GV Webspring2010

grapevine
The University of York Alumni Magazine
2010 Spring/Summer
www.york.ac.uk
Alumnus Michael Young and his role in ending apartheid

Green shoots for a low carbon economy The Wire as social science-fiction? York scientist discovers new species
ork is one of the top 10 universities in Britain with a worldwide reputation for excellence across research and teaching. With so many changes taking place across campus, 2010 is an exciting time for the University.
In this issue of grapevine you can read about Yorks pioneering work in green science and how University life is set to change with the expansion on Heslington East. This is just a glimpse of the work being undertaken to ensure that the University of York continues with its longstanding tradition of providing an excellent education for all.
grapevine is not only about the University news and achievement but yours too, so make sure you stay in touch. Alumni Michael Young, Rebecca Stott, John Randall and Richard Harpin all feature in this issue and we hope you enjoy catching up with them.You can send your views, stories and memories to alumni@york.ac.uk and look out for the next issue in September. Sarah Phillips Editor
In this issue...
University news Gene map of anti-malaria plant unlocked
Be green, change to an e-zine!

Register now for your online copy: visit www.york.ac.uk/alumni
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York scientist discovers new species
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Careers a helping hand
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Welcome to grapevine
T
he University celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2013. This provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our successes as well as to plan for the future. We are developing our plans to celebrate this significant milestone and we hope that our alumni can play a significant role in demonstrating to the world the difference that the University of York has made.
The impact of the University of Yorks achievements is enormous. We make many different kinds of contribution. However, our greatest contribution to society is of course the quality of the graduates that we produce. We rejoice in our role of educating students. We transform lives and inspire our students to go out and make a difference in the world. In the 46 years since the University of York was established, 73,000 York graduates have made an incalculable contribution in countries all over the world. grapevine seeks to build the relationship with our alumni and this issue celebrates just some of your incredible achievements. But we also want to keep you up to date with your Universitys achievements and ensure that, no matter where you are based and what you are doing, you feel part of the York community. We hope you enjoy reading and do let us know what you think by emailing the Editor on syp500@york.ac.uk.
Welcome to grapevine
Brian Cantor Vice-Chancellor
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University news
Royal recognition for making a difference to society Home for humanities
The new Berrick Saul building was officially opened last November and is now home to a range of exciting new arts and humanities research projects. Named after the Vice-Chancellor who presided over Yorks rapid growth in research expertise in the1980s, the new building is situated at the heart of the Heslington West campus. Designed to provide an environment that fosters collaborative endeavour, the new building now includes the Institute for Effective Education, which is dedicated to find better ways of educating children, as well as a number of humanities research centres, including the Centre for Advanced Studies in Language and Communication, the Institute for the Public Understanding of the Past and the Christianity and Culture research group. Between them, they are working on everything from a study of how medics can communicate more effectively with their patients, to how contemporary art can improve appreciation of historic areas such as Deans Park or the Museum gardens.
York has been awarded the Queens Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for work in the Social Policy Research Unit (SPRU). For over 35 years SPRU has contributed a range of policies to support vulnerable people in society. The royal accolade is the fourth to be conferred on the University in 13 years. Queens Anniversary Prizes were awarded to the University in 1996 for the excellence of its work in Computer Science, in 2005 for the work of the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) in Biology, and in 2008 to the Centre for Health Economics for the way it has helped to shape public healthcare.
Customer satisfaction
York was given the thumbs up for teaching by students who took part in the 2009 National Student Survey. The University moved from 39th to 22nd place, improving in almost every category despite a current nationwide decrease in student satisfaction by 1%. The survey, which asked final year undergraduates to provide feedback on their courses, saw the University particularly commended for its quality of teaching, alongside the University of Cambridge, which featured in second place. The Universitys strong departments and focus on research were also praised.
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Berrick Saul building
www.york.ac.uk/ news-and-events/news Honours for York staff York research showcased at Westminster
Will Hutton and University of York Chancellor, Greg Dyke
Dave Coulthard
John McDermid
The contribution that the University makes towards the economy and society was showcased at a reception in the House of Commons last November. The event attracted high-powered guests from the worlds of politics, diplomacy, industry and academia. A team of York academics together with staff from the Communications Office and Research and Enterprise Office explained some of the Universitys exciting research under four broad themes. Economics guru Will Hutton, of The Work Foundation, was the principal speaker and he gave guests, who included the Chancellor Greg Dyke, a thought-provoking assessment of the role of universities in the economy of the 21st century. Will Hutton paid tribute to Yorks commitment to using the power of its research to benefit society. The event was the hosted on the Universitys behalf by Selby MP John Grogan.
Alastair Fitter
John Holman
The New Year Honours saw a knighthood awarded to John Holman, former Professor of Education in the Department of Chemistry. He is now Director of the National Science Learning Centre located on campus which promotes the teaching of science in schools. Three current staff members were also given awards: Dave Coulthard of the Department of Physics received an MBE for services to science education, Professor John McDermid, Head of the Department of Computer Science, received an OBE for services to the defence industry, and Professor Alastair Fitter, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and a Fellow of the Royal Society, received a CBE for services to environmental science.
TV show highlights York research

New technologies developed at York specifically aimed at improving the lives of older and disabled people were featured on BBC Ones The One Show. The programme was filmed in the Universitys Responsive Home, a converted bungalow used as a laboratory by researchers at the Centre for Usable Home Technology (CUHTec). In it they have installed new ideas which they test out on volunteers, such as a rise and fall sink, a telecare monitoring system, a fridge that tells you what food you have left inside and a mobile phone with just two buttons. Too many technologies and services are developed without considering the actual needs of real users, explains Professor Andrew Monk, who leads the research. We try to understand their needs thoroughly and then devise new technologies that can help. The edition of the programme can be seen at www.bbc.co.uk/ iplayer/episode/b00pgpj2/The_One_Show_18_12_2009.
University news 05
The University of York recognises achievement

At the January graduation ceremonies, the University of York awarded honorary degrees in recognition of the work of leading individuals: a psychologist, a political philosopher and the founder of an influential theatre company.
University highlights
n Research led by Professor Bob Lewin, on heart attack victims missing out on follow-up treatment was covered by The Times, Independent and a large number of regional dailies Professor Ottoline Leyser featured in an article in The Observer focusing on the debate over organic crops Professor Jeremy Searles research into the distribution of small mammals in the post-Ice Age British Isles featured as the lead story in the Science section of BBC Online. He was also interviewed on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation show As It Happens as well as featuring on a podcast on the CBC website Stewart Richmonds research into the effectiveness (or otherwise) of copper bracelets for treating arthritis was featured in the Daily Express, Sunday Express, Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph. It also featured in Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Atlanta Journal, Times of India, The Hindu and Sunday Mail (Brisbane) Professor Colin Divalls historical perspective on railways in China appeared in Newsweek Dr Andrew Marshalls discovery of a new species of chameleon was featured on the front page on the Guardian. It also appeared in the Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and the Metro, as well as featuring on Nature.com. It was reported in the New York Daily News and by ABC in Australia and Sky News as well as featuring on the National Geographic and Discovery Channel websites as well as being reported on the BBC Swahili Service Research by the Stockholm Environment Institute at York suggesting that renting out old clothes could cut carbon emissions was reported by the Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and Marie Claire magazine The Centre for Novel Agricultural Products Artemisia genetic map breakthrough was reported in The Times and Metro, and the Daily Mail, BBC News, Reuters and Voice of America websites among others Dr Dominic Watt (Language and Linguistic Science) spoke to the International Herald Tribune and the New York Times Magazine relating his accent research to US television show 'Jersey Shore
(Top) Professor Vicki Bruce OBE is Head of the School of Psychology at Newcastle University and an expert on human face perception, person memory and aspects of social cognition. (Centre) Baroness ONeill of Bengarve CBE writes on ethics and political philosophy, with particular interests in questions of international justice, the philosophy of Immanuel Kant and bioethics. (Bottom) Jatinder Verma (History, 1976), an alumnus of York, is the founder and artistic director of the Tara Arts theatre company, which has pioneered a cross-cultural blend of East and West drama. Alumni can listen to alumnus Jatinders inspiring acceptance speech and all the honorary graduates addresses by visiting www.youtube.com/user/ universityofyorkuk.
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Gene map
breakthrough in the Universitys Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) has seen plant scientists unlock the genetic map of a plant used to cure malaria the medicinal herb Artemisia annua.
Published in the latest issue of the journal Science, the discovery brings hope to millions of people all over the world who suffer from the mosquitoborne disease. The most effective drugs to treat malaria are Artemisinin Combination Therapies (ACTs). Artemisinin, the key compound, is extracted from the plant Artemisia annua, but yields are low, making production expensive. In recent years, as Artemisia production has been uneconomic, planting has declined, resulting in shortages in vital malaria medicine. Now the genetic map will enable scientists to quicken the production process. By locating the plants genome of genes, traits and markers associated with high performance, researchers will be able to recognise which young plants are high performers. It will also help them to select suitable parent plants for breeding experiments.
of anti-malaria plant unlocked
The map is already proving to be an essential tool, says Professor Ian Graham, who leads the project in CNAP with Professor Dianna Bowles. With our new understanding of Artemisia genetics, we can produce improved, non-GM varieties of Artemisia much faster than would otherwise be possible. In just two to three years, the team plans to get high-yielding seed to thousands of small-scale farmers in the developing world in order to supply soaring demand for malaria treatments. This is a really tight deadline and we can only do it with the benefit of the new knowledge provided by the map, explains Professor Bowles. Another significant aspect of this breakthrough is that the research team will make their genetic maps and markers freely available worldwide at no cost. This major study, funded by a $26 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, demonstrates how modern genetics has shortened the time needed to turn a wild plant species into a domesticated crop, with the potential to save millions of lives. Listen to Professor Graham on BBC News at www.bbc.co.uk/ programmes/p005rm9t.
With our new understanding of Artemisia genetics, we can produce improved, non-GM varieties of Artemisia much faster than would otherwise be possible. Professor Ian Graham
Gene map of anti-malaria plant unlocked
Visit www.york.ac.uk/org/cnap/ artemisiaproject/index.htm for more information on the project.
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York scientist discovers new species
The tiny chameleon measures just 7.2 cm long (excluding the tail).
chance encounter with a snake in Tanzanias Udzungwa mountains has led University of York scientist, Dr Andrew Marshall, to the discovery of a new species of chameleon.
It was in Magombera Forest, while he was assessing the human impact on rare species of monkeys and their habitat, that Dr Andrew Marshall first came upon the chameleon. He spotted the hapless individual when it was in the process of being eating by a twig snake. The snake fled, leaving the dead animal behind. Back in the UK, the
specimen was compared to two other chameleons found by scientists in the same area. It was identified as a new species and given the name Kinyongia magomberae (the Magombera chameleon). Dr Marshall currently works jointly between the University, where he is a Senior Research Fellow and Teaching Fellow in the Environment Department and for Flamingo Land, a theme park and zoo just outside York, as its Director of Conservation Science. The current focus of his research, Magombera forest, is a key stronghold for endangered red colobus monkeys, where 40 per cent of the trees have either a seriously restricted range or are threatened with extinction.
Dr Marshall now hopes that the discovery will highlight the special role that the Magombera forest plays in the preservation of not only the threatened species, like its elephant, monkeys and chameleons, but as an unexplored area that may hold many new secrets. Chameleon species tend to be focused in small areas and, unfortunately, the habitat that this one depends on is under threat. Hopefully this discovery will support efforts to provide this area and others like it with greater protection. The research on the new chameleon has been published in the African Journal of Herpetology. Dr Marshall is co-author of the study with researchers from the Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, the South African National
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Discovering a new species is a rare event so to be involved in the identification and naming of this animal is very exciting.
Dr Andrew Marshall
Biodiversity Institute, Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Stellenbosch. Dr Marshalls research is not only helping to build up a detailed picture of Magombera forests animal and plant populations, another important strand to the project is looking at ways the local people use its resources for essentials such as fuel, food and water. Their involvement is crucial and work is underway to explain to grass roots communities the importance of maintaining the forest for long-term purposes and the potentially catastrophic future it faces unless changes are made to the way it is managed. Those changes will include agreeing a protected status for the forest and developing alternative
resources so that the needs of local communities can continue to be met. When trying to find cost effective and low impact ways to monitor the forest for research purposes, Dr Marshall and colleague Dr Francesco Rovero have suggested in the Journal of Applied Ecology that wildlife population surveys using fixed cameras are very reliable, a finding that has the potential to reduce the cost of wildlife surveys significantly. The information gathered by the York team will also no doubt prove to be a useful educational resource to Flamingo Land and a great insight into how conservation issues impact on one community and the wildlife that surrounds it. As Dr Marshall and his team continue to produce some
exciting results and discoveries, there is no doubt it provides hope for the Magombera chameleon, the forest and the rare red colobus monkeys which live there. Find out more A video showing Dr Marshall at work in Tanzania can be found at http://bit.ly/4xfw1y. You can find out more about courses available at the Department of Environment by visiting www.york.ac.uk/depts/ eeem/. To learn more about the joint work between the University and Flamingo Land visit www.flamingoland.co.uk.
York scientist discovers new species 09
The expansion of the campus at Heslington East will provide a unique opportunity to develop an open innovation zone, building on successful links between the University, York Science City, and industrial partners to develop world-class collaborative research and teaching.
Building a better future:
Heslington East
By Elizabeth Heaps, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Estates
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Building a better future: Heslington East
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The Hub - artists view
he flagship 500m capital investment programme for the expansion of the University of Yorks campus in Heslington East is progressing well. Phase 1 developments are on track to be completed by the end of 2010 and since October 2009, 600 students have been living in the new Goodricke College whose official opening is planned for April 2010.
The impetus behind the Heslington East programme is to create a unique open innovation zone combining living and working space for students, academic teaching and research co-located with
a series of innovative business spaces, operated in partnership with York Science Park and Science City York. The cluster of academic and enterprise focused buildings architecturally inspiring and environmentally sustainable have been chosen to exploit the commercialised potential of the new Departments of Theatre, Film and Television (TFTV), and Computer Science and the Law and Management Schools. The Ron Cooke Hub and Catalyst buildings at the heart of the new development will seek both to attract established businesses who will have access to cutting-edge research and facilities, and to encourage business start-ups from an ideation phase through to supported incubation spaces, as well as providing significant space for continuing professional executive education.
In particular it is envisaged that the specialised and cutting-edge technology embedded in the TFTV and Computer Science buildings will help create a regional hub for creative and IT industries as well as helping to attract members of the public and the local community who will be able to take advantage of the excellent cultural facilities on offer with a cinema and three innovative drama spaces. The University of York has also developed in the last three years an innovative Law School which delivers its curriculum through problem based learning techniques. Its first cohort of students will graduate in 2011 and already leading city firms such as Eversheds and Lovells have been complimentary about the quality of students. The new Law and Management
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Previous spread: The Hub - artists view Left top: TFTV interior - artists view Left middle: Goodricke College Above: The Catalyst - artists view
building will enable a greater focus on inter-disciplinarity and already joint courses are being planned. Phase 2 of Heslington East is now in planning and is likely to include further student accommodation, research and teaching spaces to encourage collaborative working and new sports facilities including a swimming pool. Funding support for the Universitys developments on Heslington East has been provided by the Strategic Development Fund from the Higher Education Council for England and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programme in Yorkshire and Humber, the latter sponsored by Science City York and supported by Yorkshire Forward.
The University of York has in its short history powered its way to a position as one of the leading universities in the world. It is one of only very few post-war universities ranked in the world top 100 and we have been consistent in our emphasis on the importance of excellence in both teaching and research. Our University Plan sets out clearly our aspirations to being an international university and the expansion at Heslington East will, I believe, help us deliver a truly innovative campus capable of attracting the best students and staff from across the world as well as helping to build innovative partnerships with industry and other research partners. Brian Cantor, Vice-Chancellor
Building a better future: Heslington East 13 13
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Green shoots for a low carbon economy
s the UK drives towards a green economy, University of York researchers are tackling some of the most exciting challenges. Working with regional and central government through the 50m Low Carbon Futures programme, York is delivering the science needed to deliver a sustainable economy.
York is well-placed to take on these challenges. Our long history of working across traditional academic disciplines enables us to take advantage of those novel developments that emerge at the boundaries. This holistic approach is greatly enhanced through the creation of York Environmental Sustainability Institute (YESI) that brings together nearly 90 active environmental researchers from more than ten departments ranging from Environment to Electronics, from Biology to Politics and from Sociology to Chemistry (www.yesiweb). Key to our work is the translation of cutting-edge research right through to the policy making. YESIs five central themes Energy, Food and Agriculture, Biodiversity, Climate and Health and Wellbeing will work together to provide integrated solutions for sustainability. Thus, the biofuels, which must play a major role in meeting our energy needs and mitigating climate change, need to be delivered in a way that also meets the need to feed an additional two to three billion people in 40 years time to deliver the Millennium Development Goals and all this without compromising the natural biodiversity that provides the basis of all the goods and services we use! No easy task, but York has never been afraid to grapple with such challenges. Examples of where York is already leading in this area includes a strategic focus on energy production from plants and micro-organisms, involving the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), the Stockholm Environment
Institute York (SEI-Y), and the Green Chemistry Centre in the Department of Chemistry. Exciting areas under YESIs Energy theme include low energy microwave processing of biomass, a Yorkshire Biorefinery Facility to allow demonstration scale biorenewables projects to be undertaken, second generation bioenergy research including turning waste to biofuel technology, the development of novel varieties of oil crops used in the production of biodiesel and anaerobic digestion research into the methane producing bacteria which fix CO2 and hydrogen to generate biogas. Biofuel production implies quite different future landscapes across the world. Vital research in Biology and Environment is being carried out on how biodiversity changes may feed back into the ability of those landscapes to deliver environmental goods and services, such as food production, climate regulation, flood protection and livelihoods. Policy makers and local planers need to know the feedbacks and opportunities that arise through a holistic approach to managing our environment. An excellent illustration is the work being done in collaboration with landscape managers in the uplands of Britain, which hold much of the UKs carbon stocks. Will improving these landscapes for biodiversity change their ability to sequester carbon or to deliver clean water to utilities companies? By undertaking the largest controlled manipulation of a landscape ever, this group led by Biology, SEI-Y and Environment, and involving many other institutions within UKPopNet, is attempting to address these questions so that managers can make the right decisions on the best possible evidence. York is clearly pioneering the way in the science technologies and the social research needed to deliver a Green Economy. This is an exciting time for academics and industry as collaborations produce some startling results. As Al Gore said in his Nobel Prize acceptance speech, We have a purpose. We are many. For this purpose we will rise, and we will act.
Green shoots for a low carbon economy
We have a purpose. We are many. For this purpose we will rise, and we will act. Al Gore
Research by the University of York at Lake Vyrnwy in Snowdonia in conjunction with the RSPB involves assessing the impact of changing the hydrology of a landscape on carbon regulation processes within the peatsoils. Photo courtesy of Matt Walker.
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Alumnus Michael Young
and his role in ending apartheid
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Alumnus Michael Young: his role in ending apartheid
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Thabo Mbeki
ecently played by Johnny Lee Miller in the Channel 4 movie The Endgame, Michael Young is one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. Playing down his role in ending the South African apartheid, he is modest about his undoubted diplomatic brilliance. Here, after a recent visit to York, fellow alumnus Joshua Chambers (History and Politics, Halifax, 2009) talks to Michael (Politics, Vanbrugh, 1972) about his time in South Africa, Thabo Mbeki and his role as an unofficial licensed liberal.
It is hard not to use superlatives when mentioning Michael Young, who left York and less than twenty years later set up and chaired negotiations that brought about the end of apartheid. I shall try to limit myself to just one remarkable but where to use it? Is it that he set up the negotiations as a businessman working for a private company, not as a peace envoy or politician? Or perhaps instead I should call his reticence remarkable? After all, until Thabo Mbeki persuaded him otherwise, he didnt talk publicly about his involvement, which he still views as a privilege. No. Those points speak for themselves. I shall say it is remarkable that Michael Young achieved so much but initially didnt want to be a
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negotiator; he set out to become a surveyor but thankfully decided it wasnt for him. Instead, he struck upon something far more rewarding. The story of his work to end what he calls one of the most offensive forms of political oppression mankind ever dreamt up is well documented now. But how did he end up in the position to help, and with the skills necessary to take on such an enormous task? After abandoning the world of surveying, Young retook his A levels and came to York, which he says was a critical element in his becoming a negotiator. He is glowing about the place. I found York a liberating experience, he says. It challenged all of my assumptions, it really made me think hard, it made me a much more inquisitive individual than I was before It really did broaden my horizons and completely changed the way in which I looked at problems and sought to resolve them. This wasnt just thanks to his degree, but his involvement in student politics as the sixties were at their end. Young was a Tory and consequently viewed at York, in political terms, as distinctly odd; the centre of political gravity at the time was around some sort of Marxist permutation. Nonetheless, he enjoyed it hugely. After leaving our alma mater with a keen interest in South Africa, which he studied as part of his Politics degree, he now had the party politics bug too. After indulging the first interest at MIT, he became Vice-Chairman of the
Federation of Conservative Students honing his political antennae. He then joined the Conservative Research Department, advising the then Foreign Secretary Alec Douglas-Home. If student life and student politics were the first critical element in shaping his approach, this experience was the second. Unlike today, Tory party policy was separate from presentation and party manoeuvres. Young was in the engine room concerned with foreign policy and was joined at that time by other leading lights such as Chris Patten, Matthew Parris and Michael Portillo. The party was led by Ted Heath and it is clear his views had a big impact on Young. Exposure to Heathite ideology appears to have shaped Youngs entire approach to politics and indeed to big, divisive issues. He speaks fondly of Heath as an intelligent, sophisticated politician who didnt just seek to impose his views upon others but sought to understand theirs too. What better introduction to the mindset of the negotiator? He was essentially an internationalist, a realist, he understood that you ran your own system and you ran it as best you could because you control most of the bits of the jigsaw, but on the global scale, you didnt control any of it so it was influence: how do I persuade you to come along with me, not how do I just tell you? This reflects Youngs own view that when it comes to brokering a deal, both sides must recognise that there are no absolutes and a negotiator must
As a peace negotiator you are obliged to challenge others but not to come littered with your own baggage and subjectivities.
completely put aside their own beliefs to work at the task in hand. As a peace negotiator you are obliged to challenge others but not to come littered with your own baggage and subjectivities, and its not that one doesnt have subjectivities all human beings do but in the process of facilitation, your subjectivities are not of any relevance and should be subsumed almost completely in pursuit of identifying disagreements between the parties. In short, its their show, its their disagreement. This was not the approach of Heaths successor, one Margaret Thatcher, and Young soon decided he could work with the Tories no longer. I felt I couldnt serve her, it was something so alien to me as a political creature: the idea that the world is made up between a right and a wrong; its good, its bad; youre with me, youre against me. That wasnt a world I recognised and it was a million miles away from Douglas, Home and Heath, which was a much more sophisticated, nuanced, intelligent approach to politics. Youngs style would later again clash with Thatcher as they both approached South African apartheid from totally different directions. Yet there was another key part of Youngs career that shaped him as a negotiator: he went into business where his skills proved advantageous. Having seen Africa through the Foreign Office as a special adviser, I was in a good position to bring some skills which I would call the softer skills that
would go with political analysis: its about nuance. However, he soon found he needed sharper skills too. He worked for a major international gold-mining company, Consolidated Goldfields, which had huge interests in South Africa. You had to use a rather harder-nosed set of yardsticks, because shareholders are in it for profit. The combination of both of these skills explains how he was able to chair the negotiations. Its the fusing of this hard-nosed, arithmetic dynamic with the business world and melding that with this capacity to understand nuancing. Its that fusion which I think helped really seriously as another building block to do what I went on subsequently to do. In South Africa he found himself thinking unthinkable thoughts and challenging the whole political position. Indeed, that was essentially his job description; the company asked him to become their unofficial licensed liberal. He was relieved of his day-to-day duties and told to work separately from the company in secret his role was to get black and white South Africans to work together and build a platform for future stability. The first hurdle was finding anyone to take part. My job initially was to find some players from the Afrikaner community, which was quite tricky, partly because they were Afrikaners and had an innate suspicion of Brits, but secondly I was asking them to do something really quite dangerous. The
guys that I did eventually find were hugely brave to do this. Young himself was too. All those involved in the talks quickly had to start thinking of their safety at all times even when in London. They learned how to look for incendiary devices under their cars and in their post. Welcome to our world, said the ANC delegates. The first meeting was fraught with difficulty. Young describes it as though asking God and the Devil to meet up both were sworn enemies who wanted nothing to do with each other. Yet slowly they began to behave as South Africans. Delegates would shake Youngs hand when meeting but would embrace one another. Young encouraged them to build bonds and would leave them together in an evening with a bottle of Glenfiddich while he retired to his room. As the talks showed clear signs of progress, Young sought to level the geopolitical stage and create the right atmosphere for reconciliation. He had to put aside his political feelings and tried to visit Mrs Thatcher, but she wouldnt meet him and he met with an adviser instead. He told the adviser that it would be very helpful if Thatcher would turn the mood music down, forthright as she was on the global stage, but a week later the response came back: The Prime Minister will have nothing to do with terrorists. Mrs Thatcher did, however, relent slightly, which Young puts down to HM the Queen. She was able to create a little space by letting it be known that
Alumnus Michael Young and his role in ending apartheid 19 19
Life is like this: you can either play or you cant. I was hungry to do it and in the end, it was my privilege.
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she was concerned by some of the stridency of comment and that caused Thatcher to be a little more restrained. South African security men also stopped following Young around London, although problems persisted when he was in South Africa. And so slowly, over a five-year period, the negotiations took effect and the political atmosphere in South Africa changed culminating in the fall of the apartheid regime. This five-year process is now a two-hour film, Endgame, starring Johnny Lee Miller. Young decided to advise on the film as he realised they would probably make it anyhow and it was best they got it right. It is, he says, mostly accurate and he gives it his seal of approval as a good movie too. Apart from his impact on South Africa, Young struck upon a template he believes he can apply to other areas too, such as Northern Ireland and the Middle East. The secret is to take them away from the theatre where its all happening, where everybody is shouting the odds, where the media pick it all up and every nuance and every twist is dissected it sets the process back hugely. You get the guys under the radar and be very careful that youve picked the right guys, not at the top of the tree because people at the top of the tree probably have arrived and their appetite for longevity and longer-term vision isnt there. They will be younger, they will have enough core within their constituency, enough intellectual agility to be able to observe and absorb. Notice he leaves himself totally out of the description of his template; he views his involvement as being in the right place at the right time. Life is like this: you can either play or you cant. I was hungry to do it and in the end, it was my privilege. This interview was mine.
About Joshua Joshua Chambers (History and Politics, Halifax, 2009) is a writer and reporter. Currently working for the Politics Home website, Joshua has received coverage on the BBC Daily Politics Show, ABC News, the Yorkshire Post and Iain Dales Diary. He recently won the Interview of the Year award at the BBC Student Radio Awards for his interview on University Radio York.
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Picture: Nelson Mandela and Willem de Klerk
The social science-fiction? Wire as

By Professor Roger Burrows
The above picture is from The Wire.
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t Harvard in early 2008 Professor William Julius Wilson, one of the most influential sociologists of the contemporary era, organised a public seminar on what had just been revealed as Barack Obamas favourite TV show. The Wire, shown initially on the HBO cable network between June 2002 and March 2008, is a TV series unlike any other. Indeed, according to Wilson it should be essential viewing for any fledgling politician, public administrator or social scientist who wants to influence policy.
Indeed for Wilson: The Wires exploration of sociological themes is truly exceptional. Indeed I do not hesitate to say that it has done more to enhance our understandings of the challenges of urban life and urban inequality than any other media event or scholarly publication, including studies by social scientists. The claim that this piece of popular culture was doing a better job than were many professional social scientists had a deep resonance with colleagues in the Department of Sociology at York who have recently been doing work on the manner in which a sociological imagination has seeped into so much of popular culture over the last decade or so. Such was the sociological impact of The Wire debated on within the Department that, along with colleagues at the ESRC Centre for Research on Socio-Cultural Change at Manchester, the University decided to put together a two-day conference held last November in Leeds Town Hall about how other social scientists were dealing with this challenge. The event attracted over 100 participants - sociologists, cultural and urban theorists, political scientists, criminologists, anthropologists and art historians - from the UK, Europe, North America and as far afield as New Zealand. They were joined by journalists from The Guardian newspaper and producers from the BBC Culture Show. So what is it about The Wire that generates so much interest amongst social commentators? The show, written by journalist David Simon and ex-policeman and
schoolteacher Ed Burns, is based on their knowledge and experience of the city of Baltimore, Maryland. From the details of life on the housing projects and street corners right down to the use of the slurred consonants and nasal vowel sounds of the local dialect, Balmerese, The Wire is an attempt to produce an authentic account of not only Baltimore but of wider social issues facing urban life in neo-liberal capitalist societies. The Wire is distinctive in that it deglamourises crime fighting by emphasising the banal administrative duties involved and the sheer overwhelming hopelessness of the battle against crimes rooted in flawed social institutions, deep rooted moralities and deprivation. In each of the five seasons, adding up to 60 episodes in total, The Wire focuses on a different facet of Baltimore: the drug trade, the port, the city bureaucracy, the school system and the print news media. This portrayal of the city has been acknowledged as an authentic portrayal of urban life and an uncommonly effective and deep exploration of contemporary socio-political themes. However, the sheer complexities of the show mean that tuning in mid-season will leave the viewer lost. After much pressure The Wire was finally shown on BBC 2 in early 2009, drawing a large and dedicated audience. This resulted in the British shadow home secretary, Chris Grayling, making a well publicised speech drawing parallels between the fictional world it presents and life in parts of Britain. But it is in the academy that interest in the show has really taken hold. There is already at least one doctoral thesis on the topic, two edited books, one special issue of an academic journal, and many other individual journal articles. At the Leeds event it was suggested that The Wire might best be approached as form of social science fiction because as a work of fiction it manage to accomplish the telling of kind of truth that much mainstream social science now fails to achieve, in the sense that, as the novelist Julian Barnes suggests: Fiction is telling the truth by telling lies, as opposed to telling less of the truth by telling facts. The kind of truth The Wire generates is one aligned with the sensibilities necessary to stimulate the sociological imagination of the viewer.
The Wire offers up an alluring projection of a kind of sociological yearning; an engrossing, satisfying and totalizing perspective on contemporary urban dynamics. However, perhaps it is also appeals to social analysts because they unconsciously identify with the work of the Major Case Unit the investigative unit at the heart of the show because of the manner in which it is marginalised institutionally (as many social scientists feel themselves to be) yet still retains a strong commitment to progressive investigative practices, often using innovative methodologies and multidisciplinary perspectives.
Left and above credit HBO/ Paul Schiraldi
More information about the University of Yorks Department of Sociology can be found at www.york.ac.uk/depts/soci. For more information on The Wire visit www.hbo.com/the-wire/ index.html. For further reading on the subject see D. Beer and R. Burrows, R. The Sociological Imagination as Popular Culture in J. Burnett, S.Jeffers and G. Thomas (eds) New Social Connections: Sociologys Subjects and Objects Basingstoke: Palgrave. To be published April 2010.
The Wire as social science-fiction 23
Students Union President: Now and then

By Jim Norton (Economics, Derwent)
n just 47 years, the University of York has become one of the UKs leading universities for teaching and research. Thousands of students have slept, studied, eaten, partied and finally graduated from it. As its reputation has grown, York has continued to expand in equal measure. Alumni returning to campus will note many changes but have they affected the Universitys original values?
To gain a perspective on the last 40 years, grapevine talked to John Randall, (Biology, Alcuin, 1971) student president in 1970, and the incumbent president Tim Ngwena (Management, James, 2006). The University opened in 1963 with an intake of 200 students and John Randall arrived to study Biology and Education four years later. By then it had added two new colleges but it was still small and quite self-contained. John identifies this as one of Yorks strongest features: It was a very friendly community. Its relatively small size and college structure meant that it was an easy community in which to relate. Tim agrees that this characteristic exists today. Theres no pretentiousness about York. Everything is calm and relaxed. In a way, it moulds itself to you rather than leaving its mark on you an impression you get with many top universities.
That is not to say that life at York has ever been dull. John recalls that there were a lot of thriving student societies. The usual mix of political, subjectbased, interest-based and religious societies, as well as the sports clubs, he says. There was (and still is) a programme of evening lectures open to all. Many of these were excellent Wilfred Mellors on the Beatles, F R Leavis on D H Lawrence, etc, he remembers. The tradition of inviting distinguished guest speakers continues with the current Chancellor, Greg Dyke, using his BBC associations to provide high-profile media guests just as Lord Harewood did 40 years ago. Janet Baker sang in the Music Department, Ravi Shankar played in Langwith College, the BBC Philharmonic recorded in Central Hall and the Amadeus String Quartet were resident, giving three concerts every term, said John. Then there were the Who and Jimi Hendrix and, he remembers, an unknown singer/pianist who turned up at 3am at a June Ball in Kings Manor looking a bit lost. It turned out to be Elton John. Another important part of university life was student politics. We were all interested in national and international issues the Vietnam War, the student uprising in Paris, the invasion of Czechoslovakia, says John. And 1968 to 1970 was the high watermark of student protest. At York we had a catering boycott
over prices and we were part of a nationwide protest over student files. We occupied Heslington Hall during my year as President and I have fond memories of slithering up a snowcovered roof to raise the red flag on the flagstaff! And now? Many of the SUs achievements have come about as a result of protesting, says Tim, who has himself led a protest or two. Seven thousand students are involved in union activities and over 200 students are directly involved in SU politics. Something that has changed nationally is the cost of a degree. In the 1970s there was an expectation that if you got one of the (fairly rare) university places you would be supported financially, says John. But I was one of only eight per cent of the age cohort who went on to higher education, explains John. Now it is over 40 per cent, and the scale of financing is obviously completely different. Although student loans soften the blow, the difference now is that most students graduate with an enormous debt at the beginning of their careers. This will undeniably change attitudes to university, says Tim. More and more people will be put off university or will have to make choices that are more within their budget and/or reach. As for the quality of its education, York still maintains its reputation. Eric James, the first Vice-Chancellor, took the view that the University could be an excellent teaching institution from the start, while recognising that it would take a few years to build the research reputation, explains John. Now it produces both.
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Tim Ngwena Credit: George Lowther
Described as the Cambridge of the North, York is consistently ranked in the top ten institutions in the UK, and in the top 100 in the world. The University has appeared in the top ten out of nowhere and people are trying to understand how it has happened in less than 50 years, says Tim, adding, The reputation is still developing and York is young so it can only grow stronger. There are challenges ahead. The current expansion at Heslington East could have an impact on the Universitys sense of community a feature that both Tim and John feel is one of Yorks greatest assets. However, The new facilities on campus are brilliant, says Tim. They will improve Yorks reputation and really set it aside from other institutions. Throughout its brief history, York has developed at an unprecedented rate. The look has changed and the number of people has increased, but ultimately it seems the University has retained its original values. The unique atmosphere that characterises York has remained, thanks to a vibrant and enthusiastic student body and a students union that is committed to representing it. The future looks positive. We are doing better than institutions that have been around for hundreds of years! concludes Tim.
Right: John Randall
Students Union President: Now and then 25

Alumna Rebecca Stott talks to grapevine about York and her passion for history.
rossing multiple time boundaries is how the author Rebecca Stott describes her approach to researching her historical novels. In her latest novel The Coral Thief which has been praised for its the level of historical detail, she saturated herself in the year 1815 until it became an obsession.
I wanted to send people in there to see what Paris was like, then, what it smelt like, what it sounded like, what it felt like to come of age there, intellectually and emotionally. It was when she was studying at York that she first discovered the excitement and importance of boundary crossing when undertaking historical research, she explains. A graduate in English and Art History, she says, that, Doing a joint degree taught me the benefit of combining my interests. For me my characters are explorers. At York she completed an MA and PhD while raising her son, Jacob, born in 1984. Finding time to research in depth was a challenge. Now that I have the luxury of more time, I usually spend a year or so working out what I need to know before I begin writing, Having a good background knowledge of historical times and issues means I can literally travel back in time as I write. Rebeccas first novel, Ghostwalk, was published in 2007, and was translated into 12 different languages. It was also shortlisted for the Jelf First Novel Award, the Society of Authors First Novel Award
and long listed for the Impac Dublin Literary Award. The Coral Thief was featured on Radio Fours Book at Bedtime programme in January, and like, Ghostwalk, weaves a blend of history, ideas and scienctific discoveries. It is set in 1815 Paris just after the fall of Napoleon at Waterloo, a period in time she describes as a vortex. Napoleon had been cock-of-the-roost in Europe for more than ten years, conquering one European country after another. He had plundered hundreds of palaces then sent back the spoils to Paris so that the museums, libraries and galleries in the city were full to the rafters with paintings, rare books and unique natural history collections. Then it comes crashing down as Napoleon is defeated. Into this vortex drops Daniel Connor, a young, ambitious, slightly self-regarding medical student eager to take up a prestigious job at the Jardin des Plantes. Under Napoleon, the Paris academics had been granted unprecedented authority, freedom and money in their quest for knowledge. In this environment, Daniel hopes to achieve success not through the advantages of birth but on his own merits. But by now Napoleon has been captured. The imperial city is a military encampment for the Allied forces and its looted riches are being reclaimed. Rumors persist that Napoleons armies wait in the quarries beneath the city, ready to mount their counter-attack. Before he even reaches the city, Daniel encounters a woman whose revolutionary theories about the origins of the earth
shock and thrill him. But later, discovering that she has left, taking his things, he is forced to choose between seeking the help of an ex-thief, or attempting to recover his possessions alone. His choice leads him into a love affair and a criminal underworld in which he is completely out of his depth. As well working as a freelance writer and broadcaster, Rebecca is Professor of English Literature and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. The author of several academic and non-fiction books, she is now working on a history of evolutionists before Darwin. Entitled Infidels , it has a much broader time-travel brief than her novels, starting in Lesbos with Aristotle in 340 BC and then taking a route across time and landscape to arrive back at Darwin in the early 19th century, via Basra, Paris, Baghdad and Berlin. Some people say that historical fiction writing is escapist, she says. But that is only if the novelist fails to see the connections between past and present, which is why I value what I learnt at York. The Coral Thief is about science, religion, and freedom of thought these subjects are not likely to stop being important for a while yet.
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To find out more about Rebeccas work visit www.rebeccastott.co.uk or find more alumni authors by visiting www.york.ac.uk/alumni.
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Alumni publications
Sophie (Catherine) Smiley (English, Goodricke, 1979) including Bobby, Charlton and the Mountain, Man of the Match, Team Trouble, Pirates Ahoy, Pup on the Pitch and Snow Goalie Trevor James (English, Langwith, 1969) Flora of Hertfordshire Richard Harpin (Economics, Wentworth, 1986) A Mind for Business: The Secrets of How Award Winning Entrepreneur Richard Harpin Built a 1 Billion Business
Dan Gay (Politics, Economics and Philosophy, Vanbrugh, 1996) Reflexivity and Development Economics Rebecca Stott (English and Art History, Alcuin, 1986) The Coral Thief Graham Buxton (Economics, Derwent, 1966) Dancing in the Dark Alan Robertshaw (English and Educational Studies, Langwith, 1966) The Edge of Things Sarah Jane Stratford (History, Goodricke, 1994) The Midnight Guardian Kien Hang Yen (Electronic Engineering and Music Technology, Halifax, 2006) SaloneSatellite: Applause to the New Designer Catherine Duke (Chemistry, Langwith, 1983) Chemistry for Environmental and Earth Sciences Clive Emsley (History, Langwith, 1966) The Great British Bobby Rachel Davies (Philosophy, Wentworth, 1986) Agile Coaching
Valerie Jack (Modern Literature and Culture, Wentworth, 2005) Educational Peter Duschinsky (Language and English, Vanbrugh, 1971) The Change Equation Ian Oliver (Post-war Recovery Studies, Wentworth, 2000) War & Peace in the Balkans Fran Abrams (Sociology, Wentworth, 1985) Learning to Fail Ian Walker (Psychology, Wentworth, 1996) and Nigel Holt (Psychology, James, 1998) Research with People Lawrence James (History, Langwith, 1966) Aristocrats: Power, Grace and Decadence Ian Bell (Medieval Studies, 1980) London Underground and The Beauty and the Blood
Dr Joses Muthuri Kirigia (Economics, Langwith, 1990) Economic Evaluation of Public Health Problems in SubSaharan Africa Gordon Jones (English, 1967) Bachs Choral Music: A Listeners Guide Val Conkar (Politics and Sociology, Derwent, 1993) The Heart Stone Richard Lewis Almond (Medieval Studies, Derwent, 1991 (MA) and 1999 (MPhil) Daughters of Artemis: The Huntress in the Middle Ages and Renaissance and Medieval Hunting Mario Quagliariello (Economics, Wentworth, 2007) Stress Testing the Banking System: Methodologies and Applications
Publications are listed in order of submission. Visit www.york.ac.uk/alumni for a full list of alumni publications or email alumni@york.ac.uk to submit an entry.
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Annual Alumni Weekend: Join the reunion

Every parting is a form of death, as every reunion is a type of heaven. Tryon Edwards
oing to University is one of the key milestones for many of us we met our best friends there indeed some of us met our partners at University and shared a range of intense experiences that can never be replicated. Alumni reunions offer the opportunity to refresh your memory of people and places and reflect on your own achievements and those of your University. This is why we would like to invite those who graduated in 1970, 1985 and 2000 to celebrate their 10th, 25th and 40th anniversaries in 2010.
An alumni reunion weekend for these groups of our alumni is being organised for the weekend of 89 May 2010 and we hope as many of you as possible will wish to return to see how the city of York and our campus have changed and expanded since you left us. A range of activities is planned, including a major literary event at the beautiful and historic Merchant Adventurers Hall, a tour of our new Heslington East campus, visits to academic departments to catch up with old friends and teachers, a reunion dinner at the Royal York Hotel and afternoon tea at Heslington Hall on the bowling green, weather permitting! The University will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2013 and in its short history has powered its way to become one of the worlds leading universities. Much of our success and reputation rests on the achievements and ambitions of our alumni. We are enormously proud of your demonstrable ability to go out and make a difference in the world. Much has changed since you graduated from the University of York
and our campus and reputation has grown. We are ranked in the World 100 and in the top ten in the UK. The new development at Hes East is a wonderful showcase for our ambitions but our existing campus has also seen the completion of a range of inspiring new buildings such as the Berrick Saul building, housing the Institute for Effective Education and the Humanities Research Centre, as well as slightly older facilities that you may not have visited such as the Borthwick Institute which is a fascinating treasure trove of historical collections. Another relatively recent addition is the Music Research Centre, which is set to be one of Britains premier performance spaces for reproduced and synthesised sound. The Department of Music will be hosting a tour of the department at the alumni weekend and our students from the newly created Department of Theatre, Film and Television. will be performing an exclusive mini-preview at the reunion dinner on Saturday night before they head off to perform at BAFTA on 10th May. In addition to the campus programme, we have also arranged for private dedicated alumni tours around York Minister and Bedern Glaziers Studio. As an extra incentive and in honour of York Conference and its Accommodation Centre which celebrates its 40th anniversary, alumni coming back can take advantage of a special discount on university accommodation.We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in 2010.
Annual Alumni Weekend: Join the reunion
Visit www.york.ac.uk/alumni for more information on the weekend or to book. Save the Date next years Annual Alumni Reunion Weekend is 7 and 8 May 2011.
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grapevine talks to Liz Smith, York Careers Service
Graduated and looking for work? Not happy in the job youre in? Thinking of a career change?
N
o one can be unaware of the challenging economic situation and job market facing recent graduates in the UK. Although there is help and support available, not everyone knows whats out there or how to access it. One in ten of those who graduated in 2008 were still unemployed six months later and many have initially settled for something other than their dream job. Whether you are seeking work right now, or in work but looking to take the next step, the University Careers Service can help.
Talking to grapevine, Careers Service Director Liz Smith said: We want to make sure our alumni know that the Careers Service is not just here to help current students we can also offer support to alumni. Whether youre struggling to find work, are underemployed or are thinking about changing jobs, we can help. The Careers Service has a wealth of resources and a library of materials to
help people get started or for those who wish to explore their career ideas further. One of the first things alumni can do is to complete the self-assessment exercises (which are available online). To help narrow down their options, alumni can use their experiences since graduation to help them assess what really appeals to them in a job and, just as importantly, what they want to avoid. The information room is open from 10am to 5pm in term time (with reduced hours during vacations). For people living further away there are lots of resources available online, as well as an email query system and telephone advice. A key element of the support available is the York Graduate Careers Programme, which provides focused careers support to recent graduates wherever they are in the country. An initial face-to-face guidance session will help you to develop an action plan, identify the type of work you want to do and increase your chances of securing it. This can be followed up by further support sessions either in person, or by email and telephone for those not living locally. Anyone interested should visit the website to find out more: www.york.ac.uk/careers/ygcp.
Overall, the message is reassuring. Although they cant do it for you, the service can work with you to help you achieve your goals. Liz Smith says: We cant give people jobs or tell them exactly what jobs are right for them, but we can give them the tools to find out what is out there and help them decide what to do with their lives.
You can visit the careers service online at www.york.ac.uk/careers or contact Liz and her team via email (careers@york.ac.uk) for support. The Careers Service at York also has a dedicated careers Facebook site which you can join for the latest job updates.
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Top 5 tips to help your job search

1. Target your applications: Understand the type of work you want, the sort of organisation you want to work for and research the company and the role. A few wellresearched, targeted applications to jobs you really want and have a realistic chance of getting will be far more successful that a scattergun approach sending standard CVs to hundreds of employers. 2. Be organised: Accept that finding work is hard work! It takes time to find opportunities, research organisations and prepare strong applications. Its important to keep focused and motivated and seek help if you need it. 3. Know where to look: Make sure you know where jobs are advertised for the sector you are interested in. This could include general online job boards, the Careers Service website, employer websites, the websites and journals of professional bodies, trade journals, and regional and national press. Alternatively, a speculative approach may be more effective than waiting for an ad to come up. Contact the Careers Service if youre not sure where to look. 4. Know how to apply: Check out deadlines and application methods then make sure you do what youve been asked to do. If the employer wants an application form, dont assume sending your CV instead is OK. Dont miss the deadline and dont leave it so late you have to rush to submit your application at the last minute. Use the resources available in the Careers Service to make sure you know how to prepare a good CV/covering letter or application form.
5. Dont oversell or undersell yourself: Have you ever had feedback on your CV? Do you know if its good or bad? Are you struggling to get interviews? Contact the Careers Service or sign up to the York Graduate Development Programme to get the help you need.
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Whats the Big Deal?

V
olunteering is a key way to get involved and give something back to the wider community. Big Deal is just one of the schemes run by the University of York where alumni volunteers provide key advice and support to school pupils through an enterprise competition. Teams are challenged to develop a business plan over a tenweek period and mentors support the teams online, using an innovative interactive website. The winning team is rewarded with a business trip to New York City.
The overall purpose of the Big Deal, which was originally created by Nik Miller and the Excellence Hub at the University, is to develop exciting and purposeful opportunities for gifted and talented young people. Talking to grapevine, Nik said, Its great that we can bring together bright
young people with inspiring mentors and help to support the development of new ideas and relationships. This is the third year that the competition has run, and mentors from some of the worlds most exciting companies, including HSBC, Google and Shell, have been active participants.
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Meet a mentor
ewis Knights (Economics, 2004) started his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers and then moved to the National Audit Office, where he has worked closely over a number of years with HM Treasury. Recently transferred to the Foreign Office, Lewis has participated in the Big Deal mentoring scheme for the past three years.
the range of ideas they come up with for their projects from reversible trousers to a new flavour of ketchup, a device to prevent putting diesel in a petrol car to a campaign to encourage recycling in a school. No two years are ever the same. 3. Having worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers, have you found volunteering as a mentor beneficial to your career? The Big Deal project has helped me in my career in three ways: 1. The skills that I have gained through mentoring arent just relevant to the Big Deal. Every day, I work with others to develop projects, listen to thoughts and ideas, and encourage people to think through and resolve problems. The Big Deal has enhanced these skills and Im able to put into practice a lot of what Ive learnt from participating in the scheme. 2. My colleagues and my bosses all have a keen interest in my involvement with the scheme. When applying for my current job, I discussed this at my interview. Taking part in the Big Deal demonstrates a willingness to work with others and to make a wider contribution, and is looked upon very positively. 3. I have also learnt a lot about other organisations and companies through meeting fellow mentors and the dragons. The vast range of participants in the programme has opened my eyes to industry beyond the areas where I normally work, and has enhanced my understanding of what is going on in the wider world of business and enterprise. 4. What advice would you give to those recent graduates just starting out in the world of work? I would say take every opportunity you can to develop your skills and experience. Many companies offer excellent training and development programmes try to get involved as these will set you up with essential skills for the world of work. External programmes, such as the Big Deal programme, are a cracking idea too! Also, listen to what your colleagues have to say. Try to get a mentor to
show you the ropes, and be open to their thoughts and feedback. Take their advice on board and dont try to run before you can crawl!
For information about the programme or to get involved next year visit www.york.ac.uk/excellencehub/ thebigdeal. There are many further alumni volunteer opportunities available. Read more at www.york.ac.uk/ admin/dao/volunteer/index.htm.
1. This is the fourth year volunteering your mentoring skills. How did you become involved? Nik Miller mentioned it to me. He described a fun programme that would give me the chance to mentor and inspire students, introducing them to the world of enterprise and business and making them aware of the opportunities available to them. And all this through an online system that would fit in with my hectic work and social life! I jumped at the chance, and Im really pleased I did. The programme has lived up to this promise and much, much more not only have I enjoyed mentoring the students each year, but I also feel that I have personally gained a lot by participating. I have learnt a lot about mentoring and working alongside others, and Ive been inspired by the attitudes of many of the students I have worked with. 2. What keeps you coming back? Each year is a new and exciting challenge. The students are great their motivation, the originality of their ideas and sense of humour never cease to amaze me, and this makes participating in the programme a lot of fun. There are times when it can be challenging for example, when a team is unsure how to develop an idea but it is always so rewarding to work with them to overcome these hurdles. And I love
Working with the Careers Service volunteer role descriptions

Guest Careers Speaker: Students love to hear real life stories from the world of work. As a Speaker you can take part in as many or as few events as you choose you are under no obligation to accept any offers we make. Events range from a one hour talk to a half day careers event. Interviewer: It is important that students have experience of being interviewed to help them prepare for the real thing. Practice interviews usually take place on campus and you can take part in as many sessions as you want. Professional Contact: Students often have one-off questions about a particular career that is best answered by someone who has real life experience. The time commitment is as much or as little as you can manage you may wish to answer ad hoc queries or be in regular contact; it depends on you. We really value your help. To find out more about volunteering or any of the above roles on offer visit www. york.ac.uk/careers.
Whats the Big Deal? 33
A mind for
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Picture: Alumnus Richard Harpin
business
A
lumnus Richard Harpin shares the secrets of his business success.
Richard Harpin (Economics, Wentworth, 1986) is just one York alumnus who has proved time and time again that hard work and passion are the main things you need to succeed in todays business world. Now, as he launches a book that reveals the secrets of his success, Richard chats to grapevine about his time in York and reflects on how every challenge can be turned into an opportunity. Getting into the University was one the key moments of my life but like many things it wasnt a simple case of just being accepted on the course. At school, Richard admits, I was so busy setting up my own business, selling fly-tying materials for fly fishermen that I didnt quite get the exact grades I needed. But I was determined to get into my first-choice university, so I got on the train to York and convinced the Head of Economics to offer me a place. Naturally I was delighted to succeed, he says with a laugh. This task also proved to be an early lesson for Richard, as he discovered that persistence pays off. By the age of 20 and still at university, Richard was a self-declared serial entrepreneur who had set up five businesses; indeed many of you may have heard of his most successful project, HomeServe, which he founded in 1993. HomeServe may now be one of the worlds largest home emergency services but Richard says his time at the University taught him many lessons that have stood him in good stead throughout his career. At York, Richard carried on running his fly-tying business, although he tells us, It was in the days before mobile phones, which meant I had to get BT to install the first ever personal landline into Wentworth College. This task, he remembers, required them to lay a mile of new telephone cable just for me at a fixed price of 38.00. But as Entertainments Officer of Wentworth College, he says a phone was essential and it was in this role that he developed his ability to come up with cost-effective ideas, like his Blind Date event. The challenge was to put on events that were exciting, but cost nothing. I loved doing this kind of work and it showed me that you need to be innovative and creative to succeed. Mind you, it also helps if you know your audience as well! His involvement with the University Events Committee also honed his persuasion skills; indeed Richard convinced some of the big names of the day, such as Bob Geldof and Ian Drury, to play on campus. Looking back, he says, It was my time at the Industrial Society that gave me a good insight into how businesses actually ran. But, he claims, It was my Economics degree that taught me the vital fundamentals of business. After graduation, Richard continued his business education by working for Procter & Gamble (P&G), again talking his way into the job with sheer determination. He continued to set up and run his own businesses, including a property-letting company alongside other ventures like selling Christmas trees. After working his way up to brand manager for P&G, Richard left to join Deloitte as a management consultant before setting up his own consultancy business with a partner. Little did I know that this was essentially the beginning of my most successful venture to date, Richard says, as one of his first assignments led him to advise South Staffordshire Water on setting up a plumbing business. I advised them that it was a good idea, but I also persuaded them to let me run it as a joint venture with a 100k investment. To his delight, HomeServe was created and, 17 years later, is a top 200 UK publicly listed business worth over 1 billion. After winning the prestigious Ernst & Young UK Entrepreneur of the Year award for 2008/09, Richard says, I wanted to find a way to share what I had learnt with the next generation of entrepreneurs and hopefully encourage them to set up their own businesses. Richards book, A Mind for Business, certainly does that and it also features ten key lessons that he has learnt along the way. All proceeds from the book will go to The Enterprise Trust, a charity Richard has set up to support and encourage entrepreneurs, but theres no doubt business has come a long way since Richard started, and theres no doubt that with his help the future for the next generation of entrepreneurs looks bright. A Mind for Business is available now on Amazon at the special price of 5.99.
Richards tips for success

n n n
n n
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Never give up Think every No is really a Yes Failures are just learning points along the way Its not the idea, its making it happen Stick with it and think big Find an opportunity in every problem Get the right people into the business Speed is undervalued People who are busiest get the most done If it isnt making money, dont persevere
A mind for business 35
Our new online community

Social networkand blogging sites are now the fourth most popular activity on the Internet.
Neilson 2009: Global Faces and Networked Places
he York Alumni Association office is pleased to receive thousands of emails every year from alumni located all over the world. The motivation behind these emails can vary from a simple request for a transcript, to looking to get in contact with an academic tutor or an old friend that you have lost contact with. It is always lovely to hear from you all and our small team work hard to respond to you as quickly as possible.
Alumni directory enabling you to upload your details and find friends you have lost contact with linked to our database Access to University and individual academic department news Professional networking by academic discipline or career Access to alumni benefits and discounts Photo galleries Information and email invitations about alumni and University events Advertising jobs specifically targeted at alumni Publicising business services offered by alumni Online archive of newsletters/ alumni updates Relevant links to social networking sites including Facebook Alumni Office blog Video and audio updates
You can sign up to as much or as little of the site as you want the registration system is controlled by you so you can make public as little or as much information as you feel comfortable with and you will only be sent information and invitations to events that you have requested. We will keep you informed of the projects progress over the coming months through our eNewsletter launched in Autumn last year, and the intention is to go live with the website by the Autumn.
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However, it shouldnt take a guru to tell you that frequent communication adds up to a more interesting relationship. That is why we have now secured the funding to develop a password-protected online alumni community to enable all of our alumni to stay in contact more easily with each other and the University and to enable us to respond more quickly to your requests. Many of you have already been proactive in establishing social networking clubs on Facebook and many more of you have developed a way of networking and promoting your business interests via Linked-In.com. What we hope to do is provide you with a one stop shop web platform that as well as manage alumni club activities, give you a range of alumni discounts, invitations and much else. A project group is being established and we would like to invite some of our alumni to join test groups as we progress with the development of the site so we can be absolutely sure that it meets your needs. Some of the more defined benefits are:
To sign up to be a test user of the site please contact Sarah Phillips at syp500@york.ac.uk or telephone 00 (44) 1904 434001. To ensure you receive regular updates register your email address online at www.york.ac.uk/alumni. Go Green change to an e-zine. Register now for your online copy.
n n
Our new online community
37
YAA worldwide join us
ver the last couple of months we have started to introduce York Alumni Association city groups across the UK. These informal receptions have given you the chance to meet and given us the chance to gauge your interest in establishing permanent groups.
Weve already held initial socialising events in New York, Boston, York, Newcastle upon Tyne, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol as well as Oxford, Cambridge, Leeds and Birmingham.
Our colleagues in the International Office have also been crucial in bringing alumni together, and hosting overseas events in China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Thailand. Its been great to hear what interests you. Alumni in these areas completed a short survey to establish their preferences regarding commitment, frequency and activities. We also asked for volunteer organisers in each city who would work with the YAA to create a successful proactive group. You can still give your views by completing the relevant group survey online from the group pages. Visit www.york.ac.uk/admin/dao/ groups/index.htm.
Well be heading to Sheffield, Norwich, Nottingham, Glasgow and Brighton as well as meeting alumni in New York, Boston and Seattle, so if you would like to get involved please get in touch. To find out where your nearest YAA alumni group is please visit the alumni group web pages or contact your local YAA contact by emailing alumni@york.ac.uk Thank you to all who are working hard to keep fellow alumni in touch with the University through organising gatherings and reunions, assisting at Education Exhibitions and setting up groups and discussions. We certainly cannot do all this work ourselves and truly appreciate your contribution.
38
United Kingdom
London Contact: Chris Bailey (Economics, Goodricke, 1970) York Contact: Tim Ngwena (Management, James, 2009) and June Tramer (Language, Wentworth, 1980) Newcastle upon Tyne Contact: James Johnston (History, Vanbrugh, 1996) Manchester Contact: Richard Chambers (Economics, Vanbrugh, 2001) Edinburgh Contact: Donna Dougal-Stupart (Social Policy, Goodricke, 1990) Bristol Contact: Graham Constable (History, Alcuin, 1984) and Jeremy Birch (Electronic Engineering, Wentworth, 1998)
Shanghai Contact: Adele Beizhang Wang (Psychology, 2004) Beijing Contact: Wen Dong (Electronic Engineering, 2005)
China
Malaysia
Contact: Azlan Ariff (Economics and Finance, Vanbrugh, 2009)
New Zealand
Greece
Contact: Dimitrios Rovithis (Economics, Alcuin, 2004) Facebook: University of York Alumni in Greece
Contact: Jonathan Butler (Environment, Economics and Ecology, James, 2002) Contact: Louis Tan (Psychology, 2008)
Singapore
Hong Kong
Contact: Pit Hong Chiu (Economics and Politics, 2002) Facebook: York Alumni Association HK Contact: Mrs Sangeeta Passey (Mathematics, 1997) and Dr Amitav Choudhry (Language, 1999) Contact: Satoshi Muraoka (Public Administration and Public Policy, 2002) Local link: York Japan Alumni (http://groups.yahoo.co.jp/group/ york-japan-alumni/)
South Africa Taiwan
Contact: Riona Naidu (Archaeology, 2005) Contact: An-Ni Wu (Educational Studies, 1999)
India
Thailand
Japan
Contacts: Suporn Methapattrakorn (Chemistry, 2001) and Suda Riengrojpitak (Biology, 1987)
United States of America
Washington DC and Baltimore: Kimberly Collins (History of Art, Halifax, 2007) Boston: Pauline Donnelly (Language and Linguistics, Vanbrugh, 1993) New York: Ildiko Gugan (Psychology & Sociology, James, 1995)
UK City Groups University of York alumni by city

Main City Birmingham Brighton Bristol Cambridge Cardiff Colchester Edinburgh Glasgow Hull Ipswich Leicester London Manchester Newcastle Upon Tyne Norwich Oxford Peterborough Sheffield Southampton York Total 293 142 425 509 117 144 259 127 264 185 263 3855 441 308 293 303 156 469 147 4769
Alumni by industry
Advertising, PR & Marketing Agriculture & Biotechnology Architecture & Construction Armed Forces & Defence Civil Service Conservation & Heritage Creative Arts & Design Diplomatic & International Relations Education (FE & Higher) Education (primary & secondary) Energy and Utilities Engineering Finance, Banking, Accountancy & Insurance Healthcare & Medicine Hotel & Catering Household Based IT & Telecommunications Journalism & Writing 231 148 171 204 483 355 116 50 3998 2981 232 272 2046 1241 77 797 1518 333 Legal Services Leisure & Sport Libraries, Museums & Information Services Local & National Government Management Consultancy Manufacturing & Processing Not for Profits Performing Arts Pharmaceuticals & Chemicals Police & Emergency Services Property Publishing & Printing Recruitment Religion & Clergy Retail & Wholesale Social Services Tourism & Travel Transport, Logistics & Distribution TV, Film & Radio 493 76 152 796 331 335 366 251 441 154 92 175 133 154 434 379 79 214 316
YAA worldwide join us 39
40
why I gave a donation

A
lumnus Vin Arthey (English and Related Literature, Goodricke, 2004) tells grapevine in his own words about his experience with student caller Michelle Page Croft and explains what convinced him to support the 2009 York Annual Fund alumni campaign.
career in television. I made friendships too at that time which have never been lost, and those friendships had led to a camaraderie and network of mutual support, often unspoken, often unseen, during my career. Breaking through this moment of self-reflection, I remember an article I read in the Guardian. It was about a graduate whod lamented that university hadnt prepared her for work, in terms of confidence and professional etiquette she felt she lacked when on the telephone to clients. Well, Michelle wont have this problem, nor, I guess, will the other members of the student caller team. My mood lifts and I find myself feeling part of a university culture again. Proud that my fellow, albeit younger, alumni will stand out from the rest. But what about a donation? Shouldnt my taxes absolve me of even having to think about this? Another article in the Guardian jumps to mind. A few weeks earlier I remember reading a debate in the Money supplement about how graduate readers should respond to requests for donations from their universities. The majority had been hard-headed, as I recall; but really why should I give? Taxes and fees will solve it all, wont they? Hmm, maybe not, as I recall one response from a woman who wrote that a small sum of money from a student support fund at a time of great need had lifted her boyfriend when he was at a low ebb, and this in turn had led to his graduation and a fulfilling life since university. I tell Michelle that I can make a donation. It will have to be smaller than last year, but it will be gift-aided. I ask Michelle what her plans are for the future. Shes only just in her second year. She has some thoughts, and she shares them, but she is keeping her options open. She asks me what I am going to do with the rest of my life. It is a question I ask myself on a regular basis, but giving some answers aloud makes some of the plans a little firmer and Michelle later recalls these in the handwritten card which is sent with the receipt for the donation. The phone is put down and the ironing is finished, but now my mood has changed and Im happy to say it was all down to chatting to Michelle. Vin Arthey (English and Related Literature, Goodricke, 1974)
Calling from York
Sunday evening. Im ironing when the telephone rings. Ah. Its Michelle from the University of York, and I know she is going to ask for a donation to the York Annual Fund. I have put her off twice before, so will have to talk this time. I have been building myself up to say something like, Cant make a donation this year ceased full-time working less disposable income sorry. Michelle is cheerful and briefs me on what she does and the importance of the Fund. I listen, and start to reflect. Its about 8pm on a Sunday evening, the end of the weekend. When I was a second year student all those years ago, I was taking a couple of glasses at The Wellington, not phoning people I didnt know, promoting my university, and seeking donations to its Annual Fund. Michelle asks about my time at university. Momentarily I am saddened, thinking of the things that hadnt worked out, the roads not taken, but my caller is not to know this. She asks if Id been involved in any clubs or societies. Well yes, YSTV. Id even headed it up one year. That hadnt always been easy, either, but she is enthused, and I think some more. Yes, it had been fun and it had made me realise that I could seek a
Calling from York why I gave a donation
Vin Arthey and Michelle Page
Thanks to all who kindly gave to the York Annual Fund. To find out more about the projects funded or how to donate visit www.york.ac.uk/alumni.
41
York Annual Fund

T
he York Annual Fund has grown in strength considerably since it was established in 1998. Now, thanks to you and your fellow donors, whose gifts combine through the Fund, the impact that your support makes on University life is being truly understood by students today.
which is prioritised by the York Annual Fund Disbursement Group according to areas of greatest need. This group has members drawn from University staff, Students Union, University Council and also alumni from three decades. Not only do they consider the relative merits of different projects, they monitor the projects to ensure that your gift, regardless of size, will have a positive and direct effect on the student community. Nowhere is that impact felt more keenly than through the award of scholarships and bursaries handled by our Student Support and Scholarship Office. Postgraduate funding is a particular problem, especially given the levels of student loan repayments. Since fundraising began, 32 of Yorks brightest students have been able to complete a postgraduate year, without adding substantially to that burden, thanks to your support. By giving in this way, more and more alumni recognise their investment in the future of York can change lives and help to shape society. Thank you.
A little goes a long way

little goes a long way, especially when the Government is promising to add extra 1 for every 3 donated to the University. This valuable incentive is available on gifts given before July 2011 and will have a huge impact on students through projects, and societies around the University. For UK donors the Government Matched Funding makes the greatest impact because in simple terms, including gift aid, any donation given will grow by up to 66%! Donations play in an increasing role in the future of Higher Education and in these times of uncertainty Matched Funding offers a valuable incentive and adds a tremendous boost to all our efforts. Visit www.york.ac.uk/alumni/support for more information on how to maximise your gift.
In 2009 the Fund distributed 140,000 worth of grants the largest amount of money to date since fundraising began in this area in 1998. This effort represents a massive leap forward in the Universitys ability to match need with funds. Knowing that the University doesnt deduct administration costs is a real plus for donors, as is knowing that you can directly support your particular interest through various areas of the Annual Fund: Student Support; Opportunity; Building; Library and College Funds. The majority of you are happy to give an unrestricted gift (through the Yorkies Fund), the expenditure of
Leaving a positive legacy

n Opportunity Fund n Student Support n York Building Fund n Library Fund n Department projects
ore and more donors are choosing to give a legacy pledge to demonstrate their support. Thank you to everyone who has let us know that this is their intention and with whom we have worked to ensure their wishes are fulfilled. Legacies are a simple and tax-effective way to guarantee a lasting impact beyond your lifetime and their effects can be truly transformational. Looking to the future, we know pledges like these will become increasingly important. To discuss leaving a bequest to the University, call Susie Fothergill on +44 1904 43 4794 or email sf523@york.ac.uk.
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Total raised 2008/09: 140,000
Alumni notices
Challenge accepted
Blast from the past
Alumni Letter sent in by Richard Malins (Economics and Social History, Derwent, 1966) any thanks to all of you who wrote in to tell us that the University Challenge picture that featured in our last issue was taken in November 1974. We can confirm that team members included Peter Fehler, (English, 1976) with Pete Woan (History, Alcuin, 1976) and Bernard Scudder (English, Derwent, 1976) and Rosie Dix (1975). Richard Selby (History, Alcuin, 1976) was a reserve for the team. One of Yorks most successful challenges was the 1978 team who beat Mansfield, Merton and Keble College, Oxford and Kings and Trinity College,
Cambridge before being stopped by Magdalene College, Cambridge the eventual finalists. Bill Cawley (Economic History and Politics, Derwent, 1978) who remembers it well wrote in to tell grapevine all about the success: I came from a council estate in Stoke which I gave a mention to before the Trinity game. The estate had a bad reputation. After we beat Trinity I went home and met an old man who lived around the corner from me Elijah Beardmore who cried out, We won. He obviously identified in getting one over on the toffs!
Just received my latest grapevine, and the picture on the cover of your new home evoked many memories from those early days of the University. We were allowed the use of this building for various student activities. The attached picture dates from 1963 and the students are Caroline Brown, Graham Buxton (Economics, Derwent, 1966) and (we think) Roy Eddy (Economics and Social History, 1966).
Students and alumni celebrate Derwent Day

tudents and alumni alike gathered last October at Derwent College for the inaugural Derwent Day. The day, which was a commemorative celebration of the life of late provost Ron Weir, was hailed a wonderful tribute by fellow Derwent alumnus and University Chancellor Greg Dyke. Enjoyed by all, the event gave the opportunity for past and present students to share their memories and experiences of their time at the College. During his after-dinner speech at the evening event on campus, Greg (Politics, Derwent, 1974) praised the efforts of the JCRC members for organising a fitting tribute to Ron, who died suddenly of a heart attack in March 2009. He described
him as a father figure for all students and spoke affectionately about his contribution to the College over the past 27 years. The College has also started a memorial project in Rons name. Alumni and students can still contribute to the Ron Weir Memorial Garden, which is planned in order to create a new outdoor social space for students and mark Rons remarkable contribution to Derwent. Those interested can have a name, or the name of a loved one, immortalised in a specially designed feature within the garden. For more information on the project visit: http://tinyurl.com/ DerwentCourtyardProject.
Alumni notices 43
Remember when... My favourite memory

Roger Boyle (Mathematics, Alcuin, 1975) Does Alcuin still hold the Miss York competition? It was a very popular drag contest.I was entered into this by my friends in my first term (1972). Although a photographer carefully recorded all entrants, he was so drunk by the time I appeared that the pictorial record of the evening (still on my office wall) is, er, blurred. Appearing under the nom de guerre Lucy Dolomite, I was not placed. It didnt help being 6 ft 5 in. tall. Im still lost in gratitude to the young ladies still very new acquaintances who kindly lent me some clothes and acted as my road crew! Mark Hewson (Politics, Langwith, 1996) Other than actually surviving to reach graduation, according to my wife, my favourite memory has to be relaxing in Language Junior Common Room watching a series of Elvis movies late at night during my first few weeks at York. Why, because sitting next to me was my future and present wife of over ten years although she waited over three years to tell me of her romantic intentions! Mark Gilroy (Psychology, Derwent, 2003) I remember having a serious discussion about the possibility of there being a family of killer catfish that were silently picking off and consuming the ducks and geese. Miriam Waller (ne Harper) (Chemistry, Derwent, 1995) While waiting to be unleashed into the labs, I heard a fellow white-coated first year undergrad whistling a familiar tune. Is that My God by Jethro Tull youre whistling? I asked. Yeah you know that song?! was his unbelieving reply. I discovered that Greg liked the band just as much as I did, and that we shared the same birthday! That chance recitation/observation led to a friendship that has lasted to this day.
Anna Bhawan (ne Maasalo) (Languages and Linguistics, Wentworth, 2002) It must have been the Freshers Week. We had lots of fun, going on pub crawls, joining random societies and wondering what to do with all the freebies that we were given. I remember the huge letters made of boxes of dumplings in the college kitchens no one knew what to do with them! We were appointed buddies and got together in the first week we made some fantastic friendships that lasted throughout university and beyond. Those were good times!
Stephen Fox (Physics, Langwith, 1987) Cycling home after a cider promotion and getting off my bike to check the handlebars as it wasnt going in a straight line ... obviously must be the bikes fault ... took me a while to figure out the cider might have contributed, however! Lutfey Siddiqi (Econometrics, Goodricke, 1997) I remember frying an egg on the Baby Belling cooker in the Goodricke College pantry one morning in 1994. I didnt have a spatula, so I used a fork to scrape it out of the non-stick pan. The noise woke up my neighbour. She confronted me very angry. Nine years later, we were married. Fifteen years on, we now have a baby boy.
Ange Ahiles (Biology, Wentworth, 1982) From cycling along the covered walkways away from the Biology labs, trying to avoid the baby Canadian goslings and huge helpings of gumbo crumble in Vanbrugh College dining room to the doorstep-size peanut butter sandwiches at the famine lunches in the Physics building concourse (ironic?). Juliet Reid (English, Goodricke, 1999) My favourite memory is decorating the walls of the kitchen in Goodricke C Block (fondly referred to as Prisoner Cell Block C) with Crayola drawings. Initially we did it to brighten up the yellow breeze block walls but it quickly became a popular pursuit for anyone who came into the kitchen. Grab some paper and crayons and draw whatevers in your head. The results were beautiful, bizarre and sometimes slightly disturbing. By the end of the year, there was not a centimetre of breeze block that wasnt covered!
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On the grapevine
Alumni memories and career updates
lease send your entries to alumni@york.ac.uk or complete the contribution on the YAA update form to feature and return via post or visit www.alumni@york.ac.uk to submit your news online.
Submissions are edited; full unedited updates are available online.
P
1968
1971
Dr Barry Knight (Chemistry, Derwent) and Jane Harris-Matthews (English and Music, Alcuin, 1975) Weve found ourselves suddenly empty nested as our elder daughter Alice has gone to university (Durham not York!) while our younger daughter Celia has decided to go to boarding school for the sixth form. Were now rediscovering adult life.
Sad news 1974

Angela OReilly-Blazy (Education, Alcuin) I would like to announce the sad news that Patricia Dunnaway, a student with me on the 1973/74 PGCE Modern Languages course at the Language Teaching Centre, died on 11 October 2009 at her home in Paris aged 59. She and I both married and settled in France in our twenties, and sat (and passed!) the French competitive teaching exam, the Agrgation, to become teachers in the state system. But we both always said we had learnt everything we knew about language teaching at York! She leaves a husband, Jean-Daniel Dubois, and three children, Josquin, Loramy and Ionna (Pat said with a surname like Dubois her children simply couldnt have a run-of-the-mill first name!). I know many of those on our course will remember Pat with great affection, a soft-spoken girl with a will of steel.
1972
Professor Geoffrey Pullum (Language, Derwent) I am currently Professor of General Linguistics and Head of Linguistics and English Language at the University of Edinburgh, and was elected a Fellow of the British Academy in July 2009.
Carole Bourne (ne Swan) (Politics, Derwent) We recently celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary with a party last July. Phil has recently retired from a career in radio at the BBC and I have recently retired from a career in local Government.
A fruitful experience 1973

Professor Giancarlo Pola (Economics, Vanbrugh) I belong to a special class of York alumni, as I came to York in 1967 as a postgraduate of the Catholic University of Milan, Italy. There was a thick Italian colony, the so-called York mafia while I was there. All of us have benefited from the studies we attended there. We all were helped by our York heritage to face hard academic careers in Italy. Thank you, York, for having given me a professionally fruitful and a personally happy time!
1978
1970
Mary Madgwick (ne Price) (Education, Langwith) Remember Professor Hawkins, Peter Coreen, Dr Trudi Berger? Did you learn Italian before starting your PGCE (Languages) course? I married Peter and still do a little teaching and examining. I currently work as a civil registrar in Somerset.
Diana Harrison (ne Green) (Biology with Educational Studies, Goodricke) and son William Harrison (English and History of Art, Derwent, 2008) The last grapevine mentioned the York Boat Club which has prompted me to write because my son William was bow in the famous 2006 boat which qualified at Henley Royal Regatta. It was quite an achievement for a small university club. Needless to say we were very proud!
On the grapevine 45
1979
Gregory Beaven (English) I qualified as a barrister in 1991 after some years of teaching English and now work as Senior Crown Prosecutor for the CPS in Leicestershire.
Sad news 1985

Dr John Slater (Music, Vanbrugh) FRCO, DPhil (Kings College London), MPhil (York), M.Mus (Goldsmiths), B.Mus (Durham and Dublin), ARMCM, LRAM and PGCE. Senior lecturer at Chester University, composer, organist and pianist. Submitted by Mrs Rita Slater Trevor died suddenly last May. He touched the lives of so many pupils and students and well all miss the glorious sounds he created.
1990
1979
Yvonne Bunting (English and History, Derwent) Living in pleasant, if unexciting, South Derbyshire village for three years now my 36th home (in 72 years). Not settled but inertia has set in, temporarily. Still working part-time in office of busy counselling service, part funded by NHS. Active in animal welfare plus walking, keep fitting, reading etc.
1990
1986
Ian Burr (English, Alcuin) I did an MA in Renaissance Theatre and a PGCE (both Warwick), taught in five London secondary schools, worked in learning support and tutored in four London boroughs. Since 2005 I worked front of house at the National Theatre and Shakespeares Globe. From September Im training as a primary teacher. (Please note this is a re-submission due to a mispelling in Autumn/Winter 2009 grapevine, P28)
1991
Rev. Ruth Thomas (Music and Education, Wentworth) It is good to receive news of York and I would like to let people know that after a career in teaching and then at Durham University as Head of Music Education I was ordained in Durham Cathedral in June 2009. I am now the curate of St Giles Church in Durham City where I live. My daughter Megan is applying to York for 2010 family tradition starting, I hope. Good wishes to all.
Hamish Fynn (Chemistry and Chemistry Education, Alcuin) I am currently Operations Director for Integrated Adult Training, a private training provider of basic/fundamental and supervisory training, predominantly working in the mining sector. I remain married to my wife Marion of 34 years with a son Henry (27) and a daughter Belinda (29). To contact Hamish email alumni@york.ac.uk.
John Honneyman (Physics and Philosophy, Langwith) Working for the past seven years as Community Support Officer supporting people with mental health problems to find alternative accommodation. I enjoy walking, swimming at Beckwith Health Club and occasionally a classical music concert.
1995
1980
Colin Doran (Economics and Econometrics, Langwith) I have very fond memories of my time in Langwith, especially as Sports Representative in 1979, spending too much time playing sport! I gave up a highly paid career to set up a small school. I now teach Maths plus several other subjects. Over the past few years the school has gone from strength to strength. My wife of almost 25 years teaches alongside me. We are also blessed with two wonderful children, Hannah (17) and Michael (14).
1989
Geoffrey Richardson (Mathematics, Langwith) Believe it or not I have recently started work distributing organic mead. There are one or two other Yorkies involved too. Weve been trying to get in contact with Arthur Pewtey does anyone know where he is these days? To contact Geoffrey email alumni@york.ac.uk.
Danette Sullivan (English, Goodricke) Hello Yorkies! Im very excited to announce that after passing two written tests and an interview, I have been selected to join the US Department of State. I begin my diplomatic training on 3 August in Washington DC. I hope I get to meet Secretary Clinton probably not as I will only be a junior officer.
1996
Colin Povey (Chemistry, Derwent) and Rachael Povey (ne Rudham) (History, Langwith) Colin and I celebrated the birth of our second daughter, Madeleine Ruby, in January 2009, a sister for Eleanor Grace. We are having great fun being parents!
46
1997
Thomas Coles
2000
Tracy Brown (ne Bowen) (History, Langwith) and Jonathan Brown (English, 2004 and PGCE, 2007) Jonathan and I married on 31 July 2009. A photograph can be viewed online.
Fond memories of York 2001

Arif Kadir (Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Alcuin) I returned to Malaysia after graduating to work in the oil and gas industry. Its been a crazy and wonderful eight years in a fascinating industry, working from the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and travelling from as far afield as Ethiopia and Uzbekistan to Switzerland and Japan. I recently settled decided to go back to university. This time, Im giving the US a try. So far, its been an intense but highly rewarding experience, not least as Ive had to re-acquaint myself with grades and exams after an eight-year absence! I have very fond memories of York and stay in touch with a number of friends such as Shamila Othman (Economics and Politics, Goodricke, 1999), Michelle Wong and Leo Metcalf, but I would love to get re-acquainted with others such as Rebecca Seeley (Economics and Politics, Alcuin, 2001), Simon Schmidt and Marta Medusa (Politics, Derwent, 2001).
2000
Dr Thomas Muir (Music, Vanbrugh) Produced a new CD of my own compositions entitled Legends of the Wild Wood to go with a large exhibition of paintings at the Bucks County Museum in Aylesbury. (Computer Science, Goodricke) Slightly belatedly Im delighted to announce a wedding and two births: it wont surprise many that Caroline and I met on an internet dating site after York and married in 2005. We had Edward in 2006 and Gabrielle three months ago. Seem to have kept in touch with most people but would love to hear from Stephen Smith (GSDS, you know who you are!) if youre reading.
2001
1997
Mark Salmon and Helen Salmon (History, Alcuin) We are celebrating the birth of our fourth child, William, in August 2009.
1998
2001
Rebecca Frost (ne Culley) (English Language and Linguistics, Derwent) My husband Mark and I welcomed our first child into the world in August 2009 William John Frost weighing 9lb 1oz.
2001
Laura Ledgard (ne Everson) (History, James) and Andrew Ledgard (Derwent College, Chemistry) My husband and I met at York in 1997 and married in May 2009 at Frintonon-Sea. The wedding was attended by many of our friends.
Dr Lorenzo Caputi and Dr Veronica Greco (Psychology, Goodricke) After my PhD in Psychology I worked as a research fellow at the universities of York and Sheffield for over eight years. I then completed an advanced course in sign language and then returned to Italy, where I now work in a school supporting deaf children.
Gareth Simkins (Environmental Biology and Environmental Management, Vanbrugh) and Anna Orridge (English and Related Literatures, Alcuin) We married in Birmingham in May last year, going on honeymoon to Venice, Lake Garda and Paris all by environmentally sound train. Anna teaches English to foreign students and I write for the environmental business and policy journal, the ENDS Report. We bought a flat in an old Victorian schoolhouse in Wimbledon last autumn, which we had been renting since 2006.
On the grapevine 47
2001
2004
Sophie Barton (History of Art, Vanbrugh) Living/working in France as a conservator with CRRCOA in Vesoul, Franche-Comt. Doing a variety of restoration work including rood screens (medieval), churches etc. Have recently started violin lessons! Never too late!
An exciting challenge 2004
2004
Sarah Tropman (Mathematics, Langwith) and David Tropman (Electronic Engineering, Langwith) The latest addition to our family, Peter William Tropman, was born in December 2009 weighing 7lb 7oz. We were married in June 2003.
Peter Drake (Historical Archaeology, Wentworth) Following a year-long sojourn using what I studied (Historical Archaeology) at the service of surveying for mobile phone towers, which was terminated by redundancy, I have married a lovely woman and found work with the US Census Bureau, observing the categorisation and counting of the politics.
2002
Faith Young (Womens Studies, Derwent) Since leaving university I have worked in the newspaper industry and recently changed roles to working for a property company, leaving me more time to concentrate on what I hope will be a writing career.
2004
2003
Iain Cardnell (Computer Science and Mathematics, Langwith) and Elena Cardnell (Computer Science, Langwith, 2003) We met in 2000 in Langwith on our first day in York. We were studying the same course and living on the same corridor so soon got to know each other. After nine years together we got engaged, and married in October 2009 in Farnham. It was a lovely day and several of our friends from York attended. We are currently living and working in London.
Gerard Kelly (Economics, 2004) and Frances Kelly (ne Whittaker) (Economic and History, James) We met in the first-year musical Crazy For You and after a year of dancing around in Toffs together we started going out. We got engaged on Sydney Harbour Bridge and in summer 2009 were married in Jersey. The wedding was a fantastic day and it was great to see so many York friends there.
Victoria Nicholson (History of Art, Vanbrugh) In April this year I was the project manager for a record-setting expedition to Gorak Shep, a plateau close to Everest Base Camp, where a cricket team in full whites set the record for the highest game of team sport ever played! There were 48 of us in total a team comprising the cricket players, medics, specially trained altitude experts, journalists, photographers and a fundraising support crew. We raised over 100,000 for The Himalayan Trust UK and for The Lords Taverners. Neil Laughton, who led Bear Gryllss famous Everest expedition, was our official patron and we secured Nokia as our official expedition sponsor. Visit us online at The Everest Test 2009, www.theeveresttest.com, for more information.
48
2004
2006
Evangelos Nastas (Public Economics, Halifax) Undoubtedly the year I graduated was one of the best years in my life. I remember plenty of things but there is something that I will never forget. During the first week of my MSc course I attended a fantastic socialising event where I had the opportunity to meet my colleagues from the Department of Economics. It was a great moment. Everybody was speaking to you without knowing you before with a nice smile!
2007
Linda Widdicks (ne Westwood) (Language and Linguistics, Derwent) and Mark Widdicks (Economics and Finance, Derwent) We were married in December 2009. We met on the first day of university as we lived in opposite rooms in Derwent B Block, and although it took a while to get together, we have enjoyed life together ever since. We now live in a beautiful Suffolk village where I am Head of Department in the local middle school and Mark is a qualified accountant.
2006
Emma Thirkell (Management, Information Technology and Language, James) Having realised working within management was not for me, I then applied to do a PhD in Management at the University of Newcastle of which I am in my second year currently. I now work at the university, teaching and supervising undergraduate students on the Business Management course. I am loving working in academia, and hope to return to teach at the University in the near future. Thats if my students let me survive until the end of my PhD
Kien Yen (Electronic Engineering and Music Technology, Halifax) Since graduation, Ive been around Asia including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Taipei working as a feature director for WestEast magazine. Ive also written a book called SaloneSatellite: Applause to the New Designer.
2008
2007
Deepak Sardiwal (Economics, Goodricke) Ive just got a job working as an economist for the Government of Swaziland in their Ministry of Economic Planning and Development. The inciteful Development Economics lectures I took at York and its reputation helped bring that about.
2005
Donna Griffiths (Language and Linguistics, Derwent) I have just picked up your magazine (returned home for holiday) and heard the sad news about Prof. Ron Weir. In my first year at York I lived in the room opposite Rons (staff flat or Office!) in Derwent and have fond memories of him. I wish I could have attended Derwent Alumni Day in November but unfortunately I was in Bangkok teaching.
2006
Ben Brown (Computer Systems and Software Engineering, Goodricke) and Clara Brown (ne Yuen) (Economics, Langwith, 2002 & MSC in Economics, Wentworth, 2003) After graduating we both moved to London and got married in September 2009. We met each other during my first year (and Claras last) at York through the Volleyball Club. We were joined at our wedding in Essex by a number of other alumni we have met over the years through the club. A photograph and full submission can be viewed online.
2009
Anna Brewer (ne) (English Literary Studies, Wentworth) Loving living in London, but do get nostalgic for beautiful York. I work at a publishers and got married in July to a lovely Warwick Philosophy academic and were enjoying living in Kentish Town and making the most of what London has to offer.
2009
Frederick Forder (History, Halifax) and Mrs Clare Forder (ne Lilley) (Biology, Halifax, 2006) We got married on 1 August 2009 having been together since we met during Freshers Week! The wedding was attended by a number of York alumni. We are now living in London.
2007
Charles Nelson (Archaeology, Halifax) Ill always remember the interesting lecturers we had in Archaeology some of them made vivid impressions on our memories, including showing up in excessively pink sportswear.
On the grapevine
Daniel Whitlam (Mathematics and Finance, Goodricke) and Rebecca Whitlam (Music, Derwent, 2006) We recently got married and over 45 York alumni attended.
49
york
conferences
uby
(1970-2010)
The University of York offers year round Bed and Breakfast accommodation
Giftshop
Browse instore or visit https://store.york.ac.uk
0044 (0)1904 434866
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For more information and to book:
www.yorkconferences.com central-reservations@york.ac.uk +44 (0)1904 328431
I N T R O D U C I N G . . .
GRADUATION RINGS
Available to all alumni in silver or gold, from 59. Visit www.evalondon.com/york or contact +44 (0)207 148 7060, info@evalondon.com.
W W W . E VALO N D O N . C O M /YO R K
Meet the team

Go Green Dont forget you can download your copy of grapevine or request a e-version by visiting www.york.ac.uk/alumni grapevine is produced by the University of York Development and Alumni Relations Office. The views represented in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial team, York alumni or the University of York. All information was correct at the time of print. All rights reserved. Please recycle when finished. Joan Concannon Director of External Relations and Development Phone: 00 44 (0) 1904 43 2193 Email: jc820@york.ac.uk Susie Fothergill Fundraising Programme Manager Phone: 00 44 (0) 1904 43 4794 Email: sf523@york.ac.uk
To keep in touch with us and to receive details of future alumni events, please remember to keep us up to date with your contact details. You can update your details via our online form (www.alumni.co.uk) or via email (alumni@york.ac.uk). Lisa Hawkins-Weeks Alumni Relations Manager Phone: 00 44 (0) 1904 43 2097 Email: ljh11@york.ac.uk Sarah Sylvester Development Officer Phone: 00 44 (0) 1904 43 4555 Email: sls508@york.ac.uk York Alumni Association Alumni House University of York 5 Main Street Heslington York UK YO10 5DD
Jing Wood Development and Alumni Assistant Phone: 00 44 (0) 1904 43 4467 Email: jww2@york.ac.uk
Nik Miller Development Officer Phone: 00 44 (0) 1904 433659 Email: nm19@york.ac.uk
With thanks to Jilly Lovett, Alice Jenkins, Dodi Beardshaw, Jim Norton, Lisa Herdman, Elizabeth Heaps, Professor David Raffaelli, Joshua Chambers, Professor Roger Burrows, Liz Smith and Vin Arthey. Picture credits George Lowther Corbis Dr Andrew Marshall HBO/Paul Schiraldi i-stock HomeServe Archive Mark Harrison Nouse Rebecca Stott Paul Shields Jing Wood
Meet the team
Sarah Phillips Alumni and Development Communications Manager (Editor) Phone: 0044 (0) 1904 434001 Email: syp500@york.ac.uk
Paul Tyack Trusts & Foundations Officer Phone: 00 44 (0) 1904 434 486 Email: pt570@york.ac.uk
The next issue of grapevine will be Autumn/ Winter 2010; the deadline for submission is the 30th June 2010.
51 51
Event notices dates for your diary

1 May
Baroque Day at 10.30 National Centre for Early Music
5 May
The Chamber Players at 19.30 Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall
8-9 May
York Annual Alumni Weekend
12-16 May
Spring Festival at 10.00 Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall
22 May
York Races - Alumni discount available (www.york.ac.uk/alumni)
27 May
Biology Lecture with Professor Beddington from Imperial College London at 19.00
28 May
Zamar Gospel Choir at 19.30 Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall
9 June
Agreeing to Disagree The Concerto at 19.30, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall
11 June
University Jazz Orchestra at 19.30, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall
14 June
Physics Inaugural Lecture at 16.30
16 June
The English Golden Age at 19.30, Chapter House, York Minster
21 June
Psychology Inaugural Lecture at 16.30
23 June
University Choir & Symphony Orchestra War Requiem at 19.30 York Minster
25 June
From these Isles New music of the UK at 19.30, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall
28 June
York Management School Inaugural Lecture at 17.30
30 June
The Sir Jack Lyons Concert at 19.30, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall
7 & 8 May 2011

York Annual Alumni Weekend
The University hosts a variety of events on campus you can sign up to receive notifications by visiting the YAA events calendar online www.york.ac.uk/alumni/events. Information on the concerts available visit www.yorkconcerts.co.uk and remember you get a 10% discount off concert tickets when purchasing tickets from the Box Office. The Department of Music has recently started to release podcasts via iTunes and you can watch live video streams from the department website www.york.ac.uk/music. These are free to download and subscribe to, and feature concert recordings, interviews with performers and composers, and lectures. This online project was funded by alumni through the York Annual Fund. Visit www.york.ac.uk/alumni/support for more information.
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