Inspire Dr David Starkey - talks life and politics - Canterbury Christ Church University
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inspire
Summer / 2010
C anterbur y Christ Church Magazine
Dr David
Starkey
talks life and politics
Meeting Mr Wright
Vice Chancellor's Interview
30 years in the media
Media department celebrates its anniversary
Seaside view
The future of seaside theatres in Britain
Vice Chancellor’s
introduction
Welcome to our summer edition of lecture, part of our popular public lecture
Inspire, the second edition of Canterbury series. You can also read about how the
Christ Church University’s magazine. Department of Media is celebrating its
30 year anniversary and how business
Inspire is evolving all the time, with research is helping to shape a vision for
added feature pages, aiming to keep the future of seaside theatres.
staff, partners and friends in touch with
what is happening throughout our Whatever your interest or connection
University network. with Christ Church, we hope you enjoy
what you read.
Features in this edition include a
conversation with internationally- Professor Michael Wright CBE DL
renowned historian and broadcaster, Vice Chancellor
David Starkey, who recently visited
Christ Church for the Vice Chancellor’s
Inspire magazine has been designed
and produced by the
Department of Marketing,
Canterbury Christ Church University
02 inspire / Canterbury Christ Church Magazine
04
CONTENTS
04
News.............................................................04
06 FEATURES
Meeting Mr Wright .......................... 06
With just a few weeks to go until his
retirement as Vice Chancellor, we asked
Professor Michael Wright about his term
in office.
30 years in the media ................. 09
Christ Church was one of the first universities
to offer degree programmes in film, radio,
television and media and cultural studies.
30 years on the Department of Media has
09 14 built a national reputation for its work.
Seaside view ..........................................14
We talk to senior lecturer, Dr Steve Hayler,
about the future of seaside theatres in Britain
and how they can weather the storm of any
ANNIVERSARY public funding cuts.
Department of Media
17
Meet the team .......................................... 12
Going green ................................................ 17
News in brief ..............................................18
Volunteering .............................................. 20
Student News ............................................ 21
Q&A
Business focus........................................... 22
Dr David Starkey..................................... 24 Book Reviews............................................. 23
David Starkey is a leading historian, Events ............................................................. 26
broadcaster and writer who came to
Canterbury Christ Church University to give
the Vice Chancellor’s lecture.
Summer / 2010 03
News
Copyright Aardman Animation Ltd 2007
Wallace and Gromit
to open Canterbury
Anifest 2010 at
Augustine House
National animation icons Wallace Canterbury Anifest was first launched in Wallace and Gromit will be opening the
and Gromit will join hundreds 2007 as Kent’s first animation festival. festival, alongside a production team
Since then it has welcomed Britain's specialist from Aardman Animations who
of schoolchildren, students
leading animation industry professionals to will speak at the event. The festival will be
and enthusiasts for this year’s Canterbury to show films, host workshops held at Augustine House on 9 October,
Canterbury Anifest at Canterbury and answer questions about creating some 10am-7pm. For further details, visit:
Christ Church. much loved characters. www.canterburyanifest.com
Mapping the History
Ofsted reports the of Sandwich
Faculty of Education’s Cartography expert John Hills has helped produce a
initial teacher training series of maps for a major new publication on the
historic development of Sandwich: Sandwich – the
is outstanding ‘completest medieval town in England’.
The book, which explores the town and port from its origins
to 1600, was supported by English Heritage, in association
Ofsted has reported the following ‘particularly strong
with the University, Dover District Council and Canterbury
features’ in the Faculty of Education’s initial teacher training
Archaeological Trust.
programmes: the many routes into teaching and the
highly innovative programmes; extensive and high quality
John, who works in Geographical and Life Sciences, said:
collaborations across all programmes within the University and
with a wide range of external partners; high quality of provision
across all phases and programmes; high quality of leadership
at all levels and rigorous drive for continuous improvement; “During my time at the
and the extremely high importance given to the personal and University I have produced
professional needs of the trainees. many maps for publication,
but this project was
Following an inspection in May, which evaluated the
Faculty’s primary, secondary and post-compulsory provision, especially enjoyable. As a
together with its employment-based routes, through a lover of history I found the
single process, seven ‘outstanding’ grades and one ‘good’ subject fascinating."
were awarded.
04 inspire / Canterbury Christ Church Magazine
Proud Partner Next Vice Chancellor
and Principal appointed to
Sponsor of Canterbury Christ
Canterbury Church University
Festival
Dr Robin Baker CMG will be joining
us on September 1 as the next Vice
Canterbury Christ Church its five-campus network in Canterbury, Chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church.
University and Kent’s International Folkestone, Broadstairs, Medway and
Arts Festival, Canterbury Festival, Tunbridge Wells. Dr Baker, currently at Chichester
has announced a major five-year University and previously Pro-Vice
Canterbury Festival is the largest festival Chancellor at the University of Kent
partnership from 2010. of arts and culture in the region, and one between 2005 and 2007, will bring with
of the most important cultural events in him a wealth of experience in the higher
The sponsorship agreement will help to the South East, attracting around 80,000 education sector and international
ensure the Festival continues to deliver people. It takes place in venues across relations.
quality arts events to Kent and UK Canterbury and the surrounding areas
audiences, including the University’s well between Saturday 16 and Saturday 30 His appointment also follows an
established programme of Canterbury October. For full information on events, extensive career in cultural diplomacy,
Festival concerts and performances. visit: www.canterburyfestival.co.uk or holding a number of posts within the
see a Festival brochure, available from British Council, including his final role as
This important partnership will see the Tourist Information Centres, public Deputy Director-General.
Festival support Christ Church in the libraries and various retail outlets.
development of its cultural activity across
In accepting the post of next Vice
Chancellor in January, Dr Baker said:
“I feel very honoured to be
appointed the next Vice
Chancellor of Canterbury
Digging up the past Christ Church University. It is
a highly successful and exciting
for the future institution deeply committed
to the transforming power of
In a bid to help Folkestone The project will be volunteer-led, education.
residents celebrate their local supported by professional staff from the
heritage, the University is projects partners: Folkestone People’s “I look forward to building on
History Centre, Canterbury Christ Church the extraordinary achievement
supporting an archaeological dig and Canterbury Archaeological Trust.
in the town. of Michael Wright and to
A series of walks and talks are planned re-establishing my close
‘A Town Unearthed – Folkestone before for July, August and September, as well connections with the City of
1500’ (ATU) is a three year community as a two day conference “Language,
archaeology project supported by the
Canterbury and the County of
Ownership, Value and Meaning in Public
Heritage Lottery Fund. Residents will be Archaeology”, on September 24 and 25 at
Kent.”
encouraged to become actively involved the University Centre Folkestone.
from the start in areas such as field work, See StaffNET and StudentNET in
excavation of the Roman villa and Iron the new academic term for more
For more information please contact
Age site at East Wear Bay, interpretation information about Dr Baker’s
Lesley.hardy@canterbury.ac.uk
and volunteering. introduction to staff and the University.
Summer / 2010 05
Vice Chancellor’s Interview Meeting Mr Wright With just a few weeks to go until his retirement as Vice Chancellor, we asked Professor Michael Wright about his term in office. Was 13 years the right length of time, did he have any unfulfilled ambitions and had any other career choice beckoned before entering academia in 1970? 06 inspire / Canterbury Christ Church Magazine
What have been the highlights? What have been your personal challenges?
Genuinely, the people. The people I work with are lovely, Identifying the right jobs for the right people, which can
professional people. Other highlights include gaining be challenging and can take a long time. Harnessing
our University title in 2005, establishing new campuses growth – rapid growth can be a dangerous thing if you
and, of course, opening Augustine House. don’t harness it and focus on maintaining stability. Also
gaining University title. It wasn’t easy and it had to be
Your time in office is longer than most Vice carefully managed.
Chancellors – has it been the right length of time?
The average length of time is six to seven years and I’ve Can it be a lonely job?
been here twice as long. For me, it’s been exactly the I suppose it can be, but at the end of the day I am
right length of time. I came here on the understanding comfortable with who I am and I don’t need close
that I would “see it through” and I knew it would be friendships at work. The assistance I get from the people
around now that the time would come to hand over in my immediate office is incredibly important. These
to somebody else. I knew right at the outset that I people know more about Canterbury Christ Church
wouldn’t be going on to be Vice Chancellor, or take on University and me than anybody. Kerry Barber – and,
a similar role, elsewhere. before her, Jan Bowman – Tracy Clark and Linda Hinde
all provided me with tremendous support.
Summer / 2010 07
What would you like your legacy to be? using my knowledge and experience in I also admire Queen Elizabeth II for being
One of my colleagues in another university employment law, working in business faithful and for her sheer dedication.
once said to me that all we can do is advising organisations on industrial
to grasp onto a bit of thread left by the relations. At that time it wasn’t something Would you like your grandchildren to go
previous person and pull it through. practising solicitors generally considered. to university?
I would want to think that I have left However, I did a little better in my first
Absolutely. Although there have been many,
something upon which the next Vice degree and won a scholarship to study as
many changes since I went to university,
Chancellor, and others after, can pull a postgraduate. I had no regrets once I’d
the fundamentals are the same. Individuals
through. We can’t afford legacies as started academic life.
want to learn, to develop themselves and in
circumstances might change and I have to doing so they benefit society. In 1966 I was
accept that’s the way it is. Did your parents encourage you into one of a small number of people who went
academic life? to university, 7 or 8%, now it’s closer to
Any regrets or unfulfilled ambitions? My father was in Education, although 45%. The fundamentals will stay the same.
Not really. There are some things I wish I he started life as an accountant. I was
had finished but in broad terms I think I’ve aware of education institutions because Is there anything people wouldn’t
done my best and I’ll leave it to others to of my parents who were very encouraging perhaps know about you?
now take things forward. throughout my childhood. Unfortunately,
I prefer cheese to chocolate every time.
my mother died three weeks before my
Are there any events that stand out? interview for Vice Chancellor here at Christ
What will you miss?
Church so she wouldn’t have known I had
Quite a number, including the carol I will miss the people and, of course, the
been appointed Vice Chancellor.
services at the Cathedral, all 75 graduation routine. But mostly the people. It’s been a
ceremonies, the party to celebrate the My family for the last 39 years has been huge privilege and a great pleasure and I’ve
university’s 40th anniversary, celebrating equally very supportive. My wife has been never once regretted moving down here to
University title at Detling County extraordinarily encouraging – she has Kent from Edinburgh. Coming that distance
Showground and a concert at St Gregory’s been alongside me to every graduation you put the past behind you. You have to
in which a student played Saint-Saens’ The ceremony. move on.
Swan - it was a beautiful piece of music
played so magnificently and on her 21st
Is she looking forward to your
birthday.
retirement?
Music has always been an interest of mine. I think so. Whilst it is me who is retiring
It’s one of the reasons I was happy to come we have both got to relearn, to have a Professor Michael Wright retires
here –the portfolio of work, including different kind of life. on August 31, 2010.
Education, Health, Arts and Humanities and
Business all interested me personally. Which historical or living figure do you
most admire?
Did you consider any other career Anybody wearing the number 9 shirt for
choice? Newcastle United for the last 50 years. I
At one point a practising solicitor, but first went to see them 55 years ago and
for various reasons it didn’t happen. At have huge admiration for anyone who plays
the end of the 1970s I’d thought about centre forward for the Magpies.
08 inspire / Canterbury Christ Church Magazine
30
years in the
media
Christ Church was one of the first universities
to offer degree programmes in film, radio,
television and media and cultural studies.
30 years on the Department of Media has
built a national reputation for its work.
With strong industry links and its finger
on the pulse of rapid changes in media,
its graduates continue to shine in the media
and film industries at home and abroad.
Summer / 2010 09
1980s
ANNIVERSARY
Department of Media
From its creation in 1980, “More recently we’ve added a more overtly
professional dimension to the Department,
their careers fully conversant with latest
hardware and software. Our Canterbury-
with 25 students, it has with programmes in Digital Media and based programmes are now bursting out of
grown both in diversity Digital Culture, Arts and Media; Journalism Powell and we have ambitions for a purpose-
and Photography. An increasing number of built media centre sometime in the future.
of courses and student students want to study something that will Instead of converting an old building, we
numbers. As it celebrates provide the skills they need to get into media could have a blank sheet to build exactly what
jobs. We aim to satisfy that market, too.” we need.
its 30th Anniversary, the
Department now has The Department is also developing its “However, we mustn’t be driven only by
over 800 students at the research profile and is aiming for a strong
submission to the next national research
technology – content has to remain the most
important part of our work. But we do need
University’s Canterbury and audit, the REF. Roughly half the department to look to investment to make sure we are not
Broadstairs campuses. are also practitioners in their field and seek to left behind. All our competitors are investing
combine research with industry practice. heavily.
David Bradshaw took over as Head of
Department in September 2007. Reflecting Partnerships with local media companies, “We have a very experienced teaching team
on the Department’s history, he said: “Our validating degrees at other institutions, here, supported by able technicians and
origins go back 30 years to the foundation of expanding international links and more administrators, and that is the real reason for
the Department of Radio, Film and TV Studies overseas students taking their programmes, our success down the years. For the future,
(RFTV), whose distinctive identity, based on has strengthened the Department even more. I hope that we can maintain a range of
the principle of theory-practice integration programmes that approach the media from
was established by former Heads of David reflected: “Looking back over the different perspectives. It is also important
Department Philip Simpson and Nick Burton past 30 years, probably the most significant to offer professional programmes, too,
and continues to this day. impact has been the digital revolution which responding to the government’s employability
has transformed the entire media industry. agenda and student demand, and this is
“In 2001 RFTV merged with Media The shift to digital recording, editing and where I see most of our future growth.”
and Cultural Studies (MCS) to form the transmission has necessitated a complete
Department of Media. MCS approaches overhaul and upgrade of our facilities, while David, a former Middle East correspondent
the media from an essentially theoretical the growth of student numbers has required for the BBC and Economist, is still a
perspective, which enriches the Department an expansion of our specialist studios. We‘ve freelance journalist writing for the Economist
and complements RFTV’s (now known as invested around £720,000 in our facilities in Intelligence Unit, an international provider of
FRTV) theory-practice approach. [You can three years, thanks to our buoyant income political and economic risk analysis. He is their
tell roughly when graduates studied here stream and the University’s support. longest serving writer, writing primarily on
according to whether they refer to RFTV or North Africa, and Tunisia in particular.
FRTV!]. “We have to keep up with technological
change to enable our students to go into We also asked Principal Lecturer Ken Fox and
Senior Lecturer Tim Jones, who have worked
10 inspire / Canterbury Christ Church Magazine1990s 2000s
in the Department for 23 years and 15 years A: Tim: A key milestone was the rooms. One for the large projector and
respectively, to give us their recollections. acquisition of a proper 16mm bays of machines loaded with 16mm sep
professional dubbing suite from Anglia mag, and another to house the desk and
Q: What changes have you seen TV. It was so huge that it needed two screen.
since you started here?
A: Ken: The main ones include the
enormous increase in numbers of Thelma Schoonmaker Powell, roots in Canterbury, and because they
students; the development of the three-time Academy Award-winning admired his films. I was very touched
Powell Building; the formation of film editor, has been associated with by this, and visited the University for
the Department of Media; and the the Department since she officially the naming of the building. From that
development of the programmes at opened the Powell building, named point on I have worked closely with the
Broadstairs. after her late husband Michael Powell. Department to celebrate the work of
Eddie Mcmillan, Senior Lecturer, asked Michael Powell and his great partner,
Tim: Perhaps the biggest change is in her about how she got into films and Emeric Pressburger.
technology. When I started, film was her involvement with the Department.
edited on a Steenbeck, audio tape was “The Department has a deep
cut with razor blades and stuck together “I got into the film business purely by commitment to teaching the creative
with sticky tape, and video was edited accident – or good luck. It was meeting side of filmmaking, and there could be
on an old and unreliable U-matic suite. Martin Scorsese at New York University nothing more important than that. I
Within about five years everything had where I did a summer school for think the job of any university, in any
changed completely by the emergence budding filmmakers and he was in his field, is to teach you how to think - to
of computers. We actually got our last year at film school, which launched open your mind, to expose you to
first computer editing suite for video in me on a career in film. He taught me exciting and different influences that
1997. It was called Lightworks and cost how to edit and I worked on his films change you.
£46,000! Since then the computer has before he went to Hollywood. It would
taken over. be ten years before we worked together “Attending the Graduation Ceremony in
Q: What would you say were the again on Raging Bull. From then on I Canterbury Cathedral when I was made
milestones in the Department’s edited all his feature films and some an Honorary Fellow was a very moving
history? documentaries. I owe my Oscars to him experience. To feel connected to the
and his brilliant direction. University and to know that the work
A: Ken: The development of the Powell
of Michael Powell will be cherished by
Building and the strategic decisions made “After I lost my husband, Michael that University made the connection
by Philip Simpson, Head of Department Powell in 1990, I was contacted by Nick all the more powerful. I hope that I
from 1990-98, to help the Department Burton, the late Head of Department, can contribute to the University in a
to grow. Nick Burton’s untimely death. who told me that the Department meaningful way, and return the honour
The appointment of David Bradshaw, our of Media wanted to name their new they have bestowed on me.”
current Department head. building after Michael because of his
Summer / 2010 11Meet the team
Widening
partnerships
Our team in Partnerships and Widening As a University with deep roots into its
communities and a strong desire to make
Participation make the seemingly higher education accessible to those with
the ability, the work of the Partnership
impossible, possible. For many who think and Widening Participation (PWP) team is
critical to the University’s outlook on Higher
university is out of reach, the PWP team Education (HE).
Under the directorship of Paul Carney, the
is out to prove them wrong, to show them team has a new focus on removing the
barriers that might stand in a prospective
how higher education can make a life student’s way, whether these are socio-
economic, through a disability or because
changing difference. they have no experience of university.
Ben Warden
Paul Carney Project Officer Victoria Perks
Director Wendy Ellis Project Delivery Assistant
Manager
12 inspire / Canterbury Christ Church MagazineThe team work with all ages from primary schools helping around 600 students. This we co-ordinate and facilitate departments
school children to adults, encouraging programme has proved so successful, we in their own work with PWP. They know
both early or late aspirants. They also help have been asked to take on more schools the students they want to reach. We will
students with the application process and next year. This is an area Jacey leads. help them with the strategies they need to
offer vital support whilst at university to ensure they will be attracting these students,
ensure our undergraduates stay the course. Ben and Victoria go out to schools and retaining them and that their academic
give talks on why pupils should consider achievement is fulfilled.
What do you do? university. They also supply teachers with
We drive the whole PWP strategy. In order the information they need to guide their What do members of the team enjoy
for this to be realised, we need everyone students, especially on finance. most and least about their role?
on board, academic staff, support staff and Paul: Most: I like working with a great
University is not for everyone, but should team. Everyone drives their own project
the Students’ Union. We need to provide be available for those who are capable and
personalised education to meet the needs of area forward and I enjoy sharing our
would benefit from it. We are involved in successes. Least: Unproductive meetings.
every student. a lot of projects to make this possible from
Progression Accords with local schools to Ben: Most: I love the face-to-face
We have a duty of care to these applicants
sponsoring academies and hosting subject work and seeing the positive impact of
to make sure their perceived barriers are
specific open days. We also attend school your advice on people. I also enjoy the
overcome and do not continue to be a
open days where we can talk directly with communication and media work I do.
barrier during their university life. They parents to break down barriers and myths
should have an academic profile which Least: Seeing students enjoying the
they may have about HE and finance. sunshine while I work on budget sheets!
matches their ability and the right kind of
support to make that possible. We have just achieved the Frank Buttle Wendy: Most: I enjoy meeting people
quality mark for our support of young people and telling them about the work of the
Raising the aspirations of young people or from care. James has led on this work. We PWP office. Least: Sometimes the work
adults who want to start or progress their provide a personalised plan, which includes can be frustrating – we are not always
career is just a part of our work, though a very year-round accommodation, financial able to take our ideas forward as quickly
important part. We have taster days for young support, academic support and a designated as we would like.
people and host summer schools. We also member of staff they can turn to.
have schemes like the Aimhigher Associate Victoria: Most: I love going out and
scheme and Ambassador scheme, where This is a huge operation and we employ over meeting students and learning about
current students mentor pupils, or go into 200 students and academic staff who go out their aspirations. Least: The time spent in
schools and give talks on their experiences. into the field on our various projects. Our the car travelling between venues.
We currently have 30 associates going into aim for the future is to get to a point where
Jacey: Most: I really like the
organisation of events and programmes
and seeing how you can change people’s
perception of HE through them. Least:
James Foster Schools who pull out of planned events
Senior Project Officer at the last minute.
Jacey Holland
Project Assistant James: Most: Doing a job I really like,
there can’t be many people who like their
job as much as I do! Least: I've got to
echo Paul’s comments – unproductive
meetings and red tape frustrate me.
What is the team’s biggest success?
We have only been together for a year and
we have come a long way. We are beginning
to have an impact but we have a long way
still to go. Each individual success makes up
our big success.
What big team projects are coming up
this year?
We are trying to develop the range of
academic opportunities, such as Gateway
to the Professions that introduce pupils to
studying at the University. We would like
to develop our programmes further so that
they make a real contribution to students
applying to come here.
How does the team unwind after a busy
project?
Tea and cakes!
Summer / 2010 13The theatre of the seaside isn’t what it used to be. But like so many
changes in British culture, live entertainment has found a new place
in people’s hearts. We talk to senior lecturer, Dr Steve Hayler, about
the future of seaside theatres in Britain and how they can weather the
storm of any public funding cuts.
SEASIDE
VIEW
Margate’s Winter Gardens and Leas Cliff Whilst success doesn’t come as naturally
Hall in Folkestone, boldly perched on the to the seaside resort - since the tourists’
coastline, testify to the seaside theatre’s steady migration away from these once
once confident position as a number one colourful and alluring holiday hotspots to
holiday pastime. Variety shows galore, sunnier destinations - their presence is still,
queues to the box office around the corner, however, essential to the town’s future
the spectacle of the stage. In the last 50 regeneration.
years times have changed.
Much of what is on offer in seaside theatres
is now often indistinct from shows that run
in provincial theatres in UK towns and cities,
consistent with the fact that the weather-
beaten theatre halls draw in crowds from
much closer quarters.
14 inspire / Canterbury Christ Church MagazineSummer / 2010 15
successful rebirth would be the Spa Theatre
at Bridlington in Yorkshire. A 1930s Royal
Hall ballroom and Edwardian theatre, the
Spa Bridlington was significantly renovated
by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, with
the assistance of the European Regional
Development Fund and Yorkshire Forward
between 2006 – 2008. With the right
infrastructure, it is now a successful venue
for live entertainment, events, community
events and conferences.
At a time when public funding cuts are
intensifying, including the arts, the dilemma
for local authorities will no doubt increase.
Invest in these theatres to restore them
to their former glory and transform them
into spaces for the whole community, like
So what should ‘‘ My research is not looking at how
we can try to preserve the nostalgia
Bridlington Spa, or loosen the ties in favour
of trust or private sector management –
happen to these of live entertainment from a bygone the Leas Cliff Hall has been running via a
age, but look at the here and now, and management contract with the UK’s leading
once magnificent towards the future, to work out what is theatre chain, the Ambassador Group,
needed to keep theatres alive. Theatre, Margate’s Winter Gardens is now a ‘hybrid’
seaside attractions? and culture as a whole, is a factor in a Industrial and Provident Society Partnership
town’s regeneration opportunities. run by Thanet Leisure Force on behalf of
Thanet District Council.
Dr Steve Hayler, a senior lecturer in the These buildings are architecturally
Faculty of Business and Management, was, important spaces, but so many are run Dr Hayler recognises the dilemma but
in the 1970s, a live entertainer, agent and down, battered by the weather or just still believes their long term future and
manager in the entertainments industry.
left to slowly decay. Local authorities sustainability rests predominantly with
have a responsibility to provide a local authority management. His research
His passion for live entertainment has
cultural strategy for seaside towns, and over the past 10 years has established
endured and over the last 10 years he
theatres and live entertainment are very industry-wide performance criteria and
has been tracking the cultural shift of live much part of that strategy. benchmarking, helping public-sector run
performances at seaside theatres through seaside theatres understand their audiences
trend analysis of audiences and performers. Whilst many private sector companies and what works on stage.
His research, alongside colleague Dr Chris are running theatres very well, and
Bull in the Department of Sport Science,
Tourism and Leisure at Canterbury Christ
Church, suggests seaside theatres are just as
pulling in box office profits, they can
re-interpret management contracts or
leases it if they’re not making enough
‘‘ All the (local authority run) theatres
in my database make a box office
profit, however the maintenance
important to a coastal town as they used to money. Most local authorities have of the building can be a drain on
be in their heyday. the expertise to run theatres and my resources. The most effective theatres,
research has shown that they do it very in my mind, are the ones where the
But their viability, and vitality, depends on well. There is also the added benefit of local authority have maintained the
a greater connection with local people accountability, with a local authority exterior and the authenticity of the
(given that, at many resorts, most audiences looking at the success of a resort as a interior, modernised the space and the
now live within a 45 mile radius), the whole, making it more appealing to technology, maintained control of the
local authority’s vision for culture and
‘‘
both its own residents and tourists for
‘‘
programming and widened the space
regeneration and a clear understanding of the future. for use by the community.
the area’s live entertainment preferences.
The one size fits all variety show no longer Steve has an ally in Ken Dodd, perhaps one
of the UK’s best known live entertainers.
meets the needs of more local, discerning
Meeting in Southport in 2008 Steve tried to
audiences.
persuade Ken to give the opening lecture in
any planned conference on contemporary
According to Steve, who studies the success
seaside entertainment but this is unlikely
rate of live entertainers at UK local authority
all the while Ken continues to take on his
run coastal theatres, seaside theatres, heavy touring schedule.
generally, should be managed by local
authorities and seen in the wider context of However, the early part of the 21st century
its arts, culture and regeneration strategies. is clearly a time to consider change at
seaside theatres and a good example of a
16 inspire / Canterbury Christ Church MagazinegOiNg grEEN
Emission
In June we came 56 out of 133 higher income, and therefore helped us to achieve
education institutions in the Times Higher the Carbon Trust Standard, include:
Education’s ‘People and Planet Survey,
Control moving up 14 places. • Improving the efficient use of our building
space
The recent appointment of Peter Rands as
Sustainability Development Manager also • Disposal of some of our buildings with
Behind the scenes, the ensures we stay focused on environmental high consumption and their replacement
with modern buildings such as the Sports
University has been working and sustainability issues. An early success has
been the recent award of the Carbon Trust Centre and the Augustine House Library &
hard to reduce carbon Standard, a bid led by Assistant Facilities Student Support Centre.
emissions and carve out a Director Rob Thrower. • Continued investment in computers and IT,
sustainable future. replacing workstations with more efficient
Carbon Trust Standard models.
However, Canterbury Christ Church is about
to launch a new Carbon Management Plan The Carbon Trust Standard requires us to
Our University has been awarded the Carbon keep reducing our carbon footprint and to
which will bring this work from behind the Trust Standard (CTS) for significant work in
scenes into the forefront of our work. recertify every two years. It means we have
reducing carbon emissions. to continue the great work and all keep
Having already set a minimum target to reducing our impact on the environment.
In the past few years, colleagues have helped
reduce carbon emissions by 29% by 2020, to reduce our carbon footprint by almost
an aspirational target to achieve a 35% 14%; a real achievement which is now
reduction by 2016 has now also been set. By
involving all staff and students wherever they
recognised by the Carbon Trust Standard.
Did you know?
are in the University in the development and In recent years, the University has
implementation of the Carbon Management The 500 Daylight chairs bought for
experienced a prolonged period of growth.
Plan we will be able to confirm this as a firm Augustine Hall are 100% recyclable with
As a result, carbon dioxide emissions from
target in March of next year. More to come the resin frame and mesh manufactured
electricity and gas consumption have
in the next edition of Inspire. from old car battery casings. Augustine
inevitably risen.
House itself generates substantial heating
We are, however, celebrating some real However, some of the key factors which and cooling from ground source heat
successes in our journey to shrink our carbon have ensured these emissions have increased pumps, which is free sustainable energy.
footprint. at a slower rate than student numbers and
Car share corner
We ask car sharers their thoughts on the What are your likes about car sharing? What have you discovered about your
scheme and how much money they save car partner?
Melissa: It’s great to travel with Pete at the
as well as miles per week.
end of a working day. He’s got a brilliant sense Melissa: Pete has a phobia about loose
In this issue we asked Pete Ryan, Head of humour and before you know it, you’re buttons!
of Library Services, and Melissa Cleary, home!
Pete: What it’s like to be stuck in Bangkok
Corporate Communications Manager, for Pete: We have a similar sense of humour so during the volcanic ash cloud, seeing the
their thoughts. even after a bad day you can end up laughing! photos of her wedding, sharing a love of
TV comedy series like "Benidorm", and her
What are your dislikes about car sharing? preference for a long, chilled G&T!
Melissa: Sometimes it can be restricting if (not whilst driving, of course)
you have deadlines to meet and you want
to crack on with work. I have been known, How much do you save each week
accidentally, to leave Pete waiting on a street between you? £25 per week
corner for his lift whilst I’m engrossed in work! How many car miles have you saved
Not on purpose, I’ve just forgotten him. Sorry between you? 125 miles per week
Pete.
Pete: Having the responsibility of getting to If you are a car sharer, please get in touch
and from work at a particular time - and not and share your experiences –
wanting to keep the other person waiting (or isobelle.leggett@canterbury.ac.uk
having to wait for them!)
Summer / 2010 17News in brief
gender, film, landscapes, opera and much redevelopment in Folkestone. The public
more. consultation process includes five public
Faculty of Arts consultation events, a two-week shop
and Humanities Plenary speakers Professor Kate Newey based exhibition, an online questionnaire
(University of Birmingham) and Nickianne and an extensive consultation process
Moody (Liverpool John Moores University) at local schools. This project exemplifies
Dickens 2012 were joined by a wealth of other speakers
from both within and outside CCCU; each
the University’s engagement with the
local community through cross-faculty
The University’s Medway Campus is paper presenting intriguing insights into collaboration.
preparing to play host to a special birthday how representations of angels and demons
party on February 6 and 7, 2012. Tuesday 7 persist as a means of developing further
is the day Charles Dickens, late of Chatham critical understandings of society, thought
and belief past and present.
and Rochester, turns 200. On the eve of the Transferring
bicentenary, a travelling ‘Tale of Four Cities’
conference calls in at the campus for two knowledge
half days of entertainment and academic
papers. The programme of events is being The Faculty has recently received funding
Faculty of Business and for a short-term Knowledge Transfer
organised by members of our Department
of English & Language Studies and the
Management Partnership (SKTP) in association with Kent
University of Kent’s School of English. Children’s Fund Network (KCFN). The project
builds on the already well established
Dutch Professor of full-time partnership. KCFN plans to make
use of the funding to re-brand and better
Entrepreneurship reflect the organisation’s ambitions, engage
Malaysian teacher visits the Faculty stakeholders and embed a brand strategy.
trainees bringing of Business and The project involves two academics from
the Faculty: Lynn Morris (Lead Academic)
language to life! Management and Andy Jackson (Academic Base
Supervisor), supported by the Knowledge
Malaysian trainee English teachers On Wednesday May 26, the Faculty of Transfer team at the Centre for Enterprise
studying on the B.Ed TESL Programme Business and Management was visited and Business Development.
have won the Onestopenglish Video by Professor Geert Duysters from the
Dictionary Competition for June 2010. Netherlands. Geert Duysters is a Professor
The students’ entries were part of the of Entrepreneurship at Tilburg University
Language Awareness module on their B.Ed and the Eindhoven University of Technology,
Programme. They chose a vocabulary item Scientific Director of the Brabant Centre for Faculty
or phrase and created a short contemporary Entrepreneurship, and an internationally of Education
role play to illustrate the meaning and use acclaimed researcher. During his visit he
of the word or phrase. The videos were delivered a presentation to the faculty
aimed at lower secondary school learners of
English as a Second Language in Malaysia
about research in entrepreneurship and a Four new academics
seminar on how to get published. Dr Wim
with the idea being to create a fun, van Vuuren, organiser of the visit, said that: for the Faculty of
motivating and effective way both to teach
and learn vocabulary.
“The presentations were both insightful and Education
motivational, and strengthen the ambitions
of the faculty to establish itself in this area”. In recent years, the Faculty has succeeded
in achieving international recognition for
research work in Education. These new
Angels and Demons appointments will give the Faculty a greater
Folkestone Seafront capacity and opportunity for research work
and to continue to lead the way in research
Angels and Demons provided the theme
for the CCCU Arts and Humanities Faculty Redevelopment for Education.
Conference on Friday 11 June 2010. Seven
fascinating hours were spent exploring The Faculty, together with the Centre Professor Trevor Cooling will join the
such diverse topics as Victorian theatre, for Research into Children, Families and University as Director for the National
theological controversy, evangelism, Communities, is currently assisting the Institute for Christian Education Research
contemporary popular literature, science Folkestone Harbour Company in consulting (NICER).
fiction, female sexual expression, race, the public about the proposed seafront
18 inspire / Canterbury Christ Church MagazineProfessor Trisha Maynard will become Dr Kent is due to join the Department Professor Dewing in collaboration with East
the new Head of the Centre for Research of Geographical and Life Sciences as the Sussex Primary Care Trust.
into Children, Families and Communities new Senior Lecturer in Geography and
(CRCFC). Geographic Information Systems (GIS) later For details on the University’s first residential
this year. Practice Development School on September
Professor Felicity Wikeley and Professor 27 at the Tunbridge Wells Campus, contact
Petra Englebrecht will join as Professors of Their paper: ‘Stylistic Diversity in European the Faculty of Health
Education. 1:50,000 State Topographic Maps’, was and Social Care Information Office on
based on Dr Kent’s PhD research, which 01227 782723.
he studied for at Canterbury Christ Church
University.
Faculty of Social and The award was made at the Annual
Applied Sciences Symposium of the British Cartographic
University lecturer
Society in June. Whilst there, Dr Kent and elected as chair
Professor Vujakovic jointly convened a of Allied Health
“Brazil Connections”: seminar workshop entitled: Engaging the
Professions Federation
‘new cartographers’.
looking towards the
future Gill Dolbear, Senior Lecturer in the
Department of Allied Health, has been
Members of one of the most prestigious elected Chair of the Allied Health
universities in Brazil have participated in Space invaders Professions Federation (AHPF), a UK wide
the Department of Geographical and Life organisation with management boards in
Members of the Department of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Sciences annual research conference, “Brazil
Geographical and Life Sciences were the
Connections”, focusing on biodiversity and
keynote speakers at the Medway Schools' As Chair of the AHPF, Gill will play an
environmental studies in Brazil and the UK.
6th Form Geography Conference, run in integral part in promoting interprofessional
As a result of this visit, funding collaboration with Sir Joseph Williamson’s working, thereby enabling Allied Health
opportunities will be explored to allow Mathematical School. Professionals (AHPs) to provide high quality
research students from the Brazilian care for patients and their carers across the
The conference focused on ‘Kent’s changing whole health and social care sectors.
university to join members of the
environment’ and introduced students
Geographical and Life Sciences department
to critical issues facing Kent and its
and develop research projects in the
environment.
UK. The Department’s research students
will also develop research work in Brazil Assistant Practitioners
in connection with the Geosciences
department of the Campinas State supported with further
University or in conjunction with the Faculty of Health education
Forestry Institute in São Paulo state (the and Social Care
third partner institution). Canterbury Christ Church University,
together with East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust
and the South East Coast Strategic Health
Developing research Authority, have showcased how Foundation
Mapping out success with the University of Degrees can help support the new role of
Ulster Assistant Practitioners (AP) working in Kent.
Dr Alex Kent and Professor Peter Vujakovic,
Head of Geographical and Life Sciences at The AP role is currently an unregulated
The University is set to sign a Memorandum
Canterbury Christ Church University, have position in the health and social care
of Agreement with the University of Ulster
been jointly awarded the prestigious 'Henry workforce, with APs working in operating
to develop research and development.
Johns Award' by the British Cartographic theatres, outpatients, audiology and other
Future work will focus on research to set up
Society (BCS). key areas. The role is designed to support
an international collaboration for person-
registered nurses and other health and
centred practice research and development
The award, sponsored by Lovell Johns, one medical colleagues to improve efficiency
as well as joint research supervision,
of the UK’s leading cartography companies, and effectiveness of services.
seminars and conferences. This activity
is for the most outstanding article published builds on the appointment and work of
in ‘The Cartographic Journal’.
Summer / 2010 19VOLUNTEERING
For many years
a small army of
volunteer students
and staff have Spotlight
been making a big
difference to local
on
communities. volunteers
Staff provided a much appreciated hand in total volunteering hours undertaken by
tidying and decorating the Arden Theatre students and staff from the University to over
in Faversham, transforming the overgrown 8000 in the past year alone.
garden and giving the theatre a fresh coat of
Geoff Haworth, Director of Student Support
paint.
and Guidance, said:
The Arden theatre, which is funded and run
by a dedicated team of volunteers, welcomed “We are delighted to be able to give
the staff from the University’s Student back to the local community. It is
CCCU Volunteering has placed facilities like the Arden Theatre that
Support and Guidance Department with
hundreds of volunteers into open arms. make Kent a great place to live, work
projects in Kent’s towns. and study and we only wish that we
Mary Caryer from the Arden theatre said:
could do more.”
Inspire spoke with some of “We very much appreciate the assistance
If you have a volunteering opportunity
the volunteers to find out given to us; this kind of support is a
for Canterbury Christ Church University
how volunteering can have great boost to our own efforts and
students or staff, please contact Judy
greatly appreciated.”
a big impact on the quality Challis on 01227 767700.
of someone’s life or the The work was carried out as part of a team
environment in which we live. building away day. The clean up brings the
Billy Phillips Vlad Cealicu
Billy Phillips is in his final year of a Primary Vlad Cealicu came to Canterbury in September
Education degree. By his own admission he last year from Romania to study for a Masters
isn’t ‘fantastic’ at football, but had always in Computing. He has been working with Age
enjoyed it so wanted to get involved in some Concern Canterbury, Faversham, Whitstable
sort of coaching on a voluntary basis. Nearly and Sittingbourne to produce a database that
two years later Billy has gained professional now has the potential to be adopted by many
level coaching badges and was awarded The more Age Concern Centres in the South East
FA Under 25 Volunteer of the Year for Kent, and beyond. His volunteering also helped him
2010. Billy explained: to get a full time job. Vlad said:
“Over the last 18 months I’ve probably worked nearly 500 “I have been working with Age Concern since January to
hours, but it links well with my teaching degree and the PE side build a unique and tailored database that would host all their
of it. It has made me much more confident with my teaching information. The experience has been great. I’ve been learning
and it has taught me how to work with children with learning all about building databases in lessons, but this has allowed me
difficulties or other disabilities. to actually put it into practice. But more importantly I’ve really
enjoyed it.”
“The club has also been very good to me. They have put me
through my FA Level One coaching badge and other coaching Judith Griffiths, chief officer at Canterbury Age Concern, said:
badges and qualifications when the opportunity has come
up. They have been very supportive and it has been very “What Vlad has achieved has exceeded all our hopes. It has
rewarding.” been a lot of work for Vlad, but we are so pleased with it.”
20 inspire / Canterbury Christ Church MagazineSTUDENT NEWS
A golden apple for the teacher Negotiating their
way to success
Students have rewarded The winners were:
Jack Ridgway and Paul Morgan, second year
• Andrew King, Reader in Print History,
the lecturers they felt had Faculty of Arts and Humanities
law students, negotiated their way through
stiff competition to reach the finals of the
shown exceptional teaching • Nicky Leatherbarrow, Senior Lecturer, National Negotiation Competition for Law
Faculty of Business and Management
standards or who had been • Michael green, Senior Lecturer, Primary
Schools.
particularly inspiring, at a Education, Faculty of Education Four students from the course, including
Rachel Levett and Greg Dunne, took part in
ceremony in the Students’ • Debbie King, Senior Lecturer, Nursing and a hotly contested competition. Held at the
Applied Clinical Nursing, Faculty of Health College of Law in London, the finals saw the
Union. and Social Care 60 teams from 34 law schools in England
• Shauna Mccusker, Senior Lecturer, Law and Wales narrowed down to the winners
Nominations came for tutors, lecturers, and Criminal Justice Studies, Faculty of of the regional heats.
seminar leaders, module co-ordinators and Social and Applied Sciences
any member of staff who had an influential Jack and Paul went forward to the finals
role in the student academic development. Liam Preston, outgoing President of the as the second ranked team nationally and
In all, the Students’ Union received 113 Students’ Union, said: managed to come a commendable fourth
nominations for 47 members of staff. on the day. They encountered the eventual
The staff members nominated, as well as ‘‘Students’
This is a new scheme that the
Union has introduced.
winners, two students from The College
of Law, Bloomsbury, in their negotiations.
The winners will represent England at the
the students who nominated them, were It was a fantastic opportunity for
invited to the awards lunch and ceremony. students to celebrate teaching international finals in Brisbane, Australia.
Five Golden Apple Awards were presented, excellence within the institution left to right: Diana Yip, Rachel Levett, Jack
one for each Faculty. and we look forward to the Golden
‘‘ Ridgway, Paul Morgan, Greg Dunne and
Apple Awards 2011. Emmy Reed-Poysden.
Radiography student wins award
This year’s Agfa Student Prize was given of different health professions to visit a Medical School
to Nada Tappouni, third year BSc (Hons) and Nursing College in Kerala, South India for two
weeks as part of an inter-professional collaboration
Diagnostic Radiography student. The award
team.
is given to students who have shown
commitment as well as academic merit. Nada’s personal and professional conduct as well as her
strong interpersonal skills and the desire to achieve the
Nada established herself as a conscientious, hard- best for herself and for others, led to her being chosen
working and motivated student from the start. In her as the recipient of the CCCU, (Medway Campus) Agfa
third year she became a Peer Assistant Student Leader Student Prize.
to first year students and joined a group of 30 students
Summer / 2010 21BUSiNESS FOCUS
Bringing you the latest news from
our business teams. Quick off the mark
First year student Tom White has combined
his entrepreneurial spirit and education to
launch his own business.
About to enter his second year in Marketing
and Advertising Management, the Christ
Church student recently launched his own
printed clothing business for students and
corporate clients.
Tom said: “The main idea came about
at the beginning of spring term when
I was talking to friends about sports
team printed clothing and the hassle
in organising team kits, tour t-shirts/
hoodies online or over the phone. From
there I researched the industry and the
Scott Hodson, Managing Director of a computer software possibility of opening a business like this
and web design company, and graduate Charles Hunter are
myself, with the main aim to make this
benefitting from the Graduate Internship Scheme
process easier and cheaper for students
to order holiday/tour t-shirts, team kits,
Matching business with fresh talent society hoodies. This quickly evolved
into corporate and workwear for local
businesses and clothing for local sports
Canterbury Christ Church University is JobShop is free of charge and has over 1000 teams as well as word of mouth.”
promoting two innovative schemes to graduates and students looking for work.
Tom fits his business around his studies
bring graduates and South East businesses
It allows employers to get their vacancies out and passion for Roller Hockey, recently
together.
to thousands of students and can be used representing England in the 2009 under 21s
The new Graduate Internship Scheme, alongside, or as a replacement for, existing world championships in Italy last summer.
which is government funded and runs until recruitment activities. Whether it’s a part-
‘‘
September 2010, aims to match recently time job, a graduate position, vacation work
graduated students with local businesses and or work experience and volunteering, the The whole experience of starting my
their current needs. JobShop will be able to help source the right own business has been great and has
person for the job. helped my University studies. I can
Internships are a cost effective and flexible
relate to it firsthand and I’ve received
approach to providing businesses with a low-
risk introduction to graduate employment. a huge amount of help from the
Now South East businesses with fewer than If you would like to apply for, or discuss, the university about business planning,
50 employees can apply to the University’s Graduate Internship Scheme please contact extra training and support, and would ‘‘
intern scheme. Samia Abdiche on 01227 782093 or e-mail:
sam.abdiche@canterbury.ac.uk like to say a huge thank you for that!
The University will provide up to £1,500 per
graduate for a 13 week internship at a local, For more information email:
small business. Participating businesses will tom@theT-shirtfactory.co.uk
be required to contribute to ensure that
graduates are paid to at least the minimum For more information on
wage. Job the JobShop please email:
Alternatively, the University’s JobShop helps Shop. jobshop@canterbury.ac.uk For more information email:
employers to recruit highly skilled and business.services@canterbury.ac.uk
motivated students and graduates for a or visit our website:
range of different posts, either temporary or www.canterbury.ac.uk/
permanent. business-services
22 inspire / Canterbury Christ Church MagazineYou can also read
