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Autumn/Winter 2007 | Issue 5

MagazineUniversity of Reading

National Trust: Climate Change EXPOSED A ‘Showcase’ special

Also in this issue:

The bear facts from Paddington creator, Michael Bond

Alumnae race to the North Pole

for Alumni and Friends

University of Reading Magazine • 1

NEwS IN BRIEF04 The road to ruin: the plight of the Ayoreo tribe in Paraguay

who remain uncontacted and in extreme danger through deforestation

06 The bear facts: James Barr meets Paddington Bear creator, Michael Bond

08 Showcase: climate change exposed! The National Trust work with photographer Joe Cornish (BA, Fine Art, ‘80)

10 In Focus: embedding entrepreneurship in the Reading curriculum

12 A quick word: Q&A with John Simpson, Chief Editor of the OED

20 17 Days in the life of… 2 extraordinary alumnae and their quest to reach the Magnetic North Pole

REgUlARS01 University News

13 Alumni & Friends News

14 Development News & Benefits

15 Where are you now?

18 Events Round-up

19 Alumni & Friends events diary

The ‘University of Reading Magazine’ is published by the Development and External Affairs Office of The University of Reading and designed by Lift Creative Communica-tion Design, www.studiolift.com Telephone: +44 (0)118 958 9209

For further information concerning any of the articles in this issue, please contact: The Editor, University of Reading Magazine, Development & External Affairs Office, Blandford Lodge, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AH Tel: 0118 378 8006 Fax: 0118 378 6587 email: [email protected] www.reading.ac.uk/alumni

No part of this magazine may be repro-duced without the prior permission of the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of editorial content, no responsibility can be taken for any errors and / or omissions. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the University of Reading, the Editorial Board or the Friends of the University. All rights reserved.

© The University of Reading 2007

University of Reading Magazine Autumn/Winter, 2007, Issue 5

Editor

Trish O’Neill

Editorial Board

James Barr

Ian Burn (PG Cert, Typography, 1999)

Matt Carey (BA Typography, 1997)

Carol Derham (BA Education, 1999)

Liz Hinde

Jo Lankester (BA Typography, 2005)

Brenda Morris (BA English, 2007)

Ruhi Singh

Andy Wood

Special thanks go to our designers at Lift (Matt Carey, BA Typography, 1997 and Jo Lankester, BA Typography, 2005) and to Ian Burn.

Printers: Belmont Press, Northampton.

Cover Image: ©NTPL/Joe Cornish, Snowdonia/Carneddau in late January/early February 2006 showing the lack of snow compared to the same area ten years ago.

From the Editor…As with any start to a new academic year it has already been a busy one here at Reading – with the opening of the Carrington Building on campus, now providing a more centralised student services building to the turf cutting for the new Business School.

It remains an equally busy and successful one for us here in the Development and External Affairs Office. Our new events programme is underway and many of you will already have attended various gatherings we have held for alumni across the globe. One highlight of the year proved to be the House of Lords event in June. We were delighted by your response to this and have another date in the diary for 2008. We will be announc-ing booking information in the coming weeks, so do remember to check back to our website as tickets are likely to sell-out fast.

Over the coming year we will be holding various profes-sional networking events, our successful pub nights in London continue (and have been extended to ensure we also have an evening in Reading) and we will be holding various overseas events – including our first reception in the USA. We do hope we will see some of you at the New York event next Spring…

We hope you enjoy reading about recent developments here and the many achievements of your fellow alumni. Please do continue to contact us with your news and views on what we are doing and how we can improve things for you.

Trish O’Neill Head of Alumni Relations / Editor, University of Reading Magazine

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Clangers!

In the last issue one of our photo captions noted Anna Bebington opening the Sports Centre with James Cracknell. This should have read Debbie Flood. Apologies to both Debbie and Anna – we were sorry that this error slipped through the net.

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FEATURES

New Chancellor

John Madejski has been ap-pointed the new Chancellor of the University.

Mr Madejski, 66, the chairman of Reading Football Club, will be installed formally as Chancellor at a ceremony in December. He succeeds Lord Carrington who was appointed the University’s sixth Chancellor in March 1992.

The decision to appoint Mr Madejski was taken by the University’s Coun-cil on Tuesday 10 July.

John Madejski OBE DL, was born in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, in 1941. In 1976, he founded the Thames Valley Trader, now known as Auto Trader. In 1998 he sold his company Hurst Publishing for £174 million. Mr Madejski became chair-man of Reading FC in 1990, and has given his name to the club’s Madejski Stadium.

In 2006 he led the Royals to the Premiership for the first time in their 135-year history.

Mr Madejski said: ‘I am honoured to be appointed Chancellor of the University of Reading and I look forward to promoting this well respected educational institution. This comes at a very exciting time where recent research has identified the town of Reading as being the number one economic performer.

We can be proud of this and also our University which provides stu-dents from the UK and across the world the opportunity to study in

a fantastic environment at this lead-ing centre for higher education.’

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gordon Marshall, said: ‘I am delighted to announce that John Madejski has been appointed Chancellor of this University. He has an international reputation for his business achieve-ments and has given much to the town through Reading FC, as well as giving much to the county of Berkshire though various business, educational and arts projects. I am sure he will be an excellent ambas-sador for the University both here in the UK and abroad.

Lord Carrington has been an exceptional Chancellor who has contributed enormously to the University over many years. He has made innumerable friends and inspired everyone with his tireless work and unlimited enthusiasm for University activity.’

‘I am honoured to be part of this leading university.’

The Archaeology Department and the School of Systems Engineering are working together on a project that aims to produce a virtual research environment for the ar-chaeological community.

The Virtual Research Environment for Archaeology (VERA) project aims to provide archaeologists with a means to share their research

and results before, during and after excavation.

The test bed is the University’s archaeological site at Silchester. The VERA project is experimenting with technology including wireless broadband, PDA’s and i-pens in the trenches to enable fast yet accurate data collection and processing. www.vera.reading.ac.uk

VERA at Silchester

John Madejski OBE, DL

KTP successReading graduate, Daniel Phipps has joined Reading-based company AppSwing on a permanent basis, fol-lowing a highly-productive two-year placement under the University’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership.

This government-funded scheme matches newly-qualified graduates with suitable companies, enabling transfer of knowledge and expertise from University experts. The Univer-sity of Reading’s Knowledge Transfer Centre is one of the biggest in the UK, bringing in about £2.5 Million in research income each year.

Daniel graduated in 2005 with a BSc in Computer Sciences. He will now work as a Technical Architect, developing new applications for their products.

MERl Annual lecture One of Britain’s leading environmental-ists spoke at the Museum of English Rural Life’s annual lecture in October. Jonathon Porritt – former director of Friends of the Earth, Founder Direc-tor of the Forum for the Future and Chair-man of the UK Sustainable Development Commission deliv-ered the lecture – entitled Exploring Tomorrow’s Low-Carbon Countryside to an audience of over 400 guests.The lecture was held at the Univer-sity’s Great Hall on the London Road campus. For future events organised by the Museum of English rural Life see [email protected]

Opening of UlC The University’s new Language Centre was opened recently by Professor David Crystal, one the world’s foremost experts on the subject of language.

The opening showcased the excellent facilities for language learning now available. The Centre includes four multi-media suites, equipped with fully networked PCs incorporating flip top computer desks to allow flexible use of the learning space.

The self-access area encourages independent learning, and offers a motivating environment in which to develop and practise over 50 different languages. For information on any of the language programmes offered by the School, please contact [email protected]

NEwS

University of Reading Magazine • 32 • University of Reading Magazine

NEwS

Chelsea gold!

Scientists from the School of Biological Sciences won gold in the ‘Lifelong Learn-ing’ category at the Chelsea

Flower Show – by showing how plants can be ‘frozen’ in time.

The team, have been working on how cryopreservation – the secure storage of germplasm at ultra low temperatures – can be used to help to conserve disappearing varieties of ornamental plants. They are now working with the National

Chrysanthemum Society to de-velop affordable cryopreservation procedures which can be used to halt the rapid loss of old chrysanthe-mum varieties.

Dr Andy Wetten said: “We recent-ly succeeded in securing funding from the DTI and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) for the expansion of this re-search, and for an exhibit about the work to then receive gold at Chelsea really is the icing on the cake”.

One stop shop

The University of Reading’s new Student Services building – The Carrington Building – was officially opened on September 21.

The building, which draws together all services for students into one central location on campus, has been named in honour of Lord Carrington, the Chancellor of the University since March 1992. He officially opened the building during a VIP reception for staff, representatives of the student body and those who had played a part in the construction of the building.

The three storey building stands adjacent to the new Students’ Union Building and is part of the continuing improvement to the provision of support services to students at the University. The innovative design by architects Stride Treglown mark a key step in the University’s on-going commitment to ‘green’ energy by utilising geothermal energy to heat and cool the building.

It houses the Disability Office, Accommodation, Student Financial Support, Student Services, IT Helpdesk, Careers Advisory Service and Centre for Career Management Skills, Centre for the Development of Teaching and Learning, Study Advisers and elements of the Counselling Service.

A helpdesk provides immediate assistance, and the building also offers self-help browsing areas, infor-mal seating areas, and two large teaching/presenta-tion rooms equipped with state of the art audio-visu-al equipment. The building will provide a high level of IT provision including audio visual information and presentation equipment.

This was the final official engagement for Lord Carrington as Chancellor. Professor Gordon Marshall, Vice Chancellor, said: ‘Lord Carrington has made a very significant contribution to the University since he became Chancellor. This very important building is a truly fitting tribute to him.’

Honorary degree for Paddington’s author

was awarded for her inspiration to practitioners, academics and students alike.

Scientists explore uncharted Congo

A team of University of Read-ing scientists have mount-ed the first scientific expe-dition into a remote corner

of threatened African rainforest.

Experts from the University’s Cen-tre for Agri-Environmental Research are examining man’s affect on the remote rainforests of the Mayombe mountains in the Congo basin, un-der increasing threat from logging and agriculture. Little is known about the area’s flora and fauna, but what is clear is they may be lost if deforestation continues.

Dr Simon Potts, who is leading the team, said: ‘This is a very exciting project which will allow us to study one of the last areas on earth rela-tively unknown to science.’

‘The Congo basin is widely recog-nised as one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots, but we don’t actually know much about what grows and lives there, and more importantly, what might happen to them if deforestation continues.’

‘It is vital we examine this area now so these biological treasures are not lost forever.’

Ralf Becker, project manager in the Congo, has just returned from the Mayombe mountains with the first samples. The team has already collected more than 400 species of plants; three of which may be new to science, and are currently being examined by experts at Kew Gar-dens. The expedition also collected more than 150 species of butterfly and many types of bee.

The expedition is conducting a systematic survey of plants and pollinators in the region and aims to identify some of the main threats to the forest. The project, sponsored by DEFRA’s Darwin Initiative, assists poorer countries with rich biodi-versity to implement the Conven-tion on Biological Diversity (CBD) through collaborative projects draw-ing on UK biodiversity expertise.

Googling EarthDr Jon Blower, in the Environ-mental Systems Science Centre at the University hopes to foster a community of software developers willing to help researchers translate their scientific data into formats accepted by virtual globe programs. Dr Blower has demonstrated how Google Earth could be used to map

the path taken by hurricane Katrina in August 2005, at the same time as data representing the sea’s surface temperatures. Dr Blower would also like Google Earth to let research-ers map things below sea level. ‘We’d like to have proper sea floor bathymetry [depth],’ he says.

A washout is the term that comes to mind when we think of the summer of 2007 in the UK. But why has this summer been so wet?

According to the University’s Walker Institute for Climate System Research and the Depart-ment of Meteorology whether the UK experiences a dry or wet summer depends on the course of low pressure systems which track across the Atlantic.

High up in the atmosphere is a ribbon of fast moving air – known as the jet stream. It is the jet stream that steers the weather systems which bring much of our rainfall. Since early June it has been further south than normal and this means it has been steer-ing rainfall systems straight over the UK. What’s more, once these systems have reached the UK, they’ve tended to ‘park’, dump-ing rainfall over us for hour after hour.

There has also been a persistent low-pressure system to the west of the UK. Very moist, warm air was transported over the country that a few days earlier had been over the subtropical Atlantic. This warm, moist air met colder air creating energy and moisture available to produce very heavy rainfall. We saw rainfall rates of more than 50mm an hour – we would normally think of 10mm an hour as heavy.

What Summer?

‘It is vital we examine this area now so these biological treasures are not lost forever’

The variety ‘Euro’ the first chrysanthemum to be successfully cryopreserved.

Michael Bond, OBE, author and creator of Paddington Bear.

The University awarded two honorary degrees during the degree ceremonies at London Road in July:

Mr Michael Bond, OBE, author and creator of Paddington Bear was awarded the honorary de-gree of Doctor of Letters. Michael Bond is Berkshire born and bred and has strong connections with Reading. He was recognised for his contribution to Literature.

The Right Hon. the Baroness Hale of Richmond, a leading figure in the legal profession, academia and law reform was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. Baroness Hale, also a judge,

The road to ruin

The road to ruin…Alumni Spotlight

4 • University of Reading Magazine University of Reading Magazine • 5

‘The heat was unrelenting and the deafening sounds of bulldozers ripping trees from the ground were unearthly’

left: Guireja, a Totobiegosode woman contacted in 2004, sits outside her former house.

Opposite page: Ayoreo Tribesman©

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Trish O’Neill talks to Toby Marsden (BSc Botany, 2006) working with the last tribe outside the Amazon to avoid contact with the outside world, now facing the destruction of their land through deforestation.

In 1969, in response to reports by Norman Lewis in the Sunday Times of atrocities being committed against Brazilian Indians, Survival International was founded as an organisation to support tribal peoples. It stands for their right to decide their own future, and helps them protect their lives, lands and human rights. It is the only significant organisation in its field which does not accept money from any government – ensuring a powerful, independent voice.

Over the years the organisation has persuaded govern-ments to recognise tribal land ownership, forced com-panies to pull out of harmful projects on tribal land and helped achieve better recognition of tribal peoples’ situations and their rights.

With around 150 million tribal people in the world, almost all facing severe problems, there is potentially an infinite work load for Survival. One Reading alumnus, Toby Marsden, is working to ensure the message gets through to the rest of the world of the plight of the Ayoreo Totobiegosode Indians from a remote part of Paraguay.

So how did this Berkshire graduate end up working with a remote tribe in Paraguay? With a passion for using film and internet to communicate human and environmental issues to a wide audience, Toby has worked for several charities and botanical gardens, helping them convey their messages to as wide an audience as possible using new media.

‘Having been a supporter of Survival, when I saw the opening, I leapt at the opportunity’, says Toby. He goes on to tell me more about the Totobiegosode and the issues they face as a community.

‘The Totobiegosode are a sub-group of the Ayoreo, and the ones least assimilated into Paraguayan society. In the last 40 years, many have been forced out of their forest, but some continue to resist all contact with outsid-ers, making them the last un-contacted tribe in South America outside the Amazon basin’.

‘The first sustained contact that the Ayoreo - Totobiegosode had with white people was in the 1940s and 1950s, when Mennonite farmers set up colo-nies on their lands. The Ayoreo resisted this, and there were deaths on both sides’, says Toby.

‘Then in 1979 and 1986, fundamentalists organised “manhunts” and large groups of Totobiegosode were forcibly brought out of the forest. Several died in these encounters, and others succumbed later to disease’.

The biggest problem is deforestation and the key aim for Toby and Survival is to prevent this devastating destruc-tion to preserve the tribe.

‘Powerful landowners are rapidly and illegally bulldoz-ing the Ayoreo’s last remaining patch of forest for timber extraction and cattle ranching’, he explains, ‘and it makes life extremely hard for the people who still live in the forest without contact with outsiders, as it means they have to live constantly on the run. Groups of Ayoreo came out of the forest in 1998 and 2004, and they’re very worried about their relatives who are still un-contacted. They want to save the last of their forest to protect their relatives, and Survival is helping them campaign to stop the deforestation’.

A bleak outlook indeed. So how did Toby and the rest of the team work with the Ayoreo in order to raise aware-ness of the situation?

‘We spent a lot of our time interviewing members of the different Ayoreo communities who do have contact with the outside world about the destruction of their forest and the experience of seeing their lands taken over. We also went with them on hunting and gathering trips. All of this was in order to gather material for Survival’s campaign to support the Ayoreo.’

‘On one of the days, we accompanied Ayoreo men and Paraguayan government officials to an area of ancestral land where bulldozers are illegally clearing the forest for cattle ranching. The heat was unrelenting and the deafening sounds of bulldozers ripping trees from the ground were unearthly. But the memory that will stick with me was of the Ayoreo confronting the bulldozer driver, emotions running high as they watched the lands they knew so intimately being destroyed so quickly’.

Despite the gloom of the situation, there are lighter moments as Toby talks about day-to-day life in the tribe; ‘The Ayoreo are fantastic raconteurs and would often tell stories as we all sat around the fire in the evening. The person telling the story acts it out, with a lot of leaping about and exaggerated gestures, much to everyone’s enjoyment’.

‘Honey gathering was also interesting. The Ayoreo spot-ted a bees’ nest high in the trees. I looked as hard as I could, but couldn’t see anything. But they quickly cut the tree open to get the honey out. I filmed it – it was a bit alarming, as I didn’t know whether the bees were sting-ing bees or not. I was soon covered in furious bees, and luckily they were stingless!’

Obliteration of land and homes seems like an unimagina-ble plight for this close-knit community to endure and I ask Toby how the Ayoreo deal with the situation.

‘Those who emerged in recent years told us how they used to think the bulldozers were giant animals com-ing to eat them and their gardens. When the bulldozers

approached they would have to flee, leaving behind their homes, their belongings and the gardens they had planted. It must have been terrifying. Sometimes they would shoot arrows at the bulldozers, not realising their arrows could not penetrate the metal “skin” of the machines. One of the men who came out of the forest in 2004 told us that his sister is among those who remain un-contacted – presumably they are going through the same thing now, so he was very worried’.

So what next for the Ayoreo?

‘If they can save their forest, the Ayoreo’s future will be fairly secure. But if they and Survival cannot stop deforestation, things will be pretty bleak. Our campaign is having an impact – recently we handed a petition with 57,000 signatures to the Paraguayan government; all the major newspapers in Paraguay covered the story. So let’s hope we can keep up the pressure’.

On a final note, I ask Toby what he thinks the most ef-fective way of preventing tribal communities from being exploited and destroyed is.

‘If tribal people have their land, and their right to live in the way they choose is respected –they thrive. Without land, they cannot survive. With forty years of experience on the subject, we at Survival believe very strongly that public opinion is the most effective force for change’.

With tribal peoples across the world affected in similar ways to the Ayoreo and a shocking environmental an-nihilation, one hopes that this modern crusade can be aided by the global community…

Further information

You can find out more about the ways in which you can help and view footage that Toby has worked on for Tribal Channel TV at www.survival-international.org


Features

The bear factsThe bear facts

Opposite page: Paddington Bear enjoying a marmalade sandwhich in bed

This page left: Michael Bond with Paddington

This page right: Paddington in Paddington!

Paddington Bear © Paddington & Co Ltd 2007

James Barr meets Michael Bond OBE, author of the Paddington Bear children’s books, who received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of letters this year.

An English gent is a phrase overused in today’s parlance but upon entering Michael’s home, receiving the warm-est of welcomes and the kind offer of having my jacket ‘taken from me’ it seems entirely apt. You won’t be sur-prised to know a cup of tea soon followed.

Michael’s office is busy: ‘I am writing a novel book for Paddington Bear’s (PB) 50th anniversary next year,’ he declares. PB books are piled on the floor; original illustra-tions adorn the wall. Display boxes of corkscrews hint of a fruit passion other than marmalade. Michael takes a seat and we begin a two-hour chat that will live long in the memory.

A gentle, humourous tone and a subtle smile are evident after talking of his un-enjoyable time at Presentation College in Reading (corporal punishment was rife then) and of a narrow escape from a bomb blast in a building opposite Reading Town Hall.

‘Many people in the restaurant on the first floor were killed or injured,’ he remembers sadly. ‘I also recall catching the bus back home. Nobody spoke to me or sat anywhere near me as I was covered in brick dust!’

I quickly come to realise this is Michael’s way when deal-ing with bad memories or handling indifferent feelings towards people. Not unlike the Bear himself…?

As we continue discussing his teenage years I suddenly realise my carefully crafted questions aren’t neces-sary. The ‘interview’ has turned into a fascinating and friendly chat.

At 17, Michael volunteered for the RAF. ‘I pictured myself being a fighter pilot,’ he said. ‘Although I had never been in a plane, my grandfather said “if God had meant us to fly he’d have given us wings”. He was right. On my first trip in a Tiger Moth I threw up on the runway and con-tinued to be ill during the whole flight!’

Despite his airsickness Michael was sent to Canada and trained to be a navigator, but in the winter of 1944 he

came home to the Isle of Sheppey. There, he was given the choice, coal mines or the army. ‘I chose the army and am glad I did,’ he explains. ‘It was a relatively tough life but it taught me fortitude. The camaraderie was a good experience and, in a way, this was my university.’

Michael was stationed in Egypt and it was there with fortunate access to a typewriter he penned his first short story. A magazine, The London Opinion, picked it up and sent the budding author his first writer’s pay cheque for a whopping seven guineas!

‘That pretty much made me decide I wanted to be an author,’ says Michael. ‘I always felt that by leaving school at 14 I had disappointed my parents and not fulfilled myself. I wanted to do something creative.’

On his return to England, Michael found enjoyable work with the BBC Monitoring Service in Caversham, and then in London where he eventually became a Senior Camera-man in television, whilst honing his writing skills by producing short stories and radio plays.

However, in 1965 Michael left the world of TV as his written work started to support him. In particular, stories he’d penned about a certain bear had begun to attract attention.

So where did Paddington come from? Darkest Peru as we know, but before that? ‘I bought a small toy bear on Christmas Eve 1956,’ says Michael. ‘I saw it left on a shelf in a London store and felt sorry for it. I took it home as a present for my then wife Brenda and named it Padding-ton as we were living near Paddington Station.’

In 1958, after several publishers had knocked him back, William Collins published the very first book ‘A Bear called Paddington’. When Books and Bookmen listed it as ‘the best children’s novel of 1958’ PB went global.

By the time the BBC commissioned the now much loved animated episodes in 1975, Paddington could be enjoyed as far away as Japan and also be seen in the form of a musical.

‘I guess one of the reasons the books are successful and endearing to so many, is that PB has the attitude of a child with an enquiring mind but also the sophistication of an adult,’ says Michael. ‘When he comes up against life’s problems he remains very polite, a trait I feel is not too prevalent in today’s society.’

And is the bear based on the man himself? ‘Oh no!’ exclaims Michael. ‘He’s too accident prone. I am more practical. There is a lot of my father in him though. We used to go to the Isle of Wight and he would wear his hat when venturing into the sea so he had something to doff if he came across anyone else. He was a mild mannered person but would stick up for his rights when he knew he was in the right.’

Nothing emphasises the success of PB more than the recent news there is a film in the making. After two years of negotiation with Warner Bros, David Heyman (of Harry Potter fame) will produce the movie, with a script based on the books.

In 1997 Michael was awarded an OBE for his services to children’s literature, an award that must have made Michael feel extremely proud?

‘To be honest the honorary degree from Reading meant more to me than the OBE,’ says Michael. ‘I almost declined it although it was good for children’s books. I felt I wasn’t worthy, which was a bit how I felt about the honorary degree as I sat there with all those young people who had studied for so long and so hard. It was lovely to attend the Graduation Day though and be surrounded by so many happy families. I enjoyed the day immensely and was delighted to be honoured in such a manner.’

Coincidentally PB had been in the news during the week of my visit, becoming the controversial face of the new Marmite adverts. So has he really turned from marma-lade to Marmite?

‘Certainly not,’ replies Michael, with possibly the faintest hint of anger. ‘It should never have happened. The pilot of the advert was made before the head of merchandis-ing realised. I didn’t have anything to do with it and received no money. If I had, I would have given it to the charity for elderly bears from Peru.’

‘PB acquired his penchant for marmalade from my own taste buds.’ continues Michael. ‘Over the years I have received so many kind gifts of different types of marma-lade. Sometimes though, I wish I had made his sandwich filler a touch more exotic!’

Sadly our chat is drawing to a close but there’s just time for one final question, for my benefit as much as you readers.

‘Advice for any budding writers? Sit down and do it,’ says Michael. ‘Don’t be depressed by rejection slips. My grand-father told me “you can do anything if you really want to – persevere”. There is a time when you find your own voice. Study the market to see where there is a need for the written word. I don’t envy young people going out in the world today. It is getting more difficult.’

Rising from my chair with Michael’s words ringing in my ears a thought occurs. I certainly would not have found leaving school at 14, having a bomb drop within 20 yards of me and joining the army to fight in World War 2 as a teenager easy…

On that humbling note we say our farewells. Michael may have been unsure as to whether he’s earned his degree but he shouldn’t be. The University of Reading feels exceptionally proud he accepted the offer, and I and many others are looking forward to another adventure with the Bear next year.

After closing the gate I walk down the footpath only to hear the sound of running feet and a kind voice making me turn around. ‘You do know your way to the taxi rank don’t you James?’ An English gent indeed.


The changing face of Britain: Joe CornishShowcase: climate change special

Opposie page: Oak tree with an unusual combination of leaves and frost on the ground, taken in December 2005 near Roseberry Topping, North Yorkshire.

This page: Carneddau, Snowdonia. Tryfan to the left, the Glyder Fach & Y Garn, the snow covered peak to the right. Llyn Ogwen has a light covering of ice. Shot from above Tal Y Lyn Ogwen showing the snow line in 1996

Both used in EXPOSED climate change exhibition.©

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Working with the National Trust for a recent commis-sion, one Reading alumnus and acclaimed photographer has been exploring the issue of climate change using his art to enable us all to rediscover our connection to the web of life.

Joe Cornish was born in Exeter in 1958. He studied Art at the University, where he first came under the spell of photography. After graduating in 1980, he spent two years assisting in Washington DC and two years as-sisting studio and car photographers in London which prepared him for a career in mainstream commercial photography.

It never happened. His passion for the outdoors encour-aged him first to pursue travel work. From 1986 to 1995 Joe was responsible for either all or the majority of the photography in more than thirty travel books. An assign-ment with Raleigh International in 1991 was to inspire an abiding love of wild places and wilderness, and ultimately to alter the direction of his work. Around the same time he began a working relationship with the Na-tional Trust photolibrary that continues to this day, and this experience has convinced him of the vital role pho-tography plays in inspiring environmental conservation.

Joe knew that his first photographic hero, Ansel Adams, had built his reputation as a landscape photographer by working in Yosemite Valley as a warden for eight years. If London had been a necessary phase in his photo-graphic apprenticeship, it was never going to provide the backdrop for practising the skills needed for landscape. Moving to North Yorkshire in 1993 was a vital first step to fulfilling this goal. Towards the end of 1995, after a frustrating assignment doing travel photography in Greece he made the decision to devote his photography to landscape in general, and wild places in particular.

The North York Moors and coast are Joe’s personal Yosemite, and other outstanding landscapes of northern England have been a further source of inspiration not too far away. He also has a deep affinity for Scotland’s magnificent coast and mountains, and has travelled widely throughout the UK for the National Trust, special-ising in particular on the coastline. He believes he must have seen as much of the British coast from the land, as anyone else alive.

When the National Trust recently challenged Joe along with 9 other top photographers to answer the question ‘what does climate change mean for Britain?’, it resulted in the NT’s ‘EXPOSED: Climate Change in Britain’s backyard’, producing an extraordinary and powerful collection of intellectual creations that lay bare the realities of climate change. The exhibition has also won an ICVA Clarion award this year.

Speaking to the University of Reading Magazine, Joe said, ‘My personal interest in climate change theory goes all the way back to the late 70s, when I read James Love-lock’s first major book on Gaia Theory, the description of the earth’s ecosystem as a singular living self-regulating organism. In Lovelock’s opinion even then we were on the brink, and his latest book, the Revenge of Gaia is something of a depressing self-justification, that his prophecies of doom are already coming to pass. My own view is that climate change is real, but that it always has been, and any expectation that the earth’s climate is static and unchanging is illusory at best.

‘I am not a scientist, so whether I think climate change is exacerbated by human activity, and carbon burning in particular, is of no consequence. Although for what it is worth I think human consumption of fossil fuels cannot possibly help the situation. But as a committed observer of the landscape, and the weather that affects it on a daily basis, year in, year out, I see a warming trend that is inexorable. This is particularly poignant for landscape photographers, for whom the magical transformations wrought by ice and snow form some of the highpoints of our experiences of the landscape.

‘To be able to contribute constructively to this debate through the NT project has been a wonderful privilege and opportunity.’

Joe Cornish and his contemporaries through NT’s ‘EXPOSED’ have ensured a series of beautiful, thought-provoking and intimate images, taken on location at the National Trust’s gardens, historic houses, countryside and coastline. They highlight the issues of climate change in a very personal way when coupled with stories from the people who care for these special places, allow-ing the viewer to understand how climate change now touches every aspect of life in the UK.

As hot topics go – climate change is a global issue in society today and at the forefront of research at Reading. leading researchers from the University of Reading’s specialist areas of climate, meteorology, agriculture and soil science and geography are now working under the walker Institute umbrella, meaning it is fast becoming a centre of excellence in climate research.

For more information about Joe Cornish’s work and his galleries, go to www.joecornish.com

For more information about the National Trust and its work, go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Reading’s enterprising studentsIn focus


There are plenty of opportunities for you, as a graduate of Reading, to become involved in the entre-preneurship activities on campus. If you would be interested in a new alumni entrepreneurs club we are starting – why not let us know?

A one-stop shop for all enterprise events, competitions, resources and module support on the web…

Launchpad is an exciting and interactive space complete with podcast facilities, video downloads and showcases of Reading stu-dent and alumni entrepreneurs. The Launchpad community will provide a Facebook style social network for budding student en-trepreneurs and entrepreneurial alumni. With interactive brain-storming facilities, idea tagging, trading of e-cards, groups, forums and noticeboards, and will hope-fully provide fantastic opportuni-ties for students and alumni to network, design and plan enter-prising projects, and showcase their entrepreneurial ventures.

www.reading.ac.uk/launchpad

Are you an entrepreneurial graduate?

Alumni play an integral role in inspiring our students, sharing their start-up stories and making the idea of entrepreneurship more

tangible. We would be delighted for our entrepreneurial alumni to take centre stage as guest speakers, either on our taught programmes or at our popular extra-curricular events. We are also eager to show-case entrepreneurial profiles and case studies on our new web portal.

Are you an experienced business person?

Many of our students run or develop businesses during their studies or on graduation. Having access to experienced profes-sionals or mentors who can offer valuable feedback is a tremendous benefit. We would be delighted for our alumni to act as mentors to our budding student and graduate entrepreneurs.

Do you work in or manage a company in or around the Reading area?

We are really keen to increase the number of companies around Reading engaging in the Enter-prise Experience scheme, par-ticularly those who have former Reading students employed or in managerial roles.

For more information about entrepreneurship at the University and to get involved contact Becky Miller on Tel: 0118 378 6062 / Email: [email protected]

Swimming against the streamThe University of Reading has a history of success in enterprise and entrepreneurship. Many of our alumni have gone on to found an array of highly successful businesses, including the gTI group, Doctor Job, lK Bennett and Space NK. Entrepreneurship and enterprise are increasingly becoming a central element of the Reading student experience. The University of Reading Magazine catches up with Becky Miller, the University’s Entrepreneurship Manager who explains how students are equipping themselves with the skills needed to take the less well-worn path…

‘The Practice of Entrepreneurship’ has now been operat-ing at the University for several years and is offered to all second, third and Masters students. Last year it attracted over 200 students from all corners of the campus, eager to consider the option of starting a business as a positive career choice.

This intensive course is intended to develop students’ entrepreneurial skills through practical hands-on activi-ties and interactions with real entrepreneurs.

Many Reading students now run their own social and business ventures whilst studying. Their diverse pursuits span anti-terrorist security software, portable casinos and web design companies to soccer schools and arts projects for kids in deprived communities.

So why is such a module so important to the University? Becky gives us a definition which sums up why such students who are ultimately ‘alumni-in-waiting’ are so prized.

‘The enterprising student is highly motivated, awake to opportunity, able to be resourceful and employ creativ-ity and innovation in solving problems. They are able to make decisions in the face of uncertainty, able to moti-vate others and able to work as a team’.

Valuable stuff in the face of fierce competition upon graduation…

‘The Practice of Entrepreneurship is really interactive with lots of social and business entrepreneurs bring-ing entrepreneurship to life, sharing their experiences throughout the course’, says Becky. ‘There’s an emphasis on teamwork and we use business games and role-play to develop commercial awareness and entrepreneurial skills.’

‘Our aim is to equip students with the business knowl-edge and entrepreneurial skills needed for both start-up and career success. Working closely with industry, we also recognise the need to help students develop a solid commercial acumen and transferable skill base, equip-ping them for life after graduation.

‘Whether students work for themselves, a small to me-dium sized company, a large multinational enterprise or even in the public and social sector, these entrepreneuri-al skills will be pertinent to students’ future success.’

Students are encouraged from the beginning to get to grips with the fundamental elements of business start-up and to get their creative juices flowing by developing ambitious new business ideas.

One element of the course, entitled ‘It’s who you know’, teaches students about the value of fostering social capi-tal in order to make business a success. It not only en-gages students in the art of networking but throws them in at the deep end with a real reception with members of the local business community in which their newly acquired skills are brought to the fore!

‘This is the perfect vehicle for building confidence and helping students articulate their entrepreneurial ideas in persuasive and attractive ways in direct face to face contact with business professionals. A key element is the vast input from local business professionals and entre-preneurs who are able to energise and inspire the stu-dents, bringing their learning to life and offering many seeds of wisdom’, explains Becky.

Just a few of our visiting professionals and entrepreneurs have included: Peter Jaco, former Global Marketing Director of Reuters and founder of dotcom start-up,

LetsBuyit.com; Dr Tom Harris, academic entrepreneur and co-founder of medical device company Cardionetics and David Richmond, serial software entrepreneur and co-founder of Striva Corporation which was sold to Informatica Corporation in 2003 for $62 million.

Reading alumni are also working with us and investing their incredible knowledge and expertise into Reading futures. Adrian Wood of GTI Publications is a Reading alumnus who 20 years ago, established graduate employ-ment publishing company GTI with a housemate. Adrian is the founder of the brands ‘Target’ and ‘Doctor Job’. His business now has a turnover of £11 million and employs 120 people in six countries. He shares his entrepreneuri-al story with students, and explains how he managed to start his business on the University campus.

So how do students taking the course think it has ben-efited them? Kate Lincoln is studying for a BSc in Psychol-ogy and says, ‘the entrepreneurship module is fantastic for students studying subjects that don’t cover aspects of business. It has been really invaluable in helping me develop the skills that employers’ value and that will make me stand out in whatever career path I take.’

‘Taking the module has given me the belief in my own ideas so that I now have the confidence to try them out in the real world’, explains Andrew Starnes, who is read-ing for a BSc in Computer Science

Choosing the road less travelled and taking a creative approach will undoubtedly ensure that there will contin-ue to be a host of Reading alumni who embody the Uni-versity’s spirit – challenging, creative and enterprising.

So how can you support enterprise at Reading?

‘Our aim is to equip students with the business and entrepreneurial skills for start up and career success.’

Students develop new business ideas

Networking in practice

Reading students show an enterprising streak


Congratulations go to James Chapman aka ‘Maps’, a Reading alumnus who left the University in 2000. His debut album ‘We Can Create’ (produced in Iceland by Bjork producer Valgeir Sigurdsson and Sigur Ros mixer Ken Thomas), was recorded in his Northamp-tonshire bedroom and got itself nominated for a Mer-cury Prize this year. The judging panel describe Maps’ music as ‘optimistic and euphoric; a lush widescreen take on electronic music.’ It was during his time at Reading that James started his love affair with elec-tronic music, mixing records at Windsor Hall.

Maps performed at this year’s Reading festival, as well as at the Mercury Prize ceremony which took place at Grosvenor House in London on 4 September. Definitely a rising star who we will be hearing more of in the future!

To hear more of Maps music go to: www.myspace.com/mapsmusic

Reading alumnus nominated for Mercury Music Prize

In 1951 Rex Cowper graduated from Reading with a degree in Zool-ogy and almost immediately took up an appointment with the CSIRO Division of Fisheries in Tasmania. Before leaving the department, he promised he would send the Cole Museum a specimen of the rare Australian Leafy Sea Dragon. After 14 years of searching, a colleague of his working in the Western Australian fishing port of Albany was approached by tourists who had caught a ‘strange fish’ whilst snorkelling; it was a Leafy Sea Dragon (they are now a protected species). Since many of Rex’s col-leagues knew of his long quest to find the Dragon, they knew im-mediately who to send it to and Rex

was finally able to fulfil his promise to Nelly Eales at Reading. He regret-ted later not recording the catch on film.

Until this year, Rex didn’t know if his Dragon had survived the rav-ages of time until he happened to see a photo of it in the University of Reading Magazine. He wrote immediately to the curator to say how thrilled he was to find that the Dragon was still in perfect condi-tion and was on permanent display in the museum. Now in his 80s, Rex finally has a photograph of the fish he sought for 14 years. He said ‘I’d almost forgotten what a beautiful creature it was when I set eyes on it for the very first time more than 40 or so years ago’.

AlUMNI & FRIENDS NEwS

12 • University of Reading Magazine

A quick word – with Not so many fish in the sea… the leafy Sea Dragon in the Cole Museum

It was with a sense of trepidation that Q&A approached this interview. After all what better person to pass judgement on the quality and accuracy of a magazine article than the Chief Editor of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)?

when were you at Reading and what did you study?

I did my first degree at York (English Literature, 1975), and came to Read-ing to do a one-year MA (Medieval Studies, 1976).

why did you choose Reading?

The course looked good. I found it very stimulating to be able to concentrate on a reasonably small time-frame (mainly the 12th century) across a range of disci-plines including literature (English and late Latin), language (mainly Old Norse), philosophy, and (for some reason) town-planning. It wouldn’t have suited everyone though!

How did your career progress from there?

I saw an advert for an Editorial Assistant on the OED in the TLS when I was sitting around in a common room at Reading, and applied. One of my tutors at Read-ing, Professor W. B. Lockwood, formerly of the German department, was impor-tant in persuading me to apply and in recommending me for the post to the

editor of the OED, Robert Burchfield. After a few years on the Supplement to the OED I was asked to compile the Con-cise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs; then I was back on the Supplement as a Sen-ior Editor, before becoming Co-Editor of the Second Edition of the OED (1989) and Chief Editor of the Third Edition.

Are there any skills you acquired at Reading that stood you in good stead for your career?

The OED covers the history of the Eng-lish language from the earliest times. But it’s not just a dictionary about lan-guage. Language is an index of changes in society and culture over time. To be a useful historical lexicographer you have to have a broad appreciation of the in-teraction between language and society throughout the historical period, and the interdisciplinary approach at Read-ing certainly promoted this.

what fascinates you about the English language?

The interconnections and the variation. English is a language woven together

from all sorts of different sources, and the way that English has changed over the past millennium shows how people have changed over that period too. Tracking those shifts is fascinating.

what are your main responsibilities?

Without the OED we just wouldn’t have a formal record of the language. I sup-pose you could say that I act as a kind of gatekeeper to the dictionary. Edito-rial policy for the dictionary would be one of my main respon sibilit ies. Even though we established this in the 1990s, it is always necessary to make slight changes – adapting to altered situations.

How do you decide on which new words are included in the OED?

We include new words on the basis of their currency in any of the forms of English around the world. There are a few provisos to this: firstly, we wait for several years from the first evidence be-fore deciding to add a term to the OED; secondly, currency can be in general use or in a specialized discipline; thirdly, we need to appreciate that more evidence is generally available for modern terms than historical ones – and adapt our criteria accordingly.

Have you ever applied to go on the TV word quiz Countdown?!

No. I can never put those lettery things in order to make words! I’m probably better with the numbers. It was fun appearing on the OED panel in the BBC2 series Balderdash & Piffle recently, though. The series gave people an insight into how we analyse language – and how we don’t just accept what is presented to us but make the evidence jump through all sorts of hoops before it’s accepted for the OED.

Like the OED John wasn’t short of words, but Q&A did discover a committed individual with a passion for his work and a love of language.

The Friends of the University have continued to mark the 80th Anni-versary of their foundation (Issue 4) with a memorable programme. The summer saw visits to the School of Law at Foxhill House, and to the Chancellor and Lady Carrington’s lovely gardens at Bledlow Manor.

In July, the Annual General Meeting took place at the Department of Meteorology. The record attendance greatly appreciated the hospitality of Professor Anthony Illingworth and his colleagues. The Vice-Chan-cellor conducted an illuminating Question-and-Answer session, and showed comparable dexterity with his ceremonial sword when he cut the Anniversary cake.

We want the wider community to share in our celebrations. On 21 October we have organised a Heritage Trail encompassing the Whiteknights and London Road campuses, to which members of the public are invited. The itinerary, starting at Park House and ending at the Museum of English Rural Life, provides a great opportunity to visit

interesting parts of the University that are not usually accessible, and to see items obtained through dona-tions that the Friends have made to the University since 1927. We look forward to high participation: as we go to press, the signs are promising. The proceeds from this imaginative event will go towards a new boat for the Boat Club and a new tuba for Music Education.

The Anniversary year ends in March 2008. Still to come in 2007 are a visit to the School of Pharmacy in late October and a talk on Water-house in November. The finale will be another Concert, in March 2008, under joint arrangements with the Director of Music.

The celebrations have helped to swell our membership to 500. More are always welcome: for details please contact Brenda Morris, our Secretary, at DEAO, Blandford Lodge, tel: 0118 378 8006 or e-mail [email protected].

The Friends’ Report

In Memoriam Professor Keith Allen (BSc,1949) Alumnus and Chair of Convocation

It is with great sadness that we report that Professor Keith Allen passed away on 2 September 2007.

Many of you will know Keith who was a valuable member of Convocation and Court at the University.

Professor Allen joined the general honours course in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics after the war when there were approximately 700 students. He was a member of St David’s Hall and was at the meeting of the Students’ Union when Sir Frank Stenton an-nounced the purchase of Whiteknights Park.

Professor Allen lectured at Northampton Polytechnic and gained an MSc from the University of London. During his career, Professor Allen became a world expert in Adhesion Science and Technology winning many accolades in this sphere. Many PhDs and Mphils have also been achieved under his supervision.

Q&A: John Simpson

John Simpson

wHERE ARE yOU NOw

As ever, your gifts have been directed across all areas of the Uni-versity. The archaeological dig site at Silchester – one of the jewels in the University’s crown – has benefited greatly from a gift of £100,000 which will enable field work to continue at the Roman town.

Digging of a different sort is also taking place on Whiteknights campus. The Turf-cutting Ceremony for the new Business School build-ing and extension of the ICMA Centre took place in July and work is underway in preparation for the School’s opening in 2009. The University’s campaign to raise £4 million of the overall cost has been extremely successful, with over a third of that target already realised.

The Real Estate sector in particular has been hugely supportive and we are pleased to announce the CB Rich-ard Ellis Professorship in Real Estate Finance. Martin Samworth, Manag-ing Director of CBRE (UK) said: ‘As

the world’s leader in commercial property and real estate services, we continually strive to meet the ever changing needs of our clients. Part of this is evidenced by our own move into real estate financial services over twelve months ago, and we believe this financial segment of the market is set for significant growth in the future. Therefore in order to maintain our leading position, the industry must adapt and ensure that real estate professionals of tomorrow are equipped to meet this need, in that they are well versed in not only real estate and planning but also the financial markets.

‘As an industry leader we believe CBRE has a responsibility to pro-mote continuous learning and expertise within the sector, and also to ensure that those entering the profession are fully equipped to meet client needs. We’re incredibly proud to have forged a partnership with the University of Reading as these new courses will help educate and shape real estate leaders of the future,’ concluded Samworth.

We have also been delighted to recently receive a number of legacy pledges, totalling over £1 million. Making a gift in your Will is often a way to make a more substantial contribution to your University than current circumstances may allow. Gifts of this magnitude will have long-lasting, positive effects on key areas at Reading.

More gifts in this sector are under negotiation and will be announced shortly.

The Annual Fund continues to flour-ish by directing support immedi-ately to the heart of the University – our students. Launched in 2004, the Fund has supported more than forty projects within the University that would not have been possible otherwise. Donors have contributed almost £750,000. The power of the Annual Fund lies in everyone do-ing what they can. If each of our alumni gave only £10, it would provide over £1.5 million for the Fund. Given monthly, this would raise a staggering £18 million per year for the University, with every penny directed towards improving the student experience.

Many of you will be contacted in the near future by one of our stu-dent callers. I do hope you welcome this opportunity to catch up on news from the University and to get involved in the Annual Fund. Our aim this year is to pass the £1 mil-lion mark in pledges. Please join us in realising this goal.

Finally, I would like to take this op-portunity to thank our Reading Pio-neers who have contributed almost £100,000 to the University since the scheme began in the summer.

If you are interested in becoming a Pioneer or in any of the above projects, or would simply like more information on ways in which you can support the University, please get in touch.

Andy wood Head of Development

News entries are shown alphabetically by surname within graduation decade. A selection is shown here of news items received by the Development and External Affairs Office (DEAO) from the magazine update forms, letters from contemporaries, web forms or press cuttings.

Keeping in touchMany of you ask for news of friends. If you would like to contact someone appearing in these pages, or other former students, ring/email/write to the Alumni Relations Team to find out if we have a current address. Addresses will not be disclosed to third parties, unless we have permission to do so, but we are happy to forward letters. Contact details are listed on the inside cover.

Benefits – Extra 20% Discount: Gym & SportsPark!

DEVElOPMENT NEwS & BENEFITS


1930–39Donald gray Dip Hort 39, PA continues to help out at the fam-ily’s farm in Wokingham, which grows and sells a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. ‘Pick Your Own’ is available and the farm of-ten hosts visits from local schools and youth groups. He and his wife, Marjorie, celebrate their Diamond Anniversary this year.

1950–59Richard Braithwaite Chem 58, PhD Chem 58, PA. The Interna-tional Mineralogical Association has approved by a unanimous vote, the name ‘braithwaiteite’ in his honour for an extremely rare new mineral, discovered in Bolivia. It is geochemically curious for its combination of elements which do not normally come together. Richard is also a Freeman of the City of London.

David Free Class 55, PA. After National Service, David taught Latin for 8 years before joining the Civil Service in Oxford. He took early retirement in 90. He started a university cycling club with Pe-ter FUNNELL (Gen 53) in 53.Peter Funnell GenSc 54, PG Dip 54, PA. See David FREE 1955.Angela gibbons (Mrs Jewell) Dip Art 51. After finishing her course at Reading she married Andrew, a university lecturer who later became the curator of the Museum of English Rural Life and together they had 3 children. Whilst looking after them at home, Angela took up pottery classes and this began her career in design and a range of pottery ware. She also found time to paint and was very involved with Bude Art Society for more than 20 years. However, sadly 5 years ago Andrew died and Angela was un-able to paint. Her courage and in-spiration to paint was restored by joining classes in Boscastle, Corn-

wall, and she is now a member of the Boscastle Painting Group. She exhibited a personal painting of St Swithin’s Church at Launcells – a church close to Andrew’s heart, at the Boscastle Food and Arts Festi-val in October 2006.

1960–69Pauline Birch Hist 69, DipEd 69, AN retired from teaching in 96 as Head of History and Head of Lower School at the Tiffin Girls Grammar School in Kingston on Thames. Upon retirement she moved to North Wales to be near her family. She has success-fully overcome cancer and is busy gardening, walking her spaniel, singing in the local choral society, painting and wondering how she ever found time to work. She has fond memories of her years at Reading.David Darts FdSc 65, WG has retired after 40 years in the Food Industry and now fills his time with golf, gardening, travel and family.

Shiv gupta PhD ApZoo 67 lives in Rajendra Nagar, India. From 05–07 Shiv was elected as President of the Indian Society for Study of Animal Reproduction for a term of 3 years. In December 94 he retired as Principal Scientist and Head of Division of Animal Reproduction.Michael Harper Geog 68, WI is running his own accountancy and tax practice in his local town of Watton in Norfolk.David Haxell Class 64 is retiring after 25 yrs as a Baptist minister with 3 pasterates, most recently in Budleigh Salterton.Sheila lomas (Mrs Mclean) Art 63 has left Canada and now lives in the Middle East with her husband who is Head of School at the AIS Kuwait IB World School.Ronald yearsley Ad Hoc Ag 61, PA is vocations advisor to the Bishop of Reading. He is also non-executive director of Detica plc.

1970–79

Ishilay Arkan Dip ScEd 79, WK is Headmaster of Dr Suat Gunsel University in Mersin, Turkey.Michael Bovingdon P&B 74, CH. Left Wiggins Teape in 76 and has been at UCI ever since. He has had several careers – most fun was being in a team working on Parkin-son’s disease and teaching in U/G & Medical student practicals. Mark Bowden Archaeol 79, DA is senior archaeological investigator for English Heritage investigating archaeological sites and historic landscapes in the West and South-West of England. He is married with 2 children and lives in Glouc-estershire.

Rhiannon Francis (Mrs Carvell) Fr 77, WL has 2 careers. The first one as an administrator in the RAF, the second as an infant teacher. Rhiannon also teaches French to juniors.Susan Patterson (Mrs Durst) Fr 71, BR. Since graduating she has lived in Paris with her hus-band and 2 sons. For many years she worked as an International Marketing and Sales Director in the tourism and hospitality sec-tors. Three years ago they moved to the Dordogne and now run a small gîte.Cedric gilson MSc App&ModOpt 73. In 96 Cedric received the Nor-man K Harrison medal, Institute of Medical Illustrators. In 01 he be-came Master of Laws, University of Westminster and in 06 Doctor of Philosophy. In 07 he became a Vis-iting Fellow of the same university.Kathleen Baddeley (Mrs guil-loux) Fr 74, BR is still teaching English, part-time, and travelling often to visit sons in Galway and Burgundy. One of her sons is David Guilloux (Landsc Man 03). She often visits Reading to see her mother in Caversham.Nigel Hare-Scott Ec 72, WK joined KPMG in 72 as a chartered accountant, then moved to the Shell Group as finance manager in 79. In 84 he joined Yule Catto Group as a finance director and then in 89 moved to Guthrie Symington Group as managing director. In 04 he became sales director at Home & Capital which operates exclusively in the equity release sector. His most pressing issue for the equity release market is to change the perception of the products available.Dolores lin Ad Hoc Ed 74, SB has retired from teaching at the Belize Adventist College and now spends time on his tiny farm. He also does a little travelling.Andrew Mazin BldSurv 77, WG is practising in his own chartered building surveying practice, A M Associates in London, dealing mainly with commercial work.gurbakhash Sanghera Phys 77, PhD 77, WG is CEO of NSM Music Group who manufacture and sell jukeboxes worldwide. Its Head-quarters are in Leeds with offices in Chicago and Germany. NSM Music is a pioneer of the digital jukebox and is the only jukebox manufacturer to be awarded the Phonographic Performance li-cence for dubbing and download-ing music in Europe.wilfred Scott Art 71. In Sep-tember 06 the 60th Edinburgh International Festival came to an end – with a bang. For the past 27 years the closing night spec-taculars have been created and choreographed by Wilf. This last vconcert presented a particular challenge because much of the music was quiet – Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. Wilf’s creations are not only visual art on a grand scale, they are also incredible feats of engineering.David white SocSc 76, CH has taken early retirement after 29 years in Whitehall, dealing with energy, trade with China and India and biotechnology. He still com-petes in veterans athletics and has a transport exhibition in Nov 07 in Croydon. He is part of the faith and sustainability group advising The Mayor of London.Stewart wren PhysGeog 78, MN After taking 2 years out to travel the world in the late nineties, he returned to work as a contractor for Railtrack. After meeting his

partner and re-locating north-wards to Lancashire, he is now in charge of Xafinity’s Fleetwood Of-fice which handles administration of the NHS pension scheme.

1980–89Kevin Aitchison BldSurv 87, WL has a pivotal role in ING Real Es-tate’s extensive fund management team in the City, assisting growth of the business to now over GBP 9 billion assets under manage-ment. He heads up the Tailored Accounts business, acting for both institutional pension funds and some well known corporate oc-cupiers. He is also responsible for several high profile joint ventures. He is an elected associate of RICS and a member of the IPF.John Barrett MSc AgEc 85, PhD Ag 94 was awarded the OBE for services to development in the 07 New Year Honours list. He joined the senior civil service in July 07 as head of the livelihoods cadre in DFID.Anthony Bowden 88, CNAA has been elected as Vice-Chairman of the Institute of Engineering Designers.

Ibrahima Cherif Dip AgEc 87, MA Rur Soc Dev 87 works for Ala-Trade International Food as sales representative for its interna-tional department. He is in charge of West Africa.David Cowburn MechEng 87, GE has joined the National Associa-tion for Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) which runs competent persons schemes for plumbing, heating and ventilation trades. David hopes to establish a gas registration scheme to pro-vide more choice for installers.gillian Beveridge (Mrs Cubitt) Mus 82, CertEd 83, DA is joint co-ordinator of Nottingham Music Space, a music therapy charity dedicated to providing music therapy to children and adults.Andrew Eagle Chem 88, PhD 92, CertPG 97, PA. In January 07 he became Head of Science at Em-mbrook School in Wokingham. He married in 06 and still plays crick-et for the Alumni and Staff club.Carenza Ellery PGCE Ed 85, DA is teaching art part-time at an Islamic school. She has taken on restoration projects of 3 Minis and 2 bikes plus sidecar. She is also extending her house and sorting the garden.Andrew Errington Comp/Cyb 89, WI. After Reading Andrew worked for a while at Lancaster University, where he met his wife. After a few years living and work-ing in Silicon Valley, California, they moved to New Zealand where they have lived for the last 5 years. They are heading off to Japan to teach English, which is a great departure from the world of technology.Peter Fry HumGeog 83, DA com-pleted a post-grad at St Mary’s College, Bangor, North Wales in Geography and Outdoor Educa-tion. He worked for a short time at Ullswater Outward Bound School, taught at Richmond, North Yorkshire for 2 years, then taught

Outdoor Education in South Cumbria for the last 20 years at Humphrey Head Outdoor Centre. He has developed a keen inter-est in mountaineering, climbing extensively in England with many trips to the Alps, North America, Kenya. He particularly enjoys adventurous sea cliff climbing at Gogarth in Anglesey and soling ice-routes in Scotland when the ice is good. He is married and has 2 sons (ages 5 & 7).william Hill LandMan 82, WG. After graduating, William joined Drivers Jonas as a graduate surveyor, then moved on to the investment team. In 89 he joined Schroders as fund manager and was then appointed fund manager of Schroder Exempt Property Unit Trust in 90 and managing director of UK property business in 91. In 05 he was given a remit to expand business internationally in 05. This year’s ambition is to build a global multi-manager platform and push forward the property securities side of the business.John Horton Dip AgExt 89, AN. After 15 years working for the Christian Relief and Development Agency ‘Tearfund’, mostly in Africa, he was ordained into the Ministry of The Church of England in July in Coventry.David Karoly PhD Met 81, SB resigned from the University of Oklahoma in May 07. He returned to Australia to take up a new position as a Federation Fellow in climate change research in the School of Earth Sciences at the University of Melbourne.Simon Kibblewhite LandMan 86, CH joined Strutt & Parker based in London in November 06 as residential development partner, after 16 years at Savills in Chelmsford.

Helen lansdown Engl Lit 88, BU is the Managing Director of Deafax, a charitable company founded from a vision of a world where deaf children, young people and adults would acquire the necessary literacy and com-munication skills to enable them to participate fully in everyday life. Deafax’s mission is to research and utilise modern information com-munication technologies, which can deliver improvements in the quality of education, training and employment for deaf and hearing children, young people and adults. This in turn facilitates personal development and achievement, making a positive difference and promoting equality. Deafax oper-ates both nationally and interna-tionally and has received funding from sources such as Dfes, Comic Relief, Children In Need, Voda-fone, Cable and Wireless and M &S. In 2002, Dr Vinton Cerf – the founder/inventor of the internet was appointed as Deafax’s Hon-orary President whilst Vladimir Ashkenazy, Malcolm Bruce MP and Evelyn Glennie OBE joined a number of other high profile Vice-Presidents. 2006 saw the compa-ny celebrate it’s 21st anniversary at the House of Lords.Patricia Marino MEd 80, DA Her career in education

wHERE ARE yOU NOw?

live or work in the Reading area? Did you know you are entitled to huge alumni discounts at the University’s Sports Park & gym?

The University’s recently refurbished facilities, completed in December 2006 and opened by alumnus James Cracknell have 2 floors of the latest Precor fitness equipment, plasma TVs, an extensive range of strength training equipment and 30 classes a week to choose from!

How much does it cost?

£268.40 for annual membership, as a lump sum payment (the equivalent of £22.37 per month). This is an extra 20% saving on the normal alumni discount. Full price membership is £417 – so you save: £148.60.

This offer runs from 1st November 2007 – 31st January 2008 for Vo2 memberships and is available to alumni of the University.

What’s more, 10% of membership fees goes towards the Annual Fund to benefit students of the University. Proof of graduation from the University will be required.

How do I join?

To take advantage of this offer, please contact the SportsPark, quoting: ‘alumni offer – Vo2 membership’ Tel: + 44 (0)118 378 8799 or email: [email protected]

Did you know there are a whole host of benefits available to you as alumni – both on and off campus?

To see everything on offer, just log on to www.reading.ac.uk/alumni or Tel: 0118 378 8006 to find out more

Donors make the difference

Top: Improving the student experience

Right: Turf cutting at the Business School

We continue to be amazed by the generosity of the University’s alum-ni and friends. Your financial sup-port, along with the very direct help you offer our students through careers advice, mentoring and work experience opportunities are enormously appreciated.

Thank you.


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Events round-up

Events diary


Events round-up


Alumni enjoy the House of Lords Geography ‘67 Reunion RUSU – 50 years on

University of Reading Alumni Reception, Oman – 19th April 2007, Her Majesty’s Ambassador’s Residence, Muscat

In April of this year, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gordon Marshall and Director of the International Office, Caroline Nunnerley met with graduates from Oman and other neighbouring Gulf states for a recep-tion at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Muscat. Alumnus and Overseas Secretary, Dr Abdullah Al-Kindi (PhD, Politics, 2000) kindly took time out of his busy role at Sultan Qaboos University to help co-host this event and we would like to thank our alumni who have kindly offered to take on responsibility for alum-ni involvement in Oman and other States as a result of this event

It has been 3 years since our last event in Oman and it was greatly welcomed by alumni, who we hope will continue to catch up after a successful evening meeting old and new acquaintances and considering ways in which they, as alumni, can continue to work with the University.

RUSU Executive – 50 years on

A reunion of the RUSU Executive Committee, 1957–8 was held on June 6, 2007. When our President summoned us – we had to come! Of the original 10 officers, 7 attended and unfortunately no-one (not even the Alumni Team) could find John Parry! Sorry John, we missed you (and Graeme Whittington and Mike Downing).

Sandy Macnab (President & BSc Agriculture, 1957) sug-gested meeting in central Stratford-upon-Avon, allow-ing for much talking, eating, drinking and culture.

News of the past 50 years was exchanged over a pro-tracted lunch followed by group photographs and many had brought their respective partners along to join in the fun.

After a brief interlude for other pursuits, a light bite followed on a beautiful evening (before Stratford was submerged under water 3 weeks later). We must do it again!

Cynthia M.B. Radcliffe, BA Classics, 1957

House of lords Alumni Reception – June 15 2007

Our sell-out House of Lords reception was hosted by Chancellor Lord Carrington and took place on a balmy evening in June. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gordon Marshall welcomed 350 alumni eager to catch up with old friends and find out more about the University and its current plans. The stunning view over the Thames only added to the pleasure of meeting up with fellow graduates.

‘Thank you for organising a very enjoyable event in very salubrious surroundings! Kay Cooper and I really enjoyed ourselves…’

Barbara Mackintosh, llB law, 1979 & Kay Cooper, BA History, 1979

1967 geography & Svartisen Reunion – June 30 2007, Reading

On 30th June, 46 Geography graduates and Svartisen ex-peditioners, including seven former members of faculty met at the SCR to celebrate 40 years since graduation and the expedition. The day commenced with a tour of the department which was a revelation, especially the mural in the lobby. We were surprised to hear that lectures no longer take place in the department, student numbers having increased to such an extent. Participants were supplied with a name label with a photo of them in 1967 which caused much mirth. Over coffee, lunch and drinks conversations flowed as the years fell away and it became apparent that it was only yesterday that we graduated. The passage of time seemed to have made no difference – at times it could have been July 1967.

Jim Burrows, BA geography, 1967

Pitcher & Piano Pub Night – June 28 2007

This intimate summer soiree was the perfect opportu-nity for graduates of the last 10 years to get together and catch up with friends. A group of friends who had not seen each other since graduation in the mid 1990s used this as the perfect opportunity to get back in touch with each other. As we go to print, alumni of the last decade will be meeting on Bonfire Night at Shake-speare’s Globe for an evening of drinks overlooking the Thames and tours of the theatre by actors.

Friends Event: waterhouse lecture, Palmer Building, University of Reading wednesday 7 November 2007, 5.30pm (tea from 4)

A talk on Alfred Waterhouse by Pro-fessor Brian O’Callaghan, Head of the School of Continuing Education. For further information please contact Brenda Morris, The Secretary tel: 0118 378 8006 or email: [email protected].

University of Reading Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band, The great Hall, london Road Campus, University of Reading Saturday 1 December 2007, 7.30pm

Tickets: £8/£5.

University of Reading Chorus, Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra, The great Hall, london Road Saturday 8 December 2007, 7.30pm

Carols for all. Tickets: £8/£5.

Tickets for both of the above available in advance (Alex Richardson, [email protected] / 0118 378 5256) or on the door.

Construction Management Professional Networking Event, london. guest speaker Professor Stuart green Thursday 21 February 2008, 6.30pm

For all alumni working in or who graduated in Construction Management.

Calling all our USA alumni! East Coast Reception, New york March 2008

The University is looking to organise an East Coast reception in New York in late March next year. Further details are to be confirmed but if you live in the area or are likely to be there on business – we want to hear from you! Drop us a line if you are interested in attending this very special reception at [email protected].

Celebrating what your Contributions have achieved – exclusively for donors to the University. great Hall, london Road Saturday 1 March 2008

This annual event, hosted by the Vice-Chancellor, allows all of our donors to return to the University and hear about how their gifts have made a real difference. With a series of lectures, tours and opportunities to see projects in action from the An-nual Fund.

Arts & Media Professional Networking, central london 17 April 2008, 6.30pm, globe Theatre, london

For alumni and key members of the University in Arts & Media to hear an informal talk (speaker to be con-firmed) and meet with other alumni working in the media & arts world.

For all of the above events: to pre-register your interest – send an email with your name, graduation year and subject to [email protected] with the title ‘Keep Me Posted’ + the name of the event.

Alumni Drinks at Oakford Social Club, Reading Thursday 24 April 2008, 6.30pm

First 50 graduates receive a free drink. For graduates of the last 15 years to network and meet in Reading after work.

‘Drinks in the City’ at Vinopolis (wine wharf), london wednesday 14 May, 2008, 6.30pm

First 50 graduates receive a free drink. Enjoy a great atmosphere with fellow Reading alumni. This event is open to all Reading graduates.

Prospective Student Open Days Friday 13 June & Saturday 14 June 2008, 10.00am–3.00pm

If you know someone who may be interested in studying at the Univer-sity, why not bring them along to an Open Day and join in with campus tours? All welcome and no need to book. Contact: Amy Wigham on 0118 378 5439; email: [email protected]; www.reading.ac.uk/opendays.

wantage 100th Anniversary Dinner, wantage Hall, Reading Saturday 13 September 2008

Formal dinner for all those who once called Wantage their home. More Details To Follow.

Alumni Reception at House of lords, london Friday November 7, 2008, 6.30pm-9.00pm

Kindly sponsored by Lord Carrington.

For further information on any of the events, please contact [email protected], or telephone 0118 378 8058 detailing your name, year of graduation and the event you would like information about.

Reading Real Estate Foundation Events

For further information, please con-tact Caroline Burton, Events Manager for RREF on 01189 591957 or e-mail: [email protected].

Recent graduate Bowling in the City, london February 2008 – More details to follow

This ten-pin bowling extravaganza is open to all recent alumni who have graduated from 2003 – 2006.

RREF ReUnion, University of Reading, Reading March 2008

Participate in both rugby and hockey matches throughout the afternoon at the University. This is always a well-attended event so come along and support your fellow alumni!

Annual Breakfast Forum, london May 2008

Jeremy Newsum, Group Chief Ex-ecutive, Grosvenor will host and chair this breakfast forum, which is expected to focus on current envi-ronmental issues facing the property industry.

Reading Real Estate Foundation golf Challenge May 2008

This event enjoyed the best weather of 2007 so bring a team along to this event, which often gets booked up in advance.

17 Days in the life of… Race to the Pole

17 days in the life of…

The stoves were roaring, our bodies exhausted after an impressive 19 mile effort, we were warm and comfortable and relaxing having completed another day in the Polar Race 2007. It was day one of the second stage, the final flask had just been re-charged with boiling water ready for the next morning, when I uttered the dreaded words…‘Ra, there is a bear outside the tent – get the gun’.

Two girls, one dreamand an extraordinarily long walk

Features

Charlotte Eddington and Sarah Lucas reach the North Pole

turning expanses of ice into kaleidoscopic scenes beyond description. Despite the dramatic, chameleon beauty, the wildlife remained the highlight of the trip. We had re-ceived intensive training on how to deal with polar bears (talking in a deep voice was only ever going to challenge us!) but we had little idea we would be drawing on this knowledge so often.

In the High Arctic, the polar bear is top of the food chain – the amateur explorer the equivalent of a lesser plank-ton. Aside from our double encounter at the start of the second leg, we were also disturbed in the early hours of the morning, whilst we should have been enjoying our final rest ahead of the last leg of the race. Reaching for the pump action shot gun at 2.46am suddenly had us wishing that we had signed up for a holiday in the Hel-mand Province.

Getting up in the morning is a hardship – unpleasant at best. The food is boring, the routine monotonous. The hardships and dangers that you are briefed and prepared for are not the issue; instead it is the unknown that caus-es the doubt and fear. The polar bears, harsh ice rubble (sometimes the size of small bungalows), mountainous areas and debilitating cold were something that became par for the course by the end of the 17 days, 4 hours, 35 minutes and 54 seconds on the ice.

By the last leg, by anybody’s standards, we had be-come pretty slick on our skis and in our tent routines. We finished the race in third place. Not bad for a couple of girls who three weeks previous had struggled to even put their tent up. This was an amazing experience – one very few people have had the privilege of experiencing, and in doing so we raised over £11,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Nothing can prepare you for the arctic wilderness. No textbook or word from other explorers can create a perspective of what is really up there. The arctic is tough – at times terrifying, but if you respect the environment and look after each other it is not life threatening.

No additional layer of duck down, lack of available port-a-loo’s, re-hydrated cod and potato, nor the absence of any available washing facilities for four weeks was enough to ward off the inevitable chill and unfaltering friendship, team work and dogged determination to achieve and survive as a Blue Tit in the Arctic!

Charlotte Eddington and Sarah lucas

This was not a typical evening for Sarah Lucas (BSc Hu-man & Physical Geography, 2003) and Charlotte Edding-ton (BSc Land Management, 2001), but just one of many hurdles they encountered as they made their 337 mile journey from Resolute Bay to the Magnetic North Pole in The Polar Race 2007.

Welcome to ‘The Blue Tits’!

When we set out for the arctic, yes we had been training hard, spending six days out of seven press-upping, drag-ging weighted sledges and pumping iron at the gym, but nothing can prepare you for the incredibly cold condi-tions and the routines that had to be followed day after day throughout the race.

The first week was something of a learning mission. During our arctic training neither of us were afraid to ask question after question to ensure that we gave our-selves the best chance possible to survive the brutal con-ditions. Having completed this steep learning curve, the hard way at times, when we set out on 9 April we felt that we were ready, albeit rather worried about the fact that we were about to spend the best part of a month largely in the company of only one other person. There was no turning back now; it was time to look after each other…

A typical day would involve a 5.30am alarm call, twelve hours of walking in which we would cover approxi-mately 20 nautical miles and have around five hours sleep. Each day our bodies burnt around 10,000 calories (the equivalent to fifty pints of Guinness) whilst we were only able to consume a fraction of that. Both of us shed a stone in weight – no mean feat I agree, but doing so in 28 days is surely something of a Weight Watchers miracle!

The marvel of the arctic is that you cannot escape from it, or your team mate, who you are with every waking minute of the day. That is until you adorn your pulling harness in the morning and start walking – at that point you enter a capsule of private thought. The competitive nature of the race only helped to motivate us. We were thrilled to end the long 127 mile second leg in third place and the sprint finish to the line at the end of the third leg to consolidate our third position ahead of the final leg only spurred us on even further.

The polar landscape is uniquely beautiful. Far from the barren wasteland of popular imagination its appearance is constantly changing. The sunlight, refracted though the sea ice, amplified the purples, greens and blues,

Development & External Affairs Office

Alumnus of the year award

Do you know someone who is making a difference and changing the world?

The Reading Alumnus of the Year Award recognises former students of the University of Reading for outstanding achievement. We want to recognise alumni who have shown excellence and service in their personal or professional lives.

From 2008 we will be honouring one Reading graduate with this special award as part of our summer degree ceremonies. We are now taking nominations for 2009 and need your help. Any one who is a graduate, member of staff or student may submit a nomination for the University of Reading alumnus you think is most deserving of this very special award.

Go to www.reading.ac.uk/alumni for information on nominations or telephone +44 (0) 118 378 8006 for an application pack / email: [email protected] and mark your email ‘Alumnus of the Year’

We’re proud of our alumni at Reading…

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