October 2011 - University of Worcester

news
& views
THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER MAGAZINE
October 2011
Honouring
the WRI
Nurses
Stained glass window takes pride of
place in the Jenny Lind Chapel p.4-5
In this issue:
Rock On!
Geology Conference p.6
It’s a WRaP
Worcester Research and Publications
collection records 1000 th entry p.6
Let battle commence
From the library to the battlefield p.12

FEATURE
University backs calls for more midwives
across the country
One of the country’s top providers of
midwifery training has backed calls by
the Royal College of Midwives for an
increase in the number of trained staff.
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) says
a 22% rise in births over 20 years has led to
shortfalls of midwives across England. The
RCM wants 4,700 more midwives and says
the prime minister has backed away from a
pledge to raise numbers.
At the University of Worcester the number
of midwifery places the University is
commissioned to offer has been cut by the
Strategic Health Authority over the past two
years, from 52 in 2009/10 to 45 for 2011/12.
The same reduction has been applied to all
West Midlands universities.
Despite the Department of Health saying a
record number of midwives are being trained,
a further cut of 16% had been planned
across the West Midlands last year. This was
only reversed on the personal order of the
Secretary of State Andrew Lansley, following
pressure from the Royal College of Midwives,
universities and MPs.
Judith Davies, Professional Lead for Midwifery
at the University and herself a qualified
midwife with 30 years experience, said: “There
has been a huge baby boom in recent times and
excellent midwifery care is critical to ensure
mothers are given the best support at what it
supposed to be one of the happiest, but most
stressful, times of their lives. It is vital that we
are allowed to train more midwives. Midwives
provide the backbone of maternity care in
Britain and it is essential that there are enough
to meet this challenge effectively.”
The University of Worcester has more than 35
applicants for every place it is allowed to offer
in midwifery. Student midwives complete
2,300 hours in practice and must deliver 40
babies before being eligible to register to
practice as well as demonstrating a wide range
of practical skills and relevant scientific health
care knowledge.
In January 2011 the Nursing and Midwifery
Council (NMC) rated the University of
Worcester’s provision for midwifery training as
‘good’, the best possible grade, in all five areas
of its Annual Monitoring Review, particularly
noting that the University attracts excellent
applicants to train in midwifery.
Vice Chancellor Professor David Green
said: “In partnership with the hospitals, Trusts
and health care providers, the University of
Worcester is the only educator of midwives in
Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Quality is
excellent, giving thousands of mothers and their
babies the best possible professional help before,
during and after childbirth.”
He added: “Forty three new midwives a year is
not enough for this region. It is essential that
we are commissioned to increase the number of
midwives we can train.”
It is understood that at Worcestershire Royal
Hospital, antenatal and postnatal wards
are regularly amalgamated and plans for a
midwife-led unit at the City’s hospital were
put on hold towards the end of last year.
2 / OCTOBER 2011 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk

COVER wELCOME STORY
Welcome
contents
FEATURE
Backing calls for more midwives 2
COVER STORY
Stained glass window tribute 4
Welcome to the October issue
of News & Views, featuring
a roundup of news, launches
and milestones from the past
month at the University of Worcester.
The cover story this month shows the beautiful
stained glass window that has been installed
at City Campus. The window is a lasting
memorial to all the nurses who worked at the
then Worcester Royal Infirmary Hospital. From
nurses past to present day nursing we also
congratulate the University’s nursing programme
which has been ranked seventh in the UK in the
latest Sunday Times Good University Guide.
Congratulations have been plentiful over the
past few weeks as the Worcester Research
and Publications (WRaP) collection recorded
its 1,000th entry; the University is nominated
for a prestigious green award and several
members of staff have become parents.
We hope you’ll all enjoy this month’s staff feature
as we discover how Library Services Development
Manager Roger Fairman spends his time outside
of the University library. Don’t forget if you have
an interesting story, please contact our Press
Officer, Sally Jones at s.jones@worc.ac.uk
Please keep sending your news to
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
FINE ART GRADUATES PUT ON EXHIBITION IN MALVERN
Art graduates from the University of
Worcester have displayed their work at a
special exhibition in Malvern.
Seven graduates from 2011 were part of a
weeklong exhibition at the No4A Gallery. The
exhibition was the idea of third year Fine Art
student Brian Cook.
“The exhibition was an idea that I came up with
after I had watched the third years complete their
final year and I thought how they may have mixed
emotions leaving what had become a family unit,”
he said. “I thought what better way could I say
we are proud of their accomplishments than by
putting together this exhibition. I approached
No4A Gallery and asked the proprietor how
she would feel about supporting University of
Worcester Fine Art Graduates.”
The exhibition will feature the work of Jose
Santos Lopez, Lucinda Hodgetts, Rachel
Blackwell, Laura Wagstaff, Elliot Robinson,
Beckie Payne and Alex Rees.
news
Fine Art graduates put on exhibition
in Malvern 3
Worcester hosts Geology
Conference 6
Nursing at the University ranked in
the UK’s Top 10 6
In celebration of World Mental
Health Day 6
Earn as you learn 7
RLF Writer in Residence 7
Ethical leadership workshop 8
Worcester lecturer to help
businesses in Ghana 8
Baby boom 8
Worcester student raises funds for
soldier’s charity 9
University short listed for
prestigious green awards 9
Police’s Community Safety
Accreditation Scheme 10
Leading businesswoman to deliver
annual business lecture 10
1,000th entry for WRaP 11
Professor of Sport, Health and
Exercise Science to deliver inaugural
lecture 11
Sports delegation from China pays
visit to Worcester 11
Beeline Festival 12
A swarm of bees 12
sTAFF FEATURE
Let battle commence:
Roger Fairman 13
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / OCTOBER 2011 / 3

4 / OCTOBER 2011 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk

COVER STORY
Commemorative
window at City
Campus celebrates
work of nurses
A STAINED GLASS WINDOW DEDICATED TO THE WORK
OF NURSES IN WORCESTER HAS BEEN INSTALLED AT
THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER’S CITY CAMPUS.
The commemorative
window in the Jenny Lind
Chapel harks back to the
buildings’ history as the
former Worcester Royal
Infirmary hospital.
It was paid for by the
Worcester Royal Infirmary
Nurses’ League as a lasting
memorial to all the nurses
who worked at the hospital.
Nurses’ League President
Muriel Ballinger said: “We
felt that some permanent
memorial should be created
at the site. The hospital was a
hugely important place in the
city and many people will have
either worked, been treated,
or visited a loved one there.”
The window was designed by
local artist Nick Upton, who
has previously carried out a
commission for the Nurses’
League, and was made by
Rob Paddock, Director of
The Art of Glass at Burcott
Forge, near Bromsgrove.
Elizabeth Hill, Vice Chairman
of the Nurses’ League and
Project Lead, said: “The
projected cost of the window
was £15,000. An appeal
was made to both League
members and the wider
community. As a result of
local publicity donations
began to be received from all
over the country, including
former Infirmary staff. Several
donations were received in
memory of loved ones, often
nurses, with one third of
the original cost donated
in memory of Edna Butler.
Locally, members turned
their attention to a series
of fundraising events.
“Although a further £3,000 was
required for the design to be
re-worked, within one year of
launching the appeal the total
sum was achieved. A fantastic
effort by all. We hope to have
an official unveiling ceremony
in the coming months.”
The Jenny Lind Chapel is
named after the ‘Swedish
Nightingale’, as she was
known, who sang at a
concert in College Hall
in 1849, donating the
proceeds to the building
fund. The Chapel adjoins
the board room where the
British Medical Association
was formed in 1832.
Dr Martin Doughty, Pro
Vice Chancellor (Resources),
said: “This is a hugely
important chapel in the
history of Worcester and the
University has been very keen
to ensure its preservation.
This stained glass window
is a welcome addition and
a fitting tribute to all those
who worked at the hospital.”
The former hospital has
been sympathetically
transformed into new
teaching and learning
spaces for the University.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / OCTOBER 2011 / 5

NEWS
Worcester hosts Geology Conference
The University hosted a prestigious two-day conference for the Geologists’ Association in early September.
The conference, Geoconservation for
Science and Society, was attended by a
number of high profile guests, discussing
the challenges of the 21st Century.
Geoconservation can be defined as action
taken with the intent of conserving and
enhancing geological and geomorphological
features, processes, sites and specimens.
The event celebrated 60 years of successful
geoconservation and discussions took
place on how to ensure our geo-heritage
is further valued and protected.
The event brought together many respected
figures from different institutions where
they were given interesting keynote
lectures, including members from English
Heritage, Natural England and Phil
Harding from Channel 4’s Time Team.
The second day included a day-long trip to
the Lickey Hills Champions Project, Dudley
Museum and Arts Gallery along with the
Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve.
Dr Cheryl Jones, Senior Lecturer in Physical
Geography, said: “I am delighted the
University had the opportunity to host this
prestigious conference. Since its formation
in 1858, the Geologists’ Association has
actively promoted the study of geology to
all who are interested in the past, present
and future of the natural world. Many of
the speakers and indeed the delegates have
played a pivotal role in protecting, promoting
and enhancing our geological heritage.”
Vice Chancellor David Green with David
Bridgland (centre), President, and Rory
Mortimore, Senior Vice-President
Nursing at the University ranked in
the UK’s Top 10
Nursing at the University of Worcester has been ranked seventh
in the UK in the latest Sunday Times Good University Guide.
Analysis of the league tables has revealed
that the University has one of the highest
employment rates in nursing, at 100%,
and one of the highest rates of First
class degrees, at 62.4%, nationally.
Overall the University is ranked at
seventh in the UK and top in the West
Midlands. The University also topped
the West Midlands for nursing in the
recent National Student Survey.
Robert Dudley, Head of Pre-Registration
Nursing at the University, said: “This is
testament to all the hard work by our staff
and students. We strive to ensure that our
nursing degree is the best it can be with first
class facilities, placements and teaching.
“We work very closely with our partners in
the NHS to give students the best possible
start to their nursing careers and we are
proud to be able to educate some of the
best nurses entering the profession today.”
Earlier this year the Nursing and Midwifery
Council (NMC) rated the University
of Worcester’s training as ‘good’, the
best possible grade, in all five areas
of its Annual Monitoring Review.
In partnership with the hospitals,
Trusts and health care providers, the
University of Worcester is the only
educator of nurses and midwives in
Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
In celebration
of World
Mental
Health Day
The University is again supporting World
Mental Health Day with our own series of
events reflecting this year’s theme from
the world federation of mental health -
The Great Push: Investing
in Mental Health
Taking place on Thursday 6 October
from 10am to 3pm, the day’s events will
include a stall in main reception, with
leaflets, freebie giveaways and a display
of art work produced by mental health
service users in the Cotswold Gallery
and posters designed by mental health
student nurses in the Cotswold Suite.
Signed photographs of well-known
personalities who have pledged their
support to the University’s event
will be on display on the plasma
screen at St John’s main reception.
There will be a “smile tree” in reception
where staff, students and visitors can write
“what makes you smile” on stringed label
and tie on the tree, for all to see.
Mental Health matters to everyone and
we warmly invite you to support the event.
6 / OCTOBER 2011 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk

Earn as you learn
– a new initiative
Q: What is ‘Earn as you learn’?
A: Earn as you learn, (EAYL), is a developing scheme to provide opportunities
for students to undertake relevant paid work whilst studying. It is intended to
be fully operational for students starting in September 2012. It aims to:
• Provide opportunities for students to equip themselves with the skills necessary
to obtain paid employment both during their studies and on graduation
• Improve the long term employability of students
• Reduce the level of debt incurred by students through living expenses.
Q: How do we plan to achieve this?
A: We have identified three main strands of activity:
1. Finding external opportunities: We are creating a website and a physical job board
within Careers Services to display vacancies and sites to help students find jobs.
2. Creating internal opportunities for students: Our Access Agreement
includes a commitment to substantially increase our outreach work with
schools and colleges, and much of this will be delivered by students.
3. Improving the employability of students.
Q: How are we promoting this to students?
A: It is really important that we make potential students aware of the EAYL scheme
as it differentiates us from many other universities who are also very strong on
employability. We need to make current students aware of the opportunities so that
they apply for them and therefore employers continue to make vacancies available.
1. Information for potential students: We used the EAYL information
supplied by the course teams to produce a single booklet that
is distributed to potential students at Open Days.
2. Information for current students: We have created a new booklet that includes
information on enhancing employability, finding and applying for work and detailing
internal opportunities. New webpages; www.worcester.ac.uk/getwork are also
in development. It is intended that this will be a
one-stop-shop for all vacancies, opportunities,
internships and volunteering positions. It will list
full-time and part-time positions and promote
both internal and external work opportunities.
Q: Are we guaranteeing to find every
student paid employment?
A: No, but we are undertaking to provide
them with opportunities to improve their
employability and apply for work.
earn
learn
If you have any students who have worked
either within the University or externally
during their course who you think would make a good case study, please
would you contact Debbie Lambert at d.lambert@worc.ac.uk
as you
www.worcester.ac.uk
NEWS
Types of
jobs
student
ambassador
coach
nursery
worker
mentor
camp
counsellor
research
assistant
actor
bar work
guide
personal
trainer
retail
RLF Writer in Residence
We are most fortunate to have Helena Attlee, the Royal Literary
Fund Academic Writer in Residence, back for another year.
Helena supports both staff and students in the development of
their writing. This could be for assignments, dissertations, theses,
publication, etc. Her work is focused on those who want to improve
generally, say students who are getting ‘C’ grades, whereas Student
Services work with students who have particular difficulties.
A recommendation on the assignment item report form for a
student to see Helena often makes a good deal of difference.
Helena will be here on Mondays.
Contact: h.attlee@worc.ac.uk
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / OCTOBER 2011 / 7

NEWS
Ethical
leadership
workshop
explores lessons
from major
enquiries
Leaders from a number of high profile organisations got
together at the University of Worcester for a workshop on
learning lessons from major enquiries.
The workshop was hosted by the University’s Centre for Ethical
Leadership, which works closely with organisations to support
their leaders in making difficult decisions.
Ethical Leadership considers how different values are
incorporated into decision making and organisational leadership.
The workshop was aimed at people who have a responsibility
for assessing, assuring and enhancing service quality and
encouraged them to explore the ethical issues that have arisen
from major enquiries in the health service and child protection.
In return, managers and leaders of organisations were able to
discuss how organisational values can be developed to avoid the
mistakes of the past.
The keynote speaker was Elisabeth Buggins CBE DL, Chair of
West Midlands Strategic Health Authority and Programme Lead
for Board Development of the NHS National Leadership Council,
who has a passion for enhancing standards of care and making
health services more responsive to patients.
Director of the Centre for Ethical Leadership, Rob Sykes, who
currently combines his role at the University of Worcester
with that of non Executive Director for the Crown Prosecution
Service, delivered the seminar with Dr Jan Quallington, the
Associate Head of the Institute of Health and Society at the
University, who has undertaken substantial research into ethical
leadership.
Their combined experience enabled them to run the workshop
successfully, engaging the leaders to think how to respond when
their values and ethics are challenged.
Worcester lecturer to help
businesses in Ghana
A lecturer from the University
of Worcester will travel to
Ghana at the end of this month
as part of a project to help
small businesses improve their
economic development.
Nigel Walton, a lecturer in
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
at Worcester Business
School, will represent the
University at the week-long
training programme providing
skills and knowledge from
organisations in Worcester.
The project, ‘The Commonwealth
Local Government Forum
Programme for Local Economic
Development,’ is sponsored by
the Department for International
Development (DFID).
The project includes the
University of Worcester,
Worcester City Council,
Worcester News and
the Federation of Small
Businesses (Herefordshire
and Worcestershire) in a
joint-venture with the Adenta
Municipal Authority in Ghana.
The exciting new programme
will mean the Adenta Municipal
Authority will receive assistance
of developing its infrastructure
and service capability.
The trip will also include setting
up a branch of the Federation of
Small Businesses for Africa and
Nigel, who is also a Marketing
Baby boom
The Communication &
Development Department are
delighted to announce the safe
arrival of Beth Heaney’s newborn
baby, Philllip Edward John.
Nigel Walton
Director for a start-up company,
will be providing an enterprise
training programme for small
businesses which will provide
the branch with a strong
foundation in business skills.
Last year, Nigel gave a
presentation to the Adenta
Municipal Authority delegation
during a trip to the University
of Worcester, which inspired
his involvement this year.
Worcester City Council will be
advising the Adenta Municipal
Authority on how they can
improve the delivery of local
services which will improve
their organisational structure
for a better economy.
Everyone is providing their
services free of charge for the
innovative new programme
which David Tibbutt, Mayor
of Worcester, is leading.
Baby Teddy was born on 20
September weighing 8lbs.
Congratulations Beth - we
are all looking forward to his
first visit to University!
Beth’s boy, Teddy
Congratulations also
to Will Norman (Widening Participation) and Catherine
Williams (Disability & Dyslexia) who became proud
parents to Oscar Billy Norman, also weighing 8lbs.
8 / OCTOBER 2011 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk

Worcester student raises
funds for soldier’s charity
A University of Worcester student has organised two fundraising events for the
charity, Pilgrim’s Bandits, in aid of her friend, who is the most injured soldier to
survive the conflict in Afghanistan.
Lucinda Caddick, 34, has arranged a family
fun afternoon on Saturday, October 8 at
the Fitness First Gym on Stourport Road,
Kidderminster, which will feature various
events throughout the day.
There are lots of events for people to join
in with from a spin-a-thon, Zumba-thon to
a boot camp style challenge and a bouncy
castle.
For anyone who is peckish, the Grillstock
finalists, ‘From the Sauce’, the most innovative
team of BBQ chefs in the Midlands, will be on
hand to provide tasty treats.
Patrons of the charity will be attending
from 1pm, which include former solders Ben
Parkinson, Johno Lee and John Sandford Hart
along with Jamie Hull and Duncan Bannatyne.
The event is free, but there will be a £1
donation for food and a £3 donation for
participation in any events and all donations
will go directly to the Pilgrim’s Bandits.
Lucinda, a student paediatric nurse, has also
arranged a fun entertainment showcase
evening at the Gainsborough Hotel, Bewdley
Road, Kidderminster on November 3.
From 7.30pm spectators will get the chance
to see Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Take That and
Michael Buble tribute acts. The night has
something for everyone from a 70s glam rock
group to a soul and reggae band and magician.
The evening event requires a ticket costing
£3 but there are a number of limited tickets
available.
Lucinda hopes to raise awareness of the
charity which supports force amputees and
injured servicemen through these events and
also by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro which she
plans to do next year.
NEWS
Lucinda Caddick and Ben Parkinson
Her friend, Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson
of the 7th Parachute Regiment, was told he
would never be able to walk or talk again after
losing both his legs and having a total of 37
injuries.
“Ben is proving the medics wrong on both counts
due to the determination of charities like the
Pilgrim’s Bandits,” says Lucinda. “He is a real
inspiration and has taught me that anything is
possible if you have self-belief.”
For anyone wishing to donate, please visit:
http://www.bmycharity.com/pilgrimskilly01
University short listed for
prestigious green awards
The University of Worcester has
been short listed in two categories
at the Green Gown Awards 2011.
The Awards, which are administered
by the Environmental Association for
Universities and Colleges (EAUC), recognise
the exceptional initiatives undertaken
by universities and colleges across the
UK to become more sustainable.
More than 240 entries were received
across the 13 categories. The University
of Worcester has been short listed for the
Green ICT Award and the Skills Award.
Katy Boom, Director of Sustainability at
the University, said: “Getting short listed in
two very different categories is immensely
pleasing. These awards recognise a lot of hard
work achieved by both students and staff in
very different ways. Developing students’
skills in sustainability is crucial to help us all
make the necessary changes to reduce our
impact on the environment - after all today’s
students will be tomorrow’s leaders.”
Earlier this year the University of Worcester
was named as Britain’s third greenest
university, and first in the
West Midlands, in the People
& Planet’s Green League.
The Skills Award recognises
the achievement in the
development of skills relevant to
sustainability in apprenticeships,
skill-focused courses leading to
professional or vocational qualifications
or short courses for practitioners.
The nomination for the Green ICT Award
highlights the University’s recognition of
the growing environmental importance
of ICT within the educational sector. The
University of Worcester has taken steps
to minimise energy consumption, carbon
emissions, waste generation and other
environmental aspects connected with ICT.
Ms Boom said: “Getting recognition for the
impressive work by IT colleagues in reducing
our carbon footprint is timely. It stands us
in good stead ready for when we start to
operate out of The Hive, our new joint library
and history centre, which is an outstanding
sustainable building and having acquired
these very sustainable ways of operating our IT
functions will help to reduce running costs even
further when the building opens in July 2012.’
As sustainability becomes an increasingly
important issue on the global agenda,
the Green Gown Awards have been
established as the most prestigious
recognition of sustainability excellence.
The standard of entries has increased
considerably this year as more
universities battled to be short listed.
The winners from the short listed entries
will be announced by a celebrity host
in an awards ceremony which will take
place on Thursday, November 3 at the
Grand Connaught Rooms in London.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / OCTOBER 2011 / 9

NEWS
University awarded
Police’s Community Safety
Accreditation Scheme
The University of Worcester has completed a rigorous assessment
by West Mercia Constabulary to pass its Community Safety
Accreditation Scheme.
Leading
businesswoman to
deliver annual business
lecture at University
senior figure
A in one of the
world’s largest
petroleum
companies is to
deliver a talk at
the University
of Worcester.
Chief Constable David Shaw
has authorised five members of
security staff at the University to
be accredited with powers under
Sections 40 to 42 of the Police
Reform Act 2002. It is planned that a
further 12 members of staff will begin
training in the New Year.
The accreditation allows the
University’s security staff to work
more closely with the community
and the police on and off campus.
It gives those staff that complete the
relevant training the ability to hand
out Fixed Penalty Notices for such
things as noise nuisance, graffiti and
disorder.
Chief Inspector Jerry Reakes-Williams
said: “This accreditation benefits both
the university and the police.
“It is a great way to continue to build
on the excellent relationship we have
with the university and with the work
that already goes on to keep it a safe
and enjoyable place to study.
“In order to become accredited the
University has had to demonstrate a
high standard of operation to show
that they are a fit and proper employer.
“In addition, those employees who will
be given the powers have been trained
and vetted and will wear clothing
which is clearly recognisable and which
carries a badge that confirms their
accredited status.”
The University of Worcester is one of
only a handful of universities in the
country to achieve the accreditation.
Tom Taylor, Head of Security and
Campus Services at the University,
said: “It has been a very long and
rigorous process to achieve this
accreditation, as naturally the police
are very strict about whom such
powers are granted to.
“The University is known for its proactive
approach to good student/
community relationships and we
already work very closely with the
local community, Neighbourhood
Watch teams and local beat officers.
This accreditation will strengthen that
work further.
“Fixed Penalty Notices will always be a
last resort, but we hope that by having
our staff trained to this level will
enable us to deal with any incidents in
a swift and appropriate manner.”
The University security staff can now:
• Issue Fixed Penalty Notices
for Disorder - for breach of a
fireworks curfew or knowingly
raising a false fire alarm.
• Confiscate alcohol from young
people.
• Issue Fixed Penalty Notices
for cycling on the pavement,
dropping litter, dog fouling, fly
posting and graffiti.
• Require a name and address for
a fixed penalty offence or antisocial
behaviour.
Emma
Emma Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald, the
Vice President
Global Retail Network at Shell International
Petroleum Company, and champion for the
British Dyslexia Association, is this year’s guest
speaker at the Worcester Business School Annual
Lecture. Her talk is titled ‘So just how do you
manage 10 million customers every day?’
Ms Fitzgerald’s job involves managing 10
million customer transactions, in 60 different
countries, in 45,000 petrol stations every day.
After graduating from Oxford University and
completing an MBA at Manchester University,
Ms Fitzgerald moved to Beijing to become General
Manager of Shell China where the business
quadrupled in size under her leadership.
In May 2010 Ms Fitzgerald took on her current
role of Vice President of Global Retail Network.
During the lecture, Ms Fitzgerald will not only talk
about her day job but also about her work as a
champion for the British Dyslexia Association and
her experiences as a woman in a senior role.
The lecture takes place on Wednesday, October
19 from 6pm at the University’s City Campus.
Businesses in the local area are welcome to attend
and there will be a drinks and canapés reception.
Mark Richardson, Head of Worcester Business
School, said: “We are delighted to welcome Emma
Fitzgerald to our Annual Business School Lecture,
which has established itself as an important event in
the local business calendar. We are confident that
Emma’s wide ranging experience in the business world
will provide an informative and enjoyable evening.”
For more information or to confirm your attendance
to the event please contact Vicki Lancey on 01905
855279 or via email at v.lancey@worc.ac.uk
10 / OCTOBER 2011 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk

NEWS
1,000 th entry for
WRaP
The University of Worcester is
celebrating the 1,000th entry in its
ever-expanding collection of research
papers and creative work online.
The collection, known as WRaP (Worcester Research
and Publications), includes academic research papers
and university publications which showcase the
University’s contribution to the global understanding
of important issues, such as the environment.
The 1,000th entry was a book written by
lecturers Klaus Oestreicher, Joanne Kuzma
and Nigel Walton about the introduction
of new and radical technologies that are
affecting businesses in the 21st century.
The WRaP collection also features many other
innovative and exciting research work from the
University, such as preventing Type 2 Diabetes,
policing drug use in rural settings and enhancing
the habitat for butterfly or bee populations. Other
examples of research include local elections, teaching
children with ADHD and children’s literature.
Paul Williams, from the University’s Information
and Learning Services, said: “WRaP is a window into
the sort of research which the University undertakes
on a daily basis. The fact that it’s openly available to
anyone demonstrates the University’s commitment to
the communities it serves, both globally and locally.
“Potential researchers, those studying at universities
around the globe, and people who simply have an
interest in the subjects covered have an exciting
opportunity to access research directly at no cost, and
to contact authors who are actively working in the field.
It’s an exciting project which we are very proud of.”
http://wrap.worc.ac.uk
(l-r) Klaus Oestreicher, Professor Ros Foskett,
Joanne Kuzma and Nigel Walton
New Professor of Sport,
Health and Exercise
Science to deliver
inaugural lecture
Newly appointed Professor of
Sport, Health and Exercise
Science at the University of Worcester,
Derek M Peters, will give his
inaugural lecture later this month.
The lecture, on Thursday, October
6, will include Professor Peters’ own
key research into body composition,
physical activity and health evaluations
and will also involve studies from across
a number of sport science disciplines
which are aimed towards enhancing
human health and performance.
The lecture, entitled Shaping Health
and Performance, will identify ways
in which his endeavours have all
been aimed at the ‘shaping’ of both
human health and performance from
his previous findings through to his
current and anticipated furture work.
Professor Peters joined the University
of Worcester in 2001 as a lecturer in the
Department of PE and Sports Studies.
Over 10 years he has progressed to
the pinnacle of academic positions
during which time he has been
awarded a University of Worcester
Sports delegation
from China pays
visit to Worcester
A prestigious delegation
of sports specialists from
China spent a week at the
University of Worcester
learning about British sport.
Members of the delegation, from
the General Administration of Sport
China, included directors of sport from
leading Chinese sports universities and
key sports administration leaders.
The University of Worcester’s Institute
of Sport & Exercise Science delivered
a five day workshop with a focus
on sports business management
and the sociology of sport.
There were a range of speakers from
both the University of Worcester
and distinguished external speakers.
The activities throughout the week
included intensive teaching blocks,
visits to the Worcester Warriors, with
Professor Derek M Peters
Teaching Fellowship, a Senior Teaching
Fellowship and a National Teaching
Fellowship, acknowledging his
services and dedication to teaching
nationally and internationally.
Professor Peters is a British Association
of Sport & Exercise Sciences accredited
Sports Scientist, co-founder of the
recently launched FIBA Europe Centre
for Basketball Research; founding Editorin-Chief
of both the Graduate Journal
of Sport, Exercise & Physical Education
Research and Basketball Research
(www.worc.ac.uk/gjseper) and Chair
of the local organising committee for
the forthcoming World Congress of
Performance Analysis of Sport IX (www.
worc.ac.uk/wcpas9/) to be held at the
University of Worcester in July 2012.
a focus on the management of an
elite rugby union club, the history of
the Worcestershire County Cricket
Club, and the Great British Pub
Experience at the Brunswick Arms,
where the Chinese delegates engaged
in a range of traditional pub games.
Mick Donovan, Head of the Institute
of Sport & Exercise Science, said: “The
event was a great success following
excellent feedback from the visitors.
Discussions will be taking place
relating to future partnerships.”
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk /OCTOBER 2011 / 11

NEWS
A swarm of
bees
The illustrations for the Beeline Festival have been
designed by Illustration Course Leader, Piet Grobler.
The Worcester Storytelling
Festival for Children
Storytellers, writers and artists will descend on Worcester
throughout October for a new children’s festival organised by the
University of Worcester.
The Beeline Festival will see some of the best in the business, such as awardwinning
writers Kit Wright and Anne Fine, leading sessions at venues throughout
the city.
The Festival is an extension of the University’s popular children’s storytelling
festival, which has been run over the past two years. This year it is being run in
partnership with Worcestershire County Council’s library services, along with
other venues around Worcester.
The month-long event will include a host of music, puppetry, theatre and
workshops aimed at engaging children in stories and literature.
Steve Boffy, who works in Arts Development at the
University, said: “We have some top storytellers coming
to the city, such as Ben Haggerty, who will perform at
Worcester Porcelain Museum, former children’s laureate
Anne Fine, and Kit Wright, who will be here on National
Poetry Day on October 6.
Piet designed an entire swarm of possible bee
characters leaving a tough decision as to which bees
should be the headline act. With so many to choose
from - which do you think are the bees knees?
Piet is the illustrator of 75 books, of which 14 have
been translated into languages as diverse as Frisian
and Korean. International recognition for his picture
book illustration has included a Golden Apple award
at the Biennale for Illustration in Bratislava, Slovakia
and a Silver Medal in the Japanese Noma Concours
competition. His participation in international events
related to picture books has included panel discussions
or presentations at the book fairs of Berlin, Gothenburg
and London and conferences of the International Board
on Books for Young People (IBBY) in Spain and South
Africa. He is a member of the International Research
Society for Children’s Literature, IBBY and the University
of Worcester’s International Forum for Research
in Children’s Literature. Piet’s research interests
include post modernist picture book illustration and
multiculturalism in picture books and graphic novels.
Leading children’s poet and writer, Kit Wright, will work
with a group of schoolchildren in the morning before
a public event at 4pm, at St John’s Library. Tickets are
available from the Library.
Kit Wright
On Saturday, October 8 there will be a professional
puppet show at the University, which is open to the
public. Journey of Turtle will be performed by Lempen
Puppet Theatre Company at 2pm. Tickets are available
from the University or from St John’s Library.
Anne Fine
On Monday, October 10 former children’s laureate Anne
Fine will read and perform a selection of stories. The
public event will take place at Huntingdon Hall at 6pm
and tickets are available from Huntingdon Hall.
More public events will be announced throughout the month.
For further information and box
office ticket details, please visit:
www.worcester.ac.uk/beeline
www.worcester.ac.uk/beeline
12 / OCTOBER 2011 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk

STAFF COVER FEATURE STORY
This month we discover how Library Services Development Manager Roger
Fairman spends his time outside of the University
library.
Let battle commence:
Screaming at the top of his lungs and
brandishing a 16’ pike, wearing heavy
military uniform, Roger Fairman knows
this would never be tolerated in the
library where he works.
Despite spending his working day in a
quiet and peaceful environment, it’s a
far cry from the atmosphere Roger feels
on the battlefield.
Roger travels all over the country as
part of the King’s Lifeguard Regiment
of Foote re-enacting some of the most
famous battles in English history.
Although Roger has always been
interested in history, joining a reenactment
group was never something
he considered before.
“I first got into re-enacting in about 2005
after my son joined the Sealed Knot. I was
driving him there regularly and thought I
might as well join myself,” he says.
Roger mostly re-enacts battles from
the English Civil War, which is a period
he is most interested in. However, he
also belongs to the Worcester Re-
Enactors which cover all periods.
The group try and replicate the battles
as accurately as possible, through the
use of props, costume and scripting
which give people an insight into how
the battles were fought.
“We use a script so we can follow as
closely as possible what is known to
have happened at a specific battle,”
Roger says. “It’s good that we are able to
explain to the public what we do and the
idea behind re-enactments is to educate
and entertain people.”
As part of the Sealed Knot, Roger
has been able to visit some beautiful
places as well as socialise with other
re-enactors.
“I take part in about six to eight reenactments
a year. We get to camp
in some really great places, such as
National Trust and English Heritage
properties,” Roger says. “When we camp
I like to camp on the authentic sites, it’s
more fun and brings more contact with
the public.”
Although Roger enjoys his participation
in re-enacting battles, he stresses how
much hard work goes into organising
and taking part in these events,
campsites, water supplies, fire wood
and toilet facilities all have to be
arranged.
“The battles are good fun but very hard
work,” he says. “There can be up to
1500 – 2000 people on the battlefield.
However, there are many smaller events
with around a hundred people. It’s
a bit like team sports really and pike
engagements are often described as a
rugby scrum with 16’ sticks.”
Roger also finds re-enacting can be
physically demanding due to the kit
that must be worn during the battles.
“The kit does get very heavy and can
get rather hot,” Roger says. “When
you join, the group does kit you out but
most people end up buying their own
over time. There is a whole industry that
supplies the costume and equipment
and while it can get expensive the basic
kit will cost less than a decent set of golf
clubs. And like all team sports, injuries
are no exception.
“I have known broken bones, mainly
collar bones. I have suffered a fair bit of
bruising too,” he says.
Although re-enacting may not be for
everyone, Roger loves the social side of
his hobby and whilst most re-enactors
have a strong knowledge of certain
historic periods, Roger stresses that
anyone can join.
“Some people have a really dim view of
re-enactors as a beer and bash brigade,”
Roger says. “But like all stereotypes
while there is some truth in this it is far
from the whole picture. Neither do you
have to be an avid historian or know
everything about history. It’s all about
interacting with people and sharing an
interest.”
What do you get up to when you leave the Campus? Email Sally Jones with your interesting stories at s.jones@worc.ac.uk
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / NOVEMBER 2009 13
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / OCTOBER 2011 / 13