and vibrant Although these assets are sited very close to increasing miniaturization, improving dimensional on developing a tiny biosensor device that will facilities, funded by the Department of Trade and area of cultural and social activity: a major Newcastle's main shopping street (with excellent Linked to the Combined Museum project, the precision and controlling surface finish is warn of an impending heart attack, affording a Industry and the regional development agency contribution to the region's cultural strategy. public transport links) they are not seen by the adjacent Playhouse Theatre has its own urgent well recognized. person with heart problems sufficient time to One NorthEast, have made Newcastle a major majority of people of Newcastle and the wider need for major refurbishment and is the focus of seek medical assistance before the heart attack player in the UK. Additionally, the University has The initial catalyst for the creation of the region as natural places to visit: they tend to be separate grants from the Arts Council for England Miniaturization technology underpins innovation occurs. We are also looking at a new medical established INEX as the business arm of INSAT, Newcastle Cultural Quarter was a major initiative marginal to people's thinking and daily patterns and Newcastle City Council. in most high-technology sectors, including the diagnostic device that will significantly speed up where we focus on working closely with internal by the management of the University to assign a of activity. This is not to say that our cultural biotechnology, defence, communications, the process of sample diagnosis in hospitals, thus and external clients to commercialize their much higher priority than before to its cultural assets languish unvisited; school parties are a key Although these cultural assets are within close electronics and medical sectors. Government and increasing the throughput of patients, whilst also research and develop new products. and social interface with the people of the city element of the visitors to the three museums, the proximity of each other, the lack of physical industry advisers worldwide view micro- and leading to earlier detection and diagnosis of and the region. A key objective is to open out the art gallery and the theatre and each has a core of relationship between them is compounded by nano-technologies as keystones for economic and certain forms of cancer. At Newcastle we aim to bring industry into the University to the wider world as reflected in our regular visitors, with strong loyalties. The problem unattractive immediate surroundings and the technological competitiveness. It is widely heart of the University, encouraging a more recently revised mission ‘to be a world-class is that these visitor numbers reflect, in marketing separation of the Hancock from the other predicted that the nanotechnology era will lead Are there risks as well as benefits? entrepreneurial culture and providing a more research-intensive university, to deliver teaching terms, a low penetration of the available local, buildings by a busy road. Besides the lively to the next technological revolution. Genetic As with any emerging technology, unknowns efficient route for spin-out companies. of the highest quality and to play a leading role in regional and national marketplaces. This is Playhouse café, there is little in today’s diagnostics, drug discovery and chemical and exist. This is why industry has strict regulatory the economic, social and cultural development of unfortunate given the importance of the collections surroundings to induce visitors to linger and environmental monitoring are powerful science frameworks for introducing new products into the www.inex.org.uk the North East of England’. housed and the activities undertaken. explore when visiting the campus.

Pictures: architect’s images of the Combined Museums; performance at the Playhouse Theatre.

Inevitably, the final form the Cultural Quarter will The Hancock has now been restored to its At the Theatre, Northern Stage are presenting Above all, in subtle, unobtrusive and sympathetic there will be a range of cultural, arts and heritage take is difficult to determine precisely at this former glory, in an innovative and exciting way two productions, one their own exciting work ways, the visitor is made aware of a feeling of offerings that engage the visitor and bring the 2008 stage. The success of each component project is that opens up its collection to the visitor and that that is premiering in Newcastle, the other a common purpose in the Newcastle Cultural past, the present and the future to life in ways WHERE COULD WE BE? dependent upon funding decisions, with financial not only utilizes state-of-the-art exhibition piece devised in collaboration with the Quarter – that, while each of its elements is that transcend traditional boundaries between support needing to be solicited from a wide range methods but also successfully breaks down the University’s own Culture Lab venture next to the pursuing its own artistic or heritage agenda in a times, between disciplines and, particularly, of sources. These include the University itself, barriers between visitor and display on the one theatre, where academics and students in the vigorous and creative manner, there is a level of between arts and sciences. As a result, the applications to the Arts Council and Heritage hand and storage and curatorial activity on the arts and sciences explore the cutting-edge co-operation and integration ensuring that, for remarkable collections so inadequately housed Alongside the main Combined Museum project, a Lottery Fund and other funding bodies and other. The visitor is engaged not only by the potential of digital technology to express artistic the visitor, the total is truly greater than the sum and displayed in 2003 will be seen to be national range of intersecting interdisciplinary projects are appeals for generous support from individual displays but also by what the museum staff do in aspiration and creativity. Next door, the of the parts. assets; above all, they will have become available emerging which will also form part of the Cultural alumni and other supporters of the University. their daily work of caring for the items in the Northern Writers’ Centre is also producing to, and accessible by, vastly greater numbers of Quarter. The Playhouse Theatre will have been collection. ground-breaking new work, supplemented by Behind the scenes, a structure of joint people, whatever their background. upgraded with a new lobby and improvements Despite this incomplete picture, it remains talks as part of the public lecture series. management of the Newcastle Cultural Quarter made to its auditorium. Meanwhile the Culture Lab possible to look forward to 2008 and assert that The Quarter incorporates shops and a variety will have been in existence since 2003. By 2008 For further information about any aspect of project will be running, which will bring together a visitor to campus will be confronted with a of lively places to eat, inviting visitors to prolong An unrivalled range of music is on offer, with the level of trust and experience of working the Cultural Quarter Project please contact researchers of international excellence from the completely reinvigorated scene on arrival. The their stay and sample what the other attractions high-quality professional and student performers together that the partners to the Newcastle the Cultural Quarter Project Office on arts, humanities and sciences in a shared space transformation between the down-at-heel have to offer. contributing to the University concert series and Cultural Quarter will have accumulated, will +44 (0) 191 222 6066. incorporating a multi-user digital media facility appearances of our cultural buildings in 2003 and an impressive roster of bands and DJ acts eager mean that, as a matter of course, integrated with the aim of enabling new areas of creative and their bright, inviting aspect in 2008 will be a A (carefully sign-posted) exhibition at the to perform in the students’ Union programme. programming, joint marketing and the sharing of Anyone interested in supporting the fundraising interdisciplinary research to be developed. source of constant positive comment – not least Hatton Gallery nearby is clearly linked to one of The strong links between the multi-ethnic facilities will be routine direct outcomes of drive for the Quarter should contact Chris Cox, Additionally, plans are being developed for a because they form the northern gateway to the the special exhibitions in the Combined Museum, student body and the city’s varied ethnic and managing the Newcastle Cultural Quarter together. Director of Development on Northern Writers’ Centre linked to Culture Lab, and city. Let us take an imaginary tour: an exhibition that it is now able to attract visitors cultural groupings find expression in a number of +44 (0) 191 222 7250 or e-mail [email protected] also for an exciting public access orientated because it has the custom-designed facilities that events throughout the year. The major change that the Newcastle Cultural redevelopment of the University’s Botanic Gardens. such attractions require. Quarter will bring about is that, at any one time, www.ncl.ac.uk/culturalquarter

14 | The University of Newcastle upon Tyne Magazine | Issue 3 Autumn 2003 | www.ncl.ac.uk The University of Newcastle upon Tyne Magazine | Issue 3 Autumn 2003 | www.ncl.ac.uk | 15 AGRICULTURE FACTS AGRICULTURE FACTS ARCHES Feature First-year agriculture student intake Organic food from Nafferton Farm is increased by 60 per cent in 2003. now on sale.

When, in 1845, a new disease blighted benefactor, Clement Stephenson, a local vet, Cockle Park was taken over by the Faculty local potato crops and Chartists were paid for the construction of a building on the and an additional farm leased at Nafferton. campaigning for the abolition of the Corn east side of the Quadrangle. However, before With the future of farming looking brighter Laws, ‘Professor’ Johnston of Durham this was completed the horrors of the First than it had since the early nineteenth University was lecturing on agricultural World War would find it, together with the century, plans were made by the dynamic chemistry to the Literary and Hatton Gallery, used as a hospital and it was new dean ‘Mac’ Cooper for the Faculty to Philosophical Society in Newcastle. 1920 before the ‘Agrics’ moved in. With the move to new accommodation in the war over the government reverted to its Free eponymous Agriculture Building, leaving to Digging up Dirt – Johnston was an enthusiast though Trade policies and agriculture slumped into a Architecture the original premises. something of a renegade at Durham where new depression. the smell of his guano raised ecclesiastical Instead of only serving local agriculture, the noses above their already exalted position. Research at Cockle Park Farm and training of Faculty now looked to the world and Agriculture at Newcastle However, his many agricultural books were to students and farmers on the short courses welcomed overseas students and research. remain in print through several editions. continued. Fortunately the experiments had However, the new building was soon too Lectures for farmers were not new; there all been aimed, in keeping with the wishes of small for the burgeoning Faculty and parts of were already numerous farmers’ clubs and the external funder, at low-cost Herschel, Porter and Bedson were quickly the Board of Agriculture had been straining improvements, and hence remained annexed. This unsatisfactory situation was throughout the American and Napoleonic resolved by consolidation in wars to stimulate food production. When the the King George VI Building wars were over Britain and its Empire were in 1986. triumphant. Manufacturers and their Free Trade ethos were in the ascendant. In less The end of the Cold War and than two years the Tory Prime Minister over-engrossment of the Sir Robert Peel was to fall on his sword by Common Agricultural Policy, repealing the Corn Laws and the together with concerns over manufacturers were to lower Chartists’ wages the impact of successive when the price of food fell. Agriculture began governments’ encouragement a long period of decline and when in 1850 to intensify by using more Johnston left Durham it seemed that his new pesticides and fertilizers, has science would be consigned to a footnote in ‘The Agrics’ rag float in the Armstrong Quad, 1947. led to a decline in emphasis on the Durham University Review. food production. Agriculture appropriate. The Thirties were however a has moved from producing more food to a At Newcastle there were sporadic attempts period of stagnation at Newcastle, and strategy where food production goes hand in to introduce agriculture into the new College professors took to extramural pursuits, hand with wildlife, countryside access and of Science but these fell on the proverbial though elsewhere political changes would ecology. Of the experiments begun in 1896 stony ground until, as the depression have a fundamental effect. The famine by Professor Somerville, one, at Palace Leas deepened, Northumberland County Council throughout Europe which had resulted from field, continues to provide data to those Education Committee, concerned over the the potato blight, where we began, had interested in the impact of climatic change fate of local farming, provided funds for contributed to the revolutions of 1848 while on grassland and on the effect of agricultural training at the College. the depressed state of British agriculture had management on ecology and species resulted here in widespread hunger, civil diversity. It is in fact now the world’s longest In 1892, the County Council endowed the unrest and near defeat in 1917. This spectre running grazed grassland experiment. Chair of Agriculture and, at the pleadings of raised its head again though the government its incumbent, Professor Somerville, a lease was faster to act in the Second World War Elsewhere, Nafferton Farm is undergoing was taken on the farm at Cockle Park, north with its WarAg Committees and, in the true conversion to organic management and the of Morpeth, in 1896. This farm demonstrated sense of the adjective, their draconian Centre for Rural Economy looks beyond improvements to agriculture under powers. These and the ensuing Cold War agriculture to the wider uses of land outside subsequent professors, in particular Professor ensured the future of British agriculture with our cities. Professor Johnston’s books remain Gilchrist, whose species-rich Cockle Park a policy of food from our own resources. available in the Robinson Library and the grass seeds mixtures can still be bought! recent award of an OBE to Professor Philip Experiments demonstrated to farmers and The Faculty had come through the war with Lowe for services to the rural economy and students the effect of the new management a large proportion of women graduates, his role in establishing the Centre for Rural Dr Robert Shiel (BSc Soil Science 1969) of the School of Agriculture, Food and using fertilizers, about which Johnston had many of whom now rose to high positions in Economy at the University is a testament to been preaching 50 years before. the new advisory service (NAAS) instituted the groundbreaking work in the agricultural Rural Development traces the history of agriculture teaching at Newcastle by the Ministry of Agriculture. area which continues at the University to A combination of advisory work, short Northumberland County Council, finding the this day. within the wider context of agrarian history. courses and the degrees proved very popular government providing advisory services, and the new department grew. Its greatest pulled the plug on Newcastle; the farm at www.ncl.ac.uk/afrd

Embassy Reception in Mark Scrimshaw said: ‘I am honoured to have Joel Burden, Alumni Development Officer, who KING’S COLLEGE been elected Chair at Convocation. The University attended the reunion in February, said: ‘The Washington DC is entering a wonderful period of opportunity establishment of the Branch is a very positive alongside the city, and I hope to be able to development which will provide a focus for Sri FIREWATCHERS REUNITE encourage as many alumni as possible to get Lankan alumni to come together on social and Around 30 alumni and guests attended a reception involved in the development of the campus – other grounds, and a mechanism through which held at the British Embassy in Washington DC on architecturally, academically and socially. Alumni the University and the British Council in Sri Lanka 5 May 2003. The event was attended by the can make unique contributions through our can work with alumni in support of our respective Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christopher Edwards, experience and knowledge. The University is keen strategic priorities. The formation of the Branch who talked about the University’s developing links to hear their views and we must ensure as many is a real testament to the hard work of with US institutions in a number of areas including as possible are able to express them.’ Dr Wimaladharma and his team of enthusiastic medicine and the biomedical sciences. He also alumni colleagues.’ stressed the important role for alumni to play as promoters and advocates of the University and Information for alumni in Sri Lanka including a thanked those donors to the US Alumni Fund who Convocation 2004 registration form is available online at On Wednesday 26 March 2003 around 30 had attended the reception. Mr Antony Phillipson, www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni/contact/branches/ Counsellor, Trade and Transport, spoke on behalf of international/srilanka.html former students of King’s College gathered at The next meeting of Convocation takes place the Embassy and welcomed the University’s efforts on Saturday 19 June 2004. The meeting will the University for a special evening reuniting to develop an active network of alumni in the USA. be asked to agree proposals completing a alumni who performed firewatching duties at two-part process aimed at restructuring the Still in Touch 43 Years On the College during World War Two. Alumni Association and the Alumni Convocation and Consultative Group (formerly named the King’s College firewatchers:Viscount Ridley, Alumni Development Group), and this will In July 1960 a group of mechanical engineering Professor Douglas Allan and Mr Harry Earp. Reunion Weekend also be the occasion for the election of a graduates wrote their names and addresses on the new Vice-Chair. back of a Union Refectory menu, little realizing that The reunion generated considerable media interest, taking place incendiary bombs dropped during German raids. Firewatching duty it would provide the foundation of a fellowship that against a background of conflict in Iraq, and was reported on BBC involved sleeping on wooden palliasses in various spaces around the On Saturday 7 June 2003 the University Please visit has endured for 43 years and is now stronger than radio and television as well as in the local press. More importantly, campus in order to be able to respond quickly to an emergency. welcomed around 400 alumni and other guests to www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni/involve/convocation ever. Most of the group took the Final Year Honours it generated a flood of happy memories from over 70 elderly Proper training and equipment is remembered as being minimal, and it Convocation and Reunion Weekend. Once again for further information about Convocation. Option ‘B’ (Production) course which had been alumni (many unfortunately unable to attend) which have been is perhaps fortunate that the campus escaped bombing. As a result the there was a mixed programme of activities taking Please contact the Development and Alumni introduced by Professor Burstall in 1959 for made available online at www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni/ dominant memory of firewatching is of a happy, if physically place including interactive tours of the Relations Office if you would like students with interests in manufacturing. news/rememberwhen. They will form the basis of a valuable uncomfortable, experience. No doubt the much remembered trips to University’s music facilities, a trip to BALTIC The information about election opportunities. archive of oral history for the future. various local hostelries helped develop a sense of comradeship. Centre for Contemporary Art and a lecture offering a foretaste of the new Sage Gateshead As well as performing firewatching duties most male students were Music Centre under construction on the also members of the Officer Training Corps (OTC). Although female Gateshead Quayside. The Convocation Lecture, students did not undertake formal firewatching duties themselves, provided by the opera singer Sir Thomas Allen, Sri Lanka Branch Launched they did perform a variety of important roles around the campus was a particular highlight of the weekend and was including operating the telephone exchange at night. enjoyed by a near-capacity audience. Two successful events in February and August The reunion was the brainchild of Lord Ridley, the former Chancellor 2003 have led to the launch of a formal Alumni Class of 1960 mechanical engineers. of the University, and Harry Earp, a former architecture student, who Association branch in Sri Lanka. A committee has met as firewatchers in 1942–43. The firewatchers were welcomed back been elected with Dr Wimal Wimaladharma (BDS Alex Beevers explained: ‘The ‘Lads’ have kept in by Professor Madeleine Atkins, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, who offered a 1957) as the Founder President, and a branch touch through almost annual newsletters and belated thank you to all those students of the war years who had constitution has been ratified. occasional reunions. Ex-lecturer of our time, Tony helped protect the College campus for future generations to enjoy. A Bartley, and a more recent Professor of special memorabilia stand displaying a range of original firewatching Mechanical Engineering, Len Maunder, join us for Firewatchers at Firewatchers the reunion. equipment was organized for the reunion with the kind assistance of our events and keep us informed of University During World War Two the normal course of University life was the Military Vehicle Museum located in Exhibition Park. news. The reunions are usually held in the North interrupted. Male students commenced their degree studies as young East, The Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland being a as 16 years old, but in most cases went on to enlist into the services www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni/news/rememberwhen Class of 1983 alumni at Reunion Weekend. favoured venue. However we have had two week- once they reached the requisite age, often returning to complete their www.military-museum.org.uk The meeting of Convocation saw the election of end events in the Cotswolds, the most recent in studies after the War. Certain subjects, such as medicine and Mark Scrimshaw (BA History 1976) as the new July 2003. We plan to be back in the North East agriculture, which were deemed to be important for the war effort Chair of the Alumni Association. Mark had already for our 45th anniversary in 2005. As a result of were afforded a ‘reserved’ status. Students studying these reserved Can you help? Alison Stancliffe, Education Officer in the served for two years as Vice-Chair. The retiring Len Maunder’s persuasive account of cultural subjects made up a disproportionate percentage of the student body Ouseburn Valley, is researching the Victoria Tunnel used as an Chair, Dominic Pinto (BA Politics 1978), was developments in Newcastle/Gateshead during our during the war years. air raid shelter during World War Two. If you have memories of thanked by the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the recent gathering in Chipping Campden, we hope the Tunnel or relevant information please contact Alison by University for his active leadership, involvement to return to our earlier venue in the city. Perhaps Most male students performed firewatching duty while studying at phone on 0191 232 3698 or e-mail [email protected] and support during his three years in office and the occasion will provide an opportunity to revisit King’s College, keeping watch for fires around the campus caused by over many years before. Sri Lankan alumni at the British Council, Colombo. the University and our old Department.’

Planned Reunion to To order the game either write to: 1940s Drama in Education 1973), Helen The Memorabilia Shop, Museum of Antiquities FORTHCOMING SPENCER (BA English Language & Literature 1975), John SLOAN (BA English Building, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Mark Milestone for ALUMNI EVENTS Herbert ELLIS (MB BS 1944; MD 1952) is Language & Literature 1978) and finally Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU enclosing a the author of two recent books. Debbie CAMERON (BA English Language & Student Charity cheque for £25.21 (including postage/packing) Hippocrates, RN: Memoirs of a Naval Flying Literature 1980), who was recently made payable to ‘University of Newcastle upon Tyne’ Please contact the Development and Alumni Relations Office Doctor (ISBN 1 86106 799 2) recalls his appointed to the Rupert Murdoch Chair of experience working in the dynamic and or telephone/fax (DARO) by phone + 44 (0) 191 222 7250, Language and Communication. fax + 44 (0) 191 222 5905, e-mail: [email protected] innovative environment of the RAF Student Community Action Newcastle (SCAN) + 44 (0) 191 222 7849/8489 if using a credit card Institute of Aviation Medicine in the for further details on any of the events below. CHOO Chiau Beng (BSc Naval is celebrating a landmark year in its history. as payment. 1950s. Meanwhile, Why Not Live a Little Architecture 1970; MSc Naval The organization, based at Newcastle University, 19 November 2003 Longer? (ISBN 1 86106 657 0) is a Architecture 1971) is the Chairman and which places over 500 student volunteers per To view the wide range of other University items personal meditation on death and the Chief Executive Officer of Keppel Offshore North of England Branch - Lecture on ‘Recruiting Undergraduate ageing process. Herbert worked for year in the local community, celebrates 30 years that can be purchased through the Memorabilia Students’ by Lesley Braiden, Director of the Student Recruitment and Marine Ltd, which manages a team of St John’s Ambulance after leaving the shipyards across the world and is a global as a registered charity in 2003. Shop visit www.ncl.ac.uk/memorabilia where you Office. Contact: John Pearcy at [email protected] services and rose to the highest position leader in the provision of design and can also download an order form. as Chief Commander prior to retiring. engineering solutions, shipyard services SCAN became a registered charity in 1973 after 14 December 2003 and products to the offshore and many years of tireless work by student volunteers North of England Branch – Christmas Luncheon at the Copthorne marine industries. Hotel, Newcastle. Contact: John Pearcy at [email protected] 1950s prior to that date. SCAN is the University’s only Can you Help? Geoffrey CLARK (BArch 1972; MSc Arch charitable organization. It has a membership of Jack JEFFERY (BSc Chemistry & 22 January 2004 1977) moved to Norway in 1975 to work Have you at any point in time worked on (or Bacteriology 1953; MSc Applied Science over 1,500 students, places student volunteers Special Offer on North of England Branch - Lecture on ‘Women in Roman Britain’ on several offshore and cruise ship conducted work related to) a dialect project 1960), Chairman of Convocation, has with over 70 local charitable and voluntary by Lindsay Allason-Jones, Director of University Museums. projects. He later worked in Hong Kong been honoured with life membership by organizations, runs 10 of its own student-led University Monopoly called The Tyneside Linguistic Survey (TLS)? If so, for four years before returning to Norway Contact: John Pearcy at [email protected] the Board of Trustees of the International the School of English Literature, Language and where he is a partner in Narud Stokke community projects and employs three full-time Water Academy, based in Oslo, Norway. members of staff. Linguistics would like to hear from you. They have 12 February 2004 Wiig and a specialist in airport planning and technology. For a limited period to 31 March 2004 we are reopened and redefined the project, titled the North of England Branch - Lecture on ‘Reclamation of the Colin TAYLOR (BA Town Planning 1950) offering a 10 per cent discount on the sale of Newcastle Electronic Corpus of Tyneside English Durham Coast’ by Niall Benson of Durham County Council. has been working on the fifth edition of Leslie DOUTHWAITE (BSc Marine University of Newcastle upon Tyne Monopoly Contact: John Pearcy at [email protected] Australia by Rail. (NECTE) and established a website at Engineering 1971) and Lesley through our Memorabilia Shop. www.ncl.ac.uk/necte DOUTHWAITE née HAND (BA 1970) Professor Henry WOOD (MA 1958) has 6–9 March 2004 have been living in Houston, Texas since retired from teaching architecture in Ruby Reunion of ‘64 Dental Alumni in conjunction with the 1999. Leslie is responsible for technical The University’s version of Monopoly is the first Please contact Charley Rowe by phone on Kenya and has moved to Tanzania.As a Founders and Benefactors Weekend. Contact Geoff Braunton at training for Lloyds Register throughout the of its kind, and was the brainchild of +44 (0) 191 222 6182 or e-mail [email protected] former member of staff he was involved [email protected] Americas, while Lesley is Assistant Mark Marriott (BSc Geography 1996), Product in the design of a number of University Manager at Clayton Library Center for Development Director at Winning Moves buildings including the Geophysics Calling Classmates 20 March 2004 Research Station and the changing rooms Genealogical Research. International, the makers and licensees of Alumni Enterprise Forum – A special one-day forum for alumni for the Close House Golf Club. Monopoly in the UK. The design of the board was thinking about starting a technology-based business. The event is Jennifer FISHER (formerly Geoffrey worked out by a team comprising students and being organized jointly with the University of Durham. Visit the FISHER) (MB BS 1978) underwent gender 1950s transformation in 2002. She reports ‘It has staff of the University, with students taking Professor Nicholas RANSON would like to website at www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni/enterprise for further information or 1960s SCAN’s exact age is unknown and little record of register your early interest by contacting DARO. been a very long journey over many years responsibility for writing a number of the contact Colin CHEESMAN. They were National its activities before the 1990s actually survives. John BROWN (PhD 1964; DSc 1977) and finally my soul is at peace’. Community Chest and Chance cards, such as Servicemen training as pilots together in Once operating out of the Barras and Claremont 1 May 2004 lives and works in Canada where he co- ‘Pay a £10 library fine or take a chance’. Players Canada during 1957–58, after which Colin was SCAN 30th Anniversary Reunion – All former students and staff founded Quadra Logic Technologies Ltd, John KNIGHT (BA Geography 1971; MA Building on the corner of Barras Bridge and Applied Geography 1973) is an Honorary progress around the board taking in a typical scheduled to go to King’s College. Please who have participated in SCAN (Student Community Action Immgenics and enGene Inc. Claremont Road, and then out of 105 Percy Consul for the Federal Republic student experience at the University – starting contact Professor Ranson at Newcastle) projects over the past 30 years are invited to attend. Street, the organization moved its operations last of Germany. with halls of residence and clubs, then academic [email protected]. Contact details on page 20. Stuart FORSTER (BA Economic Studies year to the First Floor of the Union Society 1965) has set up Holistic Holidays, a buildings associated with schools and finally Building at Newcastle University. desert island therapeutic retreat in the Ian MASHITER (BA Combined Studies arriving at the King’s Hall where students graduate. 1960s 19 June 2004 Canary Islands. 1979) has been appointed President and There are also a few local landmarks that can be Pauline CRISP née BOLTON would like to Convocation and Alumni Reunion Weekend – Reunion parties and Chief Executive Officer of Quarry SCAN are planning a celebration event for individuals interested in joining us should contact DARO at purchased at surprisingly cheap rates including the contact Carole WILLIS (BA 1968). Please Technologies, the US performance leader student volunteers past and present during the [email protected]. Full details of the weekend programme in carrier-class security service routers. Angel of the North and the Tyne Bridge. contact Pauline via the Development and 1970s weekend of 1 May 2004. SCAN MV Project Alumni Relations Office (DARO). will be published online at www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni early in 2004. Worker, Ruth Mulgrew, said: ‘If you were a George BELL (BA Mechanical Peter MOLESWORTH (BSc Agriculture University of Newcastle upon Tyne Monopoly & Food Marketing 1978) is running a member of SCAN we want to hear from you. 19 June 2004 Engineering 1976) has been appointed a normally retails at £24.95 (plus postage/packing), 1980s MB BS 1979 Reunion – This event is organized by Dr Ian Jenkins Corporate Vice President and President of 2,500-acre organic estate owned by the Have you got stories relating to the voluntary Sarah HASSNIP née GREENING (BSc Speech but can be purchased for just £22.46 (plus and Dr Malcolm Price. Contact them for details via DARO Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) publisher Peter Kindersley and is putting work you did with SCAN? Do you have any 1983) would like to contact other BSc Speech much theory learned at Newcastle postage/packing) during the offer period. European Group. He joined CSC in 1998 information about the past activities of SCAN? 1983 alumni with a view to organizing a 3 July 2004 as Managing Director and Chief Executive University into practice. Would you be interested in attending a SCAN reunion. The following alumni are not MB BS 1984 Reunion – This event is organized by Dr Peter of the company’s Australian operations Warwick PARTINGTON (BSc A contribution from the proceeds of each game contactable via DARO so any information on after a career with IBM. volunteers’ reunion celebration?’ Mattinson. Contact Peter Mattinson for details via DARO Agricultural Mechanization 1977) is the sold is also made to the University’s Alumni their whereabouts would be gratefully received: Professor David BRADSHAW (BA President of Media Skills International Projects Fund, supporting student and Barbara BASSETT, Elizabeth BOURNE, Helen 2004 (date to be confirmed) Please contact Ruth by phone on English Language & Literature 1978) of School in Geneva and helped launch the alumni activities. BSc Speech 1983 – This event is organized by Sarah Hassnip, née + 44 (0) 191 232 2003 GILL, Carol HARRIS, Nicola HARRIS, Susan Worcester College, Oxford, informs us that Walt Disney Studio Park at Greening. Contact Sarah at [email protected] or by e-mail at [email protected] HARVEY, Elizabeth HILSDON, Carol RUSHTON, there are now five Newcastle graduates Disneyland, Paris. Lesley THORNTON and Alicia YOUNG. Please who are senior members of the Oxford contact Sarah via DARO. Forthcoming events are listed at www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni/events English Faculty – John MEE (Diploma in

to do voluntary work with the Church, and installation of renewable energy 1980s 1990s where she met her husband whom she technologies. married the following year. Matthew Nicklin (LLB 1992) Nader BARSOUM (PhD Engineering Md Zainul ABEDIN (PhD Agricultural Lucy WILLIAMS (BA Geography 1992) Mathematics 1989) has worked in Engineering 1995) obtained the Nicholas RYAN (BSc Economics 1990) has settled on land after several years universities in Australia, Malaysia and Egypt Institution of Engineers Bangladesh Award has lived in Hungary since 1996 and has a working as a mate on Yacht Kentra, during since graduating. He is the author of two for the Best Paper 2001. Hungarian wife and a son. which time she has circumnavigated I work in London as a lawyer in the field of media and entertainment law, specializing in books and numerous research papers. the world. Victoria BRYSON (LLB 1992) is living in cases concerning privacy and defamation. David BOWSKILL (BA German 1982) London, working as an actor and has set was re-elected Vice Chairperson of the up the Jumped Up Theatre company. 2000s My work has led me to be involved in some very high-profile cases. In fact, the first libel trial I higher education section of Gewerkschaft saw as a ‘pupil’ was Elton John's celebrated action against The Mirror in 1993; one of the great Erziehung und Wissenschaft Berlin (an Andreas CHRYSOSTOMOU (BEng Naval Andrew BRITTON (BSc Geography libel cases of the early 1990s. More recently, I have been acting for Lord Ashcroft in his actions educational trade union) and Chairperson Architecture & Shipbuilding 1990; MSc 2000) took a year out after graduation to against the government regarding information leaked about him by the Foreign Office and at of the Regional Association of Language Marine Technology 1992) has been get environmental work experience in Teachers in Higher Education elected Chairman of the International Madagascar, before studying for a MRes in the moment I am preparing to defend The Daily Telegraph in libel proceedings brought by the Berlin-Brandenburg in 2002. Maritime Organisation (IMO) Marine Environment and Development at MP George Galloway. Environment Protection Committee. Lancaster University. Mark DYTHAM (BA Architecture 1985) Andreas has been involved with IMO since I arrived at my career really by forcing together my twin career goals. At least until my second was awarded an MBE in 2000 for services 1994 when he joined the Cyprus High David SHERIDAN (MSc Water Resource Paul CARR (BSc Mathematics 2001) to British architecture in Japan. Commission in London as Counsellor Systems Engineering 1999) married won the prize for the best overall bass year at University I could have jumped either way; media or the law. In the end, I ducked the (Maritime Affairs). Karen SHERIDAN née TAYLOR (MTP student 2001–02 at the Guitar Institute decision. I spent some time in my final year doing work experience in media law areas, David FIELD (BSc Mechanical 2000) in January 2002 in Barbados, where and Basstech and plays in various including a fortnight at the BBC's Legal Department. Whilst there, I went with one of the BBC Engineering 1985) won the Association Wendy DAWLEY née TAYLOR (BA they are both living and working. David and London-based bands. lawyers for a meeting with a barrister at the leading defamation and media Chambers in for Project Management ‘Project Manager Geography 1997) and Stuart DAWLEY Karen own and manage a holiday relation to a libel case arising from a That's Life programme. I knew immediately that I wanted of the Year Award’ for 2000. (BA Geography 1998) were married in July accommodation booking agency called Rosamond CARSLAKE (BSc Agriculture 2003.Wendy will be familiar to many BudgetBarbados.com 2001) trains fulltime with the British that job. Looking back, all I can say is that I have been most extraordinarily lucky. I got a Paul MILLER (MB BS 1986) has taken alumni as the Assistant Alumni rowing team sponsored by UK Sport. Her pupillage at those chambers, the barrister I met on that day later became my pupil mistress over as Chairman of the revamped BMA Development Officer at the University. Paul SIAENS (BSc Natural Resources ultimate goal is to compete in the Athens and a life-long friend, and I am now doing my dream job! Consultants’ Committee. He has worked We would like to send them our 1999) has been working in Africa since Olympics 2004. as a Consultant at Cherry Knowle congratulations and wish them every graduation as an Expedition Leader and Hospital, Sunderland since 1995. happiness for the future. Park Ranger. Robb CASSERLEY (MB BS 2000) was The media organizations in this country are very powerful, both individually and collectively. among a team of British climbers who Occasionally they confuse matters that are of interest to the public with matters that are in Rebatus MUSHINGE (MSc Structural Alexia SMITH (BSc Agricultural & successfully summitted Mount Everest in the public interest. Personally, I believe that all people have a right to respect for their private Engineering 1987) established his own Environmental Science 1994; MSc May 2003 on the fiftieth anniversary of life, no matter who they are. Incursions into that right must be justified by a real and consulting firm in 1999, which has Irrigation 1995) has won the prestigious the first successful ascent. countervailing public interest. The law offers the only real check against what might otherwise grown tremendously. Lawrence G Blackmon Prize at Boston University for her entry Seeds, Glorious Andrew RAYBOULD (BSc Geography be unbridled power. Politicians have no real interest in regulating the excesses of the media, John ROBSON (MSc Organic Petroleum Seeds. She is studying for a doctorate at 2001) has completed the British particularly the print media. The cynical might suggest that this is because politicians live in a 1984) has been appointed Senior the University. Association of Snowsport Instructors symbiotic relationship with the media. The law's role in holding the balance between freedom Director, Bioanalysis Europe for MDS Grade 3 Ski Instructor course. of expression on the one hand and the rights of individuals not to be defamed or to have their Pharma Services, a premier provider of Julian SNAPE (BSc Microbiology 1991) innovative drug discovery and formed a management consultancy Neil SLINGER (BA International privacy invaded on the other is both important and fascinating. development solutions. Melville JAMESON (BSc Countryside business specializing in the Business Management 2001) did a Management 1999) joined RMA Sandhurst pharmaceutical industry in 2001. winter snowboard season in Austria after I can honestly say that I cannot identify any other job that I would rather do. My career has Julian ROSS (MSc Transport Engineering and was commissioned in 2000 into the graduating, followed by a summer in never been dull, and I shall be perfectly content if I can carry on getting interesting cases. I am & Operations 1986) is author of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. He has served Clare SWINHOE née MAHER London working on The Financial Times amazed at the variety of subject matters I am called upon to consider – sometimes in great textbook Railway Stations – Planning, in the Balkans, Germany and Canada. (LLB 1997) married Craig SWINHOE website. He has been based in Austria Design & Management, having worked for (LLB 1997) in June 2002. since October 2002 and is responsible for depth – in the course of libel proceedings. For example, as a result of various libel actions, I London Underground Ltd for many years. Hannah JONES née Ward (MEng Civil & the entire English language aspect of consider myself to be something of an expert in areas as diverse as the composing of the In 1999 he moved to Romania with his Environmental Engineering 1997) is Frank SYMONS (PhD Geography 1996) www.blue-tomato.com – Europe’s largest original James Bond theme, gas camping stoves and diamond mining in the Congo. wife, where they manage a tourism currently training the UK Construction is a member of the Board of Directors and online snowboard retailer based in company specializing in horse riding and Industry to use internet-based Project Corporate Secretary of the Rideau Schladming, Austria. carriage trips. www.riding-holidays.ro Collaboration Tools effectively. Waterway Land Trust Foundation in I have loads of happy memories of Newcastle, lots of them involving alcohol I'm ashamed to Canada (like UK’s National Trust only James SNOWDEN (BSc Agri-Business admit! On a more sober note, I remember stotties at the Union; the dire Bus Stop disco on Sarah THOMAS DE BENITEZ née Qasim Zaman KHAN (MBA 1997) joined smaller), part of the Ontario Land Trust Management & Marketing 2001) won Friday nights (slogan: ‘The place to get off at’); the Agrics misbehaving on Agric Night; and the THOMAS (BSc Agricultural & Food the United Nations in Pakistan in 1999 and Alliance which owns/manages 600,000 the Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown joy a simple bag of coal could bring on a freezing January afternoon in a draughty student Marketing 1981) gained a Master’s in later transferred to the UN sister acres. Starting in 2000, he has published in 2001 on a horse called Folly Road. house. I was very sad to leave Newcastle after graduation. On my last day I drove round taking Public Policy from Princeton University, organization IUCN. He now runs his own fiction with a geographical connection He has also won the Army USA, in May 2000. In November 2001 she business producing, manufacturing and and has recently edited the book Mother Jockey Championship. photographs of my favourite places; the dramatic to the mundane, but all charged with was awarded an MBE for services to street exporting fashion cloths, mostly denim. Margaret and the Rhinoceros Café: 2003 memories. It rained all day, but this added a certain poignancy to the pictures which I still children and gained entry to a PhD Canadian Cross-cultural Short Stories Benjamin WANG (MBA 2002) is working treasure – each one provokes strong memories for me. Some of my closest friendships were programme in Social Policy at the LSE in James MASON (BA Combined Studies (Trafford Press). in a business development role for a forged at University, and I have remained in contact with many University friends. October 2002. 1999) is a broadcast journalist freelancing London-based company retailing for a variety of media outlets such as the James TOLCHARD (BA History & traditional Chinese medicine. Desmond THURLBY (BSc Politics & BBC and ITV. He also runs his own spiral Politics 1996) qualified as a British The full text of this interview is available online at www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni/news/magazine Economics 1985) was appointed HR staircase business called Stairs Direct and is Airways pilot in 2002. Laura WHITE (BA Combined Studies Director of Jaguar Cars Ltd in 2002. applying for a prize in the HSBC 2001) has directed a student play at the Start-up Awards. Cesar TREVINO (MSc Structural Edinburgh Festival. She has also worked on Engineering & Construction a new ITV series produced by a Newcastle- Nicola NOLAND née PATRICK (BSc Management 1994) established a based film company Coastal Productions Mathematics & Psychology 1991; pioneering firm devoted to green building starring Robson Green, and has worked on PGCE 1994) went to Cape Town in 1998 (design to construction) and the design the children’s TV drama Byker Grove.

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