November 2011 - University of Worcester

NEWSMike Parker60 th Lovatt Lecturein GeographyWorcestershire: an England inminiature?by Mike ParkerThursday 24 November 6pm Urwin Lecture TheatreMike is the author of The bestselling Map Addict, described by TheDaily Telegraph as an “excellent book on the pleasures of maps andnavigation … a withering attack on the infantilisation of the satnavage”. His follow-up book, The Wild Rover, is a passionate celebrationof our rights of way network, and an examination of its chequeredhistory. Veteran author Jan Morris describes it as “a wonderfullyexhilarating literary excursion on and off a hundred beaten tracks”. Mikegrew up in Kidderminster but has written and presented numerous TVprogrammes on his adopted home territory of Wales including thephenomenally popular Great Welsh Roads. He also wrote the cultbook Neighbours From Hell?, a passionate polemic about the historyof English attitudes to their nearest neighbours. He has written and cowrittenten guide books, including five editions of the Rough Guide toWales, and he occasionally performs as an actor and stand-up comedian.Journalism studentsinterview leaderDuck-houses,Disraeli andthe conservationof biodiversitywere among thediscussion topicscovered during auniversity visit byWorcestershireCounty CouncilLeader AdrianHardman.Cllr Adrian HardmanCouncillor Hardman fielded questions from Universityof Worcester Journalism students about his civic roleand social policies for a profile-writing assignmenton a second year Reporting Politics module.The session gave students the chance to find outhow the Council will deliver proposals to makeregional savings of £69m over four years in the faceof the Government’s public spending squeeze.Having represented Bredon since March 2001, CouncillorHardman said being involved in local politics was aboutcommunity support. “County councils have come toserve communities not political parties,” he added.Media lecturer Christine Challand said the visit had been avaluable research and interview experience for the class.“Interviewing a seasoned politician can prove daunting foreven the most experienced reporter,” she said. “But thestudents did their homework in typical Paxman style andkept the questions coming. They covered everything fromMPs expenses to the eviction of travellers from Dale Farm.”Pavement pounding: pounds raisingSome 20 plus runners and walkers fromthe University of Worcester and WorcesterSnoezelen took to the streets of Birminghamon Sunday 23 October to take part in theBUPA Great Birmingham half marathon.Each member of team ‘Uni-Snoezer’ covered the 13.1miles raising vital funds for the Snoezelen Centre - theUniversity of Worcester’s Charity of the Year.For many members this was their first half marathon and the furthestdistance ever covered in a pair of trainers. The race may well havebeen won by Olympic gold medallist and former marathon worldrecord holder, Haille Gebresaillse, but this didn’t stop many membersrunning their own personal victories. It’s fair to say that every oneinvolved found the last two miles incredibly tough, with no one realisingBirmingham was such a hilly city! So far £4,200 has been raised. Whenthe half marathon was first mentioned some six months ago, it washoped a target of £1,000 could be reached. Having smashed the originalSome members of the Uni-Snoezers running teamtargetthe teamare now hoping the half marathon effort will raise £4,500. It costs£50,000 a year to keep Worcester Snoezelen open. For anyonestill wishing to donate visit: www.justgiving.com/uni-snoezers12 / NOVEMBER 2011 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk