London 2012 inspires Winchester - University of Winchester

University News VENTA / Issue 26 / Summer 2012
Magical Mirabel
Debra Tomlinson (MA Writing for
Children, 2007 to 2010) has recently
had her first book, Magical Mirabel,
published after being commissioned
by the Wiltshire Traveller Education
Service of Wiltshire Council.
Debra wrote the story following an assignment
as part of her course at Winchester and was
approached by her friend Nicole Powell who
works for the traveller education service.
Nicole was looking for a story to be written for
Showmen children, the children of fairground
travellers, Debra showed her Magical Mirabel
and it was agreed that the book would be ideal
with a few slight changes.
“I visited the Day’s, a showman family in
Devizes, to find out about fairs from the
showman family’s perspective,” said Debra. “I
made sure that the descriptions of the rides
and stalls were factually correct and that the
names of the rides used proper showman
terms.”
“Actually holding your first ever book in your
hands is a very special moment,” explained
Debra. “Seeing your name on the cover is
great, but most of all when children are
engaged by the story and enjoy it, that is really
special.”
Magical Mirabel is available for purchase
through their Wiltshire Council’s Traveller
Education Service.
Winton Club
Reunion 2012
This year’s annual Winton Club
Reunion will take place from 29 June
to 1 July.
1970/74 leavers are invited to attend the
Friday night buffet to celebrate 40 years since
leaving the University. On Saturday there will
be the traditional church service, followed by
the luncheon which is an opportunity to be
reunited with old friends and reminisce about
student times in Winchester. The speaker at
this year’s luncheon is Mr Chris Higgins, who
was Director of Estates at the University from
1994 to 2007.
Invitations to Reunion 2012 were sent out in
April, if you did not receive one and would like
to then please contact the Alumni Office.
alumni@winchester.ac.uk Tel: 01962 827532
The story centres on Emily, a little girl who
goes to the fair with her dad. Desperate to
ride Mirabel, her favourite horse on the Merry
Go Round, Mirabel comes alive and they
gallop off on a magical ride across the sky.
The tale tells of her love of the fair, family
traditions and the magical atmosphere that
surrounds fairs, allowing an escape from day
to day worries.
Desperately
seeking
Lesley Kaye is trying to find John
Marks (History with Archaeology,
1994 to 1996). John came to King
Alfred’s College from Bradford and
Lesley is trying to get back in touch
with John. If anyone knows of John’s
whereabouts or has any information
on how to get in touch with him then
please contact the Alumni Office.
Richard Crozier (Teaching with English, 1960
to 1963) is trying to find Terry Cox of the same
years. Terry studied Teaching with PE and
History. If you are able to offer any information
on where Terry is then please contact the
Alumni Office.
01962 827532 or email
alumni@winchester.ac.uk
Debra Tomlinson
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