Headway 17

headwayAlumni Association Magazine Issue 17

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elcome to the seventeenth issue

of headway, the magazine of

Southampton Solent University’s

Alumni Association. This is the first edition

since we changed our name from

Southampton Institute to Southampton

Solent University, following the award of

University title last year.

Since the last issue, there have been many

developments at the University – namely

the recent installation of our new

Chancellor, Sir Alan West, at a special

ceremony at Southampton Guildhall.

The Chancellor is the ceremonial head

of the University and one of our most

prominent ambassadors.

November 2005 was a significant time as

we held our first Graduation ceremony as

Southampton Solent University. The class of

2005 were the first cohort to wear our own

Graduation robes. Read all about it on pages

four and five.

It has been a good year for sport at the

University. Our current students have

achieved too many accolades to mention in

this column; turn to page 10 for full details.

With our current students being the British

Universities Sailing Association (BUSA)

yachting champions, it’s no surprise that our

alumni go on to achieve success in this

sport. Two alumni, Robert Greenhalgh and

Gerd Jan Poortman were in the teams to

come first and fourth respectively in the

Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06. Congratulations

to both alumni, who we hope are taking

a well-deserved rest after months of

hard work.

While on the subject of alumni success, who

better to mention than Sean Yazbeck who

became the first Briton to win the US

version of The Apprentice. He will now

command a six-figure salary with the Trump

Organisation and is a household name

across the Atlantic. Sean graduated with

first-class honours in 1996 and the

University is very proud of his achievement.

In this issue, we take a trip down memory

lane. Last year, art alumni joined in

celebrations for the 150th anniversary of

the Southampton College of Art. It was

interesting to hear many stories about life

at the College of Art and how it played such

a key part in shaping careers and personal

lives. Moving onto one of our other former

institutions, Southampton College of

Technology, we talk to Zyg Nilski, who as a

student in the sixties set up what is now

Solent Students’ Union. Coincidentally, his

son Adam also studied here and they

compare how student life has changed

dramatically over the past 40 years.

Many alumni decide to set up their own

businesses. Our business enterprise feature

shows how the University supports young

entrepreneurs, illustrated by some of our

success stories. Our inventions feature also

exemplifies the grit and determination our

alumni have shown to get their products

launched and sold in today’s marketplace.

And last but by no means least, don’t forget

to visit the updates section at the back of

the magazine. This is where you can find out

where your friends are now and who’s

recently tied the knot. There is also our gift

collection where you can buy limited

edition Southampton Institute gifts and the

new range of Southampton Solent

University branded items.

Keep us updated with your contact details

and career information. We are always

looking for alumni to feature in this

magazine so do get in touch. Either

complete and return the carrier sheet

enclosed with this issue or update us online

at www.solent.ac.uk. Also visit the website

for the online networking and e-directories

where you can search for lost friends and

make contacts with others in your industry.

If you are organising a reunion let us know

and we can publicise it on the reunions and

events page.

Keep in touch and enjoy this issue.

Julia Fitzpatrick

Public Relations and Alumni Officer

Contents headway - Southampton Solent University Alumni Association Magazine

headway | Summer 20062

How to contact the

Alumni office

Send your news, views, queries and

comments to:

The Alumni Office

Southampton Solent University

East Park Terrace

Southampton

SO14 0RB

UK

T. +44(0) 23 8031 9038

F. +44(0) 23 8033 4161

E. [email protected]

W. www.solent.ac.uk/alumni

Editor: Julia Fitzpatrick, with thanks to

Chloe Balharry and Glenn Harris

Design: Amy Clark and Giles Whatley

Printed by: Cedar Colour Ltd

Front cover: Reg Traviss directs a scene from

Joy Division (see feature on page 18)

W

Contents headway - Southampton Solent University’s Alumni Association Magazine

1headway | Summer 2006

2 Vice-Chancellor’s welcomeFrom Professor Roger Brown

6 University news A round up of what’s going on in and

around the University

24 Focus on...International alumni

25 Alumni newsYour news stories

31 Membership newsAlumni Association – What’s in it

for you?

32 Where are you now?Updates, weddings, reunions

and obituaries

36 Gift collection A new range of University gifts

37 Millais GalleryExhibitions

3 What’s in a name? A new brand for a new University

4 First University graduationNew robes for 2005 graduates

14 Generation gameFather and son compare student life

40 years on

16 Paddling palsAlumni paddle down Canadian river to

raise money for prostate cancer charity

18 From camper van to Cannes Years of hard work pay off for Media

with Cultural studies graduate

20 Making entrepreneursHow the University supports and

facilitates business start-up

23 Sculpture for schoolchildrenAlumni and schoolchildren create a

giant Easter Island Head

26 Alumni inventionsBodycage, pillpress and talking walls

FeaturesRegularsDespite being

well aware of the

dangers,Adam and

I were excited about

the prospect of

tackling the Five

Finger Rapids...

Paddling pals, page 16”

“

Vice-Chancellor’s Welcome headway - Southampton Solent University’s Alumni Magazine


elcome to the first headway

to be published by the new

Southampton Solent University.

The last edition carried a photograph of staff

celebrating our degree awarding powers. Since

then, as reported elsewhere in this issue, what

was Southampton Institute has become a

university.This is a timely recognition of the

progress made by the Institute since it became

a Higher Education Corporation in 1989.We

always said that we were as good as existing

universities, now we have tangible proof!

A number of questions were asked when we

received the news about our new status.

Since these will be of some interest to our

alumni, I make no apology for mentioning

them here.

Firstly, what is the difference between getting

degree awarding powers and gaining a

university title? In some ways, in fact, degree

awarding powers is a more significant step

because it means that the wider academic

community trusts you to maintain the

standards of your courses without the need for

scrutiny by another institution. By contrast,

university title is more about recognising the

weight and value of what the institution does

as a major provider of higher education.

Secondly, can graduates of Southampton

Institute change their awards so that they are

from Southampton Solent University? We

would have loved to have been able to do

this, but unfortunately the powers and title

are not retrospective.We were, however, able

to give students still on degree courses a

choice of awarding body, and I’m glad that

the vast majority opted for a Southampton

Solent award.

A number of people have also asked me

whether, now that we have a university title,

we shall be making any changes in our mission.

The answer is quite clear. Southampton Solent

has no intention of changing its mission.We

will remain an accessible but high quality

higher education institution, and our central

focus will continue to be the education of our

students to the highest standards that we and

they can achieve.

Finally, people have queried the actual choice

of title.Our starting point was the need to

retain “Southampton” alongside “University”

whilst avoiding confusion with the University

of Southampton. From a number of names

that were suggested “Solent”, which was

already our e-mail address, emerged as the

clear favourite with staff, students and friends

outside the institution. It is already making a

strong impact along with our exciting new

visual image and branding which is also

evident in this issue.

One thing that gaining university title does

mean is that we have the option of

appointing a Chancellor.The Chancellor’s

main job is to preside over the University’s

formal degree ceremonies as, in effect, its

highest ranking officer.

I am delighted to be able to report that Sir

Alan West, until recently First Sea Lord and

Chief of Naval Staff, accepted the Board of

Governors’ invitation to become our first

Chancellor. Sir Alan was formally installed at

a special ceremony at the Southampton

Guildhall on 28 June. His appointment is the

subject of a separate article in this headway.

This has been the highlight of what is turning

out to be another highly successful year,

many examples of which are covered

elsewhere in this edition. In March our new

Centre for Professional Development in

Broadcasting and Multimedia Production was

officially opened by Clive Jones,Chief

Executive of ITV News and Regions.This is an

exciting development, which will enhance

our provision for both young and mature

students.We have this year introduced a

number of new degrees in subjects such as

performance, media writing, comedy (both

performance and writing), music and music

technology. Several of our students have had

individual successes in national competitions

in their chosen academic disciplines, and our

mooting team won its league in the Midlands

University Mooting Competition. I am sure

some of you will also have seen in the

national press recently that Sean Yazbeck,

one of our Media with Cultural Studies

graduates has just won the final of the US

version of The Apprentice. Sean graduated in

1996 with first class honours.

The University has had considerable success

on the sporting front too: our student

yachting team has yet again won the national

BUSA championships, and two of our teams

(men’s basketball and men’s cricket) have

climbed through the various tiers to reach

BUSA Premier League level. Southampton

Stags (a joint collaboration between ourselves

and the University of Southampton) are the

new UK student American Football

champions, and our successes have stretched

beyond the realms of student sport – we are

establishing ourselves as a leading football

club in the Hampshire area (winning the

treble of league, Hampshire Cup and

Southampton Cup in the season just finished).

There were also many individual successes.

Andrew Yates was a BUSA Silver Medallist in

Clay Pigeon Shooting, John Spencer was a

BUSA Bronze Medallist in Judo, and Ali Lalani

captained the UK Boccia team to victory in

the Belgian Open. Most recently, one of our

alumni, Robert Greenhalgh, a Maritime

Studies graduate in 1998, was a member of

the crew of the winning yacht in the Volvo

Ocean Race 2005-06.Another of our alumni,

Gerd Jan Poortman who graduated in 2000

with a Maritime Leisure Management degree,

was a member of the team placed 4th in the

same race.

The one downbeat note comes from the

imminent introduction of variable tuition

fees from this October.This is not the time or

place to go into the merits or otherwise of

bringing the students’ financial contribution

closer to the actual cost of teaching. But

there are real concerns that, at least in the

short term, students will be dissuaded from

entering higher education, particularly

students from social backgrounds unfamiliar

with further study. Looking beyond the

coming academic year, there are also

questions as to whether the Government will

sustain the present level of financial support

for higher education at a time when there

will be so many other pressing claims on the

Exchequer.This matters because even after

2006-07 the bulk of the cost of student

learning will still be met by the taxpayer.

But these are issues for the future. Please

enjoy headway.

Professor Roger Brown

W

outhampton Institute is now a

University and officially changed its

name to Southampton Solent

University in August 2005.

The Privy Council granted university title to

us, along with five other higher education

colleges in England last summer, the biggest

expansion in the UK university sector since

the polytechnics became universities in

1992.

The new University introduced a new brand

and logo.The brand and ‘spark’ logo for

Southampton Solent University were chosen

to express both the qualities and values that

have already made the University successful,

and the energy and ambition that will take it

forward. It was created using research by and

with our own staff and students.

The launch of the University’s new name and

brand started with a series of television and

other advertising, using a strapline ‘Spark

your imagination’ which communicated to

students that the opportunities are there,

limited only by their ambition.

Southampton Solent University Deputy Vice-

Chancellor, Professor Van Gore, says:“We’ve

been deliberately bold, both in the colours

chosen and the imagery adopted, but with a

serious purpose in mind. In an increasingly

competitive higher education market, we

need to be different and distinctive.We have

to promote ourselves strongly to potential

students and show we have something

exciting to offer.”

Staff and students welcomed the new name

and brand when ITV Meridian Tonight’s Fred

Dinenage sparked the celebrations by

launching a fantastic firework display from

the top of the University building at the

beginning of the 2005-06 academic year.

There has also been a series of city-based

events and activities to enhance our

reputation locally and nationally.

A new brand for a new university

What’s in a name?

S


headway | Summer 20064 headway | Summer 20064

he University welcomed back over

2,000 successful 2004-05 students

and their friends and family to

celebrate their achievements.The ceremonies,

at Southampton Guildhall in November 2005,

featured the new Graduation robes of


Kieran Lee from Llandeilo graduated with a

first class BSc (Hons) Film and Video

Technology. Kieran won ITV Meridian’s prize

for best course work in his second year.

Following his degree he has secured

employment with Dolby as a film sound

consultant at their European headquarters in

Bassett. Kieran plans to work more in the

creative side of film-making in the future.

Kieran says,“I had a good time at Southampton

Solent University.The University provided me

with all the facilities and support required to

achieve a first-class result!”

BA (Hons) Marine and Environmental Science

graduate Katie-George Dunlevy struck gold

with Britain’s mixed adaptive fours at the 2005

World Rowing Championships.Visually

impaired Katie-George obtained a sports

scholarship, enabling her to complete her

studies while competing at the highest level.

She is now aiming for the Beijing Paralympics

in 2008, where the sport of rowing will be

included for the very first time.

“Studying the degree while working allowed

me to apply the theory learnt at University in

a practical working environment,” says Carl

Riley who graduated with a first class BA

(Hons) Architectural Technology.An

architectural technologist at Simpson Hilders

Associates in Lyndhurst,Carl came to

Southampton Solent University as a part-

time student.The time at the University has

been of great benefit to his career in terms of

gaining a qualification and general

knowledge of the construction industry.

The two prizes for MA Marketing graduates

were awarded to Trevor Andrews (Lawton

Communications Prize – sponsor Jeff Ware)

and Sarah Gould (Carswell Gould Prize –

sponsor Gill Gould, no relation!).

Trevor, a freelance Marketing and Management

coach, explains why he decided to undertake

his MA at Southampton Solent University:“The

University offered a method of delivery that

suited my work pattern and I knew they had

close relationships with the Chartered Institute

Southampton Solent University entered a new era as it held its first

Graduation ceremonies since achieving full university status.

T

First graduates for

new University

5headway | Summer 2006 5headway | Summer 2006

of Marketing.The things I enjoyed most were

the excellent facilities, really helpful library,

good standard and very supportive tutors and

the nice atmosphere in the classroom.”

Sarah completed a degree in Human Resource

Management, but wanted to do something

more creative, so she chose to further her

career by doing a Master’s degree. Sarah said,

“I felt that experiencing university life is a

great experience for anyone, and definitely a

learning curve. Meeting people from all

around the world and a range of backgrounds

is extremely interesting.”

Just one day after his graduation ceremony,

BA (Hons) Journalism graduate Adam

Clatworthy undertook the gruelling challenge

of the New York Marathon to raise £2,300 for

Dreams Come True, a nationwide charity that

aims to lift the spirits of seriously and

terminally ill children by enabling them to

fulfil their most treasured dreams.

Adam, who is currently studying for his MA in

Marketing at the University, comments:“I can

only describe it as the most overwhelming,

amazing and most difficult experience that

has to be done at least once in a lifetime.”

Joining graduating students were

seven distinguished people

receiving honorary awards or

fellowships:

Television presenter and one of Britain’s best-

known gardeners,Charlie Dimmock was

made a Doctor of Business Administration.

Charlie is from Hampshire and is a trained

horticulturist and water gardening specialist.

A farmer all his working life, Michael Eavis is

best known as the founder and organiser of

the iconic Glastonbury Festival. In recognition

of his foresight, inspiration and hard work in

making the festival a significant hub of

musical, artistic, environmental and

charitable activities, Michael was made a

Doctor of Music.

A Doctor of Education was awarded to David

Heffer, the former Dean of the University’s

Faculty of Technology, who recently retired

after a 35-year career as an academic and an

academic manager. David made a

tremendous contribution to the development

of the University, both in the overall strategic

direction and in the development of its

portfolio.

Nigel Gee, a Fellow and President of the Royal

Institution of Naval Architects, was made a

Doctor of Engineering in recognition of his

contribution to the field of naval architecture

and in establishing an international company,

Nigel Gee and Associates Ltd. His links with

Southampton Solent University continue

through his employment of a succession of

our graduates.

The recently appointed CEO of leading games

company Codemasters, Rodney Cousens, was

awarded a Doctor of Business Administration.

Regarded as an industry veteran and the

‘Godfather’ of the UK interactive

entertainment software business, Rod has

developed online learning and course delivery

for Marketing in the Southampton Business

School faculty.

Malcolm Le Bas, until recently Senior Partner

with Southampton law firm Paris Smith and

Randall, was made a Doctor of Laws for his

contribution to the development of

Southampton and the region. He was for

many years a member of the University’s

Board of Governors, providing sound legal

advice to the University.

Chris Davis,Chief Executive of SCRATCH

(Southampton City and Region Action To

Combat Hardship) was presented with the

second Southampton Solent University

Community Fellowship Award at the

Graduation Dinner by the Chairman of the

Board of Governors, Professor Glyn Tonge.The

award was presented in recognition of the

charity’s various social action projects that

currently operate in Southampton and the

surrounding area to relieve the effects of

poverty for families and individuals.

Above and left:The Graduates of 2005

celebrate their achievements

...Studying the degree

while working allowed

me to apply the theory

learnt at University in

a practical working

environment...

”

“

headway | Summer 20066 headway | Summer 20066

News

o help raise awareness, a special

event took place to coincide with

Fairtrade Fortnight in April.The

University was particularly pleased to

welcome Ravikularaman ‘Ravi’

Ramasamy,who co-ordinates a number

of Fairtrade producer projects in

Pondicherry, India, to talk about his

work.

Professor Van Gore, the University's

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, officially

signed the University’s Fairtrade

Policy and was very supportive of the

initiative. Bernard and Francoise Carre

from Vandanamu Fair Trade joined

members of the University’s Fairtrade

steering group at the event, which

attracted considerable interest from

staff and students throughout the day.

Bryan Carroll, Deputy to the Director

of Campus Service and a member of

the University’s Fairtrade steering

group, comments:“Being a Fairtrade

University basically means making a

detailed commitment to increasing

quantities of Fairtrade products being

consumed at the University.

Additionally, it builds awareness

among staff and students about the

implications of their buying decisions

and gives them a socially-responsible

choice to eat or drink some

great food.”

The next step is to submit an

application to the Fairtrade

Foundation to secure Fairtrade

University status.

Fairtrade for

University

outhampton Football Club

expanded the audio-visual

coverage of the team’s home

games at St Mary’s Stadium by forging

an exciting new link with


Nine Level 3 BA (Hons) Film and

Television Studies students operated

cameras on the gantries, alongside the

Saints’ own cameramen, at all home

games.The digital footage shot weekly

by the students formed the pre-match

highlights to be shown at the

following game on the big Stadium

screen, and also formed the highlights

package shown online at

SaintsTV.com.

Tim Orme, Project Manager of Saints

TV, contacted Steven Peacock,Course

Leader for BA (Hons) Film and

Television Studies, to see if his

students would be interested in

gaining experience operating camera

equipment and shooting footage.

The footage has also benefited the

coaching team at the Club with Saints

Performance Director Clive Woodward

taking a close interest in the students’

work.

Steven Peacock comments:“The Club

is delighted with the relationship, the

professional attitude of the students,

the quality of their work, and is proud

of the involvement of Southampton

Solent University.This will hopefully

prove to be a long-standing and

mutually beneficial link between the

University and the Club.”

Tony Steyger, Senior Lecturer in Film

and Television Studies, with a

professional background in broadcast

television, adds:“We are keen for this

initial relationship with Southampton

Football Club to be developed over

time to allow all sorts of filmmaking

opportunities such as documentaries

and behind-the-scenes footage.”

Southampton Solent

University and Solent

Students’ Union have

implemented a Fairtrade

Policy supporting the selling

and promotion of Fairtrade

products in all retail and

catering outlets.

Saints on TV

Above: Stephen

Dorrington and

Sophie

Stammers

shooting

footage, which

was shown at

Saints’ home

games

...Both

candidates,

who were

senior officers

on LNG

vessels with

several years’

experience,

passed the

assessment...

T

S

he two-day assessment

involved two candidates from

Shell and K Line undertaking

theoretical and practical testing,

which was made against the DNV

(Det Norske Veritas) Standard of

Competence for Shipboard LNG Cargo

Operations, part of the wider DNV

SeaSkill initiative. DNV is a leading

worldwide authority on LNG shipping

and risk management. Both

candidates, who were senior officers

on LNG vessels with several years’

experience, passed the assessment.

Warsash Maritime Academy is

offering two-day assessments for

experienced officers, and longer

training courses for those with less

experience can be arranged on a

bespoke basis. For further information,

please contact course administrator

Tina Whitcher on 01489 556 216 or

e-mail: [email protected]

To help ensure a safer,

cleaner and more profitable

maritime industry,Warsash

Maritime Academy recently

conducted the world’s first

LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)

Competence Assessment

for officers sailing on

LNG carriers.

World first for

Warsash

T


News

he ‘Solent Surveyor’ was

commissioned at a special

launch party at the Royal

Southampton Yacht Club in Ocean

Village, with Stephen Meyer,Chief

Inspector of the Marine Accident

Investigation Branch (MAIB) attending

as the guest speaker.

The ‘Solent Surveyor’ is a new 10.5

metre motor catamaran capable of

taking 12 passengers up to 20 miles

offshore at speeds of 18 knots. It has a

large wheelhouse with two full size

chart tables and state-of-the-art

navigational equipment, a galley and

heads compartment, and a large

afterdeck.

Professor John Rees, Dean of the

Faculty of Technology, comments:

“The boat is based on an original

design concept and represents a step

forward in the faculty's capabilities for

student practical work. Purpose-built

for maritime teaching, it offers an

ideal platform for gaining real

experience offshore.This significant

investment demonstrates our

commitment both to a distinctive

learning experience and, being built by

a Southampton-based small business,

to the local economy.”

The Faculty of Technology has long

been a provider of up-to-date,

innovative marine subject-based

training and consultancy services for

businesses within the region, the UK

and overseas.

It has a wealth of resources, primarily

the knowledge and expertise of its

staff but also a wide range of specialist

facilities and equipment for hire and

use, including advanced composite

workshops, design and manufacturing

facilities, towing tank, materials

testing laboratories, and a coastal

research and survey vessel.

Above:

The ‘Solent

Surveyor’

The University is making a substantial investment in

practical teaching, with the construction of a brand new

training vessel to support its marine-based courses.

Investment boosts training fleet

T

hrough a five-year plan,

donated equipment from the

UK’s further and higher

education institutions will be

transported to Rwanda and

neighbouring countries, providing

them with technology that could

transform their economies through

information and communication

technology training.

Pat Mayward, Head of the University’s

International Office, took up the

challenge to co-ordinate the project,

and recently visited the Kigali Institute

of Science and Technology (KIST), to

hand over the 4,000 books, 100

computers, 40 VCRs and other

education materials that were

donated by the University and its

staff. KIST is one of four successful

institutions helping Rwanda build

its desperately needed human

resource base.

“African countries often receive

essential aid such as food, water and

medical supplies, which will help in

the short term. However, long-term

needs are going to be met by

education and we are proud that we

have been able to help with that,”

Pat remarks.

Since the first shipment of equipment

arrived, KIST, government officials and

the University have begun a

programme to equip at least one

school in every province with five

computers.

After a successful year, Pat is keen to

expand the project in terms of partner

institutions to act as donors in the UK,

recipients in Africa and pursuing extra

funding. If any alumni know of

schools, colleges or businesses that

would like to get involved in this

exciting and useful project, please

contact Pat on 023 8031 9041 or

e-mail: [email protected]

Southampton Solent University is at the helm of a Ground-

breaking project, working with government officials and

academic institutions in the UK and Africa to help

reinvigorate higher education in Africa.

Ground-breaking project helps transform

African education

T

Above: Pat

Mayward, Head

of the

University’s

International

Office delivers

one of the

computers

donated to help

transform the

economy

...The boat

is based on

an original

design

concept and

represents a

step forward

in the faculty’s

capabilities...

”

“

headway | Summer8

News

8

he University’s Mooting team

won its league in the national

Midlands University Mooting

Competition, and only narrowly

missed a place in the final to Birkbeck

College, University of London.

However, the team of second-year LLB

students, Lisa McLeod and Nur Jahan

Mazumder so impressed the judge,

Owen Davies QC, that he offered them

both mini pupillages and marshalling

opportunities at his Garden Court

Chambers, one of the country’s largest

legal practices.

“This reflects the outstanding quality

of our students,” says David Bailey,

Head of the School of Law, Education

and Management.“But seeing the

personal development of our mooters

is even more important than baubles –

the past year has seen an enormous

step forward in the intellectual and

skills development of the individual

students.”

A ‘moot’ is a student debate on

particular points of law, and helps to

develop advocacy skills through

arguing a fictitious legal appeal case in

a simulated courtroom.

Meanwhile, the School held the final of

its first ever Lexis Nexis Butterworths

Southampton Solent Mooting

Competition with an impressive

display by students, who were in front

of one of the toughest judges ever

seen. David Bailey adds:“Our students

stood up, held their ground, and were

able to remain undeflected in their

submissions, approaching the task

with intelligence and good humour.”

Law students and staff from Southampton Solent

University are celebrating after the mooting season

reached its climax amid accolades from two of the

country’s top lawyers.

Mooting success for legal eagles

Above: (l-r)

Junior Counsel

Andrew Kilbride,

Lead Counsel

Nur Jahan

Mazumder, and

Moot Master

Julian Samiloff

he article caught the attention

of Mocky Khan, a BA (Hons)

Sports Studies and Business

graduate, as he was leafing through the

magazine to keep up-to-date with the

goings-on at his former university. He

contacted the University immediately

and the rest, as they say, is history.

Since last August, Mocky has taken

over the running of the bar at

Hardmoor, therefore allowing the

money saved by the University to be

used to benefit the sports teams.

Mocky, who graduated in 1999, runs his

own agency specialising in sports

marketing, sponsorship, branding and

promotions. He also runs his own

property and catering business.

Mocky has made a lot of changes and

improvements to the bar and turned it

into a real clubhouse for sports teams,

as well as a great venue for parties.“I

like a challenge and I want to help the

University by any means that I can,”

Mocky explained.“The time I had at the

University was great and the support

and knowledge gained from my degree

helped me get where I am now. Being in

marketing and promotions, I could also

see the potential the bar had – it really

just needed a bit of TLC.”

The Chartered Marketeer has utilised

his skills in marketing and branding to

give the bar its all-important name and

brand. Now called The X-Bar

(pronounced Crossbar), it has many

new features, including a relaxing area

with leather sofas, a new bar area, a

wider choice of alcoholic and soft

drinks, snacks and food, and a new

‘legend lounge’.The latter is an area

dedicated to photos and memorabilia

of students and people living in

Southampton that have represented

their country in sport.

The X-Bar has been lifted from the

Conference League to Premier League

with its new facelift – come and check

out the venue, sample the atmosphere

and indulge in a few drinks!

If you need a venue for a party, a

presentation or you simply want

to celebrate a win, then call

023 8062 9274 or e-mail:

[email protected]

In the last edition of

headway, a new

development fund was set

up to help raise money for

improving the facilities at

the University’s Hardmoor

sports ground and to buy

equipment for all the

University’s sports teams.

Hardmoor makes a

new signing!

T

T

Above:

Mocky Khan at

the new and

improved X-Bar

...I like a

challenge

and I want to

help the

University by

any means

that I can...

”

“



News

fdgafdagfadghdfghfghfghh

he celebrations took place amid

acclaim from a number of

respected names in the media,

business and education sectors

including: Lindsay Charlton, Managing

Director of Meridian Broadcasting;Cllr

Adrian Vinson, Leader of Southampton

City Council; Cllr John Slade, Mayor of

Southampton; Rachel Andrews,

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Area

Manager of SEEDA (South East

Economic Development Agency); and

Joanna Cassey, South East Regional

Manager of Skillset.

This new multi-camera production

and training centre has been designed

with considerable input and support

from broadcast professionals to

provide industry-standard

broadcasting and multimedia

production facilities for the

University’s film, television and media

students. It will also provide training

and consultancy services, while

delivering exciting commercial and

community-related projects.

The centre was designed and built in

phases during the course of late 2005. It

incorporates a multi-user on-line

editing suite, a new fully digital

television studio and gallery, production

offices and craft editing rooms, all

networked using fibre optic technology.

Clive Jones said:“It is an exciting and

intriguing facility with a sustainable

future.The University has invested

serious money into the centre to be

able to provide a range of

undergraduate and postgraduate

courses and to give people working in

the industry an opportunity for

professional development.The other

intriguing and positive decision is to

open the centre up to the community,

such as not-for-profit organisations,

charities and National Health Trusts,

and it will prove invaluable to people

and groups across the region.”

In his opening speech, Professor Roger

Brown,Vice-Chancellor of

Southampton Solent University,

acknowledged the help and financial

support from the Higher Education

Funding Council for England (HEFCE)

and the ITV group. He said:“This

venture is fully in line with the

Government’s wish to see universities

working more closely with leading

employers to increase skill levels

across the economy.”

For more information visit:

www.solent.ac.uk/broadcastingand

multimedia

The region continued to build on its reputation as a centre for state-of-the-art media facilities

when Clive Jones,Chief Executive of ITV News and Regions, officially launched the University’s

new Centre for Professional Development in Broadcasting and Multimedia Production.

Regional excellence enhanced

T

Far left: (l-r)

Professor Roger

Brown,Vice-

Chancellor; John

Barlow,Centre

Director;Clive

Jones,Chief

Executive of ITV

News and

Regions; and

Lindsay

Charlton,

Managing

Director of

Meridian

Broadcasting .

Middle: Clive

Jones and John

Barlow in the

centre.

Right: Students

using the

facilities

...students

received up

to £1,000

each from the

Lisa Wilson

Scholarship

Fund in a

moving

ceremony...

Five more Southampton Solent University students have benefitted from assistance with the

cost of higher education, thanks to the award of a generous memorial bursary.

Memorial scholarship fund

he students received up to

£1,000 each from the Lisa

Wilson Scholarship Fund in a

moving ceremony at the beginning of

the 2005-06 academic year.The fund

was set up by the Wilson family as a

charity in memory of their daughter

Lisa, who graduated in 2001.

Thanks to the success of a variety of

fundraising events, the fund is now just

£4,000 away from its first target of

£100,000 to enable 100 years of

education in Lisa’s memory.

The charity helps less well off students

from all areas of the university to

achieve their educational goals with

financial support by way of an annual

bursary for the duration of their HND

or degree.The scholarships are

available to students who have

overcome adversity or can

demonstrate the need for extra

financial help with their studies.

T


fter an exciting and

challenging competition, the

Southampton Solent

University yachting team has been

crowned 2006 British Universities

Sailing Association (BUSA) Yachting

National Champions and firmly

established the University’s position

as the premier yachting institution in

the university sector.

The team, currently world champions,

produced outstanding performances

throughout the BUSA Championships

to win for the fifth time in seven years.

After coming second at last year’s

Championships, Simon Berry, skipper,

was keen to push for the win this year.

His team constantly sailed well

throughout the week, finishing off

with a win and a second place on the

final day of racing to secure first place

overall for Southampton Solent

University by six points.

This result sees Southampton Solent

University competing in the student

World Cup this summer to defend its

world title.

Sporting round-up

University triumphs

at yachting nationals

Above: The

team produced

outstanding

performances

throughout the

Championships

A

new venture into non-league

football has seen Team

Solent, Southampton Solent

University’s Saturday non-league

football team, sweep all before them

as they completed a remarkable

league and cup treble.

The team won the Southampton Junior

Division 1 with an unbeaten record;

beat New Inn 4-1 in the Drew Smith

Southampton Junior A Cup Final and

finally, claimed the Hampshire Junior A

Cup Final by beating Redbridge 5-3.

This is hopefully the start of an

ambitious football programme.The

aim is to have Team Solent playing in

the Sydenhams Wessex League, within

four to five years.

Team Solent also retained the Lisa

Wilson Varsity Challenge with a 1-0

victory over the University of

Southampton at Eastleigh’s

Sparshatts Stadium.

Team Solent do

the treble

Airst-year HND Leisure

Management student Ali Lalani,

who is on the University’s

STAND (Solent Talented Athlete

Network Development) scheme, led

the England and Wales Boccia team to

victory in the Belgium Open in May.

Ali captained the team brilliantly,

beating firm favourites Ireland (who

are ranked number four in the world)

8-2 in the semi-final and Norway 6-4

in the final.

Boccia, (pronounced Bot-cha), is

similar to bowls where the aim of the

game is to score as many points as

possible by one competitor, pair or

team getting their balls closer to the

jack ball than their opponents. It is

played on a badminton-sized court

with hard, leather beanbag style balls

and can be played at every level, from

school to Paralympic competition.

Bowled over by

boccia triumph

FAbove: Ali,

pictured with

the Belgium

Open trophy

outhampton Stags, the

combined student American

Football team from

Southampton Solent and the

University of Southampton, has been

crowned national college champions

for the first time in 13 years.

The Stags, who have been Southern

Division Champions for the past two

years, crushed the Teeside Cougars,

from the University of Teeside, by a

record 79-8 to win the College Bowl

XX at the Butts Park Arena in Coventry.

More sporting achievements

s well as these sporting

triumphs, University sports

teams (under the Team Solent

banner) and individuals have once

again been heavily involved in the

sporting calendar this year. Here are

just a few of our student successes:

• Solent boasts two teams in the

British Universities Sports

Association (BUSA) Premier

League – men’s basketball and

men’s cricket.

• Women’s hockey won BUSA

division 4C and gained promotion

for next season.

• Men’s football 1st team lost only

once but finished runners-up to

Plymouth in division 2A.

• In tennis, the men finished second

in division 2A and the women

finished third.

• John Spencer won a bronze medal

in the BUSA judo championships.

• Andrew Yates won a BUSA silver

medal at the Clay-Pigeon shooting

championships.

• Southampton Solent University

has risen from 94th to 45th in the

2005 BUSA rankings.

S

A

Above: The

Stags celebrate

their record-

breaking victory

Southampton Stags

crowned champions

Above: The

Women’s

hockey team

won BUSA

division 4C


News

Design showcase highlights talent

Final-year art and design students from the Faculty of Media,Arts and Society and the

School of Design in the Faculty of Technology showcased their finest work during the

2006 Degree Shows.

otential employers and talent

spotters, along with students

and their friends and families,

viewed the varied works on show

throughout the University campus

and Millais Gallery.The Degree Shows

also incorporated the Technology

Degree Show, a public show by the

first graduating cohort from BA

(Hons) Performance, and the BA

(Hons) Film Studies show at Harbour

Lights Picture House.

The 2006 Degree Shows presented an

exciting opportunity to see innovative

and creative work, which also revealed

insights into personal spaces, interests

and pastimes from talented

young designers.

The exceptionally high quality and

eclectic work ranged from sculptures

to photography collections and from

short films and illustrations to graphic

design displays, plus displays from

fashion and performance students.

Ken Marsden, Head of Design

(Enhancement), comments:“This

year’s Degree Show embraced

innovative contemporary modes of

design practice and demonstrated the

acquisition of employer-related skills

that are so essential for students

embarking upon a career in the

creative industries.”

Mark Gaynor, Head of the School of

Visual and Interactive Arts, adds:“This

was quite a remarkable year with the

broadest range of work, from painting

to photography and sculpture to

multimedia installations, we have

seen for some years.The innovation of

the Visual Arts Scheme reflects the

convergence of new media

technologies and traditional practices

within an educational environment,

where all sorts of visually creative

individuals rub shoulders with each

other, share ideas and resources.The

resultant vibrant mix creates an

exciting atmosphere to incubate

new possibilities.”

...This year’s

Degree Show

embraced

innovative,

contemporary

modes of

design

practice and

demonstrated

the

acquisition of

employer-

related skills

that are so

essential... ”

“P

Above: Final-

year students

showcased their

work during the

2006 Degree

Shows

12

News

ormer students, staff and artists

from around the world reunited

for the launch of a

commemorative book and

accompanying exhibition in the

Southampton City Art Gallery.

In September 2005, the Mayor of

Southampton welcomed around 150

alumni and their guests to a reunion,

which was held in the Mayor’s Parlour

at the Civic Centre.The event was

attended by a vast range of alumni,

some of whom were at the College of

Art as long ago as 1939.There were

many former staff and students in

attendance who enjoyed looking at

the exhibition, touring the Mayor’s

Parlour and catching up with

old friends.

John Bunday, who studied at the

College from 1960-64, said:“I have

managed to catch up with one or two

old friends. It came as a complete

shock that the College of Art went

back 150 years, I didn’t even know

when I was there.”

Alumni travelled from as far afield as

Zimbabwe. Bryan Moon studied at the

Marsh Lane site from 1949-54 and

travelled all the way from

Minneapolis,America with his wife to

attend the event.“It’s great to be

back. It’s my home town as I was born

in Shirley,” he said.

Gerald Grinham attended the School

of Art in 1939 after winning a

scholarship and he has still got the

original drawing he produced. He said,

“It has been a most enjoyable evening

and the organisers must be very proud

with the turnout. It’s been great to

meet and talk to new people.”

In the evening, distinguished artist

and alumnus Graham Ovenden

officially opened the celebratory

event to 300 people at the Gallery.The

event marked the publishing of the

book, Southampton School and

College of Art: a Celebration of 150

years of Artistic Success and the

launch of the exhibition, both

produced by Dr Anne Anderson, Senior

Lecturer in Fine Arts Valuation, in the

Faculty of Media,Arts and Society.

The exhibition traced the story of the

School and College of Art, from its

founding in 1855, under the patronage

of Lady Byron, through its various

homes (the Victoria Assembly Rooms,

Hartley Institution, Philharmonic Hall,

Havelock Road, Marsh Road) to the

provision of purpose-built

accommodation on East Park Terrace.

The School, a College from 1951, was

merged with Southampton College of

Technology to become what is now


Ken and Lin Howard both attended

the same graphics course in the mid-

1970s and got married in 1976.

Students and staff attended their

wedding and the Head of

Photography even took the photos.

Ken said,“1976 was a great year – I

graduated, got married, and Saints

won the FA Cup.” Ken, who celebrated

his birthday on the evening, is a

Design Manager for NHS Creative

Services, while Lin is a teacher, who

still paints.They have three daughters

who all have artistic careers.

Julia Fitzpatrick, PR and Alumni

Officer, comments:“It was interesting

to hear many stories about life at the

College of Art and how that played

such a key part in shaping careers and

personal lives. It was a pleasure to

welcome these people into the

Southampton Solent University

Alumni Association.”

The Southampton College of Art, which evolved into Southampton Solent University,

celebrated 150 years of artistic success last September.

Celebrating 150 years of artistic success

F

...It was

interesting to

hear many

stories about

life at the

College of Art

and how that

played such a

key part in

shaping

careers and

personal

lives... ”

“

Above: Former

students, staff

and artists

reunited for the

celebrations



News

ir Alan

West,

formerly

First Sea Lord

and Chief of

Naval Staff, was

installed as the

first Chancellor

of Southampton Solent University in a

formal ceremony at Southampton

Guildhall in June.

Professor Roger Brown,Vice-

Chancellor of Southampton Solent

University, comments: “I am delighted

at Sir Alan’s appointment. He has a

distinguished record of public service

and is very sympathetic to the ethos

of the University. He will make an

excellent Chancellor.”

Sir Alan West said:“It is a great honour

to have become Chancellor of

Southampton Solent University. I

admire the vision and values espoused

by the University and have been most

impressed by what I have learnt of

their achievement so far. In particular,

I am pleased that the world famous

Warsash Maritime Academy is part of

the University. Shipping is booming

worldwide and the high standards

taught at Warsash are crucial for

safety and national wealth.”

The Chancellor is the ceremonial head

of the University, and one of its most

prominent ambassadors. In his role, Sir

Alan West will confer degrees at

graduation ceremonies and represent

the University nationally and

internationally.The Vice-Chancellor is

the University’s chief executive and

academic leader.The Pro-Chancellor

will continue to act as Chairman of

the Board of Governors.

As first Sea Lord, Sir Alan West was

Head of the Royal Navy and Royal

Marines and responsible for the

fighting effectiveness of the Royal

Navy and delivering its capabilities to

the United Kingdom. He has

significant experience of working with

senior international figures and people

across Government in Whitehall,

including the Secretary of State for

Defence.

In 1982 he was awarded the

Distinguished Service Cross for his role

in the Falklands War, and was made

Knight Commander,Order of the Bath

in the Millennium New Year Honours

List and also a Knight Grand Cross,

Order of the Bath in the New Year

Honours List in 2004.Other

achievements include inspiring and

leading Trafalgar 2005, the

bicentenary celebrations of the 200th

anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar,

and conducting the study into

women’s employment in the Royal

Navy, which led to women serving at

sea and their full integration into

the Service.

He becomes Chancellor of

Southampton Solent University at

probably the most exciting period in

its history.As one of the UK’s newest

universities, Southampton Solent

University has a strong reputation

nationally and internationally with a

focus on accessibility and preparing

students for the world of work. Sir

Alan West’s appointment also reflects

the strength of the University’s

maritime provision, including its

Warsash Maritime Academy, which is

renowned for its high quality

education, training, research and

consultancy services to the maritime

and offshore industries.

At the Chancellor’s official installation

ceremony, Southampton Solent

University also recognised the

achievements of both local and

national figures by awarding honorary

degrees to Professor Bill Wakeham,

Vice-Chancellor of the University of

Southampton; Ken Thornber, Leader of

Hampshire County Council; Edwina

Cooke,Councillor and former Mayor

of Southampton; and ITV Chief

Executive,Charles Allen.

SSouthampton Solent University appoints first Chancellor

1. Professor

Roger Brown

addresses the

guests

2. Professor Glyn

Tonge presents

Sir Alan West

with his

doctorate

3. Sir Alan West

addresses the

congregation

4. (l-r) Lindsay

Charlton, MD of

Meridian

Broadcasting;

Anna Maria

Kearney and

Alison Pope

from ITV

Meridian; Ian

Murray, Editor of

the Southern

Daily Echo

5. (l-r) Peter

Wakeford,

former Mayor of

Southampton;

Cllr John Slade,

Mayor of

Southampton;

Will Rosie,Youth

Involvement

Trust

6. (l-r) Alex

Ellery, Solent

Students’ Union;

Dr Reefat Drabu,

Governor;

Professor Ken

Gregory,

Vice-Chairman

of the Board

of Governors

1 2 3

4 5

6


yg Nilksi

moved

from his

hometown in

Nottingham to

study for a

Diploma in

Communications

and Electronics at

Southampton

College of Technology from 1963-66.“We

were the first intake to the new College of

Technology on East Park Terrace, built on

the site of one of Southampton’s red-light

districts,” he says.

Zyg was one of a group of students who

decided one day to form a Students’ Union:“As

the first intake, we probably felt we existed in

something of a vacuum, ” he says.“We had the

moral support of some of the lecturers and the

active support and help of the University of

Southampton Students’ Union and NUS

(National Union of Students).”

Then…

“The Students' Union of the 1960s and that

of today were very different – we were

starting up an organisation and had very

limited resources,” Zyg comments.“The aim

was to establish an organisation that would

have the active support of the student

membership and be credible with the College

administration.”

Zyg served for one year as Students’ Union

President. Based on the NUS model

constitution, there was an elected Student

Representative Council, including a

nominated lecturer representative, and an

Executive Committee.A modest membership

fee was collected with the college fees.

“Accommodation and administration were

the main issues at the beginning,” he reveals,

“We couldn’t afford to employ any staff and

Father and son: one is a founding member and first President of our

Students’ Union, the other a recent graduate, ex-Union Officer, and

member of the University’s support staff. But it wasn’t copycatting,

just a happy coincidence that led Adam Nilski to follow in his father

Zyg’s footsteps and attend what is now Southampton Solent

University almost 40 years on.

Generation game1

2

Z


handled all our own

administration.The

College donated a

property on St Mary’s

Street, previously a

doctor’s surgery.”

A wide variety of groups and societies were

created, as diverse and dynamic as those

offered by the Union today. Funds were

limited, and most expenditure was on

sponsoring events and setting up clubs,

ranging from an Arab Society to Folk Music.“I

was the Chair of Ham Radio Club, and notice

the University still holds the licensed call sign

– G3UVC,” Zyg observes.

In his final year Zyg focused on a period of

intense study, and life moved on from the

Students’ Union.“It is difficult to say what

effect being a Union President has on career

prospects; there are no rehearsals for life,” he

remarks.“Without doubt one learns a whole

basket of skills concerning organising work,

working in teams and on committees;

experiences which might not occur until

much later in the world of work. It isn't just

about career development though; it’s also

about lifestyle decisions and involvement in

the wider community, and the satisfaction

that this brings.”

Zyg has since retired as Head of the School of

Information Technology and Business

Administration at Stoke-on-Trent College and

now runs his own consultancy and publishing

business from home. He is married with four

sons and lives in Shropshire.

...Now

Zyg’s youngest son Adam’s decision to apply

to Southampton Solent was entirely his own. It

was only after he had been accepted that Zyg

realised his son would be attending the same

higher education institution that he had 40

years previously:“Dad saw the address – East

Park Terrace – and twigged that it was the

same place!”

Adam joined the University on a Foundation

course in 2001, before going on to do BSc

(Hons) Audio Technology.While studying, he

got actively involved with the Students’

Union, and it wasn’t long before the full story

of his father’s fundamental role in its

formation became apparent. Zyg was able to

offer Adam some informed advice when he

took on the role of Commercial Services

Officer:“Use your time wisely, enjoy it and

learn from the experience.”

The University has had many incarnations

over the years, and the Union has evolved in-

step.“Dad was involved with the Union at its

very infancy, and there have been many

changes in higher education, the student

body and to the institution itself since,”

Adam says.

Adam served two terms, during which he was

keen to get the Union back on track with the

principles espoused by Zyg at the Union’s

very beginning:“First and foremost I was a

Union Officer, which meant being there to

represent and support the student body in

every way.”

Adam’s involvement with the University

didn’t end there. He worked as an Open Day

tour guide and has recently taken up a

position as Recruitment Officer (Education

Liaison), which involves promoting the

University and higher education in general

among local schools and colleges, and at

national events.

Not only did Adam attend the same

University as Zyg, he also worked for a short

time at the University of Southampton’s New

College campus, previously the site of the

teacher training college that his mother

attended, and even drinks at the pub where

his parents first met in 1968.“People often

say I’m turning out just like my dad,” he

reveals,“it’s a little alarming at times, but it

wouldn’t be such a bad thing!”

...We were the first intake to the

new College of Technology on East

Park Terrace, built on the site of one

of the city’s red-light districts...

”

“

1: Southampton College of Technology

Students’ Union committee 1965-66, with Zyg

pictured bottom row second from right

2: Zyg, President of the Students’ Union 1965-66

3: Zyg today

4: Adam, who graduated in 2005

3

4

Equipped with paddles, waterproofs, pasta, water, bear mace, tents and

most importantly canoes, two alumni took off to Canada to paddle

the 490-mile stretch of the River Yukon, to raise money for the

Prostate Cancer Charity.

Paddling Pals

atrick Stevens and Adam Smithson,

who are both BA (Hons) Business

graduates of 2003, chose this charity

after Patrick’s Dad and Adam’s

Grandfather had successfully been treated

for prostate cancer.Adam had always

been up for a challenge, so approached

Patrick about canoeing down the Yukon

river and he dutifully obliged. Here is

Patrick’s interesting account of their

canoe journey to Dawson City.

Day 1,Whitehorse to Lake Leberge

Equipped for potentially two weeks in the

wilderness,Adam and I set off. Five hours of

paddling later, we had made good time and

set up camp on a sandbar-spit, which was a

mile from the mouth of Lake Leberge.We

followed our bear awareness guide and

cooked, ate and stored our food 100 metres

away from our tent. I slept like a log while

Adam didn’t; he had forgotten to pack his

sleeping bag so was cold.

Day 2, Lake Leberge to Lower Leberge

We got up at 5am and decided to start

paddling and tackle Lake Leberge as soon as

possible.The lake was a 30-mile monster

stretch of icy cold water that was still frozen

two weeks before we had started the

challenge.Within an hour we had safely

managed to paddle to the eastern shore to

begin what would transpire to be a 14-hour

slog on the lake.The waves made paddling

quite difficult because we had to move along

the shore diagonally. Eventually we rounded a

bend and arrived at Lower Leberge.

Day 3, Lower Leberge to Teslin River

The scenery on the 30-mile river was

absolutely stunning and we had been blessed

with another day of fantastic weather.The

speed of the river meant we didn’t have to do

much paddling.We arrived at Hootalinqua

campsite mid afternoon.

Day 4,Teslin River to Little Salmon River

We were on the river by 9am ready to put in a

long day.After a short while we came across

Shipyard Island, where the remains of the

Steamer ‘Evelyn’ rest.We took a break to

wander around the remains and investigate the

old wreck. By the time we returned to the river,

the weather had taken a turn for the worst.

It was 7pm before we got to the campsite.

Day 5, Little Salmon River to Carmacks

We woke up early to find the sky extremely

grey and threatening but we were optimistic

as we only had 35 miles to go to Carmacks.

Due to the high water levels (spring thaw) the

river was moving at about 6mph, so if we

missed the campground there would be no

way to paddle across the river in a straight

line.Choosing to stick to the right and follow

the signs, we knew we had made the right

decision, as up ahead there was a floating

dock and the campground.

We read that Carmacks was the only place on

the river where we could stock up on food

supplies. Unfortunately, it turned out to be

nothing more than a mini market; so we ate

at the burger grill on the campsite.A sleeping

bag for Adam was delivered so we had a good

night’s sleep.

Day 6,Carmacks to Minto (via Five

Finger Rapids)

Despite being well aware of the dangers,

Adam and I were excited about the prospect

of tackling the Five Finger Rapids, especially

in the high water that was flowing that day.

The Rapids were tricky to manoeuvre, but we

kept to the directions the guidebook gave of

‘keep right’, and thankfully made it through

them safely; albeit a bit wet! It was a tough

slog and we arrived in Minto early evening.

Day 7, Minto to Kirkman Creek

We decided ambitiously to go 100 miles

today as we had heard there were log cabins

in Kirkman Creek, which were rather

appealing after six nights in a tent! We

therefore paddled non-stop for 14 hours;

made even harder by three hours of rain.The

afternoon was drier and we arrived at

10.30pm to our very own log cabin, complete

with beds and a burning stove – luxury!

Day 8, Kirkman Creek to Pedro Creek,

After the previous day’s exertions we decided

to take it easy and have a day of leisurely

paddling in the northern sunshine.

The fatigue from canoeing every day coupled

with the effects of sitting in the sun took its

toll because we almost had an accident due

to a momentary lapse of concentration. I was

paddling hard without realising that Adam

had stopped to read the map; the next thing

we knew we were crashing through branches

and came to a halt. Luckily, because we didn’t

panic we remained in the canoe.The rest of

the day passed without incident and we

arrived at our campsite, at 11pm.

Day 9, Pedro Creek to Dawson City

We basically drifted for the whole day taking

it in turns to steer the canoe and to sunbathe.

Dawson City, home of the Klondike Gold Rush

appeared in the distance.After hauling the

fully laden canoe off the river it began to sink

in that we had finished and our shoulders

could, at last, have a rest. It was a relief to

have completed the challenge alive without

any major problems.

We had allowed 14 days but had finished it in

nine, giving us a real sense of achievement. Even

better was that we had raised an impressive

£3,100 for the Prostate Cancer Charity.

We booked ourselves into the hotel and went

for a meal in a restaurant.At last I was able to

have the pizza I had been dreaming about for

the past nine days.

So what’s next for Patrick and Adam?

Since the river trek, Patrick has cycled from

Lands End to John O’Groats with another

alumnus, Steven Kettle (BA (Hons) Law

2003).Together they raised £1,000 for the

Bracknell Talking Newspaper for the Blind.

Patrick has also cycled around Iceland with

Trevor Pegrum (BSc (Hons) Computer

Network Communications 2005) and Gus

McKechnie (BA (Hons) Business Management

2004). Patrick works as a Consultant for a

Trust Company in Reading.

Adam has been maintaining his fitness levels

by running long distances and is planning to

paddle down Canada’s Nahanni River in

2007. He works as a Senior Advertising

Executive for Imagine Publishing.

Watch this space for coverage of Patrick and

Adam’s forthcoming challenges.

The Journey...


...The waves made

paddling quite difficult

because we had to

move along the

shore diagonally...”

“

Left: (l-r) Adam and Patrick on their paddling

charity adventure

Bottom: Adam catching up on some sleep

P

eg had already been a guerrilla

filmmaker before commencing his

degree and says,“Coming to

Southampton Solent University gave me a

firm base which was not only supportive

and encouraging, but gave me a forum on

which to focus my goals.”

As a student he was involved in a small squat

collective whose work was organising art

exhibits, workshops and music nights. He was

also responsible for organising film

screenings for local filmmakers while utilising

the opportunity to use the University’s

equipment to make four short films.

After graduating in 1999 he set about making a

name for himself in the film industry. He

assisted with and directed television

promotions for BBC Choice (now BBC3).

Following that he worked for various

production companies and developed scripts

and shorts. He spent time re-shaping the shorts

that he had made as a student into a show reel,

and promoted his own work to try and make a

name for himself as an available director.

During this time, Reg worked on drawings,

test shoots, a short and storyline for his film,

Joy Division.

“Joy Division is a story about identity, loss of

identity, control and choice,” Reg says.“It’s

about the effects of the war: how people

suffer and what happens to those directly

involved.”

Set in Germany at the end of World War II, Joy

Division follows an orphaned teenager who is

forced into battle during the final weeks of

the war. In the aftermath he is adopted by a

Russian Commissioner and seconded into a

Soviet military school.Years later in the Cold

War, he is recruited by the KGB to operate

covertly within a spy network in London.

While leading a double life, he falls for a

young artist as he slips into the world of early

1960s London. However, with the British

Secret Police hunting him down, he faces the

dilemma of choice and the question of who

he really is.

Once the script had been written, it took

three years to get the film produced. Reg got

back in touch with one of his former

University lecturers, Rosemary Mason, Head

of the School of Writing and Communication,

who undertook the role of additional writer.

“We needed a writer to take on the script,

work on problem areas and generally re-draft

the work,” Reg remarks. Rosemary helped to

promote the script, which was then pitched

to potential cast and crew.A pilot film was


Seeing his film premiered at Leicester Square was the ultimate reward

for years of hard work and dedication from Media with Cultural Studies

graduate Reg Traviss.A world apart from when he lived in a camper van

as a student.

From campervan to Cannes

R


shot and screened to potential investors and

taken to the Cannes Film Festival. Reg recalls:

“The creative process during development

and pre-production was an absolute pleasure

– as was actually shooting the film; the

finance process, which took most of the time

and energy, was very difficult.”

Nevertheless, after years of hard work, the

film was finally premiered in January 2006 to

a packed Odeon,Covent Garden.With an

international cast of 40 actors including

Bernard Hill (Lord of the Rings) and Ed

Stoppard (The Pianist), it is due to go on

general release later this year.

Now Reg’s first film is completed, he is

already thinking about the next one. He’s

working on two projects: writing an

independent script and directing a feature.

Commending Reg’s achievements, Rosemary

says:“Reg is very talented both in his ability

to spot a story and write it and also in his

ability to persist. For me, anyone who can

raise £3.5 million, co-opt the help of dozens

of media professionals, suffer setbacks and

yet remain generous and modest along the

way has my vote every time.”

And what advice does Reg have for budding

filmmakers? “Be prepared to do lots of

ground work practising your craft and

establishing your profile within the industry –

at any level possible. Showcase your work as

often as possible. Learn about the financing

of independent film works and be prepared to

try out your ideas. Filmmaking is a process

that inevitably takes a long time, but it is well

worth it in the end.”

.... Filmmaking is a

process that inevitably

takes a long time, but

it is well worth it in

the end...

“

”Above: Reg (far left) and images from

Joy Division


tudent/graduate support

The latest initiative is an award of up to

£360,000 funding as a result of the

University being nominated as a successful

SPEED (Student Placement for Entrepreneurs in

Education) partner within the Higher Education

Innovation Fund.As one of only 12 partner

Education Institutions in the country, the

University intends to identify, support and

mentor 60 students from across its three

faculties.The aim will be to help students create

a real, new business alongside their studies.

This follows on from the good work achieved

by the Southampton Solent Graduate

Enterprise Centre, where graduates have been

provided with all the facilities they need to

evolve their start-up idea into a profitable

and sustainable business.

Another road that graduates have gone down

is the Flying Start programme, run by the

NCGE (National Council for Graduate

Entrepreneurs).This was set up to increase

the percentage of graduates establishing

their own business. Stephen Brown, the

University’s Enterprise and Project Manager,

gave seminars on business planning at the

recent Flying Start rallies.

Degrees of success

Prospective students can also undertake

degree programmes relevant to business

start-up, such as the BA (Hons) Business with

Entrepreneurship, BA (Hons) Marketing with

Entrepreneurship or MA Management with

Entrepreneurship.

Local collaboration

Southampton Business School’s former

External Development team (now part of the

University’s centralised Community and

Enterprise office) has been supporting and

working closely with the CLEAR (City Life

Education and Action for Refugees) project.

This involves providing support, inspiration

and practical advice for people that had their

own business before they moved to the UK or

who have good business ideas that they

would like to explore.The University is also

working with local businesses that need

support as part of the Southampton

Enterprise Gateway scheme, funded by SEEDA

(South East England Development Agency).

The University has played a pivotal role in

organising a local event as part of the

Hampshire Economic Partnership’s

Innovation and Enterprise Task Group. In

conjunction with the universities of

Southampton, Portsmouth and Winchester, a

two-and-a-half day Enterprise ‘Boot Camp’

was recently held at the University of

Winchester, which was attended by 35

students from the four universities.

The University works closely with young

people to instil a sense of entrepreneurship

through the Young Enterprise scheme.

Southampton Business School sends mentors

into local schools to develop business ideas

and has marked schoolchildren’s business

plans.The annual Young Enterprise awards are

held at the University.

International collaboration

The University has also secured the

Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Small

Business conference to be held in September

2006.The conference will attract a wide range

of people from around the world, including top

academics, business entrepreneurs, policy

makers, support agencies, consultants and

those who work in training.

Through these projects, initiatives and

platforms, the University is able to provide a

wealth of advice to the up and coming

entrepreneur. It’s not only a place where you

can come and learn about business, but where

you might actually find yourself running one.

Aspirations to set up your own business have never been greater, thanks

to programmes such as The Apprentice and Dragons’ Den.With only

1.7% of graduates establishing their own business straight after they

graduate and 39 being the average age for starting up a business, many

choose to gain work experience before taking the plunge to go it alone.

Therefore, identifying and nurturing our students’ entrepreneurial talent

are important activities for Southampton Solent University.

Making entrepreneurs

S


pened in early 2005, Phunkmedia is

an innovative company which offers

a wide range of co-ordinated

services, ranging from Broadband Internet

access and low cost international calls for the

local public to computer upgrades and repairs

for small to medium-sized businesses across

the South.The company is the brainchild of

alumnus Michael Ikeneku, who aspired to run

his own business from an early age.

Phunkmedia appeals to the wider community

as it has had software installed which enables

disabled people and those with visual

impairments to access its services. Having

been diagnosed with dyslexia while he was at

the University, Michael knows only too well

how important such software can be.With

the support of the University’s Study

Assistance team and the help of specialist

software, Michael was able to complete his

studies and he graduated in 2004 with a BSc

(Hons) in Business Information Technology.

It is not only the city's disabled users that

benefit from the café. Phunkmedia is located

in Bevois Valley, Southampton; an area with a

large multicultural society and Michael says

that the coffee bar promotes communication

across these communities and enables

people to keep in touch with family and

friends overseas.

Michael says:“The main aim of Phunkmedia

is to supply communication services to the

local community in order to provide

opportunities to support the creative minds

of today and tomorrow.”

This ethos was recently recognised in the

Hantsweb Awards 2005, where Hampshire

County Council presented Phunkmedia with

runner-up in the category for the Best Public

Internet Access Point.“It was obvious that the

centre was and continues to be a much

needed facility, particularly for Internet

access,” Michael remarks.

Open seven days a week, the centre is a focal

point in the community and is especially

busy at weekends. Looking to develop the

company so that it continues to meet the

needs of the community, Michael is going to

apply to become a European Computer

Driving Licence (ECDL) accredited testing

centre in conjunction with the British

Computer Society.To find out more visit

www.phunkmedia.co.uk

ack was selected to participate in the

NCGE’s Flying Start programme: an

intense, three-day residential to develop

entrepreneurs’ business ideas. Held at

the University of Reading, this event brought

together 55 of the most promising student

and graduate entrepreneurs and gave them

valuable exposure to fellow entrepreneurs,

mentors and business investors. Delegates

also received tutoring on everything from

public relations to intellectual property and

had to pitch their business idea to potential

investors at the end of the event.

An interest in learning more about business

and the desire to start up his own company,

spurred Jack, who graduated in 2004, into

applying to the programme. Entitled ‘Securad’,

Jack’s business idea was to use shop-front

shutters as advertising space, thus creating

extra revenue for shop owners during closing

hours while providing affordable, convenient

advertising space for companies.

During the programme, Jack won many awards

and was given mentoring sessions from the

marketing director of a successful marketing

agency in London. He also had access to a

mentor from the IT sector.

Jack is now considering his options for the

future. He has continued access to his mentor

and will be able to attend a follow-up regional

meeting where his ideas can be further tuned

for inception. Utilising the communications

skills acquired on his degree and experience

gained from working in marketing and public

relations agencies, Jack is managing and

organising events of his own.

He found the Flying Start programme very

useful, and concludes:“I made some excellent

contacts and learnt about various aspects of

starting and running my own business. It was

great experience to pitch my idea on the final

day; I even had some interest from a

potential investor!”

Flying start for Jack

A local alumnus has marked a new beginning in communication and

media for the city’s disabled people and its international community,

by setting up an Internet and Communications Coffee Bar.

Communication for the community

O

Media with Cultural Studies

alumnus Jack Forester has been

given a flying start with his idea

for a new business.

JAbove: Jack presents his business idea to

representatives of Finance South East

Above: Michael Ikeneku founded Phunkmedia to supply communication services to the community

Case studies

Community and Enterprise OfficeSouthampton Solent University has just

launched the Community and Enterprise

Office (CEO).This one-stop office facilitates

knowledge transfer, applied research and

community projects across the University to

benefit students, staff and faculties, as well as

the wider community.

The CEO acts to identify new opportunities

and be a focal point for enquiries from

external organisations and individuals.The

areas of activity include short courses,

continuing professional development, hire of

specialist and technical facilities, knowledge

transfer partnerships, applied research and

consultancy.

The CEO looks forward to speaking with any

friends and alumni of the University to

discuss how we can solve any training,

business development, community focus or

developmental needs they may have.

For further information, please contact

the CEO on 023 8031 9138, e-mail:

[email protected] or visit:

www.solent.ac.uk/ceo

rant Lang, BA (Hons) Business

Management and Damian Snow, BSc

(Hons) Yacht Manufacturing and

Surveying, who both graduated in 2004, set

up the company because of their passion for

coffee and a commitment to community

values.They contacted the University’s

Graduate Enterprise Centre which provided a

platform from which Mozzo® developed the

concept into a working business.

The Mozzo® cart is based on a Tuk Tuk motor

vehicle sourced from Thailand, refurbished

into a bespoke trading platform from which

Mozzo® delivers quality fairtrade organic

arabica coffee. It is the first solar and wind

powered coffee cart in the UK.

Rather than paint the cart, they decided to

cover it with art, turning it into an on-cart art

gallery. Mozzo® works in partnership with

Southampton’s art galleries and groups.

And it’s not just the coffee that’s attracted

people to Mozzo®.The values and ethics

of the business: focusing on people,

source and the environment, is

creating a revolution in the coffee

industry and businesses. Since day one

of trading, Mozzo® has invested 5% of

the company’s profits into the Mozzo®

Community-2-Community Fund™.

“This fund will be used to

develop community capacity

building in coffee farming

communities and build

opportunities for emerging

artistic talent in the UK,”

Grant explains.

Stephen Brown, Enterprise

and Project Manager at

the University commends

the new business:“Grant

has worked hard to produce an innovative and

sustainable business that offers environmental

solutions. It’s just this kind of energy and

determination which is needed to succeed.”

Grant, who now runs Mozzo® since Damian

left the company, adds:“I am determined to

prove that business today can operate

successfully, while making a truly responsible

and positive impact within the local

community and environment.”

Look out for the Community Coffee

Cart™ when you next visit Southampton

or visit www.mozzocoffee.com for more

information.

Coffee to go


A successful new business to

come out of the Graduate

Enterprise Centre is the Mozzo®

Community Coffee Cart™.

Launched in 2005 by two alumni,

Grant Lang and Damian Snow,

the cart is an innovative,

community focused retail

venture which combines coffee,

art and the community.

G

Above:The Mozzo®

Community Coffee

Cart™

Case studies


he Easter Island Head is the

brainchild of two Fine Art alumni,

Wayne Campbell and Mark Burgin,

and Senior Lecturer in Fine Art, John

Thomson.Constructed from hazel, the

giant sculpture towers over the Children’s

Education Garden, which is part of the Sir

Harold Hillier Gardens.

The artists worked on the Easter Island Head

with local schoolchildren, drawing on their

skills and expertise in fine art. Local

schoolchildren were also involved to ensure

that the sculpture would appeal to the

Garden’s younger visitors. Wayne recalls:“It

was a fun project to work on and the local

schoolchildren made a positive contribution;

their input was invaluable.”

Wayne and Mark are Fine Art graduates of

2001, who came to the University as mature

students. Since graduating, they have worked

closely with John on a number of projects.

Southampton Solent University’s

collaboration with the Gardens started when

John became their Artist in Residence in

2000-01 and worked with visiting members

of the public, staff and school groups on a

number of high profile workshops, events and

lectures. Since then, the University’s students

and graduates have participated in sculpture

workshops, run art workshops for school

pupils and been involved in the annual Art in

the Garden outdoor sculpture exhibition.

The Children’s Education Garden was opened

by Sir David Attenborough in July 2006 to

encourage visitors of all ages to engage with

and discover more about their environment,

and learn from the children who will be

running the Gardens. It comprises three

themed classroom gardens (Mediterranean,

Oak and Bamboo) and a workshop space,

which are all linked by willow and bamboo

tunnels. The purpose-built garden provides a

unique and exciting teaching environment,

which encourages exploration and

understanding of the natural environment.

Through John, the successful collaboration

between Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and the

University looks set to continue. He concludes:

“This is a fantastic resource on our doorstep

and often the first opportunity for our

students to work outside in such a stimulating

environment and, most importantly, in direct

contact with the public.”

For more information on the Sir Harold Hillier

Gardens, visit www.hilliergardens.org.uk

Two alumni have been working with local schoolchildren to create a

giant Easter Island Head at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey.

T

Sculpture forschoolchildren

Above: (l-r) Senior lecturer in Fine Art, John

Thomson, Hillier’s Education Officer,

Nick Wright and Fine Art Alumni, Mark Burgin

and Wayne Campbell


fter graduating, many of our

international students return to

their home country to utilise their

qualifications, while some continue to live

in the UK to pursue successful careers.

Here’s your chance to meet some of them:

Harun Duzgoren

(Turkey), MSc

Exclusive

Economic Zone

Management,

2000

“Studying at

Southampton Solent University helped me in

achieving my goal of becoming a global

shipping professional.”

Harun came to Southampton after

completing his degree at Istanbul Technical

University’s Maritime faculty.The University’s

reputation in the field of maritime education

convinced Harun that it was the right place to

help him carve a niche in the highly

competitive shipping profession.The diversity

of the course and the encouragement he

received from his tutors gave Harun an insight

into the subject and the competence to deal

with complex issues within the industry.

After graduating in 2000, Harun started

working for V Ships Inc in London, assisting

the Marketing Manager.After just three

months, the company sent him to Monaco,

where he spent two years in various

departments learning more about the

business and its operations. In 2003 Harun’s

dreams finally started coming true when he

was appointed Managing Director of the

Turkey branch, becoming the company’s

youngest ever director at the age of 27.

Rajesh Sehgal

(India), LLM, 2003

“The research skills

attained during my

course help me

every day in my job.

The knowledge and

understanding of the environmental issues

and multilateral environmental agreements

has broadened my knowledge and enabled

me to apply this to the Indian scenario.”

Rajesh came to Southampton from India,

after obtaining a degree in Humanities from

Delhi University. He wanted to do a Master’s

in Environmental Law and felt that the

University’s LLM with the option to specialise

in Intellectual Property and Environmental

Law was an ideal choice.The course itself,

with its unique combination of research and

taught programmes, was interesting and

provided a good understanding of

environmental law issues.

Soon after graduating in 2003,Rajesh attended

an internship programme with the IUCN

Commission on Environmental Law (CEL) in

Bonn,Germany.He returned to India in

December 2003 to take up employment with a

leading research institution,Research for

Informational System (RIS). In October 2004,

Rajesh secured employment as Senior Law and

Policy Officer with the Centre for Environmental

Law,part of WWF-India,where he is responsible

for conducting research on international

environmental law and policy issues.

Lene Pedersen

(Denmark), BA

(Hons) Tourism

Management, 2004

“I really enjoyed

myself both socially

and academically. It is

my degree which has got me where I am now.”

Lene chose the University because the course

corresponded well with her Danish diploma.

The course units and dissertation in

particular helped Lene develop her research

skills, and she went on to do an MSc in

Sustainable Environmental Development at

the University of Glamorgan.

Soon after graduating, Lene secured

employment as Sales and Marketing

Executive at Jurys Hotel in Cardiff where she

worked on developing relationships with the

corporate market, researching new business

opportunities and conducting wedding fairs

and other events. She now works at the

Burlington Hotel in Ireland, the biggest

conference hotel in the country.

Like Harun, Rajesh and Lene, many of the

University’s international alumni have

gone on to become very successful. By

celebrating your achievements, you could

help motivate current students and

alumni from the same or similar

background. Please call Peggy Lardot,

Senior International Recruitment Officer

on + 44 23 8031 9422 or e-mail

[email protected] to tell us all

about yourself and your life after

graduation – we would love to be a part of

your success.

Studying abroad is an exciting adventure as well as a major life

transition. Every year students from more than 50 countries come to

study at Southampton Solent University on a variety of programmes.

International students bring both academic and cultural enrichment to

our campus, and can continue to enhance this dimension as part of the

alumni association.

A

International alumni


amble-based crewman

Robert, 28, who graduated

with a BA (Hons) Maritime

Studies degree in 1998, was jubilant to

reach Gothenburg in June, to be met

by an excited crowd, finishing the

eight-month round-the-world

adventure in style.

Robert and the rest of the ABN AMRO

ONE team were presented with the

‘Fighting Finish’Trophy for their

dominance and resulting victory,

winning six out of nine offshore legs

plus five out of seven inshore races.

Unlike the old hands, this was

Robert’s first Volvo Ocean Race. He

commented:“It’s been fantastic and

has been a great privilege to have got

to race on the winning boat. I’m lucky

enough to have been with a great

team and a great bunch of sailors.”

Fellow alumnus,Gerd Jan Poortman

who graduated with a BA (Hons)

Maritime Leisure Management degree

in 2000, was a crewman on ABN AMRO

TWO, which finished in fourth place.

ABN AMRO TWO’s result was all the

more poignant given that the crew

also experienced the most traumatic

race of any crew, when fellow sailor

Hans Horrevoets was killed in an

accident on the way from New York to

Portsmouth.

Gerd, 30, from Breda in southern

Holland, added:“The respect we were

accorded was more than we ever

expected.We got such an emotional

charge after all this.

“It gives me a good feeling to have come

in fourth overall for my very first Volvo

Ocean Race.That is special I think.”

The crews of both ABN AMRO boats

then travelled to Amsterdam for their

official homecoming to Team ABN

AMRO’s headquarters on 22 June.

Netherlands-based ABN AMRO is a

leading international bank with over

3,000 branches in more than 60

countries and over 98,000 staff.

Both Robert and Gerd have indicated

that they may compete in another

Volvo Ocean Race, but for the time

being they will take a well-earned rest

before they sail again.

Southampton Solent

University graduate,Robert

Greenhalgh,has helped

ABN AMRO ONE

(www.abnamro.com/team)

win the Volvo Ocean Race

2005-06, the world’s premier

offshore yachting event.

News Alumni

ean, 33, who graduated in 1996

with first class honours, was

told “You're hired” by billionaire

tycoon Donald Trump. Recruitment

consultant Sean, won the dream job

of a lifetime with the Trump

Organisation and a hefty six-figure

salary. He was the UK’s first ever

contestant to appear on the US

version of The Apprentice.

During the reality-TV competition,

Sean beat 17 other rivals by holding a

spotless Project Manager record of

2-0 and finished on the winning team

nine times out of a possible 13. Each

week, the contestants performed a

business-related task, after which the

poorest performer was fired.

In a live head-to-head final against 22-

year-old Lee Bienstock, Sean won with

his final project: arranging a concert to

help the World Wildlife Fund.

After winning Sean declared to Trump:

“I'm going to work my fingers to the

bone and I'm going to make you richer

than you are already.”

Professor Rod Pilling, Dean of the

Faculty of Media,Arts and Society, said:

“It's very good to see such high profile

success in the media for one of our

former students.We are thrilled but

not surprised by Sean’s win; he was a

first-class student.”

Julian Hoxter, Senior Lecturer in Media

with Cultural Studies who taught Sean

on his degree adds:“Sean was a

delightful student to teach. He was

active, encouraging, innovative and

worked hard. It doesn’t surprise me

that Sean’s won The Apprentice as he’s

the kind of person that was always

going to go far.”

Prior to winning The Apprentice, Sean

worked as a director of business

development for a recruitment

consultancy registered on the London

Stock Exchange, where he boasted the

title of the top-ranking sales person

globally at his firm. After graduating

from Southampton Solent University,

he was quickly snapped up by an

international recruitment consultancy

and spent nine years brokering

multimillion dollar deals with Fortune

500 companies in over 20 global

locations. He earned the EB1 Green

Card for ‘persons of extraordinary

ability’ in 2005.

BA (Hons) Media with Cultural Studies graduate Sean Yazbeck has become the first Briton

to win the US version of the reality TV business show The Apprentice.

“You’re hired!” Solent graduate becomes Trump’s Apprentice

Ruler of the waves

H

S

Above: Sean

trumped his US

rivals to win the

dream job of a

lifetime with

billionaire

tycoon, Donald

Trump

Left: Robert

Greenhalgh

Picture

courtesy of

www.abnamro.

com/team

© Oskar

Kihlborg/ Volvo

Ocean Race

2005-2006

Right: Gerd Jan

Poortman

Picture

courtesy of

www.abnamro.

com/team

© TEAM ABN

AMRO


att chose the BA (Hons)

Product Design and

Marketing degree because at

the time, in 1995, it was the only

course in the country to combine 70%

design with 30% marketing studies.

Matt’s initial research into equestrian

body protectors revealed that there

had been little change in the market

since the 1970s:“Most only protect

against minor bruising, so anything I

produced would have been a new step

in rider safety,” he says.

Although not an equestrian himself,

Matt has been exposed to competitive

riding through his wife,Catriona (née

Ling, BA (Hons) Fine Arts Valuation,

1998). He comments:“I have no

interest in getting on a horse; I prefer

classic cars and the knowledge of roll

cages and strong materials helped me

to develop the BodyCage Exo.”

The BodyCage Exo-Skeleton is

essentially a roll-cage for the rider,

integrated into a standard foam body

protector to provide maximum

freedom of movement. Manufactured

from magnesium alloy, the structure is

designed to reduce the severity of

crushing injuries by transferring energy

away from the point of impact and

forcing the horse to roll to one side.

Getting from concept to finished

product took “an age”, according to

Matt. During the first few years, the

company looked to venture capitalist

funding for support, which enabled

investment in key equipment. It was a

further four years before a licence to

manufacture was signed with Woof

Wear, part of Gul International in 2003.

After rigorous testing of the new

concept, from computer modelling

and impact testing to rider tests to

determine easy of use and ergonomic

fitting, the product finally gained

BETA (British Equestrian Trade

Association) approval and was

launched in June 2005.

“Sales have been positive for the Exo,”

Matt reveals.“Some people were

initially sceptical, but once you

demonstrate its strength by jumping

on the chest of someone wearing one,

and they don’t feel a thing, people

quickly understand!”

After the product had been on the

market for just six weeks, Matt

received a letter from a lady who had

been wearing an Exo and was crushed

by her horse during a fall.A doctor

who witnessed the accident said he

was amazed she was alive.

“What I love about inventing is the

challenge to come up with simple

solutions to different problems,”he

adds.Other concepts in the pipe-line

include Quick-Iron, a stirrup which

releases much like a ski binding to

prevent riders being dragged by their

horse, and Trixsys, a collection of sensors

that monitor the level of impact a

helmet receives in an accident.

Matt is a founding member and one of

two full-time executives at BodyCage,

which employs four additional non-

executive members.As well as setting

up BodyCage, Matt has since created a

creative design house, Designtoo, and

is currently working on a new,

completely different business idea.

Matt’s advice for those who want to

follow in his footsteps is simple:

“Patents, patents and more patents!”

he says, the importance of which was

instilled during his degree studies. He

also stresses the significance of USPs

(Unique Selling Points), not only to

access the marketplace but also to

gain funding.“Patents, Design Marks

etc, are tangible assets which you can

use to secure money,” he concludes.

For more information visit

www.bodycage.co.uk

When Matt Aspray witnessed the death of eventer Simon Long in 1999, crushed by his

horse during a fall at the annual Burghley Horse Trials, he resolved to find a solution to this

all too common tragedy. His company, BodyCage, now looks set to revolutionise the

equestrian safety market.

Riding high

Alumni inventions

Many alumni have an idea of a product or service they would like to

launch. Having the idea is the easy part; producing and launching it is

hard work. Here are some alumni who have persevered to get their

products launched successfully into today’s marketplace.

M

...What I

love about

inventing is

the challenge

to come up

with simple

solutions to

different

problems...”

“

1 and 2:The BodyCage Exo-Skeleton

3:The Trixsys

4: Inventor, Matt Aspray

1

2

3

4


Alumni inventions

rian Stickley, who graduated

from BA (Hons) Business and

Finance in 2000, enlisted Mark

Jones, BA (Hons) Product Design and

Marketing lecturer, and Ergonomist

Alison Messenger, to help him to

produce his two products, which

are simple and effective to use.

The first invention, the Pillpress, came

about when Brian was carrying out

some market research with the

visually impaired, which indicated

that, in addition to being unable to

identify individual packets of pills,

they also had difficulty actually

opening the blister packets.Additional

group research with arthritis sufferers

confirmed the need.

Brian contacted the University’s design

team with his idea and they produced

autoCAD illustrations and ergonomic

data, in addition to advising him on

plastic injection moulding.

The PillPress is designed to make it

easier for people to get through the foil

wrapping of medication. By placing the

pills over the product’s ‘well’, the user

can then press down on top of the pill

to push it through the foil.The well

captures the pill, enabling it to be

safely tipped out into the palm of

the hand.

In keeping with the theme of

administering pills, Brian then set

about launching another innovative

product targeted at the same market.

Talking Labels is a simple yet effective

solution to provide audible guidance

for identifying and taking medication.

The labels, which are about the size of

a credit card and only 9mm thick,

attach to standard packaging and

allow the user to record and store a

voice message, which can then be

played back at any time with the push

of a button.

Brian comments:“Managing

medication is a serious issue. When I

first started to research this product, I

was amazed at just how much

medication some people have to take

on a daily basis and just how many of

them get very confused with the task. I

am confident that my product will offer

them a simple solution.”

These products have been launched as

part of the portfolio of products from

Brian’s company, REXCOM, which

also has a sister company called

Talking Products Ltd. Brian is Director

of the company and is also a member

of the Wessex Round Table of

Inventors (WRTI).

Both of these innovative products

have taken the market by storm and

Brian has secured distribution in

Boots, the Royal National Institute for

the Blind and Help the Aged. Pilot

schemes have also taken place at a

number of NHS Trusts across the

country and customers can purchase

the products direct from the

company’s website:

www.talkingproducts.com

Southampton Solent

University has helped one

of its graduates to design

two new and innovative

inventions, which will help

thousands of people in the

UK to administer their

medication.

Sugaring the pill

eborah, who graduated with an

MA in Interactive Production in

2003, has produced a ‘virtual

history experience’ called The Talking

Walls™ – an educational interactive

history template, which can be

expanded to suit any heritage site or

historical building.

The Talking Walls™ is an ‘edutainment’

system offering a new method of

looking at the historical time-line of a

building (e.g. a castle or stately home)

through handheld devices, via a PC

using a CD or DVD-ROM, or through a

kiosk screen at a visitor centre.

Deborah explains:“There is no better

way to enable young people in the

21st century to become more

informed about their cultural heritage

than via a multimedia application

delivered to either a handheld or

desktop device linked to a

complementary website.”

Deborah is currently seeking finance

or joint venture partners to take the

prototype further. She is working with

Steve Davis at the Southampton

Enterprise Hub and Mike Wilman,

Senior Lecturer in Marketing at the

University and an accredited mentor

for SEEDA’s (South East Economic

Development Agency) Merlin

Mentor Programme, to develop her

business proposition.

The National Trust property at Dunster

Castle in Somerset is being used as the

trial property, while the British

Museum has also expressed an

interest. Deborah is currently in talks

to trial The Talking Walls™ in China and

exploit the vast number of heritage

sites abroad.

For more information, please visit:

www.thetalkingwalls.co.uk

Deborah Wilson has developed a unique way to learn about the importance and relevance

of our historic and cultural diversity.

Bringing history to life

B

D

Left: Brian

(kneeling)

displays the

Pillpress with

Alison

Messenger and

Mark Jones

Above: Inventor

of The Talking

Walls™,

Deborah Wilson

...I am

confident

that my

product will

offer them a

simple

solution... ”

“


News Alumni

pon graduating with a BA

(Hons) Media with Cultural

Studies in 1995,Colette

joined The Weekly Gleaner, a national

Caribbean newspaper, as a reporter.

After a year she was promoted to

Editor and held the post until 2001.

Colette then moved into a tri-media

news environment – TV, Radio,Online

– when she joined BBC London Live,

now BBC London. In her current role as

Broadcast Journalist (Online), she

writes news stories for the websites of

BBC London Online (News) and BBC

News Online (London), as well as BBC

Ceefax (London). She mainly writes

about news in London and the South

East but also occasionally writes

features for both websites.

Working as a journalist in London

means that no two days are the same

for Colette. She has reported on many

news stories, including the murder of

Jill Dando, the London bombings, and

the successful Olympic 2012 bid.

Features include an article about a

former East End criminal turned

author, a squatter who turned down

the opportunity to legally claim rights

to a piece of land worth £2million,

and a feature on the origin of Tube

station names.

Such is her commitment to her

profession, that Colette won a

Millennium Commission Award in

2000. She used these funds to set up a

beginners’ journalism course for

young people (aged 14-25) in south-

east London.Colette has also acted as

a mentor for an organisation that

helps people to find work in the

creative industries, and has been a

speaker at various events aimed at

women in business or young people.

More recently, the main changes in

Colette’s life have been of a personal

nature. She got married in August 2003

(so is now known as Colette Machado)

and gave birth to a baby boy,Omari,

last September (pictured left).

When Colette’s year-long maternity

leave comes to an end this September,

she will return to work at the BBC.“I

plan to continue my career in

journalism, however I would like to do

more feature writing and would love

to publish my own magazine one day,”

she says.“I also want to continue

helping young people by running more

journalism courses at youth clubs,

community centres and after-school

clubs – simply to give young people an

idea about how enjoyable journalism

is.”

Colette has good advice for budding

journalists:“Get your foot in the door

by offering some time for free to a

newspaper, magazine, radio or TV

outlet. I would also recommend

following up your degree with a

postgraduate qualification in print or

broadcast journalism.

“Since becoming a journalist, I have

never looked back and I know that this

is the right job and career for me.”

dam Smith, who graduated

with a BA (Hons) Animation

degree in 2005, won the

Undergraduate Animation award for his

animation The Boy with No Name,

which has been shown at several

national and international festivals.

Adam, who has just begun lecturing

on the BA (Hons) Animation course at

the University, comments:“It was such

an honour to win the award and the

responses I have received to the film

have been amazing. Making an

animated film is a very challenging

process, both mentally and

creatively.”

Professor Rod Pilling, Dean of the

Faculty of Media,Arts and Society,

adds:“Our prestigious win in

animation is an indication of the

strength of our courses in media, arts

and society and of the liveliness of the

student experience.”

Adam also won ‘Best Animation’ in the

student category at the regional RTS

Awards in February.This was the fifth

year in succession that Southampton

Solent University had won the award,

confirming its place as one of the

leading animation courses in the UK. He

recently won the Animation award at

the BBC Big Screen Big Screen Online

Film Festival, which showcased the best

in student, amateur and up-and-

coming independent film producers in

the South.

Adam’s animation The Boy with No

Name can be viewed in the mediabox

section of the University’s website

under the student showcase at:

www.solent.ac.uk/mediabox/

For the second time in four years, the creative talents of Southampton Solent University

students have triumphed at the prestigious Royal Television Society (RTS) Student

Television Awards in London.

Top television honour for graduate

A

Since graduating,Colette

Hibbert has dedicated her

career to working in

journalism and encourages

others to follow in her

footsteps.She currently works

as a Broadcast Journalist

(Online) for the BBC.

Roving reporter

U

Above: Adam

with his RTS

Student

Television Award

...Get your

foot in the

door by

offering some

time for

free to a

newspaper,

magazine,

radio or TV

outlet...

”

“

Above: Colette with her baby boy Omari


News Alumni

he BA (Hons) in Business

Management graduate of

2001 aims to complete the

London and New York marathons,

cycle from Lands End to John

O’Groats and around Iceland, take

part in the gruelling full ironman

triathlon in Sherborn and compete in

the Boston marathon – a 50km

rowing challenge in Lincolnshire – all

by the end of 2006!

Gus is taking part in these gruelling

challenges in memory of his brother

Andrew, who he lost to

Haemachromatosis – a genetic

condition which causes the blood to

produce too much iron leading to

organ failure – and his father, Ian, who

died from the resulting stress from

that tragic loss.Gus also has the

potentially life-threatening disease

but this hasn’t stopped him from

rising to the challenge.

The former University Student

Volunteer Co-ordinator and member

of the University’s rowing club hopes

to raise £24,000 for the Children’s

Hospice Association, the University’s

Lisa Wilson Scholarship Fund, the

Steve Redgrave Trust, the Helen

Rollason Heal Cancer Charity and the

Great Britain Adaptive Trust, which

supports rowers with disabilities.

The intrepid leader has recruited many

other alumni for the cause. Patrick

Stevens (featured in Paddling Pals,

page 16 and 17) and Trevor Pegrum

(BSc (Hons) Computer Network

Communications, 2005) joined him to

cycle around Iceland; and Katie-

George Dunlevy (BA (Hons) Marine

and Environmental Science 2005) will

crew with him for the Boston

marathon.

Five-time Olympic Gold medallist, Sir

Steve Redgrave who ran the London

Marathon with Gus in April says:“I am

amazed by the challenges which Gus

and his team are planning and I wish

them the very best of luck with it all.

Thousands of people take part in

activities such as marathons and cycle

rides each year, but very few decide to

take on this many challenges in such a

short space of time.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring and

supporting Gus can e-mail him on

[email protected] or visit

www.justgiving.com/fourmillionmetres.

Above: Gus

training for one

of his many

challenges

Action man Gus McKechnie

has set himself an almighty

challenge. During 2006 he

aims to run, row, cycle and

swim four million metres!

Go,Gus,Go!

isually impaired Katie-George

helped the British team

conquer the windy conditions

and their rivals to claim the gold in

style. Racing for the first time over

2,000m at this level, Katie-George and

her teammates Naomi Riches,Alistair

McLean,Alan Crowther and cox

Loretta Williams powered to victory in

a time of 8 minutes, 12.07 seconds.

Katie-George’s performance was even

more remarkable as she competed

despite a rib fracture sustained in

training.This is her second World

Championship gold medal, following

her victory in Banyoles, Spain in 2004.

Katie-George graduated in 2005

with a BA (Hons) Marine and

Environmental Science, where she

obtained a sports scholarship enabling

her to complete her studies while

competing at the highest level.

One of the alumni in Gus’ team, Katie-George Dunlevy

struck gold with Britain’s mixed adaptive fours at the 2005

World Rowing Championships in Gifu, Japan.

Rower claims World glory

Above: Katie-

George with

her gold medal

V

...I am

amazed

by the

challenges

which Gus

and his team

are planning

and I wish

them the

very best of

luck with

it all... ”

“

...This is her

second World

Championship

gold medal,

following her

victory in

Banyoles,

Spain in

2004...

T


News Alumni

aymond graduated in 1997

with a 2:1 LLB (Hons) in Law,

and went on to study for the

Bar Vocational Course (BVC) at the

Inns of Court School of Law. Following

this, he was called to the Bar by the

Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn.

Raymond then became the legal

adviser to a group of companies and

was concerned predominately with

international commerce, which led to

him being appointed to advise the

Attorney General of Seychelles on the

country’s reform of land law. He has

worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers,

designing and implementing

employee reward strategies; taught

Law in Cambridge; and presented

company and trust administration

training programmes in the Bahamas.

He has also completed an LLM at

Northumbria University.

His next challenge took him to a

major regional law firm in the

Midlands where he was responsible for

managing the design and delivery of

all tax efficient reward strategies for

the firm’s clients.

Now Raymond has settled within the

Reward Consulting Group at Chiltern

Plc in London. His client base has

shifted from the technology,

pharmaceutical and engineering

companies of Cambridge’s Science

Parks from which he ‘learned his trade’

to the likes of city-based investment

companies and well established listed

and private trading companies.With

strong aspirations for the future, his

priority is to establish Chiltern Plc as

the provider of choice for share

schemes, reward strategies and

associated employee and corporate

tax planning.

Reflecting on how his University study

has helped him in his career, he says:“I

had a strong sense on entering the

degree programme that I would

pursue a commercial life.On the

whole, different parts of the LLB have

been incredibly useful in various

periods of my career. Remedies were a

focus point during training on the

BVC; contract and tort were central to

my first two years of practice. Solid

grounding in tax during year three

launched me in to what I do now.

“If I had any idea of what life as a

lawyer would be like, I would have

abandoned electronics much sooner.”

Having started off his

career as an electronics

engineer, Raymond Roe

felt it was not the right

job for him, so came to

Southampton Solent

University to study Law

and has since achieved his

ambition to become

a lawyer.

Life as a Lawyer

R

his is only the second time that

Austria held the Presidency

since their accession to the EU

in 1995, having first held it in 1998.

The Presidency is held by the Member

States in turn for a period of six

months and it was Austria’s turn in the

first half of 2006.

Christiane was appointed thanks to

her knowledge of marketing and

communication theory, her language

skills and practical experience. Her

duties, which were primarily related to

the Austrian EU Presidency, included:

political marketing and public

relations, monitoring national and

international media, writing press

releases on behalf of the Minister and

creating websites.

“My job is quite stressful but also very

multifaceted and interesting; I really

love my work and I am continuously

learning something new,”Christiane

remarks.“Thanks to my MA, I have a

sound theoretical knowledge of

marketing which I can apply to

this role.”

During the Presidency, the Austrian

Ministry of Finance hosted the

Informal Economic and Financial

Council (ECOFIN Council), which

gathers all Finance Ministers of the

EU.The Ministry also held the Asia-

Europe Finance Ministers’ meeting

(ASEM FM), bringing together the 25

EU Member States with 13 Asian

countries and the European

Commission.Christiane had a key role

during these meetings with

responsibility for the journalists’

support, and she organised a big event

for all media representatives who

reported on the Informal ECOFIN

Council and ASEM FM meeting.

Now the Austrian EU Presidency is

over (Finland took the reins on 1 July

2006),Christiane has been offered a

permanent contract where she will

manage events and carry on her

sterling work in political public

relations and marketing, for the

Austrian Ministry of Finance as a

whole.That’s in addition to the PhD in

Communications Sciences that she

has just started – with her dissertation

being about her work during the

Austrian EU Presidency.

Fresh from graduating in 2005 with an MA in Marketing,Christiane landed the job of her

dreams – in the communications division of the Austrian Ministry of Finance during their

six-month hold of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU).

Marketing guru

Above:

Christiane had a

key role during

the Austrian EU

Presidency

....On the

whole,

different

parts of the

LLB have

been

incredibly

useful in

various

periods of my

career...”

“

T


Membership News

Natalie Chuter got her foot

into her current employer’s

door at the Faculty of

Technology’s Degree show

in 2004.

hile showcasing her final-

year project, ‘Theatre

Communication

Backstage’ (a belt-pack used

backstage at the theatre to enable

communication between crew

members), she was approached by the

Head of TANDBERG Television’s

System Specialist Group, who

encouraged her to apply to the

company. She joined them as Systems

Engineer upon graduating with a BSc

(Hons) Audio Technology in 2004.

Southampton-based TANDBERG

Television is a global company that

specialises in digital video technology

for the delivery of TV and on-demand

content. Natalie’s role is diverse with

duties ranging from updating the

group website to solving problems for

customers on the other side of the

world.The problems can be hardware

or software related and her time is

divided between her desk and

laboratories.

Natalie says:“Without my degree I

would not have had the opportunity

to work with TANDBERG Television.

Anyone wishing to enter this industry

will need good problem solving and

communication skills as well as

knowledge of computer networking.”

Natalie is one of only seven female

engineers out of 60 in her

department. She enjoys working for

TANDBERG Television and is hoping to

progress to the role of principle

engineer in the future.

Right:

Natalie Chuter

All systems go

for Natalie

WWith a network of 28,000 members worldwide, the Association aims to maintain lifelong links with

past students, promote your achievements and foster contact with old friends and colleagues.

In addition to continued links with Southampton Solent University, membership benefits include:

• headway – the alumni magazine

• Alumni newsletter by e-mail

• News of reunions and events

• Continued use of the library and Sport Solent at preferential membership rates

• Use of the Careers Service for three years after graduating

• Inclusion in the online e-mail directory of graduates and/or professional

networking directory

• Contact service which enables you to get in touch with old friends

• Discounts on IT training courses, postgraduate/professional study and use of

conference/training facilities

• Free membership card

• Use of Students’ Union facilities for a year after graduating

• Mail order service of University memorabilia

• Dedicated Alumni pages on the University website.

Full details of our benefits can be found at www.solent.ac.uk/alumni/benefits.

Keep in touch!

Write or e-mail to tell us about your life after graduation.Whether you’re undertaking further

study, travelling the world, running your own business, organising a reunion or enjoying a

successful career, we’d like to hear about it.

Also, if you know of any other graduates who do not receive headway, ask them to contact us so

we can ensure we have their correct details on our database.

Don’t forget to let the Alumni Office know if you change your address!

T. 023 8031 9038/9650

F. 023 8033 4161

E-mail: [email protected]

www.solent.ac.uk/alumni

Membership of the Alumni Association is free and automatic for all

graduates of Southampton Solent University,Southampton Institute,

Warsash Maritime Academy (formerly College of Nautical Studies),

Southampton Technical College,Southampton College of Technology,

Southampton College of Art and Southampton College of Higher Education.

Alumni Association – what’s in it for you?


Alumni Where are you now?

This is your chance to let everyone know where you’ve been and what

you’ve been up to since graduating.To appear in the next issue just fill in the

‘Alumni Update Form’ on the address sheet with this magazine, visit our

website at www.solent.ac.uk or e-mail your update to: [email protected]

1980Joanna Heijbroek

Diploma in Fashion

Moved to Switzerland in the early 1980s so

sadly lost contact with the UK fashion world,

but I have now started a dot.com called

sizebase.com. Input your measurements once

and check out your international and brand

clothes sizes per country.As I live near

Geneva, I also work for an international

organisation dealing with the environment. I

have two children,Alex and Farah and a

husband who is a Swiss banker.

Caroline Palmer

Secretarial Linguists

After 20 years on the corporate marketing

ladder, I took the plunge in 2001 of retraining

as a personal fitness trainer and nutritional

adviser. I launched my own business,A La Carte

Health in 2001 and don’t regret it one bit.

I also now help others to launch their own

home-based businesses under the umbrella

of a global natural health and personal care

company.This complements my timetable as

a trainer perfectly and I’d love to hear from

any other alumni who’d like to launch their

own part-time home business.

1990Catherine Ball

HND Business and Finance

Three months after finishing my HND, I took

off on the ‘trip of a lifetime’ to Australia with

fellow graduate, Edward Coates.This led to

me meeting my Aussie husband and we are

now settled in Adelaide with our two

daughters. I am now going back to university

to turn my HND into a commerce degree. I

would love to hear from old friends. E-mail:

[email protected]

1995Bonita West

BA (Hons) Corporate Communications

I’m currently Head of Marketing, Partner and

Competitive Strategy for a large US software

house.Would love to hear from anyone on

my course. E-mail: [email protected]

Caroline Beach

BA (Hons) Business Studies

I am still living in the USA, but now the

sunshine state, Florida. I got married to an

American, Steven in September 2004 so I’m

now called Caroline Minor. Lorraine Blake

(née Blackman) was my bridesmaid.

1996Lance Warner

BA (Hons) Marketing Design

I am currently the General Manager for

Amalgamated Security Services in Trinidad

and Tobago.Trinidad is still a lovely place to

live in. I would like to stay in touch with

fellow alumni classmates. E-mail:

[email protected]

Marcus Jinks

LLB (Hons) Law

After a short spell in Guernsey’s finance

industry, I now work in the civil service. My

wife Ros and I have an active life as we scuba-

dive and sky-dive regularly. I’m also in the

Territorial Army and was compulsorily

mobilised in 2005 for nine months to serve

in Iraq.

1997Matthew Steel


I am now working as Hospitality Manager for

BP-Ford World Rally Team, looking after BP’s

sponsorship of the team. I am responsible for

arranging guest hospitality programmes at

each World Rally event.Currently live in

Chelmsford, Essex. E-mail: [email protected]

1998Simon Mackay

BA (Hons) Media with Cultural Studies

I am now the Country Manager of the

Thailand operation of Berlitz (the

International language school), having moved

over here four years ago. I am in charge of five

language centres with 200 people in my

team. It’s very hard work but rewarding.

I don’t think I will ever go back to the UK to

live but I do return occasionally for holidays.


Richard Voller

BA (Hons) Media with Cultural Studies

I am now working in Consumer Imaging PR

for Canon at their head office and live in

Amsterdam.Would be great to hear from

anybody who I did my degree with. E-mail:

[email protected]

Jonathan South

BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology

I am an IT Service Manager for Royal and Sun

Alliance, having previously worked for British

Airways IT. I married Jane in 1999 and our

daughter Rebecca was born in 2003.We now

live back in Brighton and I’m still supporting

the Seagulls!



1999Paula D’Souza

BA (Hons) Social Science

After travelling and having fun, I am now

teaching in a wonderful primary school. I’m

planning to teach abroad in the near future. I

would love to hear from anyone from my

course or the climbing club. E-mail:

[email protected]

Sally Harvey

BA (Hons) Fashion

I am currently working at a bridal wear

company, Sassi Holford Bridal Couture. I

started as a pattern cutter and am now

Assistant Designer.We are doing very well and

it’s very busy. I have also been making dresses

for a few friends.

David Parsons

PhD

Having lectured at Southampton Solent

University where I also completed my PhD

part-time, I decided to leave academia to work

as a software consultant and trainer, first in the

Southampton area then London. In September

2003 I emigrated with my family to New

Zealand and I now lecture in Information

Systems at Massey University,Auckland.

2000Rachid Houari

BSc (Hons) Shipping Operations

I spent some of the best years of my life as a

student in Southampton. I hope that current

students are enjoying life as much as I did,as it’s

a great place to study.

Francesca Massarella

LLB (Hons) Law

I am an assistant family solicitor at Paris,

Smith and Randall in Southampton and own

a Victorian ‘DIY project’ house.

2001Marie Stuart

BA (Hons) International Design

After graduating, I spent 18 months travelling

around Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand,

Hawaii and California. I had a fantastic time

exploring and taking part in a wide range of

activities, including scuba diving in the Great

Barrier Reef to find Nemo.One of my

proudest achievements was sky diving

14,000 feet over Lake Taupo in New Zealand

(see photo below).

I now work for Bournemouth Daily Echo in the

promotions and advertising departments.

This involves producing the classified adverts

and promoting the paper at various

roadshows. I’ve also spent some time doing

work experience on the news desk.This has

enabled me to write about my Australian

travels and see my article in print!

Sylvester Anso

HND Nautical Science

I’m having a wonderful experience at sea,having

started as a 3rd officer upon graduation and

presently sailing as a Chief Officer on an LNG

carrier. I look forward to returning in the near

future to study for my Master Mariner

examinations at Warsash and MSc International

Maritime Studies at the University.

Jonathan Durward

BSc (Hons) Psychology

I am a metropolitan police officer working as

part of an emergency response team in

Croydon. It is very different to life in

Southampton but a good career to get into.

Best wishes to past and present students.

Mark Webb


I am now working as a Commissioning

Accountant at Fareham and Gosport Primary

Care Trust, having passed the final hurdle of

the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and

Accountancy qualifications in July 2004. It

would be great to hear from any old friends.


Anthony Ford

HND Graphic Design and Illustration

Since my HND, I’ve worked as a junior designer,

designer and studio manager,and am now a

Graphic Designer for an international magazine.

2002Emma Gilgunn-Jones

BA (Hons) Corporate Communication

Having completed the Diploma in Public

Relations I am now a full member of the

Institute of Public Relations. I’m currently

working as an assistant press officer for the

Council for the Central Laboratory of the

Research Councils (CCLRC).

2003David Revagliatte

BA (Hons) Marketing Design

Since my graduation, I have worked for

Bacardi-Martini Europe, before moving to

London where I’m now working as a Marketing

Officer at the London College of Fashion.

Diana Williams

BA (Hons) Journalism

After graduating, I continued with my

freelance work while completing my dressage

course. In August 2004 I moved to Holland

and have been here ever since! I currently

work in the Summits and Conferencing

Department of Marcus Evans (UK) in

Amsterdam. If anyone remembers me, my

e-mail is [email protected]

Lisa Gee

BA (Hons) Photography

I am now a digital studio photographer for

Peartree Digital in Barbican, London. I shoot

fashion and still life for magazines such as B,

Period Living, Sunday Mirror and various

celebrity magazines. I have learnt so much from

working as a photographer, especially digital

equipment and how to liaise with art directors,

editors and stylists. I love my job and hope to

develop my career in fashion photography.

2004Glyn Jones

PhD

After nearly 10 years at Southampton Solent

University as a PhD research student and stints

in Academic Quality Standards and since

November 1999, Student Affairs Manager in

Student Services, I am now working as the

Head of Student Life Office at Kingston

University. My main responsibilities are

investigating student complaints and dealing



with student disciplinaries – so the students

don’t like coming to see me! I also became a

dad to Isabelle Charlotte in June 2004.

Matt Burn

BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation

After graduating with a first class honours

degree in animation with an award for ‘best

film’ at the Harbour Lights cinema, I started

my pursuit of a job I love in my industry of

choice to gain exposure for my work. I have

successfully applied to have my graduation

animation ‘Arachnotelephonphobia’ screened

at many film and animation festivals around

the country, and have been given financial

backing by the British Council to apply to

festivals around the world. Being nominated

for inclusion in BBC London’s ‘night of many

stars’ was a particularly proud moment. I am

currently working on many freelance projects

and intend to be on a big screen near you

very soon!

ContactIf you’d like to contact a fellow

former student, then the Alumni

Office can help.Whether it’s for

social or professional purposes,

we’d like you to stay in touch.

Although we can’t give out

addresses (unless given

permission to do so), we are happy

to forward mail or write to the

respective graduate on your

behalf.Contact the Alumni Office

with the name, course studied and

graduation year (if known) of the

person(s) you’d like to get in touch

with and we’ll do our best to track

them down for you.

Marriage

Shane Wilden, BA (Hons) Business

Management 2000 and Rebecca Inglis, BA

(Hons) Business Studies 2000

Shane and Rebeccca married in Hertfordshire

on the 11 June 2005, which was the year they

celebrated their 10th anniversary of getting

together. Many alumni watched the couple

marry, including Leni Scrivener,Alexandra

Colton, Jo Cropley, Pete Graham and Rob

Carleton.The couple are both pursuing

careers in retail as Shane is a Project Manager

for Tesco, and Rebecca is a Store Planning

Manager for TK Maxx.They have set up home

in Watford, Hertfordshire.

Nigel Ainscow, HND Business Studies 1998

and Tracey Killick, HND Graphic Design

1997

An Italian castle was the venue for another

couple who have been together 10 years.Tracey

and Nigel got married on 27 October 2005.

Nigel is a Facilities Co-ordinator for the head

office of a recruitment consultancy in Welwyn

Garden City and Tracey is an Advertising

Production Controller for a publisher in Hatfield.

The newlyweds live in Hemel Hempstead,

Hertfordshire.

Andi Burton, BA (Hons) Maritime Studies

1997 and Rachel Hewitt-Hall, BA (Hons)

Media with Cultural Studies 1998

A couple who met on a blind date when they

were students were married in May 2005 at The

Springs Hotel in Wallingford.Rachel and Andi’s

wedding was attended by many alumni,

including Joy Hopkins (née Haskell) as

bridesmaid and Jeanette Soden,Alex Newton,

Doug Knight, Jat Purewal, Liz White,Simon

Perkins,Phil Hasted, Lucy Huddlestone and

Tom Wain.

Christopher Knight and Nicola Rae,

BA (Hons) Business Studies 2002

On a beautiful hot and sunny day in June

2005,Christopher and Nicola tied the knot in

Romsey Abbey, with the reception at

Chilworth Manor.Among the 150 guests

were fellow alumni, Louise Robinson

(bridesmaid), Matt Zollo, Sarah Williams, Rob

Stemp and Sian Williams.After a honeymoon

in Jamaica the couple returned to work;

Christopher is a Project Manager for a

software company in Southampton and

Nicola works in compliance at

PricewaterhouseCoopers in London.


Alumni Updates

Mat Jordan, BA (Hons) Business Studies

1996 and Elisa Fridd, LLB (Hons) Law 1994

A couple who met when they were working

in the Students’ Union, got married in August

2004 after celebrating 10 years together.

Elisa was VP Education and Welfare (1994-6)

and Mat,VP Treasurer (1994-5). Many former

Union staff and alumni attended the

celebrations in Cheltenham, including Karen

Brown, Sue Dellow, Dean Harvey, Mario

Matheou, Dave Parry, Liz Crouch, Rachel

Griffin (née Carter), Jo Wakeley (née Watson)

and Julie Reed. Mat works as a Sales Director

at an IT Company and Elisa is a Strategic

Planning Manager for the Learning and Skills

Council.The family has since been extended

with the addition of a baby boy,Gabriel born

in July 2005.

Obituaries We are sorry to have to report the passing

away of the following people:

Steve James Nicholls - died November

2005.

Steve was a valued member of the Faculty of

Technology until a couple of years ago when

he had to take medical retirement.

Unfortunately his medical condition

worsened and he passed away leaving his

widow Celia.

Steve started his career in Manchester as an

apprentice and doing an HNC. He then

proceeded to expand his capabilities, moved

into education and came south to Eastleigh

College before joining Southampton Institute,

as we were then known. He taught on a

variety of courses ranging from HNC through

to MSc and was involved in various

collaborative arrangements.

He and his wife were into DIY in a major way.

They bought an old house in France and

proceeded to do it up, making it into a very

pleasant holiday home and integrated

successfully into the local community. In his

time he was a competent skier and, before

taking medical retirement, he and his wife

had sold their house in France and bought

another one south of Toulouse to be nearer

the Pyrenees.

Anyone wishing to remember him is

requested to make a donation to the British

Lung Foundation.

Hayley Jones – died February 2006

Hayley Jones, who graduated with a 2:1 LLB

(Hons) in Law in 2002, died after being hit by

a moped in Wandsworth, London on 18

February 2006. She was only 24 years old.

Hayley spent her formative years in Penzance,

Cornwall, before coming to Southampton

Institute (now Southampton Solent

University) in 1999 to undertake a Law

degree.After graduating in 2002, she moved

to London to start an exciting new life in the

City. She became Personal Assistant to the

Chief Executive of the Legal Services

Commission in 2005 and was saving to travel

to Australia in 2007. Her employers have since

set up an award in her memory for employees

with outstanding achievements outside work.

Known for her enthusiasm for life, her fun

personality and huge smile, Hayley lived life

to the full. She was a ray of sunshine and

always laughing or smiling. She had many

friends and had time for anyone.

Hayley enjoyed running and had completed

the Race for Life last year in aid of breast

cancer. She was due to run in another race this

year for children with leukaemia.

Having touched so many people’s lives,

Hayley’s loss will leave a void for all who knew

her. She will never be forgotten and live on in

her friends’ minds forever.

(Obituary written by Hayley’s flatmate and

friend:Caroline Hingley, BA (Hons) Media

with Cultural Studies 2002.)

Left: Hayley (left) and best friend Caroline

Captain Nigel William Hunt – died May 2006

Nigel died suddenly, while working in

Mombassa on Friday 19 May 2006.

He went to sea as an apprentice with Alfred

Holt (Blue Funnel) in 1966 and was one of the

small first cohort to undertake a BSc

(Nautical Studies) instead of an MAR or OND

course. He left Blue Funnel in 1974 and joined

Bank Line where he stayed until 1966 when

he went on to the coast with Coe Metcalfe.

He left them, as Master, in 1988 to become

the Harbour Master and Chief Executive of

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.

In 1990 he joined Warsash Maritime Academy

in the simulation section. He worked on the

Full Mission simulators at Warsash and then at

Marchwood. He started working on the

manned model courses at Marchwood in

1992 and took over as manager of the lake

facility in 1995.

He left Warsash Maritime Academy in 2000 to

join BMT Reliability Consultants Ltd and then

set up his own Consultancy Company, Hunt

Marine Services Ltd in 2003.

Nigel lived in Bursledon with his wife Avis and

two, now adult, daughters Sally and Lisa.

He was a Lt Cdr RNR (Ret’d), a Younger Brother

of Trinity House (elected 1995) and a Fellow

of the Nautical Institute, where he was chair

of the Papers and Technical committee.


Gift Collection headway - Southampton Solent University’s Alumni Association Magazine

Southampton Solent University gifts (items 1-8), featuring our new logo are now available.This is also your last chance to purchase

Southampton Institute branded memorabilia at rock bottom prices while stocks last (items 9-14).

To order your gifts, please complete the order form in full and return to:Alumni Office, Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace,

SOUTHAMPTON, SO14 0RB, UK.

All prices include VAT and are valid until 31 December 2006.

Please allow 28 days for delivery from receipt of order.All orders must be accompanied by full payment.Refunds will only be given if the goods are faulty or out of stock.

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14

Name (in full): .................................................................................................................................. Daytime Telephone: ...................................................................................

Address: ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Post Code: .......................................................................................................................................... E-mail: ............................................................................................................

Please make your cheque payable to ‘Southampton Solent University’.

✃DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE QUANTITY P&P* TOTAL

1 Benji Bear (with t-shirt only) £8.99

2 Graduation Bear (with t-shirt, mortar board and cloak) £10.99

3 Silver Plated Business Card Case £8.99

4 Jet Black Desk Clock £13.99

5 Golf Umbrella £9.99

6 Silver Plated Key Ring £3.99

7 Rollerball Pen in Black Presentation Case £6.99

8 Mug £6.99

9 Cap (Navy, Black, Burgundy, White - please delete as necessary) £1.99

10 Calculator and World Timer Alarm Clock £3.99

11 Silver Plated Two Tone Desk Clock £14.95

12 Chrome Pen and Case £2.49

13 Mobile Phone Stand £3.99

14 Silver Coaster set of 6 £14.99

*Postage and packaging extra. Please add per item £2 UK and Europe; £3 outside Europe £Order Total:

ocal artist Michael Newgass’s

installation of new work in

the Millais Gallery is an

investigation into the physical and

spiritual act of walking, and an

exploration of our subjective

consciousness of time.

Time Lines will consist of many series

of monochrome photographs with

sound and text, which explore the

length of a day and trace

interminable pathways.

In the catalogue to this exhibition Liz

Wells writes: “Newgass reminds us

that walking in rural areas is different.

We stop, look, contemplate, shiver or

sweat, wonder at scents and tastes.

Birdsong, wind, water and the grind

of machinery hint at seasonal habitat

and local land use. It is impossible

not to be aware of climate and

weather, of soil and vegetation, of

greens and browns, of the textures of

stones and the feel of the ground

beneath our feet, the earth

compressed by the steps of the many

who have trekked the path before.”

celebratory party took

place on 12 July to mark

the 10th anniversary of

the Millais Gallery.

Speeches were given by guest of

honour Sir Geoffroy Millais Bt, Vice-

Chancellor Professor Roger Brown

and Barbara Large MBE, Governor at

Southampton Solent University and

Chair of the Millais Gallery Board.

Guests were able to view the

exhibition, A Beautiful South…, meet

some of the artists in attendance,

including The Caravan Gallery who, as

well as commissioned to make new

work for the Project Room in the

Millais Gallery brought along their

caravan which was parked outside.

The Millais Gallery is a valued part of

Southampton Solent University. It is

a public art gallery, committed to the

exhibition of contemporary visual

arts that address issues of relevance

to culturally diverse communities. Its

dynamic programme of exhibitions

and events complements the work of

the University’s staff and students,

and reaches out into the community

with various collaborative projects.

Beautiful South… profiles

artists who make work about

the land and coast of

Southern England, from Romney

Marsh to Dorset and the Isle of

Wight, and how it has been shaped

by mankind and time. From farming

to tourism, war and industry, this

exhibition depicts particular aspects

such as the region’s traditional land

and coast-scapes, sound mirrors and

chalk hill figures, while celebrating

the incredible diversity of the land in

which we live.

Natural, cultural and mythical

elements as well as romantic and

historical associations of landscape

traditions are present throughout,

making this exhibition both insightful

and alluring, and promoting

appreciation of and access to the

beautiful and intriguing landscapes of

Southern England.

A Beautiful South…

Above, left

to right:

Andrew Goddard

‘Panoranic VII,

detail’ oil on

covered panel,

2005

Michael

Newgass ‘Time

Lines’, 2005

(l-r) Sir Geoffroy

Millais, Bridget

Cusack, Barbara

Large MBE and

Professor Roger

Brown at the

10th anniversary

celebrations

Millais Gallery Exhibitions


If you require any further information or would like to receive details of forthcoming exhibitions, invitations

to private views, gallery talks and other events at the Millais Gallery, please contact:

Millais Gallery, Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton SO14 0YN

T. 023 8031 9916 F. 023 8033 4161 E. [email protected] W. http://millais.solent.ac.uk

Exhibition dates and details correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change. The Millais Gallery, part of

Southampton Solent University, is a city centre public art gallery committed to the exhibition of mainly contemporary visual arts

which addresses issues of relevance to culturally diverse communities locally, regionally and nationally. Its dynamic programme of

exhibitions and events complements the work of staff and students in art, design and media: theory, practice and cultural histories.

Contact the gallery

7 July-9 September 2006

Time Lines:

Michael Newgass

10th Anniversary of

the Millais Gallery29 September-11

November 2006

12 July 2006

A AL

Andrew Goddard, John Holloway, Guy

Moreton, Eric Rimmington, Sadie

Tierney, Semiconductor, The Caravan

Gallery, Thomas Joshua Cooper

SO

Graduates of any Southampton Solent University

(formerly Southampton Institute) First Degree or

Master’s Degree course, who return to study here,

are eligible for a 15% reduction on the annual tuition

fee for the first year of any Postgraduate course,

including Research or Professional courses*.

15%save

why not return to Southampton Solent University to study?

15% reduction on fees!

Visit: www.solent.ac.uk/coursesto see a list of the courses that are available.

Or call 0845 676 7000

Or come to one of our Open Days.

Visit: www.solent.ac.uk/opendaysto book a place.

*Alumni are only eligible to apply for this discount

once and this is only available to students who are

self-funded.

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