News and Views March 2010

news & views

THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER MAGAZINE March 2010

Preparation for WLHC building beginsYoungsters get tour of Worcester Library and History Centre site p.5

In this issue:

Henry Sandon entertains the crowds Lecture from nation’s favourite antique expert p.9

Chelsea garden unveiled University to show low allergen garden p.11

More lifesavers trained New University-trained paramedics graduate p.8

One of the world’s top basketball players has signed up to the first MSc in European Basketball

Coaching Science, delivered by the University of Worcester in partnership with the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education.

Linas Kleiza, who recently joined Greek League team Olympiakos from NBA team the Denver Nuggets in a multi-million dollar deal, has applied to study on the course.

The course, endorsed by the Federation for International Basketball in Europe (FIBA Europe), involves teaching in both Worcester and Lithuania, taking two years to complete. It will enable potential students, who may be coaches or players, to participate in lectures and seminars in the middle and at the end of the playing season, while online classes and tutorials will be available throughout the year.

This unique Masters degree has been created by the University of Worcester and the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education (LAPE) in collaboration with the Lithuanian Basketball Federation.

One of the course leaders, Mick Donovan, Head of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, said: “Linas is exactly the type of person who this course has been designed for. I’m sure that he will make a major contribution while also developing as a student. It will be interesting to see how all of our students interact in the seminars and the ongoing discussions should be enlightening to say the least.”

Kleiza played college basketball with the University of Missouri Tigers and was drafted to the Portland Trailblazers before joining Denver and eventually Olympiakos, where he is currently the leading scorer in the Euro league.

He has also enjoyed a distinguished international career which has included playing with the senior Lithuanian national basketball team. He played at the 2006 FIBA World Championship and won the bronze medal at the 2007 FIBA European Championship. Kleiza also played with Lithuania at the 2008 Olympics.

He said: “My main commitment is clearly to basketball but the opportunity to study on such an exciting course is very attractive and to gain a Masters degree would be very rewarding. It will open many doors when I do finish playing; it will also be interesting to reflect in an academic setting upon my own experiences in the game which I love so much. The way the course has been structured allows me to do this and use my spare time in a meaningful way.”

Masters programme

ELITE BASKETBALL

Worcester’splayer joins

FEATURE

2 / MARCH 2010 / [email protected]

welcomeWelcome to the March 2010

edition of News and Views.

As preparatory work continues apace on the Worcester Library

and History Centre project, it gives us great pleasure to give our cover spot to a special event to mark the beginning of construction work on the site.

Elsewhere in this issue you will find plenty of evidence that the surge in interest in the University of Worcester is a global phenomenon rather than just a national one. We have news of a

Lithuanian basketball star joining us from Greece via America, lecturers forging academic links in Africa, and students being invited to German conferences. The University’s innovative low allergen garden at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show will surely bolster this international appeal.

As always, we need your stories, whether they are of local, national or global flavour, so please keep us informed via [email protected]

CoNTENTSPreparation for WLHC building begins 5

Duke of Gloucester to deliver lecture on campus 3VC calls for end to fines as applications soar 4Daryl lives the dream 4University and Cathedral’s inaugural Worcester Lecture 6Expert shares knowledge 6Councillor visits campus 6Wolves celebrate tenth anniversary 7University joins forces with FSB 7Showing children the science behind sport 7Lifesavers ready to hit the region’s streets 8Students aim for glory in international competition 8Henry Sandon entertains and informs at University lecture 9Nursing students receive top degrees 9Graduate intern scoops top business award 9Top England job for Wolves coach 10Free nutritional therapy consultations 10Unique birthing companion course launched 10Forging links with Nairobi and Kenya 10Studying for business success 12Muyiwa invited to international convention 12Happy New Year! 12

FEATURES

NEWS

COVER STORY

The University’s Chancellor, HRH The Duke of Gloucester, is to deliver a lecture on 18th Century Baroque Architecture at the University later this month.

The Duke will be the speaker at the inaugural Annual Fellows’ Lecture, on March 10.

His Royal Highness has chosen to lecture on the theme of ‘A theory on 18th Century Baroque Architecture’, a subject about which he is both passionate and knowledgeable.

The Duke graduated in Architecture from Magdalene College, Cambridge in 1969 before practising as a partner in a firm of London architects.

He was elected a corporate member of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1972 and is currently Patron of the Scottish Society of Architect Artists.

His Royal Highness, who is the Queen’s cousin, was installed as the University of Worcester’s Founding Chancellor in April 2008 and since then has presided at the University’s graduation ceremonies and other major events.

Professor David Green said: “His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester has been a most effective Chancellor for the University nationally and internationally. We are delighted that he will deliver the Annual Fellows’ Lecture this year.”

John Yelland OBE, President of the College of Fellows, added: “It should be an enthralling and entertaining experience and we are all looking forward eagerly to hear what the Duke has to say.”

DUKE oF GLoUCESTER To DELIVER LECTURE oN CAMPUS

Elite basketball player joins Worcester’s Masters programme 2Low allergen garden to wow the Chelsea crowds 11

Worcester’s

[email protected] / MARCH 2010 / 3

COVER STORYWELCOME

VC CALLS FoREND To FINES AS

WORCESTER’S VICE CHANCELLOR HAS CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO SCRAP FINES FOR UNIVERSITIES WHO OVER-RECRUIT.

With applications to study at Worcester up 35% compared to this time last year, Professor David Green has said that Worcester and many other universities would be happy to take on additional students for no extra government

funding if it meant “giving more people the chance to enter higher education at this time of national economic stringency”.

“Universities and Higher Education Colleges need to be allowed to recruit more full-time undergraduate students, without penalty,” he said. “Many will do so, even if we receive no additional government funding for these additional students, as we appreciate the real needs of the potential students concerned, we are fully committed to the policy of widening participation in higher education and we are prepared to make sacrifices at a time of real economic difficulty.

“Last year, in response to the unprecedented growth in university applications, the Government allowed universities, at the very last minute, to take in another 10,000 applicants. This year those 10,000 un-funded places have been withdrawn, despite the fact that the gap between places and applications is set to double to well over a quarter of a million. Furthermore, universities will be fined £3,700 for each extra student they take on. This will make certain that growth nationally comes to a shuddering halt. The latest twist is that the National Health Service has begun to cut training places for nurses and midwives, which will further increase competition for scarce places.”

In 2008 130,000 applicants missed out on a place at university. This year, with applications soaring as the Government imposes a freeze on most university intakes, it is likely that at least 250,000 and possibly as many as 300,000 will be disappointed, Professor Green says.

Professor Green argues that by enforcing a cap on student numbers and threatening to fine any university that exceeds its quota, the Government has strayed from its own policies of widening access to higher education.

He said: “One of the most important principles in higher education, for almost 50 years, has been the Robbins principle - that ‘courses of higher education should be available to all those who are qualified by ability and attainment to pursue them and who wish to do so’. It has been a principle that has under-pinned this government’s policies on widening participation, which have been hugely successful. This year, after more than a decade’s hard work to raise aspirations and improve the education of so many young people, the Government has abandoned the Robbins principle. This will condemn youngsters all over Britain to the dole queues as more than 250,000 are excluded from university.”

Professor Green believes that, if the Government wanted to raise money now to support more students studying at university, it should consider introducing discounts for early fee payments or student loan repayments, a system used in other countries.

“This would bring more money into the higher education system and create funding for many more places,” he said. “It does not need to cost the government any more money next year and would be a perfectly acceptable short term solution.”

DARYL LIVES THE DREAMWhen Daryl Mitchell started playing cricket as a youngster, the idea of becoming a professional was just a dream.

But thanks to a University of Worcester scholarship, Daryl is now Vice Captain of Worcestershire County Cricket Club (WCCC). Daryl studied for a sports

studies degree from 2002 to 2005, combining his academic work with his passion for cricket, through the University’s unique partnership with WCCC.

“The scholarship was definitely my stepping-stone onto the Worcestershire first team,” he said. “It allowed me to continue my studies and to train with the team. I wasn’t good enough to play professional cricket when I was 18; I needed more experience, and I also wanted to carry on my education. The scholarship was the perfect way for me to combine the two.

“The support I received from the University and the Cricket Club was fantastic. If I needed time to study then the Cricket Club would allow that, and if I had to play a match the University would give me time and support to do that.”

Daryl made his debut for Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s first team while he was finishing his degree, and after completing his studies he started his professional cricketing career full time. Daryl was named as the Club’s Vice Captain last year.

applications soar


NEWS

Schoolchildren were given a close-up inspection of the site of the new Worcester Library and History Centre

during a special event to mark the start of building work.

Contractors Galliford Try are due to begin construction of the £60 million project, which is being developed by Worcestershire County Council and the University of Worcester, with support from Advantage West Midlands and Worcester City Council.

The combined facility, believed to be the first of its kind in Europe, will draw together the County Council's library services, the University's library, the County record office, including history centre, the archaeology service and the Worcestershire Hub customer services centre.

Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor of the University of Worcester, and Dr George Lord, Leader of the County Council, marked the start of the work with a guided tour for pupils from Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School in Worcester, as well as key staff who have been working on the project.

The schoolchildren were then shown a selection of artefacts that had been recovered from the Butts dig throughout the spring, summer and autumn, including locally produced Roman pottery. They discussed how and where they were found and what they were used for in Roman Worcester, courtesy of Worcestershire Historic Environment and Archaeology Service.

Professor Green said: "This is a very important regeneration project for Worcester and will create a great public building for everyone to use. It will serve the needs of the people and be a place for visitors from all over the world.”

Dr Lord added: "Since the idea for WLHC first came about, there has been a lot of excitement about what the facility can offer to everyone.

“The building is being developed with the customer at the very core of its creation, and as we move forward, we are positive of the impact this partnership project will have on Worcestershire and on the wider community.”

The Library and History Centre is expected to open in 2012 and features a number of ideas fed through from public consultation. These include the design of the Library Island, following suggestions of making use of outdoor space as well as indoor areas.

The building will be one of the most environmentally sustainable in the country, using natural light and ventilation through much of the interior, water from the river Severn for cooling, woodchip for heating and incorporating solid laminated timber in the roof.

The building has already received recognition for its unique design, winning the Bentley Be Inspired Innovation in Generative Design award. The project has also attracted attention from organisations as diverse as the London Climate Change Partnership and the University of North Carolina.

VISIToRS TREATED To ToUR oF


site as preparation for building work begins

worcesterlibraryandhistorycentre

COVER STORY

UNIVERSITYAND CATHEDRAL’S

Worcester Cathedral and the University of Worcester recently teamed up to launch an exciting series of annual lectures.

The inaugural Worcester Lecture was delivered by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Dame Anne Owers DBE in February at Worcester Cathedral. The Worcester Lectures will mark an important strengthening in the link between the two

institutions and will serve to heighten Worcester’s cultural heritage.

The Dean of Worcester Cathedral, The Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, said: “The Chapter of Worcester Cathedral was delighted to host the first Worcester Lecture, sponsored jointly with the University of Worcester. We were also delighted that Dame Anne Owers was our inaugural lecturer. Punishment, prison, and penal reform are among the most intractable issues facing our society. It was certainly a thought-provoking and rewarding evening.”

Dame Anne was appointed as HM Chief Inspector of Prisons in 2001 and since then has spoken out vigorously against prison overcrowding, and government plans to build massive titan prisons. Prior to taking up the role she was Director of the human rights and law reform organisation Justice. She was appointed Chair of Christian Aid in 2008.

Professor David Green said: “Dame Anne Owers is a leading thinker on ethical principles and their practical application in society. She combines rigorous thinking about philosophical principle with highly practical and significant responsibilities for the effectiveness and proper conduct of Britain’s prisons. This was an excellent and challenging inaugural Worcester lecture.”

Councillor visits campusWorcestershire County Council chairman Councillor John Cairns has praised the University of Worcester during a recent visit.

Councillor Cairns, and his wife Mary were given a tour of the St John’s site and were shown some of the specialist equipment used by nursing and sports students.

“It’s a great pleasure to be invited to come and see the University,” said Councillor Cairns. “It is a wonderful asset to the City and its growth has been tremendous, really making its mark in the educational world.”

Councillor and Mrs Cairns were shown around the University’s nursing department where they saw a demonstration of SimMan, a ‘talking’ android which acts as a patient for students.

They were then taken to see the University’s Motion and Performance Centre, where they were given a demonstration of state-of-the-art motion capture equipment.

EXPERT SHARES KNoWLEDGEOne of the UK’s leading specialists in special needs education has been sharing her knowledge and experiences with Worcester students.

Lorraine Peterson, OBE, is the chief executive of Nasen, which promotes the education and development of all those with special and additional support needs.

Mrs Peterson addressed a group of trainee teachers at the University and spoke to them about Special Educational Needs (SEN) policies and how to put them into practice in schools.

“It’s only in the last couple of years that students on initial teacher training courses have been taught about SEN,” she said. “The University of Worcester is also one of only a few universities that sends students to special schools on placements. I am trying to raise awareness of SEN training and its importance. Twenty per cent of children now have some form of SEN and it is important that the

teachers we are training are equipped to deal with this.”

Mrs Peterson’s visit was organised by Rachel Barrell in the University’s Centre for Primary Initial Teacher Education.

inaugural Worcester Lecture


NEWS


NEWS

THE UNIVERSITY HOSTED A SPECIAL MATCH IN JANUARY AS WORCESTER WOLVES BASKETBALL CLUB CELEBRATED ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY. Hundreds of spectators attended the match against Glasgow Rocks, which also featured a special reception hosted by Professor David Green. The Wolves players sported a new pink kit for the match and guests were invited to make donations to the University’s Charity of the Year, the Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign.

Professor Green said: “The Worcester Wolves have gone from an idea to a top flight team in the past 10 years and we are delighted to have been able to work closely with the club. It has been a very successful partnership and one that has seen a number

of truly worthwhile achievements, particularly the hugely popular Learning Through Sport initiative.

The Worcester Wolves were formed in 2000 by Mick Donovan and Roger Clarke. During their 10 years they have enjoyed outstanding success both on and off the court and in 2006 were promoted to the UK’s premier league, the British Basketball League (BBL).

Guests enjoyed a presentation by the internationally reputed coach and speaker, Dr Frank Dick OBE, on people management technique.

Dr Dick examined ‘The Winning Difference’, looking at how small businesses can get the best out of their people by creating a motivational climate.

During his presentation he outlined the various coaching methods he has used in sport, coaching the likes of Linford Christie and Daley Thompson, and in business where he has been involved with a number of international organisations. The audience then joined in a lively question and answer session which was reinforced by opportunities to meet with Dr Dick on a one-to-one basis during a networking session.

Mark Richardson, Head of the Worcester Business School, said: “Dr Dick was an inspirational speaker who encapsulated the issues around maximising performance and gave practical suggestions on how it should be improved. It was a thought provoking and illuminating talk which stimulated a lively debate.”

UNIVERSITY JoINS FoRCES WITH FSBMore than 70 representatives of local businesses gathered at the University of Worcester for the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) 2010 Annual Seminar.

Wolves celebrate tenth anniversary

SHoWING CHILDREN THE SCIENCE BEHIND SPoRT Schoolchildren from across Worcestershire and Herefordshire had a ball when they took part in a series of sessions, organised by the University of Worcester, exploring the science behind sport.

The sessions, held at Malvern Theatres, saw pupils learn the answers to such questions as: why do they swap tennis balls in the middle of a match? Why do golf balls have dimples? And how do you get a football to curl?

The event, entitled ‘The Science in Sport: Having a Ball’, followed last year’s successful New Year lectures.

Will Norman, Outreach Coordinator in the University’s Widening Participation unit, said: “This year’s New Year Lectures were a huge success.

“Across the two days we were able to enthuse hundreds of learners about the science in sport. They seemed to relish the chance to get up on stage and take part in the demonstrations. These lectures give us the chance to show that learning at a higher level can be fun, engaging, and accessible to all.”

The sessions were delivered by Chris Hughes, senior lecturer in biomechanics at the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science.

The New Year Lectures are organised as part of the University of Worcester’s widening participation programme. The University encourages participation in a range of activities from the whole community.

Mick Donovan, Head of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, said: “Within the Institute of Sports and Exercise Science we are always looking for new ways of generating interest in our subject and we are excited at the potential benefits for youngsters with this different approach to learning.”

Seventeen new University of Worcester-trained paramedics will be hitting the streets of the West Midlands this Easter.

They are the second intake to complete the University’s Pre-Hospital, Unscheduled & Emergency Care foundation degree course, which was launched three years ago.

All have now secured employment with either West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) NHS Trust or Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Course leader Sharon Hardwick said: “We are delighted to have our second cohort of graduates from the new Pre-Hospital, Unscheduled & Emergency Care foundation degree course. This group, as a whole, has obtained some impressive grades and have worked really hard at becoming excellent, knowledgeable paramedics.Paramedics are an essential front line service dealing with a vast range of emergency medical illness and traumatic injury. This course is challenging but very rewarding.”

The degree course is one of only a handful in the UK and has the fastest growing application rate within the University of Worcester.

Undergraduates carry out a range of practical work-based training and in-depth theoretical study, including advanced anatomy and physiology. They also complete more than 1,500 hours of practical service during the two-year course, which is run in partnership with WMAS.

The University of Worcester also offers a technician to paramedic course, which is designed to provide progression and career opportunities for existing technicians who work within ambulance

services.

Students on the programme are seconded by their ambulance trust over a 30 week period. On successful completion of the programme students will be eligible to register as Paramedic Practitioners with the Health Professions Council.

A GROUP OF UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER STUDENTS HAS REACHED THE FINAL OF A PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPETITION.

Ben Price of Bath, Constantinos Arkadiou of Cyprus, Aija Senberga of Latvia, and Graham

Skelton of Malvern, are competing in the 2010 Entrepreneurs International Challenge (EPIC) in London.

The team won their place in the final by successfully creating a marketing campaign for one of EPIC’s sponsors, Serve Legal.

Graham said: “I feel really good about going to the competition and I think we’ve got a good chance of winning. The feedback on the preliminary round said ‘We really enjoyed your advert’ so we’ve got as good a chance as anyone.”

The five-day contest will see the team compete in a series of Apprentice-style entrepreneurial challenges for a top prize of £3,000.

Richard Farleigh, a former panel member on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den, is among the guest speakers at the event. Previous speakers at the event have included Charles Dunstone, CEO of Carphone Warehouse, and Michelle Dewberry, Winner of the 2006 series of The Apprentice.

The team, who are members of the University’s entrepreneurial society, the Worcester Ideas Network (WIN), will be up

against nine other teams from universities worldwide. The team is supported by the University’s Business Development Office.

Kat Jones, the University’s Enterprise Manager is delighted that the society has reached the finals. “This achievement is a true testament to the transferable skills that these students have gained through engagement in enterprise and employability activities at the

University,” she said.

Tuukka Aaltonen of Finland is Chairman of the WIN. He said:

“We are all really thankful to the University. If students want opportunities like this, we can definitely find them in the Worcester Ideas Network.”

This is the second time that the University has entered a team into the competition. A previous team came second in the 2007 EPIC competition.

Students aim for glory in international competition


NEWS

Lifesaversready to hit the region’s streets

One of the antique world’s best loved figures entertained guests with a special lecture on archaeology at the University of Worcester. Henry Sandon MBE regaled a packed room with tales of his finds over the years, in a lecture titled ‘Lying Among the Pots: Worcester Ceramics Above and Below Ground’. Mr Sandon is a notable authority on Royal Worcester porcelain and has been a regular expert on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow for more than 30 years. In November he received an Honorary Masters degree from the University.

During the lecture, which raised more than £3,000 for University funds, Mr Sandon talked about his lengthy career and some of the many objects he has found, some of which he brought along to show guests. He recalled one of his first finds, a Roman body, plus the discovery of an ancient pot containing the bones of a baby.

Dr Jodie Lewis, Head of Archaeology at the University, said: “It was a very entertaining lecture. Henry captured the audience’s interest and imagination and it was a real pleasure to share his wealth of experience and to see and touch some of the objects he has uncovered in Worcester.”

Mr Sandon was appointed curator of Worcester’s Dyson Perrins Museum in 1966 and during his time there he directed a series of excavations on the original Worcester Porcelain factory site, which uncovered a vast amount of new information on the factory’s history.

Mr Sandon has written many books on Royal Worcester and other porcelains, many of which are now regarded as ‘bibles’, and he lectures frequently on the subject.

Nursing students receive top degreesStudents and staff in Worcester’s pre-registration nursing department are

celebrating the best ever nursing degree classifications.

Students from the February 2007 cohort, who embarked on either the adult branch or mental health branch nursing programme, completed a demanding three-year degree programme.

This included both completing theoretical modules at the University as well as undertaking 2,300 hours worth of practice-related experience within the health services of Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The 15 students all received either first class honours or upper seconds.

Robert Dudley, Head of Pre-Registration Nursing, said: “The degree classifications are outstanding and are the result of sheer hard work and determination by the students and their mentors and the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm shown by both the University and clinical staff. The students can be justifiably proud.”

A further 40 students have passed the Nursing Diploma in Higher Education.

Henry Sandon entertains and informs at University lecture

GRADUATE INTERN SCooPS ToP BUSINESS AWARDA University of Worcester has scooped a top business prize.

Marcus Parsons was awarded the EEF Prize for outstanding attainment in Human Resource Management (HRM). The award is given by the manufacturers’ organisation for the best grade performance across two final year HRM specialist modules and HRM-specific independent study.

Marcus graduated with a First in his Business Management and Computing BSc at the University of Worcester. He studied business modules in Employee Relations, Organisational Change and Development, Corporate Social Responsibility and Contemporary Issues in the Public Sector. Marcus, who is currently working in the University’s Data Management Unit, received £100 and a day at EEF.

He said: “I’m really pleased to have won this award. I’m interested in the fields of organisational change and development, and would like to pursue a related career in HR. My long term ambition is to be self-employed and teach HR associated subjects at university level.”

COVER STORYNEWS

ready to hit the region’s streets


The University of Worcester has teamed up with the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) to launch a unique birthing companion course. The nine-month course is believed to be the only one of its kind delivered by a university in partnership with a charity.

Mary Nolan, the UK’s only Professor of Perinatal Education, based at the University of Worcester, said: “This is an exciting collaboration between the University and the NCT to offer practical, high-quality training for birth companions, or ‘doulas’. Participants will receive a University Certificate and a Licence to Practise from the NCT.”

Rebecca Wierenga, NCT Birth Companions Coordinator, added: “Our training course has a basis in reflective practice, is skills based and includes an exploration of boundaries so the NCT Birth Companion can successfully work along side health professionals. Ongoing professional support will be provided for the NCT Birth Companions including continuing professional development.”

At present the course is only open to NCT Specialist Workers, however in the future the training will be offered to people with a firm grounding in reflective practice and with appropriate knowledge of labour, birth and early parenting.

birthing companion course launched

FORGING LINKS WITH NAIROBI AND KENYAThe Institute of Health and Society’s Judith Davies (Head of Allied Health Sciences Unit) and Ruth Pearce (Lead for Continuing Professional Development) have recently returned from a trip to Nairobi to explore two potential projects with the Nairobi Hospital and the Kenya Methodist University.

Following the trip, two applications for funding have been submitted to the British Council, firstly to support coaching and mentorship within the Kenya Methodist University’s Faculty of Health, and secondly to assist the delivery of the University of Worcester’s BSc (Hons) in Applied Health Sciences top-up degree with the Cicely McDonell School of Nursing at the Nairobi Hospital.

As links between the two countries develop, two members of staff from the Nairobi Hospital will be visiting Worcester in May and there will also be a student exchange in the summer.


NEWS

Top England coaching job

for Wolves coachWorcester Wolves head coach Paul James has been

named as England Men’s Basketball Coach.

Paul, who joined the Wolves shortly before Christmas, will coach the senior men’s team in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi this summer.

“I’m really honoured to have been offered this job,” he said. “I have played for England at various levels throughout my career and to now lead a team at the Commonwealth Games is the pinnacle of my coaching career.”

Paul said he hoped to bring the national team to the University of Worcester to prepare and train for the Games.

“The University has excellent facilities and a great reputation in basketball so it is an ideal place to develop a training programme for the team,” he said.

The Nutritional Therapy Teaching Clinic runs one week every month and offers free consultations with postgraduate students under the supervision of a qualified Nutritional Therapist.

During a consultation the student will conduct a detailed assessment of your current health issues and goals, medical history and lifestyle. Recommendations will then be made for appropriate diet, food supplements and lifestyle changes.

Nutritional therapy is a complementary therapy that helps you find out which nutritional and lifestyle factors may be affecting your health and wellbeing. Conditions that can be addressed by nutritional therapy include fatigue, depression, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, arthritic joint pain, cardiovascular health, asthma, allergies, migraine, insomnia and weight management.

Appointments last approximately 1.5 hours and a follow-up appointment will be offered four weeks later. To book an appointment call Richard Pugh on 01905 855476 or email [email protected]

FREE NUTRITIoNAL THERAPY

CoNSULTATIoNSThe University’s Nutritional Therapy

Teaching Clinic is currently offering free consultations looking at your diet and its impact on your health.

Paul is one of the most successful coaches the British Basketball League has ever seen and in 2006 was the BBL Coach of the Year.

Mick Donovan, Head of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science and co-founder of the Wolves, said: “Paul is a fantastic coach and his experience will be invaluable to the England team. It is a huge coup for us to have such a prominent coach working here at the University of Worcester and with the Wolves.

“Already, he is making an impact with our coaching staff within the club and with our students on coaching courses. There will also, I am sure, be benefits for the hundreds of schoolchildren who we work with through our many basketball initiatives, not to mention the ongoing specialist research within our Institute of Sport and Exercise Science.”

The University of Worcester will feature at the Chelsea Flower Show in May for the first time, with a specially-designed low allergen garden.

Low allergen garden

to wow the Chelsea crowds

The University of Worcester garden will highlight the important work of the University-based National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU), which is making a vital contribution to allergy research in the UK.

The garden is the creation of designer Olivia Kirk, and will feature low allergen plants and materials, including low-VOC paint and sustainably sourced timber.

Olivia, of KKE Architects in Worcester, said: “The emphasis of the scheme will be different textures and colours of foliage used as a backdrop to pools of colour created by peonys, irises, perennial geraniums and Astrantias. At the front of the garden is a multi-stemmed Amelanchier lamarckii chosen because it is low allergen and beautiful in all seasons.”

The garden will feature smooth stone pavings, which pass under a pergola offering shade and shelter with seating and small pools of water. The pergola has coloured glass pieces, which will reflect the changing light throughout the day and be picked up by the garden lighting in the evening.

After the show, the garden, which is supported by builders’ merchants Buildbase, will be transferred to the University for staff, students and visitors to enjoy. It will be located outside the University’s new Charles Darwin building, which houses the NPARU.

The NPARU produces all of the UK’s pollen forecasts, carries out vital research into allergens, provides a forensic service for the police, and carries out product testing.

Professor David Green, University of Worcester Vice Chancellor, said: “This garden is a visible demonstration of the University’s commitment to the environment and to inclusion.

“We are delighted that we have the opportunity to showcase this beautiful low allergen garden at the Chelsea Flower Show and look forward to seeing it in full low-allergenic bloom.”


FEATURE

Students from the University of Worcester played a big part in this year’s Chinese Association New Year celebrations at the Guild Hall.

The 26 volunteers not only helped to set up the hall, sell raffle tickets and usher guests to their seats but also performed a programme of songs and entertainment for the Mayor and the Chair of the County Council and an audience of about 200 people.

Laurel (Wang Luyao) and Peng Li were joint Masters of Ceremonies,

gliding easily from English to Mandarin and charming everyone with their grace and poise. There were songs from Cecilia (Qi Ying) and Wang Yan (Wenty), a Chinese rap from Zheng Ruixiang and

a stunning performance of Chen style Tai Ji Quan from Brook (Sun Wenzheng).

The whole group joined together for a rousing finale of Beijing Huan Ying Ni (Beijing Welcomes You) the theme song from the Beijing Olympics.

As a thank you the students were treated to a buffet lunch at The Four Seasons Restaurant hosted by Frankie Tsang the Chair of Worcester’s Chinese Association.

Worcester student Muyiwa Olufon has been named as one of only 300 students worldwide to be invited to

attend the 13th World Business Dialogue from 17th to 18th March in Cologne.

The convention is the world’s largest student-run business event and previous speakers include Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, and Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg.

Muyiwa, of Lagos, Nigeria, is a 3rd year BSc (hons) Computer Networks student. “I feel very good about the conference,” he said. “I was supposed to go to the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Change Summit in December but I couldn’t make it because of visa issues but the World Business Dialogue is an opportunity to make up for that.”

Muyiwa became interested in the environment after becoming a student Eco Rep at the University, as a way of earning money during his studies.

“I had never really given climate change much thought before then,” he said. “But working as an Eco Rep made me realise the need to encourage people to change their ways.”

The event is jointly run by the OFW organisation and the University of Cologne.


After completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Mentoring and Coaching, Deborah was keen to develop her academic qualifications further and started on the MSc Sports Coaching course in September 2008 as a part time student. Deborah’s business, The Picanini Stud, combines the breeding and training of event horses for competition with her talent for event riding. She also coaches riders at all levels.

“The fact that I was able to undertake one of the modules within my own business made me think about my future and how that linked to the business,” said Deborah.

“It prompted me to plan ahead in a more structured way, making me address key areas to develop my coaching and business management skills. I have subsequently continued to develop the commercial side of the business and continue to grow in selling myself and the stud.”

Masters student Deborah Fielding has found that her studies at the University of Worcester have contributed greatly towards the success of her horse breeding and training business.

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News and Views March 2010

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Transcript of News and Views March 2010