Evolve - Coventry University Alumni Magazine - Autumn 09

Aut

umn

2009

realKeeping it

Why fi lm director and graduate Debbie Isitt thinks Coventry is better than Hollywood

sixclicks to

Coventryonline

2tone memories

22tonemeemmmooorrriiieeesss

30 years since

graduates launched

the 2-Tone label

Plus Benefi ts and offers Graduate profi les Events and reunions Your letters and updates

winmoney off the cost of a fabulous cottage holiday

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Art attackHow creative graduates

are beating the recession

with artistic enterprises

The magazine for Friends of Coventry University

There are many challenges in the current

economic climate, but interest in the arts

is set to boom.

An arts revival happened during the

recession in the 80s and artists are

hopeful for the same reaction again

as the downturn causes more of us

to escape to theatres and cinemas.

Coventry’s arts graduates are

already using their creativity and

entrepreneurialism to carve out successful careers and in

this issue of evolve, we pay homage to their achievements.

From fi lm director Debbie Isitt releasing a feel-good family

movie this Christmas to the recent graduates launching

a new theatre company called New Macho; Coventry

University's Art & Design graduates are fi ghting back.

We also take a walk down memory lane to celebrate 30

years since the launch of the 2-Tone label and speak to the

graduates who brought Ska music to life in Coventry.

If this is the fi rst time you have received evolve, then

welcome to your alumni association’s magazine. We look

forward to hearing your story to include in a future issue.

Keep in touch Kristina

Telephone: +44 (0) 24 7688 8589

Email: [email protected]

Post: FOCUS, The Development Offi ce, Alan Berry Building, Room

35, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB

Website: www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni

E-News: A free monthly alumni e-newsletter. Subscribe by emailing

SUBSCRIBE to [email protected]

Social Networking: Become a Fan and join the Friends of

Coventry University group on Facebook, link up with the University

and other professionals on Linkedin and get in touch on Xing.

Credits

Contact us

The alumni team

This magazine is published twice a year for alumni of Coventry University. All letters,

photos and news are welcomed but we reserve the right to edit any contributions.

The opinions expressed in evolve are those of the contributors and do not

necessarily refl ect those of the Alumni Relations Offi ce or Coventry University.

welcome

This magazine is written and designed by Elliott House Communications

for Coventry University, photographs by Graham Harwood and printed by

Emmersons Press.

Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue of evolve.

Please keep sending in your stories.

02 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni

evolve contents

8

32

18

Deputy Director of Development and Alumni Relations Ian Moore

Alumni Relations Offi cer Kristina Anders

Data Offi cer Katharine Jones

Annual Fund Offi cer Brian Wilson

Head of Development Matt Feeley

Vice-Chancellor Madeleine Atkins reveals how the University is helping in the recession

In tough times,

individuals and

businesses need

to implement

tough measures

for survival.

We have been

successful in a

bid for a share of £50 million in

an economic investment scheme

announced by the Higher Education

Funding Council for England

(HEFCE). More than 70 universities

and colleges will be offering help

after winning a share of the money,

£27m of which has come from the

Government. Coventry has been

awarded the full grant it applied

for which is just under £500,000

and the money will go towards

developing targeted training and

skills development, specialist advice,

mentoring and start-up support

in order to stimulate growth and

business development. There is

also support for specifi c sectors –

niche manufacturing, automotive

technology, serious gaming, and

the creative industries. Though

the focus is on rapid action and

short-term help, we will also help

businesses succeed when recovery

gathers pace.

For recent graduates, the

challenge to secure employment is

even greater in these diffi cult times.

The University’s Careers Service is

here to give advice, as well as our

Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship

(IAE) for those wishing to set

up a business. You may also

want to consider a postgraduate

qualifi cation or a Continuing

Professional Development course to

develop your skills further and your

chances of getting the job you really

want. We continue to offer careers

support and guidance even after

graduation, so do please feel free to

give us a call or come and see us if

you think we might be able to help.

Professor Madeleine AtkinsVice-Chancellor

03

contents4 Update Catch up on all the latest campus and graduate news

11 Lecturer in focus Head of Department for Physiotherapy and Dietetics Karen Harrison reveals a love of muscles

12 Get connected Find out what old friends are doing now and get back in touch

24 Letters Your views and opinions about the University and the magazine

27 Profi le Graduate Tim Thompson talks about his new life in Mexico

34 Events A round up of reunions that have happened on and off campus

36 What's on Find out about the latest events and activities on offer to graduates

8 Business performanceGraduate company New Macho mix business with pleasure

14 Dance moves online Coventry has created a new digital dance archive online

18 Special memories Celebrating 30 years since 2-Tone was launched by Coventry grads

20 Keeping it realFilm director and graduate Debbie Isitt chats about her new fi lm 28 Number crunch Why the Government wants more economists from Coventry

30 Six ways to... A guide to getting more out of Coventry online

32 King of contentPro Chancellor Ernest Petrie talks about his love of journalism

38 Benefi ts All the membership perks listed

39 Competition Win money off a cottage holiday

14

regulars features

offers

This magazine is available in

alternative formats on request. Call +44 (0) 24 7688 8589 or email [email protected]


updateThe latest campus and graduate news

evolve update

Formulafor success

Recent graduates claimed a world fi rst in June

after their team’s Bio-ethanol powered Locost

racing car won the 750 Motor Club Locost

championship – beating standard petrol vehicles.

It is believed that this was the fi rst time a bio-ethanol

powered machine had beaten petrol counterparts in club

Motorsport in the UK and the team have won four out of

13 races this season, with six podiums.

David Wick (Engineering, 2008), Paul Nowland,

James Trostler (both Mechanical Engineering, 2008)

and fi nal year Engineering student Matt Cherrington

formed Bio-Tech Motorsport while at University. They

have been working on a project for the last three

years, sponsored by Coventry University, aimed at

proving alternative fuels can work at any level of

motorsport and plan to sell conversion kits to other

racers keen to change their petrol cars.

Driver Matt, who races the Locost, also set up his

own company 'TMC' that builds and prepares cars

for races. “You can't beat the adrenaline when you're

racing," said Matt. "I'm looking forward to graduating

now so I can concentrate on the business."

Represent FOCUS around the worldFOCUS is looking for ambassadors to represent the alumni association in different countries around the world.

A job description and person profi le has been produced about the kind of graduate that would be perfect for the position and the alumni offi ce is now searching for volunteers. The aim is to create a voluntary network of ambassadors around the world.

The search started in North Africa, where the International Offi ce recently held four events for Coventry graduates to attend.

Adverts were placed in local papers to invite alumni to events in Tanzania, Arusha, Uganda or Nairobi. For more information visit www.coventry.ac.uk/ambassadors.

Got a story?

Send news to alumni@coventry.

ac.uk

BOY RACERS: David Wick, Matt Cherrington and Paul Nowland at Silverstone in August. Inset: Matt before the Silverstone race

Enterprising graduates who want

to get ahead and become better

innovators should take the new MA in

Global Entrepreneurship.

The Masters qualifi cation, which

is run by the Institute of Applied

Entrepreneurship (IAE), is a two-year

part-time course and includes the

chance to attend a study week based

at The Shanghai Institute of Foreign

Trade in China. The overseas work

gives entrepreneurs the opportunity

to explore new markets.

The course includes 10 modules

that help students gain practical

knowledge that can be applied to

their business or corporate career.

Modules include personal

entrepreneurial development,

profi tability and fi nancial performance,

and marketing for entrepreneurs.

IAE also offers support to develop

businesses while you study as well as

a range of resources.

The course costs £4,230 for

two years excluding travel and

accommodation in China.

05

Graduate entrepreneurs

received advice from

Dragon’s Den star Peter

Jones and won awards from the

Institute of Directors this year.

Peter Jones visited the Institute

of Applied Entrepreneurship

(IAE) to see how the University is

working with student entrepreneurs.

Simon Hill (CPD, 2008) who runs

his business Summit Marketing

Solutions met the Dragon.

“Peter is a genuinely nice guy

but he pulls no punches and when I

met him, he gave me three minutes

to give him a Dragon’s Den style

pitch of my business,” said Simon

who's currently studying for an MA.

Graduates were also honoured

at the Coventry Means Business

Awards – an event that marked

the end of a year-long mentoring

scheme run by the Institute of

Directors (IoD) for Coventry and

Warwickshire. The scheme is

the fi rst of its kind and pairs up

business leaders with aspiring

young entrepreneurs. Among the

winners were graduate company

New Macho (see page eight).

Winners received a cheque for

£800 and the runners up, £200.

Be a global entrepreneur

Dragons and directors inspire

DRAGON: (l-r) Daniel Sheridan, Peter Jones, David Wick and Simon Hill

evolve update

For more information contact Dr Gideon Maas on

[email protected]

Good progressCoventry has risen up the ranks of The Times Good University Guide, refl ecting its investment in helping students fi nd employment.

Relative to other new universities, Coventry performs particularly well on entry standards and on graduate prospects, which measures the proportion of graduates who have found graduate level jobs or moved into studying for a postgraduate qualifi cation.

Coventry climbed three places to 71st position in the guide that was released in June.

Car trials Coventry University is part of a consortium which will run the world’s largest user trial of privately owned low carbon vehicles.

The Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators (CABLED) project will trial a range of electric and hydrogen vehicles across two cities.

The Government’s Technology Strategy Board has invested £25m in the project (the biggest project of its kind) which will fund eight trials nationally within the next six-to-18 months.

Play the game The world communication conference on sport and society, Play the Game, came to the UK for the fi rst time this year and was hosted by the University.

The conference was co-organised by Coventry University’s Centre for the International Business of Sport (CIBS) with Play the Game and attracted around 400 media professionals, academic researchers and sports practitioners.

Issues facing world sport were discussed, such as good governance and anti-doping.

newsinbrief

Angela Owen (neé Day) (Law, 1988)

The juke box in the SU's Mandella bar (1985-1988) playing Indie such as The Violent Femmes and The

Cult – and then as a complete contrast the pop of the time, for example MARRS' Pump up the Volume and Peter Gabriel's Sledge Hammer.

Christopher Jackson, (European Studies with French, 2002) My best memory is fi nishing a three hour exam at 12.30 and going straight to the Colin Cambell to watch England V Argentina in June 2002 in the World Cup. Beckham’s penalty!

Bryan Finlay (Mechanical Engineering, 1966)

An amazing mentor – Control Systems Lecturer Sandy Livingstone.

Steven Coyles (Business Studies, 1983) The friends I made in Priory Hall from BA Business Studies (1979-1980).

Matthew Jones (Biological Sciences, 2000) The fun of Fresher’s Week

and making new friends, the experience of living in halls and settling into a new life with new like-minded

people. At Coventry I had a real journey – and looking back have nothing but great memories from my time at Uni.

memory bank

Graduates reveal their favourite student memory


A former student has been

honoured for his humanitarian

work at this year’s International and

postgraduate awards ceremonies.

Dr. Majid Alsadi who studied

for a part-time MPhil-PhD

in Mechanical

Engineering (featured

in evolve autumn

2008) in the 1980s

was conferred with

the Honorary Degree

of Doctor of Business

Administration. It was in recognition

of his contribution to humanitarian

work, regeneration and education

in Iraq and the Middle East.

He has recently been made a

Visiting Professor in Aerospace

Engineering and supported the

development of a set of fl ight

simulators. In 2007, the University

launched the Majid Alsadi

Scholarship Foundation, which

gives fi nancial support to students

from Iraq and elsewhere.

evolve update

A Coventry graduate has

made recommendations

for improving education

for all young people in

Commonwealth countries.

Lucy Gillett, a 20 year old Law

graduate and current Young UK

Ambassador, attended the 17th

Conference of Commonwealth

Education Ministers (CCEM) in

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A total of 110 youths from 29

Commonwealth countries took

part in the conference, which

was in its 50th year, as part of

the relatively new youth forum.

“The youth forum was

a fantastic opportunity to

not only learn about the

education systems of other

Commonwealth countries, but

also to use these differences to

implement recommendations to

the Commonwealth ministers

which will effectively improve

education for all young people

among the Commonwealth

countries,” said Lucy who stayed

with a family while she was there

to learn about the culture.

Lucy was one of two

representatives who presented

the recommendations and also

chaired the drafting committee

that collated all the information

to draft the recommendations.

Ambassador storms Malaysia

Humanitarian honoured

RECOMMENDED: Lucy Gillett at the conference in Malaysia

07

Double celebration 35-years later

Fashion show fi rst The Degree Show 2009 included a free student fashion show

The fi rst cohort of students to graduate from

Fashion displayed their creations at the graduate

fashion show, part of this year's Degree Show.

The full catwalk show included garments from award-

winning student designer Kevin Geddes.

The Fashion Show was just one part of the successful

event which invited graduates from all years back to

the University to look around. Work was included from

students in Industrial and Automotive Design and Visual

Arts as well as Theatre, Media and Fine Art among others

in the Faculty of Art & Design.

It was an opportunity to look at some of the latest in

car designs from award-winning students and to see

designs and products of the future.

Designs on show included innovative wind-powered

super yachts, electric cars, a purpose-built helicopter

designed to help control bush wildfi res, products to help

detect lower body injuries and even a new type of

roller coaster.

To see fi lms from the Degree Show 2009 visit www.coventry.ac.uk/degreeshow

Graduate's new albumA Coventry graduate has released her fi rst album after discovering her talent for singing and writing music at the University.

Verity Pabla (Theatre and Professional Practice, 2005) released Trust Again in June.

Two years ago Verity turned professional and set up her production company I’m Not a Machine Productions with support from the Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship (IAE).

Verity, who has been compared to singer Beth Orton, said: “I’m confi dent this will be the album that raises my profi le in the British music scene. The most important thing

though is that people are enjoying it!”The album is available at www.silveryrecords.com or fi nd out more at www.veritypabla.com.

One graduate who missed out on his graduation ceremony is making up for it 35 years later after winning a stay in a luxury hotel in the same year he is attending a special reunion. Derek Holden (Combined Science,

1974) entered the evolve competition in the spring 09 issue to win a two-night stay at the four-star luxury Ramada Hotel Coventry. Derek correctly unscrambledthe name Lady Godiva and was entered into the prize draw to win the hotel break. “It will be nice to come back and look around," said Derek."I made a lot of good friends who I lost contact with over the years. It would be great to see them at the 1974 reunion event in November.”

STYLE: Models show off the creations of fi nal year students


evolve enterprise

Performing arts are set for a revival during the recession and one new theatre company is using business sense to keep

their artistic passions alive

Business performance

TEAM PLAYERS: (l-r) Lindsey, Eileen and (front) Robert perform in New Macho Service Station in Coventry city centre. (Inset) Performing in Feed the Birds in 2008

09

At the end of every

performance, New

Macho hand out

origami cranes

to their audience.

In Japanese

culture the crane

symbolises honour and loyalty and

for New Macho it’s also a brilliant

marketing device.

Promotional tactics like these are

just one of the tools many artists

currently leaving the University are

being encouraged to adopt. Survival

is no longer just about great acting

in the theatre, there also needs to be

a great performance in the business

world too. And especially so

in tough economic times.

New Macho is

part of a new wave

of theatre companies

that are mixing commercial sense with

creative talent. The trio are currently

studying for an MA in Innovation and

Enterprise in Performing Arts and are

based in the University’s new Institute

for Creative Enterprise (ICE).

The course not only helps them to

hone their performance skills but also

teaches them how to ensure their

theatre company will make money.

“There were lots of debates when

we fi rst attended the modules in

business and entrepreneurialism,”

said Lindsey Hartland who formed

New Macho with course mates Eileen

McCarthy and Robert Jones while

studying Theatre and Professional

Practice. “They were teaching us how

to run a business, but it was such a

cold approach to a project that we felt

was part of us. We were very precious

about our company at fi rst but then

we saw how the modules could help

us with practical things, like pricing.”

Business mentors gave them

tailored advice on funding packages

and raised their awareness of the

competition in the marketplace.

“It has taught us to be realistic

and think about ways the company

can work in the outside world,” said

Robert. “We don’t think of ourselves

as students, we’re in a business now.”

New Macho was one of the only

arts companies to be accepted on to

the University’s Student Placements

for Entrepreneurs in Education

(SPEED) programme and received

funding to help them get started.

“Coventry has had a big part to

play. The fi rst thing the tutor said

when we started was: ‘From now on

you’re an artist,’ which put you in that

mindset from day one,” said Lindsey.

In the tough economic climate,

the arts are hoping to experience the

upside of the downturn by offering

a form of escapism. New Macho

believes it is in the best position to

do that and hopes to attract younger

audiences. “We’re all only 22 so we

make stuff that we enjoy. We want to

attract the next generation of theatre-

goers,” said Robert.

They write and perform their own

contemporary shows, which often

include a social commentary, such as

the ‘Lessons in Avoiding the World’

play, which was set in a makeshift

squat. Their aim is to be accessible to

everyone – especially those who don’t

normally go to the theatre.

From street theatre projects

supported by the City Council to

performances at the Belgrade Theatre

in Coventry; New Macho is in work

and happy. All three are prepared to

pick up part-time jobs while they get

the business off the ground and they

spend every spare minute hatching

innovative ways to attract audiences.

They recently won the Best Business

Idea at the Institute of Directors'

Coventry Means Business Awards.

“We use the origami birds and

our logo of a paint splat to create a

presence and a buzz. This viral and

guerrilla marketing builds our brand.

We leave recognised symbols behind

to show we’ve been somewhere,”

said Eileen. “Our lives are this

company now. The thought of doing

anything else feels unnatural to us.”

According to Japanese culture,

New Macho’s greatest wish will come

true if they fold 1,000 origami cranes.

They dream of touring the UK with

their own work while still having as

much fun as when they fi rst started.

While there are compromises to

be made, New Macho is proving that

to be successful, artists must learn to

mix business with pleasure.

“Our lives are this company now. The thought of doing anything

else feels unnatural to us.”

PLAYTIME: (left and below) Street theatre (right) an interactive installation called No Conferring

Find out about the help available to creative enterprise over the page.

Find out more about New Macho at www.newmacho.com

Main

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evolve enterprise

How to... start a creative businessBusiness Mentor Robin Underhay explains how the University’s new creative institute can help businesses like New Macho

of the Board Room for meetings per week● A minimum of four specifi cally tailored business support modules● Access to numerous fact sheets, publications, booklets and brochures● Introductions to banks and other funding opportunities● A prime location and furnished hot desk space for up to 12 months● Access to fast broadband internet● On-site Business Mentor and support staff

Business mentors help grow creative enterprises The dedicated business mentors

will help creative graduates to plan,

establish and grow their creative

businesses. Mentors are all trained

business advisors and appreciate

the different approach needed for

the creative sector. They understand

creative entrepreneurs and will offer

practical advice and guidance.

Boost skills with ICE's postgraduate coursesThe University’s School of Art and

Design offers the following Masters

courses based at ICE:

● Design and Digital Media

● Media Arts

● Performance Innovation and

Enterprise

● Dance Making and Performance

● Media Production

ICE also provides business

development support, placements

for students, mentoring, information,

debate, advice and more.

The aim is to develop partnerships

and collaborations between the

postgraduate students, working with

academic staff, and the professional

cultural organisations based in the

Institute.

More information to get your business started For more information on how to start and develop your business (and not just in creative enterprise) TEXT to 60777 IAE (space) followed by either of the following (dependant on personal situation)_Undergraduate_Graduate_Business_OtherA mentor will respond to your text with details of the service they can provide. Alternatively, please contact Robin Underhay on +44 (0)24 7623 6001 or [email protected]

Breaking the ICEBased on the Technology Park

the Institute for Creative Enterprise

(ICE) provides incubation space

and business start-up advice for

creative graduates wishing to set

up their own business. It also has

a performance studio, a screening

room, a digital studio, a café and wi-fi

is available throughout the building. It

also offers postgraduate courses in

creative subjects.

Support packages on offer for creative graduates ICE and the Institute of Applied

Entrepreneurship (IAE) offer support

for new creative businesses, from

start up to networking and business

support. You can expect:

● Support for up to 12 months (initially) from the start of your business● One-to-one advice and discussion with a Business Mentor (by appointment)● Invitations to networking meetings● Access to telephone support and advice ● One and a half hours' free use

Why did you choose to teach Physiotherapy? Like most things I’ve done in my

life there has been a degree of

serendipity about it. After my undergraduate

physiotherapy training at Birmingham, the

Principal called me when I was working as a

Senior Physiotherapist, and suggested I go

into teaching. I then did my teacher training at

what is now the University of Birmingham.

I fi nd anatomy completely fascinating. I like

the sounds of muscle names such as Flexor

Hallucis Longus or Pectoralis Major – there’s a

charm and delight about them.

What are you most proud of? When I was a student, I was awarded

the Manley Memorial prize for getting

the highest mark in what were then

national physiotherapy examinations. I had

to go to Cambridge University to collect the

award; it was splendid and very exciting.

In 2000, I became the fi rst UK Chair in

Physiotherapy Education.

You feel pride in lots of different things –

such as graduates who become outstanding

clinicians in their fi eld or do something which

is nationally recognised. I also feel proud

when we visit our students on placement and

our graduates are teaching them.

A lot of well-known names in Physiotherapy

have come through here. Student satisfaction

levels in the Department are extremely high;

92% in the last University student survey.

Do you use any interesting teaching techniques?

I do the lead lecture on a module

called Welfare, Health and Inequalities

and we discuss stereotypes. I always

describe my 80-year old father, who does

quite outrageous things. I talk about (with his

permission), how he has severe osteoporosis

and is very bent, has a hiatus hernia and

tinnitus, to conjure up a certain picture about

how he will look. I then put a picture of my

father up on the screen and he’s standing

behind a red, 600cc Yamaha motorbike,

because although he can’t walk without

a frame, he can perch up on a motorbike

by propping himself up on the handlebars.

There’s usually a huge hoot of laughter when I

show it. It challenges assumptions.

How have the courses progressed?The differences are enormous. I often

think I would love to go back and do

my physiotherapy training all over again as it is

such a cracking course.

The e-learning facility is one of the main

differences. We’ve developed the online Inter-

Professional Learning Pathway, which 1,400

students use, including medical students at

Warwick University. That’s an enormously

powerful innovation and there isn’t anything

else quite like it in the UK.

We offer the most comprehensive Masters

portfolio in the UK by a long way and we also

have the only MSc in Acupuncture in Europe.

We offer novel provision in a number of areas

that other institutions don’t offer at all, such as

ultrasonic diagnostic imaging, or neurological

injection therapy, which involves injection of

botulinum toxin into spastic muscles. We look

for whatever is a new area in development

and try to get there fi rst.

11

evolve profi le

Email [email protected]

to send Karen a message or let us know which academic you

would like to see in the next issue.

Q

Q

Q

Q

A

A

A

A

Karen Harrison is the Head of Department for Physiotherapy and Dietetics and has

been with the University since 1993, when she joined as a Principal Lecturer from

Wolverhampton School of Physiotherapy

“I fi nd anatomy completely

fascinating”

Margaret Faber Chemistry and Metallurgy, 1966

Having started at Lanchester College

of Technology in 1963, when D block

was still unfi nished, and C block

was fairly new. It was a big surprise

to me when I visited this year to

see it being demolished. I was the

only woman on my HND Chem and

Metallurgy course – now it seems to

be the norm for women to do all the

engineering and science courses.


evolve get connected

getconnected

Raymond TewMathematics 1970

I retired in 2007 from my fi nal position

of Principal Lecturer in Quality

Management at Nottingham Trent

University.

Carol MaxwellModern Languages, 1974

I had already gone off on a two-year

world trip when the original 1974

graduation ceremony was supposed

to take place, so I had completely

forgotten that it had never taken

place. If the majority would like to

have the ceremony in November

2009, then I would also be pleased

to take part in that, otherwise a

dinner/reunion would be a wonderful

idea and an opportunity to catch up

with friends from that time.

Dr Ashley NixonApplied Biology, 1979, PhD 1992

About six years

after graduating

I registered as a

part-time, remote

postgraduate

student, for research

into soil chemistry and ground fl ora

changes associated with woodland

restoration on the Isle of Rum,

Scotland under the supervision

of Dr Humphrey Smith. I believe

this was the fi rst PhD in the

Biology Department of the newly

formed Coventry University from a

graduate of the Modular Science

programme. During this time I

was a lecturer in environmental

management at Norwich City

College, Farnbrough College and

Sunderland University. I then went

into environmental consultancy

with the University of Aberdeen

and its spin-off company, Cordah.

This led me to work all over the

world (more than 30 countries),

including Peru where I was based

for four years working in the mining

and oil and gas sectors. In 2001

I moved to Calgary, Alberta, where

I still live, now as a Canadian

citizen, working with Shell Canada

fi rst as Sustainable Development

Advisor and, more recently, as

Social Performance Manager in the

Heavy Oil Division.

Coventry graduates from over the years reveal what they are doing now

Graduated 1960s Graduated 1970s

Nigel AdamsBusiness Studies (Marketing), 1970

I was a member of the second cohort on the Business Studies (Marketing) degree programme from September 1966 and was awarded a BA (Business Studies) honours degree in 1970. A very long time ago! There were 85 men and one woman on the programme. Very different from today’s Marketing programmes!

Following my graduation in 1970, I continued working for Massey Ferguson in several international marketing roles until 1983, when I was headhunted by Cargill Inc to work on Countertrade projects in London and Geneva. In 1985 I established my own Countertrade consultancy business

and then from 1993 until 2002, I worked in Poland as a UK government Know How Fund Management Adviser.

Following my return to England, I re-established my international business consultancy company and was also a visiting lecturer in Marketing and International Marketing at Coventry University and at the University of Buckingham.

Today, in addition to running my own international business consultancy, I am also Programme Director for the BSc Business Enterprise (BBE) at the University of Buckingham, mentor the BBE students and lecture in Marketing and International Marketing.

For further information, please see: http://www.nigeladams.com and http://www.buckingham.ac.uk/business/bbe/

13

d

Joanne Leung (nee Miller) Modern Studies, 1986

After 20 years of living in London and

working in insurance, I now have

three children aged fi ve, four and

eight months, and am now a full-time

mum living by the sea in Dorset. I

am a classic degree and career fi rst,

then, luckily at 38, started my family.

When they are all at school I hope

to run a sweet shop – I wouldn’t say

that my degree will be of much use

then, but I wouldn’t have missed it

for the world!

Jeffrey McQuoneApplied Physics, 1993

I have completed 15 years teaching

KS3 and GCSE Science and I am

now progressing on to A Level to

teach Physics and Chemistry at

I suppose if I had realised that a few poor A level results in 1971 meant that universities wouldn’t want me, I might have tried harder. But we all know that at 18 there are other things in life apart from study. That said I knew that if I wanted

to get a decent (well paid) job, I would need some more qualifi cations, and anyway I had no idea what I wanted to do for work.

Applications to various colleges were duly completed and Lanchester Polytechnic offered me a Combined Science course. Success indeed, but it was in Coventry, nearly 150 miles away!

The Lanch was my fi rst prolonged time away from my home in Yorkshire. My parents accused me of being homesick at my fi rst return, but I was only home to have my washing done! I soon got into the swing of things, made many friends and certainly was not homesick.

I studied Combined Science for my fi rst two years, and during that time lodged with Mr and Mrs Jessop in the Broad Lane area. For my fi nal year I had a place in the halls of residence overlooking the delights of Pool Meadow bus station, when no part of The Lanch was located outside of the Ring Road. Times were good; we studied hard, but also partied well.

Progressing to gain my degree in Mathematics has always surprised me, none more so than when I discovered an old folder of theories, calculations and formulae a year or so ago, and couldn’t understand a word of it. It must have made sense at the time, as it was

defi nitely my handwriting.Those days in Coventry were the best and most

formative days of my life.I do remember the bar (through a Younger’s Tartan

haze) and the Polytechnic motor club and seem to recall tearing round the Warwickshire countryside in various vehicles with somewhat dubious reliability.

Everything worked out well for me after leaving. A job in (what is now called) IT, fi rst at Lucas Industries, is what I still do, albeit now for only two days a week. Fortunate enough to be semi-retired, and happily married to Pauline, I have time once again to tear around the countryside (within the speed limit now of course).

But there has always been a hole in my history. Whatever happened to all of us who never went to a graduation ceremony because it was cancelled due to

the Birmingham pub bombings? I am not in contact with any of my fellow students from that time. Did everyone just lose touch?

I welcome the proposed gathering [on 27 November 2009], and would dearly love to see inside some of the old lecture rooms located in the block alongside Cox Street, the bar, and some of my other haunts in Coventry.

GRADUATION: (l-r) Stephen Winteridge back in 1974 and how he looks today

“there has always been a hole in my history. Whatever happened to all of us who never went to a graduation ceremony?”

Graduated 1980s Graduated 1990s

Stephen WinteridgeCombined Science, 1974


evolve get connected

West Nottinghamshire College. I

am also married with two kids and

have a keen interest in developing

the effective use of ICT. My business

‘Educatio’ Educational Consultancy

is also now over 10 years old and

still going strong, supporting the

secondary teaching profession

in the Midlands area with notable

inspirational events based around

rockets of all types.

Joyce VialsNursing Studies, 1993

I completed an MA

in Medical Ethics

and Law at 64 years

of age at Keele

University. I retired

at 65.

Paul Lock Technical Communication, 1994 After graduating, I worked for local

companies as a Technical Author and

in 1997 started my own company,

working as a Consultant Technical

Author in the Banking and Financial

Services sector. My work took me to

several different countries, including

India, Eire, Belgium, Germany

and Switzerland.

I have recently fi nished a major

contract in Switzerland for a large

fi nancial fi rm and highly recommend

working and living there. I also gained

an MSc in Interactive Media from

UCE Birmingham and plan to follow a

full-time MSc Data Communications

and Security course at Birmingham

City University in order to develop my

Cisco networking skills.

Coventry University proved

time well spent and has always

had a well-deserved reputation for

encouraging mature students, of

which I was one. Best wishes to the

University and its future students.

Sylvia Dos SantosModern Languages, 1998I met John Lennon while at University

who was studying Business

Administration and we graduated in

the same year. We were married in

Jersey in 2003 and we now have a

baby daughter who was two at the

end of August. John and I are both

employed in the fi nancial sector in

Jersey.

Andrew Penfold and Emma Penfold (nee Stacey),

Emma: Occupational Therapy; Andrew: Business and Technology, 1998

Emma and I married in

2007 and just had our

fi rst baby Charlie who was born on

the 5th April.

Venthan MailooPhysiotherapy, 1999If Paul Brennen or James Hardy are

reading this, please get in touch with

me on [email protected],

thank you.

Mohammed ZubairPharmaceutical Chemistry, 2000Shortly after graduation, I joined

the chemical industry, and spent

several years analysing electroplating

solutions for precious metals. Part-

time study led to a postgraduate

degree in Chemistry and helped

further my chemist career.

Britain’s economic downturn

aside, and having been made

redundant, I am still in work as

a Voluntary Teaching Assistant. I

help elderly people from the local

community learn basic Internet and

email skills. I am hoping to participate

soon in a PhD research programme,

developing new antibiotics. Most

importantly, I still cherish the many

good memories that I have of both

staff and students while at Coventry

University, and I wish them and all

present members of this Institute

well. I hope you are all successful in

every endeavour you undertake.

Ian Alvares PgD Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2001

Once I returned to

India from Coventry,

getting a job in

Environmental

Science was a

diffi cult task. Either

the payscales were really bad or the

positions available did not match my

line of interest. I therefore decided to

Deborah EllisBusiness and Finance, 1994

In 2004, when I was aged 34, my career as a paramedic came to a rather abrupt end when I needed to have both my hips replaced. I was born with congenital bilateral hip displaysia. It meant I was unable to do the job of my dreams. I became very depressed, as I knew that the technology I needed for my hip replacements would not last my lifetime (you can only have so many review operations and I was still too young). Things looked pretty bleak. Then my doctor put me in touch with my Consultant Steven Young. In March 2007 I had my L hip replaced and in the following August the R hip.

While I was having my hips replaced I passed my Class A motorbike test. But I felt that having just had my hips done a return to front line duties would be a little different from before. Also, I did not want to wear out my new hips with the demands of front line work. Even though I did try Control Room duties, I decided to move onto new horizons.

I have worked for Alliance Medical since September 2008. The job I was originally hired for was made redundant but luckily, with my patient skills, I was re-deployed to Clinical as a MRI Technician at my local Nuffi eld Hospital. Now I can get my teeth into a new patient area by taking patients through their MRI scan.

I have also built myself a new hobby as a singer/songwriter within the Folk Music Industry. Life is starting to look up again.

Graduated 2000s

15

continue with studying and enrolled

for a part-time PhD which I have

almost completed. I also work for

Dell in Hyderabad, India, in the

training department. The year I spent

in Coventry will always remain the

best year in my life. Reminiscing

conjures up fond memories of the

great lecturers I met, friends I made

and beautiful, beautiful England.

Here’s hoping that I will some day

gladly again get a chance to be ‘sent

to Coventry.' Anyone from the 2000-

2001 batch who reads this, I would

love to hear from you.

Andrew KingAdvanced Product Engineering, MEng, 2002

Started my own company two

years ago to go contracting. Now

currently looking to develop this in to

a consultancy and develop my own

products ideas. I took on my fi rst

employee this year and looking to

take on another by the end of 2009.

Kevin RebelloMechanical Engineering, 2003I got married to Shabana (Physiology,

2001) in May 2008, having been

together since 2001. Both of us

studied at Coventry University, having

met at the Planet. Our fi rst baby is

due in October 2009, so not long to

go now! The good old memories of

our Uni days!

Yohann MacéBEng Automotive Engineering, 2006I have very good memories of

Coventry. After I graduated, I did

the Master EUROMIND (MSc

in Design and Technology of

Advanced Vehicle Systems –

www.euromind-edu.org). This

Masters is a partnership between

Southampton University, Linköping

University (Sweden) and E.S.T.A.C.A

(France) and aims to give students

the ability to work in an international

environment. The transport industry

is an international business. Mobility

and adaptability are the main skills

of engineers today.

I went to Sweden in January

2007 for a semester and then

left this peaceful country to do

Automotive Specialisation in Paris.

I fi nished my studies in Germany

on an industrial placement for six

months.

I lived in four different countries

during my studies, which meant I

met people from all over the world

and discovered different cultures.

I try to keep in contact with the

people I met. I strongly advise

Coventry students to study at least

one semester abroad, it will be an

unforgettable experience.

Peter Cotton Diploma in Public Service Leadership, 2006Having not formally studied since the

late 1970s, it was quite daunting to

go back to college and study for a

DPSL. Everyone involved was very

supportive, encouraging and helpful

to me throughout the whole course.

Mervyn LeahMA Marketing, 2006After fi ve interesting years as a part-time lecturer, I now devote much of my time on a voluntary basis as chairman of a non-profi t heritage railway.

Tracy DavisAdult Nursing course, 2004After fi nishing my course, I sold my house in

Coventry and moved with three children and

my partner to Falmouth, Cornwall, into a rented

cottage with no heating. My partner is a chef and

found work immediately and I started working as

a staff nurse at Falmouth Hospital where I have

now been for fi ve years. The family now enjoy days on the beach and the life

that Cornwall presents. We have been so happy living here, but will always

have a soft spot for Coventry.


movesDanceonline

The University has launched the UK’s fi rst digital dance

archive of the work of one of the country’s

most prominent contemporary

choreographers

Every year, the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) provides £102m from the Government to support research and Postgraduate study in the arts and humanities. For more information visitwww.ahrc.ac.uk

£102m

History and dance are closely connected. The relationship is discussed in the foreword of the recently launched digital archive Siobhan Davies Replay – describing both as being made up of movements, moments and people, of actions, responses, choices and chances.

Performances have been documented for years in the form of articles, photographs and even costumes or set designs but advances in technology have created a wealth of audiovisual recordings – including fi lms of performances or even talks from the creators. This expanding collection has led to the creation of the UK’s fi rst digital dance archive of one of Britain’s most celebrated choreographers. The online resource is accessible to students, researchers and dance enthusiasts via an attractive and interactive website. Content is free and includes over 2000 fully searchable electronic records of moving image, still images and text relating to 36 dance works and eight related projects. Users can also generate their own ‘scrapbook’ of images and text-based materials.

The archive has been created by researchers from the Centre for Media Arts and Performance (CeMAP) at the University in collaboration with Siobhan Davies Dance and was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) as one of the last Resource Enhancement Schemes.

Starting back in January 2007, the project has taken 18 months to come to fruition. Professor Sarah Whatley, Director of CeMAP, fi rst came up with the idea while searching for material documenting Siobhan Davies’ work for her own research. “This really is a fi rst for contemporary dance,” she said. “By digitising this amazing collection of work, not only are we saving it for future researchers, but also raising the profi le of contemporary dance. One of the

most exciting areas of the archive is Kitchen where visitors can see how all the ingredients of a dance work are sourced, developed and come together to make the fi nal work. Users can gain insight to the creative processes of leading composers, designers and artists. Together with the video-stills option, these unique parts of the archive provide access to dance in ways that are entirely new and could have a profound impact on how dance is viewed, made and distributed in the future. Being at the forefront of such developments places Coventry in a prominent position to lead other digital archive projects.” Siobhan Davies was a leading dancer and choreographer for the London

Contemporary Dance Theatre in the 1970s. In 1981 she collaborated with other leading choreographers to form Second Stride, and in 1988 created her own company Siobhan Davies Dance. She was awarded a CBE in the New Years Honours in 2002 and is now a Visiting Professor of Dance at the University.

The archive represents the history of the choreographer’s work. Many of the objects have been sourced directly from Davies and her collaborators’ personal collections, while institutions and private contributors have loaned other items. Almost all of these objects appear online for the fi rst time, and in many cases they have never been viewed by anyone since they were created. Siobhan Davies believes the archive is a huge achievement for both her own organisation and for CeMAP at the University. “Dance performances thrive on being seen in the moment of their doing but there will now be a wealth of knowledge that can be easily accessed through my, and I hope the many future, dance archives,” said Davies. “This will lead to a fuller understanding of the many models of thinking and practice which underpin this extraordinary art form.”

17

evolve research

“not only are we saving it for future researchers, but also raising the profi le of contemporary dance”

PERFORM: From the

performance: Wanting to tell stories.

Photo by David Buckland

To view the Siobhan Davies Replay, visit www.siobhandaviesreplay.com. To fi nd out more about research at Coventry visit www.coventry.ac.uk/researchnet

DANCE: From the performance: Bank. Photo by Sean Hudson


evolve nostalgia

It has been 30 years since

Coventry graduates

launched the 2-Tone label and

introduced a whole new style to

the British music scene

The Specials

wouldn’t have

existed without

Coventry,” said

Bass Player

Horace Panter

(Fine Art, 1975). He was speaking at

the University ahead of the band’s

recent Glastonbury performance

and 30 years after he had launched

the 2-Tone label with fellow graduate

Jerry Dammers.

Horace, who came to study at

The Lanch, met Jerry on the art

course and together they formed

Ska band The Specials.

Horace remembered Jerry

walking into the art studios in

“tartan trousers, grown out Mod-

haircut complete with sideburns”

singing “I Shot the Sheriff at the

top of his voice.”

The distinctive 2-Tone style was

infl uenced by Jamaican Ska music

and mixed with the contemporary

punk and pop sounds of the time.

The bands were also unique in

the early 80s for including different

races. It made a powerful statement

against racism – and The Specials

in particular used their lyrics and

performances to reinforce their views.

The different social backgrounds

and personalities of the seven

band members that made up The

Specials often led to explosive

performances on and off stage –

and eventually to the band’s demise

in 1981.

But 30 years on the group has

Special memories

“The Specials wouldn’t have existed without Coventry”

THE LANCH: The Specials performed at The Lanch to crowds of fans in the bar

SINGING SUCCESS: Pauline Black is still performing all over the world today

19

re-formed, this time without Jerry,

and has played a sell-out UK tour –

including the festivals – has visited

Australia and New Zealand and

has another UK jaunt booked for

November to the delight of fans.

One fan that is keen to see the

revival is local music journalist Pete

Chambers who has spent the year

placing commemorative 2-Tone

plaques outside key city venues.

In November the last one will be

unveiled outside the Students’ Union

where many bands such as The

Specials and The Selecter played.

“The Lanch was extremely

important,” said Pete who has written

a book about the 2-Tone music scene

in Coventry. “The Specials fi lmed the

video for the single Rat Race in the

(of The Specials) to join The Selecter.

Although the group eventually

disbanded, Pauline diversifi ed into

acting and TV presenting, eventually

re-forming The Selecter in the 90s

and touring the world for 15 years.

Since 2006 Pauline has embarked

on a solo music career, most recently

performing in Argentina, Brazil and

Australia. She regularly guests with

Neville Staples from The Specials and

is impressed by the renewed interest

in 2-Tone music.

“I’m pleased there’s a revival of

Ska. The Skatalites (a Jamaican

band) started it all off and it’s where

the music originates from.”

While there are many performers

who brought Ska music to life,

Coventry will always be the home

of 2-Tone thanks to the University

alumni who made it all happen.

PLAQUES: Horace Panter unveils one of the plaques at a special city location

Pete Chambers plans to open a 2-Tone museum. Any

graduates who would like to donate memorabilia or record memories should contact [email protected] or visit www.2-toneat30.info.

Images c

ourt

esy o

f P

ete

Cham

bers

/ P

aulin

e B

lack p

hoto

: M

ark

Cra

me

main hall and the song was written

by Roddy Byers after he overheard

students discussing the jobs their

parents had got lined up for them

after graduation.”

The Specials were not the only

2-Tone band to come out of the

University. Pauline Black, lead singer

of Ska band The Selecter, studied

Combined Sciences here in the

70s and remembers the “halcyon

days” of University performances.

The group did their fi rst show in the

Downstairs bar at the Students’

Union in 1979 – for a 75p admission

price. “You could see bands in the

Downstairs bar for a reasonable

price and it was absolutely rammed.

The atmosphere was really good,”

said Pauline, who still performs

regularly but originally wanted to

become a biochemist. “I think I was

one of the only black students here.

I used to go around with a huge

great Afro. No one ever seemed

to do any work,” recalled Pauline

who left Coventry University to

study Radiography at Coventry and

Warwickshire Hospital.

After qualifying, Pauline went on

to work at Walsgrave Hospital before

being headhunted by Lynval Golding

“The Stanislavski-based training I received at Coventry really did get under my skin”


evolve big interview

Keeping it

realAs her latest movie gets set for release, fi lm director and graduate Debbie Isitt explains why studying and living in Coventry is more inspiring than Hollywood

21


D ebbie Isitt doesn’t have a swimming pool in her back garden. Nor does she spend her days lunching with other fi lm types in London or Los Angeles, discussing the latest

movies or theatre productions. It’s a world she has deliberately

avoided in an effort to ensure her work continues to refl ect real life. Its eccentricities and its tragedies are both in abundance in the down-to-earth city of Coventry and it is here where Debbie’s

passion for realism began. A student in the early 80s on the Theatre

and Professional Practice course at the University (then known as the Coventry Centre of Performing Arts),


it was the Russian Constantin

Stanislavski’s method of acting that

appealed most and convinced her to

use improvisation in fi lm.

“The Stanislavski-based training

I received at Coventry really did get

under my skin,” explained Debbie

about the system that is based

around an actor ‘living the part.’

“If an actor can own their role and

know exactly what to say because

they have become that other person

then it means their acting is the

best it can possibly be and for me

it’s about pushing the acting to the

extreme. The ultimate end game is

improvisation. It’s much more diffi cult

and scary, but more creative.”

It's a technique she has employed

on her latest fi lm Nativity, which

is due for release this Christmas.

British actors Martin Freeman (The

Offi ce) and Jason Watkins (Being

Human and Little Dorrit) play two

teachers in the improvised comedy

who compete to put on the best

school Nativity production. Martin's

character attempts to persuade

his ex-girlfriend and Hollywood fi lm

producer, played by Ashley Jensen

(Extras and Ugly Betty), to visit

Coventry to see his school's Nativity.

It's a story based on the fact Debbie

knows lots of actors who became

teachers and then felt like they failed

at acting. The underlying message

of the fi lm is that teaching is a more

worthwhile profession.

For Martin it is the second time

he has worked with Debbie as he

starred in her fi rst improvised fi lm

Confetti, but for Ashley it was a

whole new experience – especially

fi lming in the Midlands.

“Ashley Jensen was having a

swimming pool built in her back

garden in LA at the time, and she

was getting on a plane to come to

Coventry and I thought: ‘Oh geez,

she’s just come off Ugly Betty

[award-winning American sitcom],

she’s got a swimming pool in LA

and she’s coming to Coventry.’ But

everyone really loved it here and I

was really proud,” said Debbie who

was born in Birmingham but stayed

living in Coventry because she liked

the community-feel of the city. She

lives in Longford with her ten year old

daughter Sydney and partner Nick

Ager (a fi lm editor who also edits

all of her work). “We had brilliant

support, I was invited with open arms

into schools for research and casting.

All the actors and crew said it was

their happiest shoot.”

All the pupils in the fi lm are from

local schools and the University’s

Ellen Terry building was used for

auditions. The whole production

was more expensive to shoot in the

Midlands because it meant taking

everyone out of London. But it was

an endeavour regional funding body

Screen West Midlands was keen to

support and for obvious reasons.

“I wanted to represent Coventry

in a positive light. It looks fabulous

on the fi lm and hopefully it will do

a little bit for the tourism business.

The Cathedral looks amazing. We

probably couldn’t have fi lmed it here

without the funding. It was brilliant

for me as I didn’t have to get up so

early,” laughed Debbie who jokes

that the extra hours in bed were the

real reason behind fi lming locally.

Getting into Coventry to study

theatre was a dream come true for

the director who found it impossible

to hold down a normal job – she was

sacked from fi ve different positions in

the space of 12 months.

“I wasn’t very good at functioning

in normal roles. I worked as a

switchboard operator and cut

“You make your own luck and Coventry understands that ethos more than anywhere”

REHEARSAL: (l-r) Actors Martin Freeman, Ashley Jensen, Jason Watkins and director Debbie Isitt on set (inset) Martin and Ashley in the movie

REAL SHOW: Jason Watkins

turns into teacher Gordon

Shakespeare

23


people off, I let people have stuff

for free when I worked in shops. I

was a lunatic! I had to get back to

the thing that made me sane – and

that was performing. I’d dreamt of

going to New York to study theatre

and fi lm and then I saw an advert for

Coventry and that was a bit nearer

and I could afford the train fare.”

It was at the auditions with other

“street-wise” young people that

Debbie fi nally felt like she belonged

and was desperate to get in. “I

remember thinking I’d have to kill

myself if I didn’t,” she recalled. “When

I got the letter I knew it was the

beginning of the rest of my life. It was

a sign I’d made the right decision

and I should pursue my dream.”

The dream led to the formation of

a theatre production company called

Snarling Beasties that she set up

with fellow Coventry graduate Mark

Kilmurray. The pair took their show to

Edinburgh, which was the start of 15

years of working all over the world.

“In the 80s it was all about small

independent theatre, it rocked, it was

sexy. The timing was fantastic for us.

It has been a real source of sadness

that small scale independent theatre

has disappeared. That whole actor/

manager thing is a brilliant way to live

and learn,” said Debbie who believes

Coventry gives its theatre students

a real sense of empowerment.

“There’s almost a business link, an

entrepreneurial spirit, that’s linked to

the programme and to the tutoring.

There’s an old saying you make your

own luck and Coventry more than

anywhere seems to understand that

ethos and empower its students to

make their own luck.”

It’s a belief that has served her

well so far. As well as creating her

own fi lms, she has recently been

commissioned to script a fi lm about

the North Wales all-male Fron Choir

and write a fi lm adaptation of a

Marian Keyes novel.

Work is busy, which is good in

a recession, and while Hollywood

is feeling the effects of the credit

crunch, Debbie believes British

fi lmmakers will fare better as they’re

used to smaller budgets.

“My ethos is to keep things on a

realistic level, keep control, do what

you love and don’t be pushed by

other people’s expectations of what

you should be doing.”

If Nativity does become a global

phenomenon, this is one director who

won’t be losing touch with reality.

student profi leLived: In a shared house on Green Lane Favourite pub: Dog and Trumpet Favourite memory: When Mark Kilmurray and I were cast as Arthur Miller and Marilyn Monroe in our fi rst student production of After the Fall. We thought we were ‘IT’ then, as you do when you’re young! We got good reviews from everyone. We were Posh and Becks before they existed. I bet everyone hated us.

Nativity is out on Friday 4 December. Debbie Isitt is appearing in a Coventry

Conversation at the University on 22 October, which will also be available online on the University’s iTunesU site.

COMEDY CRITIC: (above) Comedian Alan Carr stars as a critic in the fi lm

LOCAL KIDS: (left) Local schoolchildren star in the improvisation with Marc Wootton


evolve letters

letters

Dear FOCUS,

I was interested to read Rachael’s diary (evolve, spring 2008) and budget for the week. When I was at Coventry (1989-90 – I was excused the fi rst year of

my degree because I had Open University credits) I worked at Watford Gap service station. My shifts were Saturday and Sunday nights from 11pm until 7am. I got back to Pool Meadow station at 8am

on Monday mornings. I just had time to get back to Wood End, where I lived, shower, and be at my seminar for 9am. One morning a student who frequently arrived late – or not at all – was due to lead our discussion. He didn’t turn up.

The lecturer sent someone to get him out of bed. He arrived rubbing his eyes, with his jeans and sweater pulled over his pyjamas!

I had very little money because I was a lone parent with three children at home. I haven’t got much money now because I am 67 and on a State Pension so I am unable to donate to the Phoenix Fund. I am glad it exists because there must be many people who don’t go to university because they can’t afford it. I enjoyed university and learned a lot. Not least that getting mediocre essays in on time got me the same degree as my brilliant friend who got excellent essays in very late!

I worked as a Debt Counsellor at Wood End Advice Centre until I retired at the end of 2000. Martha Young, Modern Studies,1990

Share your views with other

Friends of Coventry University and you

could win £25 to spend in Waterstone’s.

Our star letter prize is kindly donated by Waterstone’s

Coventry University.

Student sympathy

star letter

HAPPY MEMORIES:

Martha pictured in Bali at her son's recent

wedding

25

evolve letters

Waterstone’s is the UK’s leading academic bookseller, with a comprehensive range

of course books, textbooks and professional titles at highly competitive prices. The

shop stocks an extensive range of academic books from the UK and abroad, with

an expert team on hand to help.

Waterstone’s, Coventry University, Frederick Lanchester Building, Gosford St, Coventry, CV1 5DD, or visit other Coventry branches in Cathedral Lanes and the Lower Precinct.

Please send letters to Letters, Development Offi ce, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB

Dear FOCUS,I was fascinated to read your profi le

of Professor David Kirk (evolve

spring 2009). He taught me

Metallurgy back in 1984-5 when

I was studying Physical Science/

Materials Technology. I went into

the Physical Science stream after

year one and had little contact

with him after that. I do remember

the smartly suited Dr Kirk (as he

was then, but little changed in the

profi le photo) puffi ng away on his

pipe. I have wondered how many

of my lecturers are still putting chalk to

board. I had assumed most would have retired. Although this does not seem

to have stopped Professor Kirk.

Like him I was disappointed to hear about the loss of the Materials and

Physics courses. I did meet some of the fi nal Physical Science students

when they visited the Joint European Torus, where I got a chance to talk

to my fi nal year tutor Dr E D (David) Jones. The changes I saw in D Block

[James Starley Building] when I visited for the recent Careers Service alumni

event – all the labs converted into classrooms – were quite signifi cant.

Though the fl oors at the south end still droop the way I remember (enough

to cause a sense of nausea when I sat at the back of 101 one time).

In the early days of my career I worked with several Coventry educated

scientists, though with the loss of the departments no new scientists have

passed within my career orbit. This is a shame. These departments did

outstanding work and now that they are lost, will probably never be brought

back. Thanks for bringing back a few more memories.

Paul Burton, Physical Science, 1988

Happy to graduate

Dear FOCUS, I do appreciate

the wish of the

University to make

good the lost 1974

graduation.

I remember

well that the disappointment was

compounded by the manner of the

cancellation, just two or three days

before it was due to happen, which

meant that many people turned

up with their families on the day,

expecting to graduate.

Anyone who wrote to the Director

at the time was told that the

Polytechnic was urgently considering

inviting 1974 graduates to the 1975

graduation – but this was not to be

honoured. Alumni seemed to count

for less then.

I am sure most of us thought the

cancellation an overreaction. There

had been incidents in the West

Midlands, including the death of

a bomber from his own device in

Coventry, but I thought then, and

still do, that the proper reaction

to terrorism is to take essential

precautions, but not to let normal life

be unnecessarily disrupted.

I do hope that the invitation to the

1974 reunion graduation this year

will receive the positive response

that it deserves. However, in 1974

it would have been a farewell by

people at the start of their careers.

In 2009 it will be a reunion of people

approaching retirement, and many

will be untraceable.

I hope that the surviving and

former academic staff of the era will

be invited too. There were some

Weird Science

great characters among them and

it was they, more than anyone,

who made The Lanch years so

memorable.

Bill Urry, Modern Studies, 1974

Dear Bill, Thanks for your letter. So far,

we have had a really positive

response to the 1974 graduation

ceremony reunion (details at

www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni/

events). We are keen to include

as many people as possible so

please pass the word on. We

hope the special ceremony will

go someway to replacing your

missing graduation.

Develop your

career As a Coventry University graduate, your education is already benefi ting

you in the workplace. Why not let Coventry continue to enhance your

career even after you have graduated?

Postgraduate and part-time study offers you the chance to

add a range of specialist skills to your portfolio and advance

your career options.

We also offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

training programmes through our School of Lifelong Learning

to further enhance your career progression.

Come along to one of our Postgraduate and Part-time Open Days

to fi nd out about the opportunities:

Thursday 12 November 2009, 4pm – 7pm

Saturday 14 November 2009 10am – 2pm

Alumni who would like to arrange a meeting with a tutor at a

more convenient time can contact the Graduate Centre for a

separate appointment or come along to an Open Day.

Subject experts will be available to advise you about our courses

and you can have a tour round our dedicated facilities for

Postgraduate, Part-time and Continuing Professional Development

(CPD) students.

Our open days take place in the Graduate & CPD Centre, Jaguar

Building on the city centre campus, accessible from Gosford

Street, off Junction 3 of the ring road.

For further information and to register, please email [email protected] or visit www.coventry.ac.uk/postgraduate or call + 44 (0) 24 7688 8614

For the School of Lifelong Learning visit www.coventry.ac.uk/soll or email [email protected] or call + 44(0) 24 7688 7867

Why did you go to Mexico? I was working in a local company after

graduation and I decided I wanted to

do something different with my life. I

went out to Mexico with a Christian voluntary

organisation and I was placed with a family

to get to know the culture. It was through

them I met my wife Mirna, who I married in

November 2008.

After the two-year placement came to an

end, I found a job with a web agency over

there who were developing as a competitor to

Ticketmaster, and so I decided to stay.

Why did you set up your own company? I have always wanted to express my

own creativity and values. While I love

Mexico, work conditions are harder than we

are used to in the UK. Salaries are lower,

hours are longer and there is little job security.

I felt that where I was, I was unable to grow

professionally. With a desire to do great things

and lead a better quality of life, my situation

was the push I needed to make the jump.

What is different about your company? My business Stem Pixel builds usable,

accessible and attractive websites. I

specialised in accessibility for my MSc,

because at that time it wasn’t formalised in

law but I thought it was important.

Most web designers had a graphic design

background and were not interested in coding

websites for accessibility because there was a

perception it would look boring.

So I set out to develop a website that could

be both accessible and look good.

I wanted to do something that improves

the world – even in a small way. I can bring

those values to my clients now.

How are you fi nding the new business? Going into business in the current

climate is a bit daunting but I thought

there had to be something better than

what I was doing.

I wanted to spend more time with my

family as I am currently informally adopting

my wife’s daughter and my wife is also

pregnant. I just need to maintain the income

that I had before and hopefully improve on

that. I recently gained two more clients when I

was over in the UK so things are going well.

What does the future hold? I have based the business in the UK,

as I mainly work with British companies

who value the work that I am doing on

accessibility. While we intend to move

back to the UK in the near future, the great

thing about web design is you can work on it

anywhere in the world.

I come back to the UK regularly for client

visits and I’m back over in October to meet

with the Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship

(IAE) to get some more business support.

27

evolve profi le

To fi nd out more about Tim visit www.stempixel.com and to fi nd out about how the IAE could help your business visit www.coventry.ac.uk/iaeIf you would like to feature in a graduate profi le contact [email protected]

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

A

A

A

A

A

“Mexico has changed my whole life”When Tim Thompson (MSc Computing, 2003) got the urge to do more with his life, he embarked on a trip to Mexico where he met his wife and started a new business

MEXICAN WAVE: Tim with his wife and daughter (inset) Tim with his father David in Mexico who works at Coventry University


evolve employment

just from knowing their university, it

becomes an irrelevant variable.”

Diversity in the civil service is

an ongoing issue. Only recently a

Government social mobility report

stated that 45 percent of senior civil

servants were privately educated.

Statistics like these deter some

Coventry candidates with good

grades from considering a role in

Government. This lack of confi dence

is a "waste of good talent"

according to Andy.

The Government is searching for more economists to join

the civil service and Coventry graduates

have been equipped with the right skills

for the job for the job

crunchNumber

The effects of the credit

crunch on the economy

could be compared to

the impact of Swine Flu

on the NHS. During a

pandemic you need more doctors,

and when the economy is ill you

need more economists.

It’s a comparison that Deputy

Director of the Government

Economic Service (GES) Andy Ross

made when he described the need

for more graduates, especially from

post 1992 universities, to apply for

assistant economist posts.

“It’s diffi cult to imagine a more

important time to get good

graduates into the GES and we’re

very keen on Coventry. It depresses

me that we still get more applicants

from Cambridge and Oxford than all

the post ’92 universities combined,”

said Andy. “Once they are through

the entry process it’s clearly a level

playing fi eld. I wouldn’t bet on a

candidate’s career progression

29

h “Coventry is good preparation.

You concentrate on a deep

understanding and application rather

than just mimicking sophisticated

mathematics. This is more important

for the professional practitioner

economists that we have in

the GES. Coventry recognises

that economics is an incredibly

vocational degree,” said Andy.

A career in the civil service

comes with an attractive package

– starting salaries begin at £25k for

If I can do it,anyone can”

Biba Ahmed (Economics, 2005) is fl ying high in the Government Economic Service, despite initial reservations about applyingWhen Biba attended the GES Open Day, she never believed her application would be successful. Four years on, and Biba is an Assistant Economist in the Department for Work and Pensions and has just completed an MSc in Economics at the University of Birmingham – funded by the GES.

“Two of the best decisions in my life to date are applying to Coventry to do Economics and the other was applying for the GES,” said Biba who wanted a job where she could use her economics on a regular basis. “At least 60 students were at the open day and a lot of them were from traditional universities like Oxford and Cambridge. I wondered if there was any point in applying.” But she did, and after an application form and a couple of online tests, Biba was invited

to an assessment day in London with 16 other candidates. “When I saw graduates from the London School of Economics I wondered if I would be as good as them but I did really well in the assessment. I don’t think I would have been able to do it without the support of the economics staff at the University and also the content of the degree course.”

Biba is hoping to progress to an Economic Advisor within another year. “A lot of people think it’s a number crunching job, but it’s not. You’re faced with real world policy issues every day. It’s a great place to work. Unemployment is high at the moment so I’m hoping to work on a high level policy area to help sort out the problems we’re facing as an economy and as a country.”

If you think you have what it takes, visit www.ges.gov.uk for

more information.

an assistant economist and these

posts are often fast tracked up to

advisor level within fi ve years where

employees can expect a career

average of around £55k.

From there, it’s a step up to a

senior civil servant and, for those

that really want to go far, possibly a

post as a permanent secretary. Gus

O’Donnell, the current Head of the

Civil Service, is a GES member who

started out as a GES economist.

Despite the rewards, it’s a career

that cannot be considered lightly as the

decisions made could affect millions

of people’s lives. The GES employs a

rigorous testing process for candidates

because many will go on to work

at very high levels, solving issues of

national and international importance.

“They will engage with some of the

top minds in the country and people

who wield enormous power,” said

Andy. “Some people think they have

a right to be in the GES because of

their university, but these often come

unstuck in the process. Some people

will show off that they are potentially

Nobel Prize winning economists but

that’s not what we’re looking for.

We’re interested in good consumers

of economics, who apply the subject

to the world around them. We deal in

dilemmas not lemmas!”

Andy advises attending the GES

Open Days to get more tips on

applying to the service – and recent

graduates as well as not-so-recent

graduates should consider applying

(a 2.1 in Economics or a postgraduate

degree in Economics is needed).

“It’s a fascinating subject and

in times like now highlights how

important it is,” said Andy. “Coventry

graduates are well-equipped and it’s

due to high quality teaching. I see the

proof of the pudding in terms of the

quality of the graduates.”

GOOD MATHS: Biba Ahmed is

glad she applied for a position in

the GES


evolve online

Whether it’s catching up on the

latest University news or watching

professional presentations, the

new alumni website has more to offer

graduates

ways to enjoyCoventry online

New lookThe alumni website www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni has

had a makeover.

As well as a new design and

loads of new content, there is also

an exclusive login area which is

only accessible to graduates. All

graduates who are registered with

the alumni offi ce have been issued

with a username and password so

they can access special content on

the site. If you have not been sent

your details request them by emailing

[email protected].

Exclusively yours The exclusive login area allows you to update your contact details online, search for old friends and leave messages for other graduates to read. This separate area of the site also allows you to read member-only content too. It includes information about the general career progression of graduates from individual courses, which we compiled from your feedback to our questionnaire. www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni/login

31

Win prizes Graduates can log in to the site to enter competitions and quizzes to win prizes every month. The site has given away goody bags full of University

memorabilia, University t-shirts and graduation bears, as well as tickets to see ice hockey or for events such as the Doctor Who Exhibition at the Coventry Transport Museum.

See and hear more The alumni site also

links up with Coventry’s

YouTube channel and

iTunesU. Coventry

was one of the fi rst

universities in Europe to open an

iTunes store, and it now has over

200 lectures, tutorials and videos to

download for free. An alumni section

includes fi lms from the Gala

and Summer Balls and

graduates can also

request to upload

their own fi lms. Visit

www.coventry.ac.uk/itunesu for

more information.

You can also

watch a range of

fi lms and lectures

on Coventry University

Television (CUTV)

at www.youtube.com/covstudent. Launched 18 months

ago, its videos have been watched

more than a million times.

5 News update

Keep up to date by subscribing to the monthly alumni e-newsletter. As well as the latest news, you can also

see who's looking for old friends, be the fi rst to hear about online competitions and get a list of the latest events and reunions. Subscribe by sending an email to [email protected] with SUBSCRIBE in the subject bar.

For more information about getting online contact the alumni offi ce on email at

[email protected] or visit www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni or call +44 (0) 24 7688 8589.

Events calendarNow you can keep up to date with all the latest

reunions and events by checking our online calendar.

The interactive diary means you will never miss out on a

Coventry event again and you can register for most events

online too. www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni/events

includes fi lm

and Su

grad

re

t

w

fi l

on C

Televis

at www youmnialso

FOCUS on Media

members can now listen to the Coventry

Conversations series online. It has received thousands of downloads on iTunesU and YouTube. The alumni site has links to the podcasts

that are recorded by students

PRIZES: Graduates have won tickets in our online quiz to see the Coventry Blaze ice hockey team and (inset) won University goody bags

Imag

e c

ourt

esy o

f M

ark

Tre

dg

old


Kingof content

In regional press terms, Ernest

Petrie is a media mogul. It’s not

a phrase he would use about

himself, as this surprisingly self-

effacing man is very careful about

the words he chooses – a skill he

admires greatly in journalists.

Working life began as an

accountant on a local newspaper in

the Thomson Organisation, until at 31

he became the youngest managing

director in the group.

“I was very stimulated by the

whole environment, it’s a fast moving

business,” said Ernest. “It liberated me

from accountancy.”

Ernest became Managing Director

of the Coventry Evening Telegraph

in 1993, and was part of the

management buyout of the paper.

He helped to fl oat it on the stock

exchange and then fi nally sold it to the

Daily Mirror Group in 1997.

While Ernest has always focused

on the commerciality of newspapers,

he holds the creative elements in high

regard. It challenges the perception of

accountants squeezing resources.

“I enjoyed the fact we could make

things happen together. It was up to

me to fi nd enough money to allow

the papers to expand, to have good

writers and to be well resourced,”

explained Ernest.

In the current climate though many

regional newspapers are feeling the

pinch and facing cuts to cope with the

decline in advertising and the growth

of internet news. He believes these

issues are not the death knell for local

journalism. “The need for journalists

is rising but it will be spread across

a much broader canvas. It will be as

much electronic communication as

it will be about the traditional printed

word. They all have a part to play.” It’s

a belief that is evident in his personal

investments. He is a major shareholder

in Forth Independent Newspapers,

invests in a website design company

in Leeds called Chapter Eight, in

a regional magazine group which

includes Midlands Business Insider

and in two national magazines, MIX

Mag and The WORD. “Very local news

will never be totally supplied by the

internet. Local weekly newspapers

are coming through the recession

much more strongly in terms of their

readership and their commercial

performance than the big metropolitan

and daily newspapers. Content is king.

The person who owns, stimulates and

delivers the content has a business

model that will work,” said Ernest who

set up a University scholarship fund to

support student journalists. Channel

4 Newsreader Jon Snow recently

acknowledged the recipients of the

fund at an awards ceremony.

“I have always had a high regard

for people who were skilful with words

as it’s a very powerful and enabling

facility. I wanted to put something

back into training and development

of young people and I’d recommend

that to anyone who feels they have

a bob or two to spare. If one more

person feels stimulated about doing

journalism because of the fund, then

I’m a very happy chap,” said Ernest

who also supports the Rowington

Almshouse Charity.

His involvement in the University

stretches back to his days at the

Coventry Evening Telegraph when

he became a Governor. He is now

one of the fi ve Pro Chancellors who

take an interest in the well-being of

the Institution and preside over the

graduation ceremonies.

Communication has driven his

career, but it is education that Ernest

truly believes changes lives.

“As far as my children and

my grandchildren are concerned

I’ve always tried to help with their

education. It’s the one unique thing

that goes across boundaries. It’s one

of the few things you can do where

you can’t go wrong.”

A career managing regional newspapers has turned Pro

Chancellor Ernest Petrie into a great admirer of journalism and the art

of communication

FUND: Channel 4 Newsreader Jon Snow presenting Ernest's scholarship fund.

evolve development

33

“I have always had a high regard for people who were skilful with words as it’s a very powerful and enabling facility”

Curriculum Vitae 1991-93 Managing Director of Coventry Evening Telegraph 1993-1996 Managing Director of Birmingham Post and Mail 1993 Became Governor at Coventry University1996-1998 Business Development Director on launches and acquisitions on all weekly newspapers 1998 Managing Director of Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail 1998-2002 Group Managing Director for Yorkshire Post group of newspapers (orchestrated MBO in 1998 and sold to Johnston Press)2002 Retired and became Pro Chancellor of the University

You too can support

students with scholarships and

bursaries. Visit www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni/

support for more information.


evolve events

events

Global reunion

A round-up of reunions and events that have been happening on campus and across the UK. Visit www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni/events to keep up to date online with future and past events

reunionsalumni eventswhat’s on

Graduates see the Doctor An exclusive after-hours tour around the Doctor Who exhibition attracted nearly 50 people to the Transport Museum earlier this year.

It was a one-off opportunity to see the Doctor Who exhibition without the crowds and at a discounted price.

Steve Bagley, Head of Collections at the Transport Museum and a self-confessed Doctor Who fan was on hand to give information out about the exhibits, which included the TARDIS, Davros, K9 and many items and characters from more recent episodes of the hit show.

Refreshments were available after the tour, which gave alumni a chance to catch up with friends as well as hear the latest news from the University.

Jason Kinmond, Combined Science 1985 came along on the evening and said: “Thank you very much for the hospitality, what a great exhibition and a nice idea to have a private viewing.”

Check the online events calendar for future events like this that you could attend at www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni

Distance was no object for

one group of friends who

were determined to get

back together on campus fi ve

years after their graduation.

The friends who all live in

different locations around the

world are 2004 graduates

of the MA Communications

Management and MSc Operational

Communications.

Fernanda Veiga, who is Brazilian

and now lives in Spain, managed

to reunite 13 of them in June.

“It’s great to have people

here from all over the world –

including Russia, Mexico, Zambia,

Trinidad and Tobago, Malta and

Egypt,” said Fernanda. “Some of

us have met with each other over

the years if we have been visiting

their country but this is the fi rst

time we have all been together.”

For Hatem Hanafi and his wife

Marwa Dewidar from Egypt it was

a chance to introduce their nine

month old daughter Khadeeja to

the city they once lived in as well

as reunite with friends.

Hatem said: “We used to live in

a house on the Foleshill Road in

Coventry and we have tried to call

everyone we knew so we can see

them while we’re here.”

After the weekend Fernanda

is keen to get the group back

together again. “I would like to

do it again in fi ve years' time. The

alumni offi ce has been so helpful in

organising this event,” she said.

Inspired to meet up with your old friends? Visit

www.coventry.ac.k/alumni to look at the reunion pages or email [email protected] or call +44 (0) 24 7688 8589.

UNITED: Fernanda is third from the left and Hatem is second from left

35

Fair playStudents beat the graduates at this year’s Sports

Over 200 people attended this

year’s Alumni Sports Day in

May where students beat

the graduates in three out of the fi ve

matches.

The annual event was held at

Westwood Heath and attracted

teams of men and women for

matches of football, hockey and

rugby.

The men’s alumni football team

beat the students 4-3 in a tightly

contested match, but the women’s

alumni football team lost out to the

students.

It was the fi rst time footballer Alex

Moore (Transport Design, 2004) had

been to the annual Sports Day. “I’m

really glad I came, it’s great to be

playing back with the team again.

It’s the fi rst time I’ve been back to

Coventry since I left as well.”

The alumni men’s hockey team

drew with the students 3-3 but the

women’s alumni hockey team were

beaten 5-1.

Despite losing, Jenny Wood

(Leisure Management, 2005) was

pleased to be playing with her former

hockey team mates again. “I used to

be a part of women’s hockey when

I was a student and I play for the

Jaguar Ladies Hockey Club now.

It’s good to get everyone together

again. It’s a social event more than

anything,” said Jenny.

The men’s alumni rugby team lost

to their student counterparts with an

overall score of 43-22.

The event was the fourth Alumni

vs Students Sports Day and ended

with a trophy presentation before the

teams celebrated in some of their old

haunts in the city centre.

If you would like to take part in next year’s Sports Day

contact the alumni offi ce to book your team’s space. Just email [email protected]

A vintage reunionOne London reunion helped graduates learn the difference between a Shiraz and a Chardonnay at a Wine Tasting evening.

The guided wine tasting tour at Vinopolis in London earlier this year was a chance to learn about wine as well as mingle with friends and make new contacts with other Coventry graduates.

Graduates sampled wines and learnt the differences between regions, grapes and vintage years. Ben Donovan (Psychology, 2004) came along to the event and said: “I really enjoyed the evening. Everyone I spoke to commented on how well it went and there was a lot of enthusiasm for us all meeting up again some time.”

GOOD SPORTS: From top: The alumni football team celebrate; student captains collect the shield; University cheerleaders; men's alumni hockey team.


evolve events

what’son15 OctoberThe Best And Worst Of Times – Who Would Be A Journalist In The Second Decade Of The 21st Century?Jon Snow (Channel 4 News) give his

inaugural talk as Visiting Professor

Time: 10.00 Place: Coventry Cathedral

15 OctoberSexorat And Investigating So Much MoreShelly Jofre (BBC Panorama) talks as

part of Coventry Conversations.

Time: 13.00 Place: ETG34

17 October Prodders '89 Reunite A 20 year reunion for the Production

Engineering class of 1989.

Time: 7.30pmPlace: The Walls restaurant in Oswestry, ShropshireOrganiser: Chris Farmer - [email protected]

22 OctoberMaking "Nativity"Debbie Isitt (feature fi lm maker and

Coventry alumna) talks in Coventry

Conversations.


28 OctoberI'm A Celebrity, Get Me Into There!Professors Richard Keeble, John

Tulloch and others

(Part of The ICE Conference)

Time: 10.00 Place: Start-up Café

Book yourself in for any of the events happening on and off campus.Visit www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni/events for the most up to date information

October

Alumni are invited to take a journey into the dark and mysterious side of the historic heart of Coventry this Halloween on an organised ghost tour.

Two tour guides will reveal stories of ghosts and spirits, murder, mystery and mayhem from Coventry’s historical past and delve into the shadows of the city by twilight.

Alumni Relations Offi cer Kristina Anders said: “It promises to be an experience to make your spine tingle, to surprise and delight. It’s suitable for children of all ages too so all the family can join in the spooky fun.”

The tour will last one and a half hours and children are encouraged to come in fancy dress. There will be hot drinks

and biscuits for everyone in the Start-up Café at the end of the tour.

The event is on Saturday 31 October from 4pm until 6.30pm (please meet at the Alan Berry Building at 3.45pm to ensure a prompt start). Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for children up to 13 years. Contact Kristina on [email protected] to reserve your places.

Ghostly goings onHave fun this Halloween at a spooky event for all the family

28 OctoberIs World Journalism In Crisis?Live video conference chaired by

Peter Sissons – speakers from the

UK, USA, Africa and China, and Nick

Davies and Jeremy Paxman (both tbc)

Time: 14.00 Place: Humber Theatre

29 OctoberBlocking Investigation or Ensuring Truth For Clients?

John Stonborough

(Media Counsel) talks in Coventry

Conversations


29 OctoberBlood, Iron and GoldChristian Wolmar

(best-selling author) talks in

Coventry Conversations

Time: 18:00 Place: The Herbert Café

andandanddand bbibibi

37

» Combined Science class of 1975 A reunion is being planned for 2010 to celebrate 35 years since the Combined Science class of 1975 graduated.

Trevor Theobald is organising the event and would like to invite anyone who graduated in 1975 from the Combined Science course and the single subject science courses (such as Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Geography, Statistics) – including former tutors.

A precise date and venue for the 2010 party is yet to be confi rmed but Trevor is keen for people to register their interest.

“I would like to invite fellow alumni TV weatherman John Kettley and his wife,” said Trevor. “The event could involve a dinner and perhaps a Ceilidh. It would be good to do a campus tour.”

Anyone interested in attending should contact Trevor for more information at [email protected].

» Graphic Design class of 1981A 30-year reunion is being organised for the 1981 graduates of Graphic Design to meet again at the 2011 Degree Show.

Graduate Mark Elling decided to organise a reunion after he got back in touch with old friends – one of whom now only lives down the road from Mark in Wiltshire – through the website Facebook.

“It feels like only fi ve years ago when we all graduated and that we haven’t really grown up. It’s the curiosity factor of life after the Lanch,” said Mark, now an Events Manager for the charity The Trussell Trust. He has tracked down 10 people so far who were on the course but would like to hear from others.

Get in touch with Mark Elling at [email protected] or contact the alumni offi ce at [email protected].

31 OctoberSpooky Ghost Tour of Coventry Family Halloween event, children

welcome.

Time: From 16.00 until 18.30Place: Alan Berry Ticket price: Adults £5, Children up to 13 years £2.50

05 NovemberFrom the Headington Shark to Radio SuccessBill Heine (Presenter, BBC

Radio Oxford) talks in Coventry

Conversations


12 NovemberAn Alternative View on TV NewsStephen Cole (Presenter, Al

Jazeera English) talks in Coventry

Conversations


19 NovemberDoes Local Commercial Radio Have A Future?Phil Riley (Owner of six Midlands

radio stations) talks in Coventry

Conversations


26 NovemberSecrets of the BBC Election GraphicsJonathan Spence (Lead graphic

designer, BBC Election and Coventry

alumnus). Part of a day of graphic

design talks including Philip Oliver

and Martin Lambie-Nairn.

Time: All day Place: GS404

27 November 1974 Graduation Reunion For all those who missed out on

their Graduation Ceremony in 1974,

join us for a celebration event 35

years on.

Time: TBCPlace: Coventry Cathedral

November

Future reunionsDon’t miss out on these forthcoming reunions organised by graduates

» Event of the decadeAlumni eager to reunite with others from their graduation year can now get help with organising the event.

Graduates can ask the alumni offi ce for assistance in organising an event for people from their graduation year, their course or Students’ Union club.

If you’re interested in organising a reunion for the year you graduated or would like some support to organise a smaller gathering back on campus

contact the alumni office for more information on +44 (0) 24 7688 8589 or at [email protected].

Benefi t from your connection to the University and get discounts on useful

services listed below. For more information go to www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni

or call the alumni team on +44 (0) 24 7688 8589.

Member Benefi ts


Save up to 10% on car and van hire with Europcar. To make a reservation please call

+44 (0) 871 384 1082 and quote 50308793. This discount applies to all hires taken

in the UK and includes cars, vans and prestige vehicles.

Save up to 30%* on AA Personal Membership from the UK’s No. 1 breakdown

organisation.Members are also eligible for 25% off European Breakdown Cover.

Call + 44 (0) 800 048 0075 and quote Coventry 627.*Terms and conditions apply. Discount applies to new members only.

Please ask for full details when calling.

Save 25% on RAC Breakdown Membership for you and your immediate family at

enrolment or renewal.* Call +44 (0) 800 581 077 and quote GE0300.*Terms and conditions apply. Please ask for full details when calling.

Up to 10% discount on advanced bookings for airport parking and airport hotels

in the UK. Visit www.parking4less.co.uk/alumni or call +44 (0) 871 360 2131 and quote WY705.

Up to 50% off the UK's top attractions, such as The Alton Towers Resort,

Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo, LEGOLAND® Windsor, Madame Tussauds

London, the Dungeons, SEA LIFE centres & Sanctuaries, THORPE PARK and

Warwick Castle. Call +44 (0) 870 220 4000 and quote Coventry University along

with the date of your visit.

Exclusive Open Fairways Offer – save up to 50% on your green fees at over 1800 golf

courses around the world with the Open Fairways Privilege Card. Join today for only £69

and start saving. Log onto www.openfairways.com/joinnow or call +44 (0) 28 9039 3990,

quote offer code COV09.

Enjoy 2-for-1 meals or 25% off your bill – including drinks – at thousands of UK restaurants

with the Gourmet Society Dining Card. Fantastic discounts at over 3,000 leading restaurants

across the country. Annual subscription usually costs £53.50, but FOCUS members can

join for just £27.95 and get two months extra FREE. Visit www.gourmetsociety.co.uk and

click JOIN NOW using the promotional code: COV or you can join by phone by calling

+44 (0) 800 043 1978 and quoting the same code.

leisure

transport

evolve benefi ts

Stay in the four-star luxury of the Ramada Hotel in Coventry – Gold Award Winner of

the 2008 Godiva Award for “Best Hotel” in Coventry and Warwickshire. Discounted

rates start at £67.50 per B&B. Call +44 (0) 24 7623 8110 and quote Coventry University Rate (or call the alumni offi ce for larger group bookings).

Save 10% on a holiday with cottages4you. 15,000 properties throughout the UK,

France, Ireland Spain, Portugal and Italy. Visit www.cottages-4-you.co.uk/coventry

or call +44 (0) 845 268 1282. Quote COV10 when booking.

• Discounted Library membership

– only £20 per year. Call the alumni

offi ce for more info

• University Sports Centre –

for discounts on full to basic

membership, ask at the Centre

• Associate membership of the

Students’ Union – call the SU on

+44 (0) 24 7679 5200

• Careers advice and graduate

vacancies, see www.coventry.

ac.uk/cu/careers or email

[email protected] or call

+44 (0) 24 7615 2525

• Business start-up support

from the Insitiute of Applied

Entrepreneurship (IAE). Text 60777

IAE or call +44 (0) 24 7623 6001

• Join Coventry University Wine

Club – call +44 (0) 24 7688 8161

evolve benefi ts

At Your Service As a Friend of Coventry University,

your membership includes: • Evolve – the bi-annual alumni magazine

• Member only website at www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni

• A monthly e-newsletter • Invitations to reunions and events

• Free fi nd-a-friend scheme to help trace old friends.

holidays

university offers Win a cottage holiday!Coventry University has teamed up with the UK’s leading self catering provider cottages4you, to offer one lucky graduate £250 off a stay in one of their cottages.

Terms and conditions 1. The holiday prize is subject to availability and must be booked and taken by 31 Dec 2010. 2. The prize value of up to £250 applies to accommodation only – no cash alternatives or substitutions will be offered. Insurance, ferry supplements and other miscellaneous costs are not included. 3. The prize value of £250 is valid for one booking and cannot be split to cover numerous bookings. No change will be given. 4. Holiday prize is not transferable. 5. Standard booking conditions apply as outlined on the cottages4you website. 6. Discount is subject to availability, applies to new bookings only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Discount does not apply to any extras including insurance and ferry supplements. Cottages4you booking terms and conditions apply.

Escape from it all and enjoy a holiday in one of over 15,000

cottages4you properties across the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Choose from a majestic castle in Scotland for you and 20 friends, a cosy cottage for two in the Lake District, or a fabulous villa with private pool on the Spanish coast.

You can choose to stay for two, three or four nights as a short break, a week or perhaps even longer. Whatever you

choose, cottages4you are sure to have the perfect property for you.

To be in with a chance of winning £250 off the cost of a cottages4you holiday, just unscramble the name of a famous band associated with Coventry:

Send your answer to [email protected] or by post to Cottage competition, Development Offi ce, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB by the closing date of 11 January 2010.

ETH LASPSEIC

Champagne Flutes

The University

Please note: refunds are only available where goods are faulty, statutory legal rights are not affected. Goods will be delivered within 21 days of receipt

of order. If you are not fully satisfi ed, goods may be returned within seven days for a full refund. Prices are valid until March 2010.

Remember your student days with pride and buy special souvenirs

branded with the University name or logo.

It’s now even easier to choose from our selection of high quality goods by shopping online:

www.coventry.ac.uk/onlinestoreIf you wish to make purchases by mail order please contact Jackie Walsh, Alan Berry Reception, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB. Telephone 024 7688 8774 or e-mail [email protected] for further details.

Business Card Case

Mini Bears

Coventry University's book

Cuff Links

Satin Notepad and Mirror

Mini Cut Vase

Tankard

Round Crystal Paperweight

Gift Shop

Documents

Evolve - Coventry University Alumni Magazine - Autumn 09