Autumn 2002 PW 5 - Cranfield University

Autumn 2002 Issue 5 £2.95 

The Romans are coming! 

Roman armour provides fascinating material evidence 

What can TCS do for you? ❋ 21st birthday celebrations ❋ hon grad close-ups 

PASSWORD WORD 

The Magazine for Cranfield University Alumni 

❋❋❋❋❋

INTRO 

Contents 

Cover feature: 

The Romans are coming .................................8 

Cranfield news: 

Including the launch of the new National Soil 

Resources Institute and a project which will 

help to rebuild Afghanistan .............................2 

News feature: 

What can TCS do for you? ..............................1 

News feature: 

Double celebration for Water Sciences ..........4 

Feature: 

Euro satisfaction .............................................6 

Nostalgic feature: 

Chilblains and frozen pipes.............................7 

Cranfield people: 

Hon graduates and profiles ...........................10 

Alumni information: 

Alumni events.................................................14 

Where are they now?.....................................16 

Alumni news...................................................20 

Alumni info and Pod.......................................21 

Frantic at Farnborough 

Staff manning the Cranfield College 

of Aeronautics stand at the 

Farnborough Air Show hardly had time 

to draw breath. 

As well as fielding constant enquiries 

from industry and potential students, 

they were regularly visited by Cranfield 

alumni now working for a range of topflight 

companies. 

TO CONTACT US 

Website: www.cranfield.ac.uk/alumni 

Tel: +44 (0)1234 754991/2 

Fax: +44 (0)1234 754990 

Email: alumni@cranfield.ac.uk 

By post: Dot Hill, Cranfield University Alumni Office, 

Cranfield University, 

Cranfield, Beds MK43 0AL 

OUR EFFORTS, 

BUT ALL YOUR 

ENTHUSIASM 

At this time of year, as well as 

greeting old friends, we are particularly 

pleased to welcome all new 

graduates to the alumni association 

of Cranfield University. We hope 

you will enjoy what may be your 

first edition of Password. 

For us in the alumni office, 

August marks the anniversary of the 

opening of the facility set up two years 

ago to run an alumni programme specifically 

tailored to your needs, as alumni 

of Cranfield. 

In that time, a combination of our 

efforts and your enthusiasm has enabled 

this magazine to become a vibrant and 

essential part of what we are all about – 

keeping in touch. In that time, too, out of 

more than 30,000 contacts we have 

reached a 63% accuracy of data. We have 

also reached our target of 10,000 email 

addresses – the most effective way of 

communicating, I’m sure you’ll agree. 

We know at least 97% of Cranfield students 

are already in employment by the 

time they graduate – part of the reason 

for this is because, having been selected 

as students of the highest quality, you 

are best placed to make a difference to 

your chosen industry. 

From Cranfield you may have 

returned home or moved elsewhere – 

but wherever you are, we hope you will 

continue the Cranfield experience. 

Perhaps you will return to Cranfield for 

an event, a visit or a further course. Or 

perhaps you will join one of the active 

alumni networking groups springing up 

world-wide. 

Of course, most of you who have been 

graduates for some time are well-established 

in key roles in your industry, and 

we trust that when the opportunity arises, 

you will be the first to welcome the 

newcomers. 

Do take a moment to read the last two 

pages of the magazine and please continue 

to send us news of your progress 

and your ideas for Password, Pod and 

the website. 

www. cranfield.ac.uk/alumni 

� Dot Hill, 

Alumni 

Communication 

Manager 

A spectacle 

in the making 

With a spectacular float, a 

parade of students and a flypast, 

Cranfield will dominate the 

annual Lord Mayor’s Show on 

Saturday 9 November. 

How so, you may well ask? 

It just so happens that Carole 

Blackshaw, a visiting lecturer to 

Cranfield College of Aeronautics’ 

Air Transport Group, is Lady 

Mayoress elect for the coming year. 

And tradition has it that the Lady 

Mayoress is allowed her own float, 

decorated to represent a particular 

interest of her own, in the show. 

Carole has kindly declared 

Cranfield University to be her chosen 

interest and has offered that 

unique opportunity to the university 

– hence the aeronautical theme 

to the planned display. 

Even more pleasingly, this is also 

an occasion which can involve our 

alumni. If you would like to take 

part in the procession, you will be 

more than welcome. 

Details can be found on your 

website: 

www.cranfield.ac.uk/alumni 

or email alumni@cranfield.ac.uk 

to volunteer.


TCS 

Do you know that Cranfield University not only has an 

enormous amount to offer your business but, through 

Cranfield Creates, has set up a special scheme to help 

you get involved? 

In essence, the TCS* scheme allows you to implant a graduate 

into your business to carry out a specified research or 

development project, supported by an academic supervisor 

from Cranfield University. 

Speaking at the launch presentation earlier in the year, Dr 

Tony West of Cranfield Creates said: “The scheme is an ideal 

opportunity for the business community to take full advantage 

of the university’s international expertise and knowledge, and 

improve their competitiveness. 

“A current research project is investigating the effectiveness of 

the ways we engage with SMEs. It is also exploring future 

developments and how they might be introduced into the wider 

university activities, building on our strong record of interacting 

with large multi-nationals. 

“Obviously, we would particularly like to include companies 

run by our alumni in this process.” 

Already, one Cranfield-related TCS project has been selected 

for entry into a national competition for excellence – evidence of 

the university’s relationship with forward-looking businesses. 

The Virtual Bus Driving project – applying human factors 

engineering to bus driver training – is a partnership between the 

university and Arriva Passenger Services plc. Three Cranfield 

graduates (known as associates) will be working on this project 

over the next four years, jointly supported by staff from both 

organisations. 

Funded by the DTI/ESRC, with Arriva contributing 60% of 

the £425,000 contract, the project involves the application of 

psychological principles leading to the implementation of a 

driver training programme. A unique aspect is investment in a 

specially adapted mobile driving simulator which can safely 

model real-life situations without real-life risk. 

* formerly Teaching Company Scheme 

WHAT IS THERE 

IN IT FOR YOU? 

� Dr Tony West of Cranfield Creates speaks to an attentive audience 

during the presentation which launched the TCS scheme 

A further TCS award of £94,000 went to Cranfield’s 

Department of Process and Systems Engineering, in conjunction 

with Titan Enterprises, to develop a flowmeter that is low cost, 

non-invasive and capable of in-line cleaning. 

Cranfield academic staff used their considerable experience in 

ultrasonic flowmetering and came up with a novel design which 

met Titan’s specifications. 

In the process of being 

patented, the success of 

this flowmeter will result 

in production of more 

than 20,000 of these units 

each year, representing a 

considerable expansion of 

Titan’s business. 

Tony commented: “This 

is another fine example of Cranfield’s ability to reach out to 

business and use its expertise to the benefit of both. 

“I am delighted we have been able to conclude such a 

successful and productive arrangement.” 

A detailed investigation of business engagement by Cranfield 

Creates will shortly lead to a set of recommendations to improve 

the interaction between the university and its potential business 

partners. 

“This is a very exciting time for the development of links with 

business that benefit all parties,” said Tony. “Cranfield 

University has a great deal to offer, and I am determined we 

shall do all we can to ensure this project is a great success for all 

those who choose to be involved.” 

Interested? To find out more about TCS and the benefits it can 

bring to your company, please contact the Alumni Office and 

we’ll make the connections for you… 

Email alumni@cranfield.ac.uk 

1 

NEWS FEATURE

2 

CRANFIELD NEWS 

NEWS 

A STAR-STUDDED START 

The official launch of Silsoe’s new 

National Soil Resources Institute 

(NSRI) was a star-studded 

affair, presided over by 

The Rt Hon Alun 

Michael MP, Minister of 

State for Rural Affairs and 

with none other than Professor 

David Bellamy giving the Inaugural 

Lecture. 

Speaking on: ‘The Soil Resource: the 

Gold Standard of Sustainability’, the 

world-reknowned environmentalist 

explained how soil, a living resource, 

is being damaged worldwide and 

looked at the necessity of good soil husbandry 

to the global focus on sustainable 

development. 

The occasion was also an opportunity 

for the high-profile guests to be introduced 

to NSRI’s new Director, Professor 

Mark Kibblewhite. 

“Irreplaceable soil resources are being 

lost because of gaps in the planning system,” 

said Mark, going on to explain that, 

while soil contains immensely important 

biological systems - the powerhouse for 

our environment – planning decisions fail 

to treat them as habitats. 

“A new approach is needed urgently,” 

he continued, “and Cranfield’s National 

Soil Resources Institute stands ready to 

support a new approach to sustainable 

Materials for life 

Aresource and training package 

developed for the National 

Federation of Women’s Institutes (WI) 

by Professor Clifford Friend and colleagues 

at Shrivenham has had its 

most prestigious ‘outing’ to date. 

Mariane Morgan from the Powys 

Brecknock WI Federation used the display 

material as part of a presentation 

to Her Majesty the Queen on her visit 

to Mid-Wales in early June. 

� Professor David Bellamy emphasises a 

point in his own inimitable style 

planning - one which must include a clear 

policy for soil protection.” 

NSRI, one of the three environmental 

and life sciences institutes based at Silsoe, 

has more than 50 soil scientists and engineers 

and about 100 students studying for 

Masters and PhD degrees. 

Ongoing projects include the ‘Smart 

Stick’, revolutionary equipment to standardise 

the measurement of the ‘going’ 

on racecourses; a joint project with 

Syngenta, the leading agribusiness, to 

look at soil protection in perennial crops, 

and one with staff from the Maltese 

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries 

relating to their soil information system. 

The ‘Materials for Life’ Public 

Awareness of Science package is 

designed for use by trained WI volunteer 

‘communicators’ and features 

simple ‘storyboards’ to deliver strong 

messages about the role materials 

science plays in our everyday lives. 

Mariane attended a course and used 

Cranfield’s display package to prepare 

her exhibit for the Queen. The 

‘Materials for Life’ package continues 

to be widely used by the WI, including 

in the Powys Radnor Federation, 

where the life history of the squeezy 

sauce bottle is a firm favourite. 


Give us a choice, 

consumers insist 

People want greater choice and interaction 

when they buy from a 

machine, according to the first piece of 

major research into the UK vending 

machine business carried out by 

Cranfield School of Management. 

The author of the research, carried 

out on behalf of the Automatic Vending 

Association (AVA), was Senior Lecturer 

in Marketing Dr Susan Baker. 

She said: “The vending machine business 

is very functional - people today 

want a more personal experience. 

“Vending machines have appeal, as 

people are able to pick up a drink or a 

snack virtually anytime anywhere - and 

know, particularly if the product is a 

named brand, what the quality of the 

product is. 

“We found, however, that changing 

lifestyles and increased mobility means 

that people have higher expectations.” 

More variety has also been called for 

by consumers, who want more than hot 

and cold drinks, chocolate or crisps. 

Healthier options are being requested 

together with more payment options, 

such as credit cards or smart cards, to 

avoid having to search for the right 

change. 

AVA members in the UK and Ireland 

are largely associated with the provision 

of food and drinks. But the future could 

see more options introduced, such as 

those available to the Japanese, who can 

buy a range of items from a machine - 

from underwear and hair gel to bunches 

of flowers and CDs.


Big guns 

turn out for CCoA 

Sir Colin 

Chandler 

An advisory council to guide the 

development of Cranfield College 

of Aeronautics has been established 

under the chairmanship of Sir Colin 

Chandler, the university Pro-Chancellor. 

The council includes high-profile 

names such as Sir Malcolm Field, former 

Chairman of the Civil Aviation 

Authority and now a government advisor 

on transport issues; Sir Michael 

Knight, Air Chief Marshal retired and 

the current Chairman of Cranfield 

Aerospace, and Professor David Hyde, 

former Director of Safety, Security and 

Environment for British Airways, 

Head of CCoA Professor Ian Poll said: 

“It’s a measure of the college’s reputation 

and our commitment to it that so 

many aerospace leaders have been willing 

to give up their time to help us shape 

its work for the 21st century.” 

Sir Colin, who also chairs the university 

Council said: “No one on our list 

needed persuading to join this advisory 

council. We all believe Cranfield College 

of Aeronautics has a most significant 

role to play shaping future flight programmes 

and developing those who 

will work in the aerospace industry.” 

Currently Chairman of Vickers plc, Sir 

Colin is also shortly to take on the chairmanship 

of leading low-cost airline 

easyJet in a wholesale change to the 

company’s board structure. 

He has been appointed Deputy 

Chairman with immediate effect, and 

will take over as Chairman when Stelios 

Haji-Ioannou resigns at the 2003 AGM. 

The telegenesis of an 

exciting joint venture 

An exciting joint project has begun 

between Cranfield University, 

Loughborough University and the 

University of Salford, with industrial 

collaborators BAE SYSTEMS, Arup, 

Atkins and The Technology Partnership. 

Developing new designs for complex 

products requires extensive team- 

CRANFIELD NEWS 

work, often involving co-operation 

between remote groups. This 18-month 

project – named ‘Telegenesis’ from the 

Greek ‘tele’ - at a distance, and ‘genesis’ 

- giving birth or creating – will 

examine the design process across the 

industry sectors of aerospace, construction 

and general product design. 

Led by Professor Peter Deasley and 

assisted by research fellow Mike 

Gregory, this is one of the first EPSRCsponsored 

projects to be run under the 

new Innovative Manufacture Research 

Centres. 

A STRATEGIC PROJECT 

Thanks to a joint project between 

Cranfield and Oxfam, a team of 

four European engineers are delivering 

a refresher training course for women 

civil engineers in war-torn Afghanistan. 

The four-strong all-female training 

team prepared the course, scheduled 

for a seven-week period during the 

summer in Kabul, at the Silsoe campus 

under the guidance of Dr Richard 

Carter. 

Cranfield’s role was to provide 

resources, advice, support, ‘guinea-pigging’, 

and supervision, ensuring that 

the engineers had both a viable course 

and the confidence to deliver it. 

The team are teaching the Afghan 

women a wide range of skills, from 

civil and water engineering and 

project management, to public 

health, sanitation and community 

participation. 

Richard, who is hoping to visit 

Afghanistan in the autumn, said: 

“This is an important and strategic 

project, which could be highly 

effective in empowering female 

professional engineers within 

Afghanistan. 

“The country badly needs professionals 

of many disciplines to 

contribute to its reconstruction over 

the coming decades, and this pilot project 

aims to put a significant number of 

such people back into the service of 

© Picture courtesy of Richard McGuire 

their country.” 

3

4 

NEWS FEATURE 


They’ve got the 

Vice-Chancellor Frank Hartley 

talks to Pamela Taylor 

Make mine a double,” said 

Professor Tom Stephenson, 

Head of Water Sciences. 

Michelle Everitt and Clive Temple duly 

obliged by putting on a double 

celebration when the School of Water 

Sciences arranged the opening of its 

new laboratories to coincide with its 

21st birthday on 3 April. 

Pamela Taylor, Chief Executive of 

Water UK, officially opened the new 

laboratories. Her speech, to an audience 

including the Vice-Chancellor, Water 

Sciences’ alumni, and many leading 

industrialists, stressed the importance 

of the new facility to the international 

water and environment sectors. 

She also congratulated the Water 

Sciences’ team on securing facilities that 

will promote research and development 

for the sector. 

A particular pleasure for the Water 

Sciences team was to welcome so many 

Tom Stephenson speaks at 

the birthday reception 

of its former students both to the launch 

and to the birthday celebration dinner 

in the evening. 

Over its 21 years, some 285 students 

have graduated from Water Sciences. 

Considering the alumni group to be its 

greatest asset, the school remains in 

contact with more than 85% of these 

‘Water Babies’. At international 

conferences and major exhibitions such 

as IWEX, staff from Water Sciences 

regularly meet up with alumni who 

sport the Water Sciences’ fountain lapel 

badge. The newsletter, Influential, keeps 

everyone in touch. 

Two more very welcome 

guests at the launch were 

the School of Water 

Sciences’ founding father, 

Walter Lorch, together 

with his wife, Diana 

(pictured right). 

It was the vision of 

Walter and Diana both to 

found a centre to promote 

the development of 

process technologies in 

water and wastewater 

technology, and then to 

bring their embryonic centre to 

Cranfield University. 

The champagne and flowers 

presented to them by Professor Tom 

Stephenson were a tribute to their 

inspired vision. 

Over time Water Sciences grew and 

grew, first under the direction 

of George Solt who worked 

like a beaver to get the school 

established within the 

university. George set up shop in 

the temporary buildings behind 

the library and with the able 

assistance of Rita Edwards got 

the Water Sciences show on the 

road. George, like Walter, was 

equally tenacious and visionary. 

Using his ability to spot a winner, 

George lured Tom Stephenson 

down to Cranfield and groomed 

him for the job. Tom hasn’t let 

him down! 

“ 

It’s the best 21 st birthday 

present we could have. 

” 

Professor Tom Stephenson, 

Head of Water Sciences 

George and his wife, Jen, joined the 

Water Sciences’ team for the birthday 

celebration dinner in the evening. He 

paid tribute to Tom, the staff and also to 

all the school’s former students, many 

of whom are working in the water 

industry. 

Tom said: “In our 

21st year, Water 

Sciences now has 

state-of-the-art 

laboratories which, 

when com-bined 

with the facilities in 

the Pilot-plant Hall, 

mean that our 

research and our 

teaching capabilities 

are far greater 

than before and 

ensures that Water 

Sciences can offer 

even more of a 

service to its clients. 

“It’s the very 

best 21st birthday 

present that we 

could have.” 

George Solt


NEWS FEATURE 

key of the door 

The state-of-the-art laboratories 

represent a £1m investment from 

the Higher Education Funding 

Council for England (HEFCE) in Water 

Sciences. Their opening extends the 

school’s research capabilities considerably 

in the areas of technology and 

associated scientific, engineering and 

policy issues for the treatment, use and 

management of water. 

The new facilities consist of six 

laboratories – all fed with a supply of 

gas, compressed air, nitrogen, potable 

water, de-ionised water and single and 

triple phase electricity – a computer 

area, and several offices. 

One of the busiest is the Wastewater 

Laboratory, where most of the students 

carry out routine analyses. This houses a 

centrifuge and frozen image centrifuge, 

an Amtox toxicity monitor and an 

aerobic respirometer. 

Digester rig in the Fermentation Lab 

The Clean Water Laboratory is the 

work area for raw and potable (or 

drinkable) water. It contains two 

electronic noses, a fluorescence spectrophotometer 

and a light microscope with 

image analysis equipment as well as 

standard water testing equipment. 

The Fermentation Laboratory is used 

for bench-scale rigs and, as well as the 

usual laboratory facilities, has large 

rolling bench units. Spaces around the 

laboratory are modular, so small rigs 

may be plugged into all the required 

services after the bench unit has been 

rolled into place. Flexibility is the 

by-word… 

Next door is the Microbiology 

Laboratory, kept clean to allow growth 

of pure cultures of bacteria and fungi. 

The Water Chemistry Laboratory is 

mainly an analysis lab for any water 

other than sewage. There also is an 

Analytical Laboratory with an air 

extraction system where Water Sciences 

deploys specialist instruments, including 

a TOC, atomic emission 

spectrophotometer and Microtox 

toxicity monitor. 

Water Sciences’ laboratories are linked 

to a Microscope Suite in the same 

building, and working with the 

Advanced Materials Group allows the 

use of techniques such as scanning and 

transmission electron microscopy, 

Auger surface analysis, X-ray diffraction 

and atomic force microscopy. 

The new facility also accommodates 

Water Sciences’ Membrane Bioreactor 

(MBR) demonstrator. 

At Cranfield’s own sewage treatment 

works is the Pilot-plant Hall, home to a 

number of biological, physical, chemical 

and membrane process pilot plants. 

Water Sciences has recently enjoyed a 

number of research successes. The 

school was awarded an EPSRC Platform 

grant, and Cranfield is the first British 

university to be awarded American 

Water Works Association Research 

Foundation (AwwaRF) funding. 

Cranfield’s Water Sciences, currently 

home to some 31 research students, is 

now the largest postgraduate group in 

the UK specialising in process 

technologies. 

The new laboratories and Pilot-plant 

Hall will benefit teaching too and, as 

well as full and part-time modular 

Masters’ level programmes and 

Continuing Professional Development 

courses, the school offers workshops 

and conferences. 

Visitors to the 

Wastewater 

Lab during 

the launch 

day tours 

5

6 

FEATURE 

The first fake €50 note was reportedly handed to German 

police by a 12-year-old girl on 3 January. At an Italian 

bank on the same day, an elderly gent with 78m lire 

saved in a biscuit tin reached the head of the queue for euro 

exchange – to the audible sighs of those behind. 

In Austria millions of schillings taken out of currency were 

being shredded and turned into home insulation, while, in 

Belgium, francs became mouse mats. 

For some, the introduction of the euro across 12 EU member 

states was about a political leap of faith but, for the majority, it 

has been an experience at the micro level. Journalists were 

desperately trying to fill column inches with tales of woe, 

whereas the signs were that most Europeans loved their new 

money and the issue of 52bn coins in computer-tracked 

armoured vehicles went off rather well. 

Danish alumnus Per Christensen, 34, Manager of SI6 petrol 

engines at Volvo, has had an international career and applauds 

the hassle-free currency. 

“I take great pride in being a European and focus less on being 

Danish. I think the euro is a great idea and I am eagerly awaiting 

Denmark, Sweden and the UK’s 

participation,” he said. 

Aaron Altman, an American, 

was at Cranfield from 1995 to 

1999 and is now married to an 

alumna from France. 

“I have to say, my time at Cranfield was one of the most 

enriching multi-cultural experiences of my lifetime.” He has 

good things to say about the euro too. “It makes travelling 

within nations that have adopted the euro much easier. I think 

the UK is really missing out.” 

In Kyrgyzstan, Christoph Arndt works for British consulting 

company HTS, having studied for his MSc on Cranfield’s Silsoe 

campus. The local currency is the Som, but salaries are paid in 

US dollars with the German DM being used for many 

transactions. 


EURO SATISFACTION 

by Shirley Jones 

“ 

I think the UK is really missing out 

Aaron Altman 

© Picture courtesy of the European Central Bank 

“With the introduction of the euro and the subsequent loss in 

value, many people lost confidence and 

Cranfield alumnus” 

© Picture courtesy of the European Central Bank 

preferred to save money in US dollars,” 

he said. “The difference between the 

world market and the local market 

exchange rates vanished.” 

Christoph predicts a drop in prices as people are able to 

compare and then purchase from whichever country is offering 

the best value. 

In June, the euro began circulating on the Caribbean 

island of Cuba, the first step toward a more extensive 

use of Europe’s common currency there. 

“Stores ... three hotels and restaurants inaugurated the 

use of a third exchange currency that will live in our 

country with the US dollar and Cuban peso,” reported the 

state-run daily, Juventud Rebelde. 

“Introduction of the euro will make it easier and 

cheaper for Europeans, who are 55% of our visitors, to 

travel here,” added Cuban Tourism Minister Ibrahim 

Ferradaz. 

“We hope that, by 2003, the euro can be used as a money 

of exchange at all areas in Cuba frequented by tourists.” 

Cuba’s plan to allow the euro to circulate at tourist 

resorts and, perhaps, in cities such as Havana has sparked 

speculation that the euro may some day replace the 

United States dollar there.

NOSTALGIC FEATURE 

CHILBLAINS AND FROZEN PIPES 

Abercrombie Davidson 

“Our Cranfield days were an experience which neither my 

wife, Maud, nor I will ever forget,” writes‘Crombie’, as 

you will have known him... 

Married a year, it was the first time either of us had ever left 

our native S. Africa for any length of time – certainly the 

first time for a whole lot of other novelties, such as snow 

and living in a caravan. 

The motherly student affairs office had managed to reserve a 

caravan for us, an 18-footer with electricity laid on. The water 

supply was a hosepipe connected to a tap at the ‘Napier huts’ – a 

couple of disused prefabricated buildings. The only WC in the 

caravan was a bucket into which one poured ‘Elsanol’. These were 

emptied – preferably at night – into a loo behind the Napier huts. 

Living in a caravan in the snow was also a learning experience. 

Chilblains, ordering coal from the college to burn in the little stove 

in the caravan, and carrying water in a bucket, as the water pipe had 

frozen. 

Soon after arriving Maud found a job at the college shop. Then 

she found she was pregnant and, thus, had her first experience of 

the UK National Health Service. At first they tried to persuade her 

to have the baby at home but, when they found out our 

circumstances, reluctantly agreed on hospital. Lynette was 

premature and we rushed to Bedford General Hospital in the 

middle of the night. After the birth, Maud had to stay in hospital for 

10 days – the custom at the time. When she came home, Lynette’s 

‘evening colic’ made it impossible to study. The college took pity 

and gave me a study in Stringfellow Hall – seemingly the residence 

of choice for the Irish students, whose antics would turn your hair 

grey. I still have a mental picture of Maud typing lab reports with 

Lynette lying on her lap. 

After my first lecture I was in despair. Professor Ward, Head of 

Mathematics, gave no notes and lectured so fast it was impossible 

to make your own. I was convinced that the standard back in the 

colonies was so far behind that I would never pass but, to my relief, 

I found that all the students were in the same boat. We formed 

consortia to solve the tutorials he handed out. 

Some students, so the story goes, decided to register their dismay. 

They stood with a stretched blanket below the lecture room on the 

top floor of the Stafford Cripps building. One student suddenly 

College of Aeronautics 1959 

The caravan site, 1959 

stood up, and shouting: “I 

can’t stand this anymore!” ran 

to the window, opened it and 

launched himself into space. 

After the resulting chaos 

died down, Prof Ward, who 

had not moved from the 

Crombie (right) with Maud (bottom 

left) and some of his family when 

they visited Cranfield’s alumni office 

front of the classroom, merely requested: “Will somebody please 

close the window...” 

The students were always up to some prank. One night they 

disassembled a concrete mixer and reassembled it in the principal’s 

office; on dining-in night they pushed the Lincoln bomber onto the 

middle of the runway, and staged an ‘Opening of the M1’ 

ceremony. My partner in Flight spent almost a semester with his leg 

in plaster, having been thrown out of the window at a student 

party. The student-run bar at Lanchester Hall remained open as 

long as the bartenders were sober enough to continue serving. 

Despite all this, I succeeded in my studies and returned to the 

Flight Technical Section of South African Airways (SAA) just as they 

received their first jet aircraft – Boeing 707s. In 1960, I was promoted 

to Assistant Aeronautical Engineer and to Aeronautical Engineer in 

charge three years later. In 1973 I rose to Deputy Technical Director 

and in 1975 became Technical Director/Chief Aeronautical 

Engineer. 

In 1983 I left the airline to become Assistant General Manager of 

the state-run South African Transport Services (SATS), where my 

portfolio included the Planning Group and Data Processing – at that 

time the largest in the southern hemisphere. When in 1998 the SATS 

was decentralised and turned into a public company, the planning 

responsibilities were delegated to the divisions (where they 

belonged) and as a result most of my empire disappeared. Instead, 

I took on additional support groups besides DP, including the 

telecommunications group and Transnet housing. 

In 1989 I became Chief Executive of Portnet – what, wondered the 

shipping community, could an aeronautical engineer possibly know 

about harbours? Actually Portnet was very interesting; we 

controlled eight harbours – Durban was the busiest in the southern 

hemisphere and Richards Bay one of the largest coal harbours in the 

world. 

I retired in 1994, and now find myself pretty busy doing all the 

things I had no time to do while working. 

Morane-Saulnier 760 ‘Paris’ flight test plane 

7

8 

FEATURE 

I magine the scene – it’s a warm summer 

evening in the year AD50. 

You finish ripping the flesh off the bones 

of your dinner and walk down to the 

stream. Suddenly the evening sun 

flickers on a huge shimmering wall of 

terror, like nothing you have seen 

before. You drop your water and 

run, hearing the screaming and 

clash of weapons above your 

desperate heartbeat. 

But it is too late, the battle is 

lost. The Romans are here 

to civilise you… 

© Picture courtesy of Legio Secunda Augusta, Portsmouth


’Ware T H E 

To a hapless barbarian, the sight of a 

Roman Legion in full polished body 

armour must, indeed, have been 

terrifying. The Roman Empire was built on 

such armour and the fighting prowess of its 

legionary soldiers is legendary. 

But how much physical protection would 

this amour have actually afforded? Neil 

Morgan, of the Department of Materials and 

Medical Sciences at Shrivenham, has been 

trying to find out. 

By good fortune, Neil met Dr David Sim – 

a blacksmith and part-time research fellow 

who, as a specialist in Roman Metallurgy at 

Reading University, has appeared on 

numerous television programmes including 

What the Romans Did For Us. 

Neil explained: “For some time David had 

wondered if the Roman armour known as 

Lorica Segmentata may have been 

constructed in a much more advanced way 

than we’d thought. Through the body in 

charge of the excavation of a Roman fort 

near Hadrian’s Wall, the Vindolanda Trust, David was able to get 

hold of a small fragment of metal for analysis at Cranfield’s 

Shrivenham facility.” 

Neil carried out an extensive metallographic survey of the 

fragment’s structure and fabrication, with remarkable findings. The 

scanning electron microscope revealed a distinct interface along the 

centre of the fragment from one end to the other – appearing to 

confirm David’s hypothesis that Lorica Segmentata was made from 

layers of sheet material joined together using a technique known as 

‘fire-welding’. This involves clamping together the separate sheets 

and heating them to approximately 1200° to 1300°C, a process 

which causes the separate layers to diffuse across the interface 

boundary and consolidate into one piece – ‘diffusion bonding’ as we 

know it. 

“The fragment revealed other interesting features,” said Neil. “It 

was generally assumed 

that Roman 

armour was made 

from low-carbon 

‘bloomery’ iron – or 

wrought iron. The 

fragment, however, 

is an iron with 

approximately 0.4 to 

0.6 weight percent 

carbon – or what we 

would call a plain 

carbon steel. 

9 

FEATURE 

Romans! 

© Picture courtesy of Legio Secunda Augusta, Portsmouth 

“In addition, a number of micro-hardness 

surveys showed a steadily increasing 

hardness from one face to the other – raising 

the extraordinary possibility that the 

Romans had developed a technique for 

producing a ‘face-hardened’ armour 

system.” 

Neil continued: “These findings have 

already started a lot of discussion among 

archaeologists and classicists who are 

surprised by the microstructure and 

construction of the armour. 

“The whole ethos of this project, using 

our unique combination of research and 

teaching interests, is perfect for Cranfield 

University. Defence technology, manufacturing, 

materials science, military science, 

forensic engineering and welding technology 

are all represented in the work. And 

the collaboration with Reading’s archaeology 

department is vital, both for access 

to armour samples and because it is only 

they who are able to place the armour 

within its historical context.” 

As well as the obvious historical interest of this work, Neil 

believes the microstructure may also hold interesting possibilities 

for modern armour systems. 

The structure of the different phases in the steel is unusual, and 

early simulations indicate that it may be possible to produce a steel 

with a significantly increased toughness compared to that usually 

associated with an air cooled, plain carbon steel. 

Subsequently, many other fragments have been analysed, a 

number of which have a layered microstructure similar to the 

original sample. One in particular reveals an interesting 

combination of large-grained, almost pure iron bonded to a much 

finer-grained low-carbon steel. The mechanical properties of these 

layers would be quite different and it is still not clear how this may 

have been employed. 

Mechanical testing of similar microstructures has also yielded 

interesting results. The unusual morphology of iron carbides 

observed within the Vindolanda samples was simulated using 

modern plain carbon steels, and subjected to various tests. The 

simulations proved that a carefully controlled heat treatment was 

required to reproduce the structures seen in the Roman fragments, 

and that flexibility and fracture toughness were both substantially 

increased as a result. 

Despite these exhaustive tests, one question still remains – are 

these complicated structures and mechanical properties an artefact 

of Roman metal working techniques; or a result of intentional 

processing based on hundreds of years of empirical research and 

development?

y Jenni Searing 

10 

CRANFIELD PEOPLE 

“ 

Engineering is the art of 

turning science into 

technology... 

” 

Dr Robert Hawley, 

Chairman of Taylor Woodrow and 

former Chairman of the Engineering Council 

Consider for a moment, a world 

without engineering. No transport, 

clothing, domestic appliances, medical 

equipment... Because almost everything 

we use, every day, involves engineering 

at some point in its life cycle. 

Dr Robert Hawley, energy industry 

supremo and Cranfield honorary 

graduate, describes engineering as “the 

art of turning science into technology.” 

It is also, as he points out, largely 

ignored by the public, leaving engineers 

as the unsung heroes; getting little or no 

recognition, yet patiently shouldering 

the blame when things go wrong. In the 

public’s mind, too, engineering still 

involves dirty workshops – not the case 

for a generation. 

As past president of the Engineering 

Council, Dr Hawley recognises this 

‘…hundred year old problem’ well. He is 

also confident that change may soon 

come through the Engineering and 

Technology Board, a body he founded to 

promote the use of engineering and 

technology to enhance the UK’s 

competitiveness. And, with a change in 

perception, should come increased 

numbers of students enrolling in 

engineering and technology subjects. 

Dr Hawley firmly believes that, 

essential though technology is in 

engineering, there is more to it than 

pushing buttons. “It takes a certain gut 

instinct, an understanding of physical 

science and lots 

of practical 

experience,” he 

said. “After all, 

we all start life 

as engineers – 

from building 

with blocks to 

fixing our 

bikes. And one 

way or another, 

subconsciously 

or consciously, 

we all continue 

to engineer as 

we grow.” 

Under Professor Joachim Milberg, 

2001 was the most successful year 

to date for BMW – success which he 

believes could only be achieved by cooperation. 

The Cranfield honorary graduate 

said: “I discovered that if you work 

alone you are adding, whereas if you cooperate 

with others you are 

multiplying. We all stand on one 

another’s shoulders. Success can only be 

achieved together.” 

Professor Milberg sees the modern 

engineer as an increasingly important 

mediator between science, technology 

and society. 

He went on: “Today, engineers are 

expected, not only to understand their 

own specialist area, but also the overall 

picture. With ever-increasing complexity, 

it is becoming more and more 

important to consider topics and 

approaches from different ‘nonspecialist’ 

areas, often those involving 

the state, society and business as a 

whole.” 

“This means we need to make our 

work increasingly transparent in order 

to constantly win the trust of society. 

“Technical progress can only be 

achieved with a broad social consensus, 

something we can only gain through 

communication. To communicate the 

new technologies will, therefore, 

become a major task of the engineer.” 

This, he believes, demands a focus on 


AMBASSADORS 

Some of the honorary graduates awarded the 

“ 

The future of our economies 

will not be decided mainly in 

the factories but in the lecture 

theatres and laboratories of 

” 

our universities. 

Professor Dr-Ing Joachim Milberg, 

Member of the Supervisory Board, and 

former Chairman of the Board of Management, 

BMW AG 

the dedicated and creative new generation 

of engineers. 

“The future of our economies will not 

be decided mainly in the factories but in 

the lecture theatres and laboratories of 

our universities,” he said. 

“It is here, above all, that engineers’ 

communication skills are of special 

importance. Where a positive perception 

of technology must be instilled; where 

an enthusiasm for technology as a 

cultural asset is aroused; where basic 

research and development skills are 

acquired, and where the skills for 

knowledge transfer are developed.” 

After just three years at the helm of 

BMW, Professor Milberg took early 

retirement in May. He looks forward to 

playing an influential, but discreet role 

on the company’s supervisory board. 

And, as he said: “The honour 

Cranfield University has bestowed on 

me will be an incentive for me to make 

my own personal contribution to the 

future of engineering.” 

by Jenni Jackson


for CRANFIELD 

degree of Doctor of Science Honoris Causa 

Are you a parent? More specifically, 

are you a dad? If so, you’ve an 

important duty as role model that could 

make a major contribution to the future 

of the planet. Trouble is, you may not 

have recognised it yet. 

These days, most business concerns 

ensure they have an environmental policy 

– at worst it merely sits alongside the 

mission statement as a laudable aim, at 

best it has its own ‘SMART’ objectives 

and makes a difference. 

Take BP for example. Lord Browne – 

awarded a Cranfield honorary doctorate 

in June – is at the helm there and mindful 

of the implications of his global concern 

as a polluter. 

Amazingly, BP’s targets to reduce 

emissions were reached years ahead of 

time and now the company is at the forefront 

of looking for other ways to ameliorate 

the impact it has on the natural 

world, while still addressing the needs 

of its customers. 

“We will still be using oil and gas in 

very significant measure for well into 

the future, and it will be a long time 

before they are substituted. So new technologies 

enabling the reduction of 

“ 

Any business, even 

individuals, can consider 

the implications of poor insulation, 

leaving doors open, badly 

maintained stock. 

” 

Lord Browne of Madingley, 

Group Chief Executive, 

BP plc 

hydro-carbons and CO2 are very 

important,” said Lord Browne, who in 

the spring announced a reduction in 

BP’s greenhouse emissions by more 

than nine million tonnes, eight years 

ahead of its target and at no net cost to 

the company. 

BP was voted one of the world’s most 

admired companies (FORTUNE March 

2002) and is the biggest supplier of oil 

and gas to the US. 

“We operate to make a profit that we 

can re-invest back into the country of 

source,” said Lord Browne, who has 

ideas on how everyone can help with 

energy conservation and the global concern 

about a sustainable environment. 

“Any business, even individuals, can 

consider the implications of poor insulation, 

leaving doors open, badly maintained 

stock. And today’s engines, with 

the right fuel and lubricants, could 

reduce CO2 by 400 mega-tonnes a year 

and now we can simulate without the 

need for flow models to assess the 

impacts of new design,” he added. 

But back to your family – research 

shows that boys have less respect for 

their immediate environment than girls. 

They are more likely to throw litter on 

the streets, forget to switch off lights, 

overlook recycling etc. It appears 

thoughtfulness isn’t sufficiently macho. 

Dads, it seems, need to show leadership 

both at home and at work. 

Having said that, perhaps your children 

have taught you a thing or two 

about caring for the environment… 

If that’s the case, share it with us: 

alumni@cranfield.ac.uk by Shirley Jones 

11 


“ 

While pure research is 

necessary, the results must 

translate into useful products for 

mankind. Cranfield recognises putting 

scientific progress to work... 

” 

Professor Dr Ing Klaus Riedle 

President, Gas Turbines Division 

Siemens Power Generation 

G 

“ 

as turbines are at the frontier of 

today’s technology – on the ground 

for power generation and in the air for 

jet engines. The challenge lies in 

pushing for fast, economical and 

ecological progress while maintaining 

high reliability of this equipment.” 

So says Cranfield honorary graduate 

Professor Dr Klaus Riedle, President of 

the Gas Turbines Division at Siemens 

Power Generation, where the 

development of an industrial gas 

turbine started in 1948. 

Professor Riedle’s concern, however, 

is for solutions which also satisfy the 

power demands of developing 

countries, balancing overall wealth 

between industrialised and developing 

nations. 

This philosophy, which he has 

incorporated into his significant 

contribution to the industry, is the one 

which Cranfield has recognised. 

“We need to bridge the gap, develop 

and deliver products to satisfy growing 

power demand while, at the same time, 

being mindful of maintaining a 

profitable business for the company,” 

said Professor Reidle. 

“While pure research is necessary, the 

results must translate into useful 

products for mankind. Cranfield is a 

university which recognises putting 

scientific progress to work...” by Dot Hill

12 



AMBASSADORS for CRANFIELD continued 

Appointed director-general of the 

National Trust in January 2001, 

Fiona Reynolds emphasises the need for 

the trust to shed its ‘remote’ image. 

Research shows that some people 

think of the National Trust as ‘too 

middle class, too remote and too elitist’ 

but Fiona believes that much of that is 

perception rather than reality. “Not that 

there is anything wrong with being 

middle class – I’m a fully paid up 

member of the middle classes myself,” 

she said. “But we do need to ensure that 

‘forever, for everyone’ means exactly 

that. 

“And I think we should focus on the 

countryside and ‘below stairs’ history.” 

As the largest non-government 

landowner in the UK, the Trust has the 

skills, experience and the responsibility 

to show how sustained, sensitive 

investment in places, people and ideas 

can regenerate and revitalise vulnerable 

communities. 

Fiona said: “I certainly want to blow 

the Trust’s trumpet to show what we are 

doing on the ground – from helping 

people develop new skills to supporting 

our farmers, as well as giving a fantastic 

day out to our visitors, whether they are 

eight or 80. That’s also why I am keen 

that we tell the stories of the servants, 

farm workers and gardeners as well as 

the great families.” 

“ 

We do need to ensure that 

‘forever, for everyone’ 

means exactly that. 

Responsible for 250 historic houses, 

gardens and industrial buildings and 

248,000 hectares of countryside and 

coastline, Fiona cheerfully admits she’s 

pretty hopeless with paint pots and 

spades. “You won’t often find me with a 

paintbrush in my hand,” she smiled. 

“I’m afraid I’m not very good at all that 

stuff. But my husband is.” 

At just 42, and the mother of three 

girls, she is the youngest directorgeneral 

in the Trust’s 106 year history – 

and the first woman. When Olivia was 

born, husband Bob Merrill gave up his 

job as an industrial chemist to look after 

the children so she could pursue her 

career. “I certainly wouldn’t be able to 

do this job without him,” she said. “It 

means a great deal to us to have one of 

us looking after the children. Actually it 

wasn’t a huge discussion, because I’ve 

always been the more ambitious one 

who loved my job, and Bob wasn’t so 

driven.” 

Fiona makes up for this at weekends, 

when there’s just one item on her 

agenda: spending time with her 

children. 

” 

Dr Fiona Reynolds 

Director-General of the National Trust 

SIR Roger Bannister is best known as 

the runner of the first sub-four-minute 

mile, covering the mile in 3min 59sec on 

6 May 1954. Following his retirement 

from competitive running, he went on 

to the Oxford University and Saint 

Mary’s Hospital Medical School. 

A consultant neurologist for more 

than 20 years, he wrote a book, First 

Four Minutes (1955), and several papers 

on the physiology of exercise and 

neurology. 

DR Jane Garvey is 

the 14th Administrator 

of the 

Federal Aviation 

Administration 

(FAA), the USA’s 

aviation regulatory 

body. In overall 

charge of a 49,000person 

agency with a worldwide 

impact and presence in promoting 

aviation safety and security, she also 

initiated the FAA’s Safer Skies 

programme, a major initiative to reduce 

fatal accidents. 

DR John Field, Professor of Applied 

Physics at Magdalene College, 

Cambridge, is currently Deputy Head 

of the Department of Physics, and Head 

of the Physics and Chemistry of Solids 

section of the Cavendish Laboratory. He 

has edited and contributed to two major 

texts on diamond 

physics. 

SIR Robert 

Walmsley was 

appointed Chief 

of Defence Procurement 

at the 

MoD in May 

1996. An engineering 

spec-ialist, he held a range of 

seagoing appointments, mainly in 

submarines, and was promoted to Vice 

Admiral in 1994. He retired from the 

Royal Navy to take up this post, which, 

at Permanent Secretary grade, carries a 

wide range of responsibilities, focusing 

primarily on defence equipment. 

by Angie Newitt by Jenni Jackson


Georgios Panagiotopoulos 

MSc Quality Management 1996 – 97, 

SIMS 

George is currently working in the 

field of the construction industry, 

performing quality inspections and 

management of telecommunications and 

major electro mechanical construction 

sites, and public works. 

Previously, he worked for Honda UK as 

an Engineering Co-ordinator for Quality 

in the Parts Quality Department, where he 

spent more than three years. 

He says, “Cranfield has helped me 

enormously in developing my career, both 

in the UK and in Greece. My MSc has 

been proven to be a key to opening many 

‘career doors’ and the Cranfield logo has 

been a major contributory factor to that. 

“I thank Cranfield for my career up ’til 

now, and hope to be back for an MBA in 

the future.” 

George is also a past President of the 

Hellenic Society at Cranfield and was on 

hand to help, by talking to interested 

students, on the Cranfield stand at the 

British Council recruitment fair in Athens 

earlier in the year. 

Rodolfe Roballos 

MBA 1983, SoM 

Last Autumn’s edition of Password 

brought home some fond memories 

of Cranfield in the early eighties for 

Rodolfe Roballos. 

Rodolfe, who has been working as 

General Manager of an Argentine sugar 

and paper company for the past seven 

years, said: “The Cranfield training was 

key to my career progress. I developed a 

long and successful career, in Argentina 

and other countries, in different 

Mike Gregory 

MSc 1971, CoA 

PhD Graduate 2002, SIMS 

New PhD graduate Wing 

Commander Mike Gregory 

reckons he probably holds the record for 

the longest gap between masters and 

doctorate degrees from Cranfield. 

Mike came to Cranfield from the RAF 

in 1968 for a year’s Foundation Course, 

then a one-year CoA Diploma. Like 

many others, he had to wait until 

Cranfield (then CIT) was granted 

university status in ’69, before finally 

receiving his MSc in 1971. “I spent the 

first half of my life getting my MSc in 

aviation electronics and the second half 

on my PhD in enterprise integration,” 

he said cheerfully. 

Throughout, he spent a long and 

successful career with the RAF – from 

1958 until he retired in 1996. This has 

included working as Project Officer on 

the Tornado team in Warton, Lancs, 

responsible for its introduction into the 

RAF service; similarly so on the Hawk, 

Bulldog, Jetstream and the Lynx, and 

later supporting Phantom aircraft on an 

operational fighter station. 

Further responsibilities have included 

working with the MoD on all RAF flight 

simulators; training policy, and 

successful accreditation to Allied 

Quality Assurance Procedures, 

Brampton, as well as providing a 

specialist team on engineering support 

to the Joint Air Reconnaissance 

Intelligence Centre. 

companies – local and multinational; 

different industries – oil and gas, tyres, 

writing instruments, paper and now 

sugar and alcohol; and different job 

positions – consultancy, sales and 

marketing, general management. 

“And, all the time, the analytical skills 

learned at my MBA studies, the ability 

to perform under pressure and the 

experience of team work were always 

there to help. 

13 


Nor does Mike’s story end with his 

retirement from the RAF. He has finally 

returned as an employee of Cranfield on 

a research project – a collaboration 

between Cranfield, Loughborough and 

Salford universities on team-working 

across the aerospace, construction and 

general design sectors. 

Since leaving the RAF, Mike has not 

only found time to do his PhD, but also 

to work on an aeroplane of his own. 

From a previously smashed aircraft he 

has helped to build a 4-seater 160hp 

Jodel replica, building a new fuselage. 

He has since proved its worth in a flight 

to Prague in 2000. 

“I would like to thank Cranfield for 

that, and to send a very special greeting 

to all my colleague students and my 

teachers of those days, some of them still 

there and doing a good job.”

14 

ALUMNI EVENTS 

From strength 

to strength 

More than 30 alumni at the 5th MDA Alumni Conference 

‘Managing Defence Resources: Post- 

9/11’ were able to network with 

former colleagues and catch up on 

the centre’s latest developments 

and learning opportunities. 

Held at the Vincent Centre for 

Defence Management, Shrivenham, 

the conference featured speakers 

from academia, the military and 

industry. They included Col 

Michael Mahar, Air Attaché from 

the US Embassy, a self-confessed 

‘nuclear bomber pilot-turned 

diplomat’, who gave an interesting 

US perspective on ‘Future Security 

Architectures – a Global Security 

Strategy’. Professor Keith Hayward 

from the Society of British 

Aerospace Companies (SBAC) 

spoke on ‘Globalisation and its Impact 

on the Defence Industry’, 

emphasising also the importance of 

globalised manufacturing, while 

Professor Chris Bellamy, Director of 

Cranfield’s Securities Studies 

Institute at Shrivenham, centred his 

talk around types of security and 

asymmetrical threats. Special guest 

and dinner speaker was Jamie Shea 

from NATO, who flew in to speak 

on ‘NATO: Modernisation or 

Marginalisation?’. 

A thriving alumni group from a 

thriving centre, its Academic 

Course Director, Professor Ron 

Matthews, said: “Our alumni, the 

centre and its progress are going 

from strength to strength. Next 

year’s cohort is expected to be 

larger than ever. 

“And, we are the first course to 

provide flexible, electronic learning 

which we have already 

introduced.” 

For further information on the 

MDA and Security Studies courses, 

visit: 

http://barrington.rmcs.cranfield.ac 

.uk/directories/postgrad 

Cranfield was in Greece over a 

weekend in mid-April, covering 

two events in Athens. 

On the Friday evening, more than 60 

alumni from all three campuses 

attended the second Greek alumni 

reunion at the Titania Hotel in Athens. 

While many had already met the 

previous year, for a few it was a firsttime 

reunion since the early ’70s. 

Two of our Greek alumni representatives, 

Alexandros Skand-alakis 

(SIMS) and ‘Takis’ Panagiotis Alekos 

(Silsoe), were there to co-host the 

evening and talk about the aims of the 

alumni association in Greece. All in all, a 

most enjoyable evening, with some 

staying on until the small hours. 

Graduation is always an excellent 

opportunity for the alumni team to 

meet and talk to the very newest of our 

alumni – the graduates. 

Manned by Dot, Loraine and Shaun, 

the alumni stand always attracts a wide 

variety of visitors. More than 1,000 

graduates and nearly 3,000 visitors 

attended the ceremonies at the 

Cranfield, Silsoe and Shrivenham 

campuses. 

The accompanying entertainments 

for graduates and their families 

included lunches, dining 

and dancing ’til 

dawn, firework 

displays, casinos, 

dodgems and 

exhibition stands. 

L-r: Loraine, Dot and 

Shaun on the alumni 

stand in the marquee 

on graduation day, 

Cranfield campus � 


WHEN A GREAT TIME 

WAS HAD BY ALL 

The rest of the weekend was spent at 

the British Council Education Fair for 

postgraduate student recruitment in 

Athens where some of the alumni came 

along to help on the stand by talking 

about Cranfield to potential students 

and visitors. More than 80 UK 

universities and a record number of 

visitors attended the fair over the two 

days at HELEXPO, situated close to the 

planned site for the Olympic Games in 

2004. 

This is the second year Cranfield has 

been represented there, talking to some 

140 visitors and answering many 

serious enquiries. 

Besides Dot Hill and Shaun Hope 

from the Alumni Office, Shirley Hyde 

(SIMS) Prof Peri Pilidis and Cheryl 

Anderson (SoE), and Ian Crawford 

(Silsoe) also attended. 

For further information on the Greek 

alumni association, please contact 

alumni@cranfield.ac.uk or visit the 

website www.cranfield.ac.uk/alumni 

�Theofilos Dimitriadis (left) talks to a 

potential student at the British Council Fair 

Attracting all the 

newest recruits

www. cranfield.ac.uk/alumni ALUMNI EVENTS 

MEETING the MASTER 

Sir Jackie Stewart OBE met with 

alumni from the first Motorsport 

MSc intake when, together with more 

than 100 leading figures from 

motorsport, he watched as the current 

students tested their innovative jack 

designs on a Prodrive Subaru rally car. 

The exercise, part of the Group Design 

Project, centred on a major problem for 

rally teams - improving the design of the 

portable rally jacks to cope with the 

technical demands while maintaining 

reliability and speed of use under 

extreme conditions. The event was well 

attended by clients, sponsors, alumni 

and staff connected with motorsport. 

All Group Design Projects are 

undertaken in partnership with an 

industrial organisation and, this year, 

Cranfield University is working with 

leading motorsport company Prodrive. 

Later in the year, Chris Witter, 

President of CMAA, accompanied by 

John Billingham, Head of SIMS and Jeff 

Alcock, Course Director for MSc 

� Left to right: Motorsport’s first alumni - 

Stuart Robertson, Chris Blakesley, James 

Vowels, Frederico Ribeiro, Chris Witter 

(President), with Sir Jackie Stewart (centre) 

and Cranfield’s Jeff Alcock on his right. 

Motorsport, attended the Motorsport 

Industry Association’s Summer 

Reception at the House of Lords. 

And Pat Symonds, Executive Director 

of Engineering for Renault F1 and Hon 

President of CMAA, attended this 

year’s graduation as guest of Jeff 

Alcock. 

For further details visit: 

www.motorsport.cranfield.ac.uk/ 

alumni.htm 

Treated just 

like royalty 

Your convocation AGM will be 

held on Tuesday 12 November 

at 6pm in Mitchell Hall, on the 

Cranfield campus. 

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor 

Frank Hartley, will give an address 

and there will be time afterwards 

to meet and talk to members, your 

alumni team and other colleagues 

over a buffet. 

If you would like to attend, please 

email the alumni office: 

alumni@cranfield.ac.uk 

15 

It is not often that soil scientists are 

treated like royalty, but at the 12th 

International Soil Conservation 

Organisation’s conference in Beijing in 

May, attended by NSRI Head of 

Landcare John Quinton, that’s exactly 

what happened. 

Soil erosion is seen as China’s most 

pressing environmental problem; so 

much so that China’s vice-premier Wen 

Jiabao, opened the meeting. Media 

interest was high, with the conference 

covered on China’s state television, a 

full page spread in the China Daily 

newspaper and on BBC world news. 

This was coupled with a mid-conference 

tour, which had the benefit of a police 

escort to get through the rush-hour 

Beijing traffic to ensure timely arrival at 

the field sites. 

John also had the chance to meet up 

with some Cranfield alumni. Dr Michael 

Zoblich and Joseph Mburu both studied 

Soil and Water Engineering at Silsoe, 

and Samran Sobatpanit attended a 

three-month short course on Soil 

Conservation. Michael and Samran are 

now president and vice-president 

respectively of the World Association of 

Soil and Water Conservation. 

Opportunity to 

meet and greet

Where are they now? 

1952 - 1978 alumni@cranfield.ac.uk 

1952 

BROWN, Alan Charlton, CoA 

Holding a reunion for 1951-53 

alumni at his house in California 

on 28 Sept this year. Please see 

alumni website, events, for more 

information and contact details. 

1962 

WARD, Reginald Linus, CoA 

Athlone Fellow 1959. Retired 

1990 from Aerospace Marine 

Electronic Systems in the 

Canadian Dept of Defence 

Production. Has three daughters. 

Last visited Cranfield in 1984. 

1970 

HOPKINSON, Alan Rodney, SoM 

After failure of Gateway USA, 

the telecomms company of which 

he was a founder, he ‘repotted’ 

himself and went to law school 

to become a California attorney. 

Obtained certifications as a 

Certified Insolvency and 

Reorganization Accountant and 

as a Certified Fraud Examiner. 

Alan and wife Anne have 10 

grandchildren, the eldest in training 

with the US Navy, the 

youngest a boy of three months. 

Hopes to make it to Cranfield 

this year. Has good memories of 

his time here and sends best 

wishes to all. 

1971 

HAMMOND, John, CoA 

Principal Engineer, Welding, 

with BP Exploration, Sunbury 

1972 

ELDER, William James, CoA 

Left in 1961 with a DAe (converted 

to MSc, 1972) and worked 

for Glacier Metal. Entered 

teaching, ending as Dean of the 

Faculty of Business Management 

and Social Sciences at Glasgow 

Polytechnic in 1991. Then joined 

a consultany, TW Associates, 

with two colleagues; retired in 

1998. Would like to contact contemporaries. 

STONE, Aubrey, CoA 

Was in the CoA’s first intake 

1946-48 when the librarian was a 

Mr Cleverdon. In 1958 his paper 

‘Effects of Stage Characteristics 

and Matching on Axial Flow 

Compressor Performance’ was 

published in the ASME transactions, 

Vol 80, #6 and some time 

later the librarian at Solar 

Turbines showed him a paper 

just published written by Mr 

Cleverdon on Library Science in 

which the example he used was 

his paper! - a great coincidence. 

TANTON, Peter Desmond, CoA 

Spent three years on the Apollo 

moon landing program in 

Houston and Cape Canaveral, 

five years as a systems engineer 

on Westland helicopters. Then 

spent 30 years at Marconi Space 

Systems as Project Manager for 

communications payload of 

Skynet 4 Military Satelites and 

NATO IV Satelities. 

Has three children, now all 

parents themselves, and is now 

retired in the depths of 

Hampshire. 

WARD SMITH, Alfred John, CoA 

Obtained D Phil in 1968 from 

Oxford University, where he 

researched in the Department of 

Engineering Sciences. 

From 1960 to 1970 he was 

with the Technical Department of 

the Royal Aeronautical Society, 

which later became the Engineering 

Sciences Data Unit. From 

1971 to 1995, when he took early 

retirement, he was lecturer, later 

senior lecturer, in mechanical 

engineering at the Uxbridge 

Campus of Brunel University. 

Since then he has been part-time 

senior research fellow in 

Biomechanics in the Department 

of Sport Sciences at the Osterley 

campus of Brunel University. 

He finally retired at Easter 

2002. Spare-time interests are 

family history research and 

wildlife conservation. 

1973 

PANAS, Andrew, SIMS 

For past 29 years, involved with 

welding technology and quality. 

Is a senior member of the welding 

institute and a certified 

European and international welding 

engineer. Has been responsible 

for some of the most important 

constructions made in 

Greece, including naval vessels, 

oil rigs, refineries etc. Now 

working on construction of naval 

vessels based on British designs 

and upgrading an American oil 

rig; interesting because no two 

projects are identical. 

Cranfield opened doors when 

job hunting and still does 

because of its international reputation; 

the knowledge he gained 

here is still ‘state-of-the-art’. 

Says he owes a lot to Dr Apps 

and Dr Chubb who guided him 

further into planning and organisation, 

rather than just getting a 

degree. 

1974 

ALLEN, David, SIMS 

Retired Dec 1999. 

KEATINGE, Michael John David, 

SoM 

Awarded OBE in New Year’s 

Honours 2001 - related to work 

in the Department for Culture, 

Media and Sport as Head of 

Architecture, particularly on the 

Prime Minister’s drive for better 

public buildings. Retired June 

2001. 

SHAW, Jonathan, SIMS 

Manager of Mechanical Integrity 

with ICI Canada, involved in 

process safety issues, and 

mechanical design and integrity 

on various plants such as paints, 

corn starch, and foodstuffs. 

SINGH, Yogendra, CoA 

Retired from Indian Railways 

and has carried out studies and 

designs for the Delhi Metro 

Railway Project. 

1975 

DENNEY, Alan Keith, SIMS 

Recently joined the J P Kenny 

group to form Ionik Consulting 

in the UK - a consultancy specialising 

in materials engineering 

and related areas, now established 

in Perth, Australia for 

about one year and developing 

rapidly throughout the J P Kenny 

group. Formerly Chief Engineer 

Materials and Welding with 

Kvaerner Hydrocarbons (previously 

John Brown Engineers & 

Constructors). 

PARADKAR, Krishnarao 

Narayanrao, SIMS 

After MSc (Aviation Electronics) 

in 1974, served in the Indian Air 

Force for some 20 years, then 

took early retirement. Currently 

looking after business interests of 

a US-based software company in 

Asia Pacific region. 

1977 

BALLAL, Ranjit Ramchandra, 

SIMS 

Seeks information about his 

1975-76 batch mates in Welding 

Technology course. He has only 

come across one or two in past 

27 years. 

HAM, Philip S, Silsoe 

Involved in river maintenance 

programmes to control weed and 

remove silt, as well as conservation 

interests. Currently experiencing 

increased siltation from 

soil erosion where crops are 

grown without due regard for soil 

type and crop type on hillsides. 

Research is going on with this 

and FWAG has a project in the 

River Tone catchment, in conjunction 

with Environment 

Agency and local farmers. 

1978 

GIERCZYNSKI, Andrew Thaddeus 

Henry, CoA 

Is working on platform construction 

and installation management,


and offering business support in 

Latin America and Poland. 

LAING, Brian Scott, SIMS 

Last 20 years with CRC Evans 

Automatic Welding in Houston, 

Texas where he is Vice President, 

Welding Engineering and Field 

Service. Married to Jill, two sons 

aged 12 and 8. 

1979 

CABOT, Pedro Jesus, SIMS 

Rejoined Argentine Nuclear 

Atomic Commission as welding 

engineer and researcher. Has 

been involved in many nuclear 

and industrial projects since, in 

Argentina and other countries. 

Currently in charge of a welding 

group working on research projects 

(friction stir welding, joining 

of solar panels for aerospace 

applications etc), service and 

technical assistance to industry, 

welding inspection and education. 

Is also part-time welding 

professor at the Technical 

University of Buenos Aires for 

both Metallurgy and Naval 

Departments. 

JENKINS, Lindsay, SoM 

After two successful careers as 

civil servant in the Ministry of 

Defence, then stockbroker and 

investment banker, has spent last 

10 years researching and writing 

on the European Union. Two 

books published: ‘Britain Held 

Hostage - the coming Euro- 

Dictatorship’ and ‘The Last 

Days of Britain, the Final 

Betrayal’. Lectures in both the 

UK and the US. 

RICHTERS, Eric, Silsoe 

Has returned to Holland after 

years overseas as irrigation specialist 

with Food and Agriculture 

Organisation; then land use planning 

advisor/senior lecturer with 

CATIE in Central America, and 

finally senior advisor on natural 

resources with the Bolivian 

Government. Is team leader 

Policy, Studies & Projects at 

Nuffic, the Dutch organisation 

for international co-operation in 

higher education. 

Currently the main themes in 

his work are: effect of the 

Bologna Declaration on internationalisation 

in Dutch higher 

education; development of internationalisation 

indicators; international 

student mobility statistics; 

effects of participation in 

international activities (notably 

those abroad) on student performance, 

also in the labour market; 

trends in student interest in 

participating in such activities; 

and reduction of legal and 

bureaucratic obstacles encountered 

by visiting students and 

staff. Frequently refers to colleagues 

abroad, eg the British 

Council, DAAD (Germany) and 

Edufrance. 

1982 

CHAPMAN, John Stephen, SoM 

Retired from Waitrose in June 

2001 after 17 years of food buying 

to pursue other interests - 

trout and salmon fishing, golf, 

cars, looking after a working 

wife, etc. Doing some consultancy 

work in the food industry, 

particularly assisting smaller, 

high-quality companies. 

JOHNSTON, Mark, Silsoe 

Working on no-till openers for 

John Deere drills and air seeder 

products. Just moved in to 

Victorian farmhouse with magnificent 

views of farmland. 

LIM, Hong Fea, SIMS 

MD of Lintech Engineering Pte 

Ltd, Singapore, which he founded 

with his father in 1988; concerned 

with marine engineering 

and welding and related activities. 

MORTON, Ian, Silsoe 

Works for agricultural dealers 

AT Oliver and Sons. Is establishing 

a new depot for them in 

Bicester area; his brief to find the 

site, develop it, employ required 

people and take it into profit. 

1983 

SMITH, J E, SIMS 

Spent seven years with Scicon in 

software development and sales, 

then senior business analyst for 

Texas Instruments in Europe and 

Dallas. Moved to Geest as business 

systems manager for banana 

business, later held similar position 

with Geest Fresh Produce. In 

1999 became business systems 

manager for Cont Ship Container 

Lines, a subsidiary of Canadian 

Pacific Ships; has just completed 

a two-year assignment in Los 

Angeles on a business process reengineering 

project. 

TURNER, Brian Edward, SIMS 

Retired senior lecturer, now consultant 

welding engineer. 

UBHI, Harbhajan Singh, SIMS 

Worked as a welding engineer 

with various companies since 

Cranfield. Presently with Dril- 

Quip as a welding engineer/metallurgist. 

Married with two boys 

aged 15 and 19. 

1984 

NOKES, Andrew Carr, SME 

Has moved from Belgium to 

Canada with his wife and four 

children. Spent some time in 

Houston, now settled in a tiny 

prairie town. 

1985 

DRESSE, Louis Antoine, CoA 

Joined SONACA SA Co, 

Belgium in 1984 as structural 

engineer in charge of certification 

and flight test instrumentation of 

the wing leading-edge slats for 

the A310 and A320. In 1987 was 

hired by US Computer Science 

Corporation as software project 

analyst in banking network software. 

In 1990 joined present 

company, Saint Gobain. 

1990 to 1993 was Maintenance 

Manager of glass float plant in 

Belgium, then R&D Department 

Manager in charge of development 

and industrialisation of 

1978 - 1988 

solar control coatings product 

range for the building sector. 

Now quality manager of Auvelais 

(Belgium) flat glass production 

plant and magnetron coating line. 

SETHI, Naresh, SoM, 

Lecturing at Schiller International 

University. Also freelance 

accountancy work for a firm of 

chartered certified accountants, 

and some property investment. 

1987 

SANDVEN, Jan Erik, SME 

Ten years in Oil and Gas and 12 

in aviation after Cranfield. 

Among other things, Design 

Engineer with GE Aircraft 

Engines; Dept Manager with a 

Norwegian Airline; Asset 

Manager and now Director Base 

and Workshop Maintenance with 

CHC Astec Helicopter Services 

AS in Stavanger. Married with 

four children. 

1988 

FLETCHER, (Jock) Geoffry Alan, 

SoM 

Says: “It is a pleasure to be associated 

with Cranfield University 

once again. Thankyou for the 

opportunity to communicate.” 

Was lecturer in Economics at 

Silsoe, 1973 to 1977, also completed 

PhD through SoM, graduating 

in 1988. After 26 years of 

academic life, has taken voluntary 

early retirement to focus on 

community service roles through 

membership of government 

boards - mainly Area Health 

Services, Regional Development 

and Regional Communities 

Consultative Council. 

HAJI KIYAI Abas, Sunhaji SIMS 

Assoc Professor and Head of 

Programme for Diploma in 

Mechanical Engineering at 

Universiti Technologi, Mara, 

Malaysia. Is on the panel and an 

examiner for the award of 

Malaysia Certificate and 

Standards in Welding. 

Where are they now?

Where are they now? 

1988 - 1995 alumni@cranfield.ac.uk 

LEE, David John, SoM, 

Since June 2001, consultancy 

project for fast-food operator, 

then attended Nortec College at 

Banbury for ECDL computing 

course, followed by advanced 

and expert course on Excel and 

Powerpoint. Developed/produced 

business plans for a holiday 

ownership concept and a singles 

‘events’ club. Provided support 

and financial analysis in 

developing a concept for a 

recruitment-industry start-up. 

Recently launched self as ‘voiceover’ 

artist ‘Oxford Voice’. 

TWEEDALE, Andrew Guy, CoA 

Worked for a consultancy on life 

support systems for the international 

space station, and g-suit/ 

helmets for the Eurofighter. 

Moved into computing, first 

hardware with Toshiba and TDK, 

then software with Visio (later 

Microsoft) as European Product 

Marketing Manager. Is now with 

Extensity as General Manager of 

EMEA. Married with four children 

aged 2 to 11. Would like to 

know what his contemporaries 

are up to! 

1989 

GHATALIA, Nanak Shatish, SoM 

Biography appears in Marquis’s 

World’s Who’s Who 19 Edition - 

2002. Is a Management 

Consultant qualified as a Fellow 

Chartered Accountant (India) and 

MBA (Cranfield). Book published 

in1988 while at Cranfield. 

Has conducted assignments in 11 

different countries, written articles 

and delivered seminars in 

finance, information systems, 

marketing for service businesses 

and internal auditing in India, 

Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Liberia and 

Ghana. 

LAWRENCE, Neil, CoA 

Currently on assignment at 

Kuwait Airways with the Airbus 

Field Service Unit. 

1990 

DUBE, Opha Pauline, Silsoe 

Awarded PhD at University of 

Queensland in 2000 in Dept of 

Geographical Sciences and 

Planning on ‘The use of remote 

sensing in monitoring human 

induced change in Botswana’. 

Now a Principal Investigator for 

a three-year GEF-funded project 

on the impacts of climate change 

in the Limpopo Basin of Eastern 

Botswana. Has two children. 

GADDUM, Robin Neil, Silsoe 

Spent seven years in manufacturing 

- production planning/control 

and operations management - 

then several years in IT project 

management at BA before 

becoming a business continuity 

consultant with Guardian IT. 

Now a managing consultant. 

Obtained distance learning MBA 

from Reading University. 

Married Ruth in 1991 and has 

son (James, 1996) and daughter 

(Stephanie, 1998). Settled in 

Wokingham. 

TRICK, Edward George, SIMS 

Joined Hewlett-Packard (Bristol) 

UK in 1989. Relocated to 

Hewlett-Packard USA in 1991. 

Joined CoCreate Inc in 1997 and 

then PlanetCAD Inc in 2001. 

1992 

ABEID, Amir Kaluta, SIMS 

Is vocational Education & 

Training Director with the 

National Vocational Education & 

Training Authority in Tanzania. 

Married with five children. 

CARDOSO, Rui Miguel De Viseu 

Botelho, Silsoe 

Produces red and white wine 

from the Duoro region, as well as 

cherries. Is looking for overseas 

distributors. 

GILLIGAN, Mark, Shrivenham 

Recently started business with a 

team of engineers and scientists 

to develop instruments exploiting 

micro-reaction technologies to 

accelerate the rate at which drugs 

can be developed. Previously 

worked in new ventures, acquiring 

companies world-wide in the 

biotech arena on behalf of a 

multi-national company. 

SMYTH, Terry, Shrivenham 

Has left the RAF and is now with 

the police force in Nottinghamshire. 

1993 

GREENE, Felicity Rose, SoM 

Is a police officer at Wadebridge, 

Cornwall. Previously Rural 

Transport Officer for Cornwall 

County Council. 

JONES, Frederick Elias Wynne, 

Silsoe 

Has been doing a Fellowship in 

Manufacturing Management 

through MMC. 

LEISHMAN, Nigel Millar, CoA 

Six years with Airbus, now with 

Ansett Worldwide, one of the 

world’s largest aircraft leasing 

companies with portfolio of more 

than 170 aircraft. Based in 

Sydney, Australia; responsible for 

sales and marketing in the Asia- 

Pacific region. 

1994 

AHMED, Zahed, SIMS 

Working in London for 

TransAmerica as MIS Manager. 

BRYAN, Michael Geoffrey, SIMS 

Married in October 2001 to 

Katherine, with fellow Eng D 

Derek Ferguson as best man. 

DUNNETT, Arthur Richard George, 

SoM 

Just moved to Wiltshire after a 

year’s sabbatical as Centre 

Director in Shropshire at a 

Christian Outdoor Pursuits and 

Conference Centre. Says: “It 

was a rewarding experience 

working for a charity, but also 

seeing so many parallels to the 

problems found working in the 

commercial world.” He and 

Caroline have Francis, aged 3, 

and Caitlin, aged 18 months, to 

keep them occupied/challenged. 

“The work-life balance is always 

difficult, as I’m sure most people 

find.” 

HETHERINGTON, Angela Patricia, 

CoA 

Worked extensively with the 

Home Office and the Emergency 

Services in field of post-traumatic 

stress disorder. Book published 

2001: ‘The Use of Counselling 

Skills in the Emergency Services’ 

(OU Press). Now Clinical 

Director with Personal 

Performance Consultants, an 

International Employee 

Assistance provider of psychological 

and counselling services 

and critical incident stress management 

services to public and 

private sectors. 

MAMITSAS, Tomas, SIMS, 

Currently following a second 

MSc in financial engineering at 

the Athens University of 

Economics and Business 

(AUEB). Married in November 

last year. 

1995 

HACKER, Herbert, CoA 

Wing design engineer with 

Fairchild Dornier since 1998, 

enjoying it very much. Married 

to Evi Kaiser in October last 

year; daughter Sophie born 

February this year. Would be 

glad to hear from other alumni 

who know him. 

IVANCIW, Jennifer Maria, SIMS 

European Business Development 

Manager for Preston Aviation 

Solutions, Preston, formerly The 

Preston Group, has re-branded its 

range of products to reinforce its 

market position as comprehensive 

provider of solutions for the global 

aviation industry. 

KONTIS, Konstantinos, CoA 

Appointed Lecturer in 

Aerodynamics at UMIST, 2001;


elected Chartered Engineer in 

2000 by TCG (Greece). Married 

in 2000. 

PICKWORTH, Christopher Leslie, 

SIMS 

Six-plus years as a welding and 

NDT Engineer, gaining valuable 

off-shore experience in fabrication 

yards and with clients. Now in 

Aberdeen, involved with underbalanced 

drilling technology. 

1996 

ARCHER, Nicole Antoinette Lucie, 

SILSOE 

Currently doing a post-doctorate 

at Dundee University. 

BOREHAM, Colin, Silsoe 

Is Project Engineer at Jaguar 

Cars Engineering Centre, 

Coventry. 

NUNN, Phil, Silsoe 

A co-founder of Cambridgebased 

Jumpleads Ltd; incorporated 

two years ago, providing 

work-place retail in the form of a 

shopping service for blue-chip 

companies in the UK. Partners 

include WH Smith, Littlewoods 

and BOL.com with clients BP, 

Compaq, Andersen and 

WorldCom, who offer the service 

to their staff as an employee benefit. 

Some information at: 

www.jumpleads.com/about_jump 

leads_press_resources.html 

PAGE, Sarah, Silsoe 

Teaching Geography at 

Harlington Upper School. 

SMITH, Michael Douglas, SIMS 

In the second year of a PhD at 

West Sussex University studying 

water pollution. 

1997 

PAPAGEORGIOIU, Nikolaos, SIMS 

National Service (Air-force), 

December 1996 to July 1998. 

First job was as production 

planner at Profil Aluminium SA. 

Since September 2000, Project 

Manager at General Mills Hellas. 

Married in July this year to Zoe 

Kourounakou, Project Manager 

at ALBA University, Athens, 

Greece. 

1998 

LARSITO, Singgih, Silsoe 

Works in development department 

in agricultural company in 

Indonesia in static atmosphere. 

Would welcome more challenge, 

and would be pleased to hear 

from anyone with a connection to 

a British company in Indonesia. 

NESHAMBA, Francis, SoM 

Senior lecturer in Enterprise 

Development at Nottingham 

Trent University Business 

School, currently leading the 

Kenya-based Africa Centre for 

Entrepreneurship and Growth. 

This runs a series of business 

growth programmes for small 

ventures. Married with one 

daughter who is studying for a 

BSc and runs a family business 

in the property sector. 

VAILLANT, Christelle, SIMS 

Safety and Reliability Engineer 

with Mott MacDonald, previously 

Hurel-Dubois. 

1999 

ALDRIDGE, Daniel G, Shrivenham 

Married in January this year, two 

weeks’ honeymoon in Madeira 

with beautiful weather and had a 

great time. 

MARTIN, Stuart William, CoA 

Married to Carolyne, December 

1999. Has been in the Royal 

Navy four years and served on 

Cornwall, Ocean, Fort Victoria, 

Ark Royal and Argus. Deputy 

and Flight Air Engineer Officer 

819 and 771 Sqn and shortly to 

take up appointment as Deputy 

AEO on HMS Invincible. 

NAYANIF, Rachel, SoM 

Senior consultant with Cap 

Gemini Ernst and Young. 

Married to fellow alumnus 

Tehsin Nayani and daughter, Zoe, 

born in December 2000. 

ROSSIGNOL, Anthony Julien 

Dominique, CoA 

After four years as an Engineer at 

Airbus, now First Officer for BAE 

SYSTEMS, Warton. Flies the 

HS125 and Jetstream 31. Has 

also obtained an examiners rating 

for single-engined piston aircraft. 

SYKES, Mike, Shrivenham 

Now back at Cranfield studying 

part time for a Masters in 

Defence Administration. 

2000 

ALLAN, Jacqueline Elaine, 

Silsoe 

Has done MSc in Contaminated 

Land and Pollution Management 

at Sunderland University, worked 

at Newcastle Council conducting 

a feasibility study of green waste, 

and is now an Environment 

Protection Officer with the 

Environment Agency in the Tyne 

West Team. 

DAVIES, Ian, Silsoe 

Left Houghton Regis for Ghana 

in 2001. His wife works for 

Japanese NGO in Ghana and he 

is house-husband to their two 

children while he looks for a job 

in the agricultural sector. 

GALLAGHER, Simon John, 

Shrivenham 

Doing a PhD in Pharmacology at 

the University of Cardiff. 

KIRBY, Barry, Shrivenham 

Completed his degree as Officer 

Cadet, continued to Sandhurst. 

Left to take up a job offer by 

Smiths Aerospace in Cheltenham 

where he is now a research engineer, 

looking at Crew Support 

Systems, and also trying to pioneer 

a way to research Future 

Military Land Systems. Works 

on variety of platforms, from 

commercial aircraft to military 

planes and helicopters. Also 

building a cockpit simulator to 

enable development, testing and 

evaluation of the new systems. 

1995 - 2001 

In his spare time, has started an 

MSc in Psychological Research 

Methods with the OU, and is the 

founding Chairman of the 

Malvern Angels, a ladies’ rugby 

club. Hopes to get married in 

November to Amanda, a fellowstudent 

at RMCS. 

SURAH, Davinder Singh, CoA 

Worked for BAE SYSTEMS Airbus 

UK at Filton. Gained vast knowledge 

of many business units and 

philosophies before posting to 

Airbus Toulouse on final assembly 

lines. Gained experience of 

Airbus Aircraft Aerodynamics in 

relation to Military Applications. 

Is now Lecturer in Aerospace 

Engineering at Farnborough 

College of Technology. 

2001 

LAMARQUE, Brice, Silsoe 

Employed S H Pratt and Co 

(Bananas) Ltd as a technologist, 

importing and ripening bananas 

for the UK market. The link 

between supermarkets’ requirements 

and field production, his 

job is to ensure bananas are produced 

in healthy and environmentally-friendly 

manner. Also 

responsible for quality. 

STEWART, Patrick, SoM 

Vice-President, Sales 

Development, Strategic Planning 

and Business Development for 

Europe, Africa and Eurasia for 

Brown-Forman Beveridges of 

Louisville, Kentucky, US. 

WOOLMORE, Nicola, Shrivenham 

Doing a PhD in ballistics at 

RMCS, Shrivenham. 

Find a friend at: 

www.cranfield.ac.uk/alumni/where. 

htm (see page 21) 

To send us your news online, visit 

the alumni website at: 

www.cranfield.ac.uk/alumni/contact 

or email: 


Where are they now?

20 

ALUMNI INFO 

Globally 

great 

Brian Jones, Cranfield Honorary 

Graduate from 2000 (see 

Password Summer 2000) and also 

Mission Control Director for 

QinetiQ 1, the team attempting to 

beat the air balloon world record, 

established in the ’60s by the 

American military, are to fly a 

balloon to 132,000 feet. The team 

are currently on board the QinetiQ 

ship, Triton, and should have 

flown during August, weather 

permitting. 

Former Cranfield student Stuart 

Robertson clocked up his 

maiden race engineering victory in 

the British F3 Scholarship 

Championship. His driver, Justin 

Sherwood, won at Croft in May. 

Emeritus Professor and 

Honorary Graduate Dr Arthur 

Lefebvre has been honored by 

ASME International, the American 

Society of Mechanical Engineers, 

for teaching excellence and 

research contributions to fuel 

atomisers in gas turbine 

combustion. 

He received the 2002 George 

Westinghouse Gold Medal and a 

$1,500 honorarium. Both were 

presented at the ASME TURBO 

EXPO conference held in 

Amsterdam in early June. 

Sir Colin Chandler, Pro- 

Chancellor of Cranfield 

University, is to be Chairman of 

leading low-cost airline easyJet in a 

wholesale change to the company’s 

structure following representations 

by institutional investors. 

Sir Colin was appointed Deputy 

Chairman with immediate effect, 

and will take over as Chairman 

when Stelios Haji-Ioannou resigns 

at the 2003 AGM. 

Former Cranfield student Lee 

Balthazor is the new President of the 

Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), the 

second year running that the presidency 

has been awarded to a Cranfield 

alumnus. 

Professor Ian Poll, Director of CCoA, 

handed over to Lee at a ceremony at the 

RAeS in May. 

Ian has spent an active year presiding 

at several inaugurations and lecturing to 

RAeS branches around the globe. While 

travelling, he takes every opportunity to 

contact former students, so his trips have 

also helped to generate university 

alumni groups in several countries. 

Involved 

Lee has been involved with most areas 

of RAeS activity, working with or within 

the aerospace industry, armed services, 

government agencies and academia. He 

held corporate responsibility as Senior 

Vice President in British Aerospace and, 

as Director of the MoD (PE) Procurement 

Management Group at Portsmouth 

Business School, he was responsible for 

developing MoD staff. He is now a risk 

management consultant with a number 

of aerospace companies and is involved 

with several university programmes. 

Having held a pilot’s licence since he 

was 16, he continues to fly today. 

At his inaugural address Lee said: 

“The challenge for aerospace 

professionals today requires good 

understanding between manufacturing 

industry, operations, finance, governments 

and academia, to enable the right 

decisions to be made for both short-term 

expediency and long-term sustainability. 

It is in this multi-disciplinary arena that 

our RAeS members play a key role in 

strengthening the long-term future of 

aerospace, as well as meeting short-term 

objectives through cost and time savings. 

“A key example is in recruitment. We 

need to encourage the best young 

people, inspire them through excellence 

in education and training, and provide 


HONOURS ROUND 

ALL 

Cranfield ‘keeps’ the RAeS presidency and features in the honours list 

� Lee Balthazor (left) with Ian Poll at the 

handing-over ceremony 

the exciting and innovative job and 

development opportunities to attract 

and retain them. I believe that the 

Cranfield College of Aeronautics is well 

placed to provide the multi-disciplinary 

approach needed.” 

❋ IAN POLL was one of three Cranfield 

people named in the Queen’s Golden 

Jubilee Birthday Honours List. He 

received an OBE for ‘Services to the 

Cranfield College of Aeronautics’. 

He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to 

have been honoured in this way. 

Cranfield College of Aeronautics is very 

important to me, having been associated 

with it for 27 years. This award shows 

that we are valued across the aerospace 

community and will encourage me to 

try even harder to make it a success.” 

Other honours included a CBE for 

advisor Ken Maciver, recently retired 

General Manager and Executive Vice- 

President of TRW Aeronautical Systems, 

and Neil Heslop, an MBA graduate from 

1992 was awarded an OBE. 

Neil, who currently works as a 

General Manager for O2 and is a 

founder member and trustee of the 

charity called Blind in Business, was 

recognised for his services to British 

Telecom and to blind people.

www. cranfield.ac.uk/alumni ALUMNI INFO 

Quick clicks to locate 

that long-lost friend! 

Do you remember your time at 

Cranfield? Of course you do, which 

is why you keep in touch with us. 

But what about your classmates, or the 

study-buddies you kept in touch with 

until they disappeared off the face of the 

earth? 

As one of our most frequent requests is 

to track down that lost friend, we decided 

that some helpful technology was the 

answer. 

What you need to do 

Use the navigation 

system from any page 

of your alumni web – 

click on ‘Alumni 

Services’, then ‘Find a 

lost friend’, and enter 

in the details yourself. 

Use your own contact 

details or those of the 

alumni office, whichever you 

prefer. You might even find 

that someone is searching for 

YOU – but you won’t know 

unless you go to the site to 

find out. 

Will I need to register first? 

Only if you haven’t already 

registered for access to your exclusive 

and private alumni site. To find out how 

to register, see back page. 

Overseas pages 

A new addition which is helping the 

alumni groups to grow. Of special interest 

to those of you from Denmark, Greece or 

Taiwan – but other pages will be added as 

more groups form. 

Keep up to date with alumni news and 

events in your own country, and contact 

us with your own information. 

Pages are planned for USA, Canada, 

Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, other 

European and Scandinavian countries – 

just look for the flag. 

Other alumni groups 

Other university groups may be for a 

specific interest, course or year. New 

groups are emerging all the time, and 

each will eventually have a dedicated 

page. 

News and events 

The latest news and information for 

Cranfield alumni. Why not advertise 

your event or reunion yourself – simply 

click on ‘add an event’ and fill in the 

details. And see what the diary holds by 

selecting ‘events’. 

Careers 

Find that job you are looking 

for advertised within Pod – 

an ever-expanding careers 

service. 

Your views 

Vitally important to us, as 

they help shape your alumni 

association and your 

website. Contribute 

to the online survey 

by clicking on ‘Your 

view’ from the 

‘About alumni’ page. 

We will let you know 

what you have to say 

later, both in 

Password and on the 

website. 

Keep in touch 

Above all, remember to keep in touch; let 

us know any change of address and, 

especially, your email address, as this is 

the most direct form of communication. 

Send us your news. And do use your 

website; it has been created just for you. 

To contact the alumni office email: 


Alumni data 

On the 

database 

With email 

address 

July 2000 26,000 1,000 

July 2001 27,600 4,800 

Jan 2002 28,100 7,200 

July 2002 30,600 10,000 

The truth, the whole 

truth and nothing 

but the truth? 

As a leaving student, do you 

remember a form asking you 

about your experience here? 

Sent out to all graduands when they 

leave, our questionnaire is a vital way 

of gathering information about the 

Cranfield experience. It allows us to 

monitor and improve according to a 

most important stakeholder group – 

our students. 

Those who left in 2000 will have 

contributed to our most recent market 

research. According to this, 87% of 

you would recommend your course 

or research programme to friends or 

colleagues. 

Eighty-eight percent of you enjoyed 

your course and, for 86%, it matched 

your expectations. And 83% of you 

said your research programme or 

course helped in career development. 

Results concerning facilities were 

very positive – the computer centre, 

the library, and the careers service 

received high satisfaction rates. 

Information we provide on 

registration, fees, procedure and 

accommodation was rated good, 

while nursing, Community Services, 

Lanchester Hall, houses and flats were 

also rated highly. 

As a result of your comments we 

have improved sports and 

recreational facilities, upgraded 

aspects of Mitchell Hall, and looked 

into transport to Milton Keynes, and 

information about off-campus 

accommodation. The results also 

contributed to the decision to upgrade 

the IBST laboratories. 

The importance of researching 

graduates’ careers is equally high. The 

First Destination Questionnaire 

(HEFCE) reports that, immediately 

after graduation, 97% of Cranfield 

graduates are either employed or 

engaged in further study; 91% of those 

employed are in relevant, fastmoving, 

world-changing industries 

and services. 

21

ALUMNI INFO 

Do you live near or regularly 

visit the Cranfield campus? 

Then let us help you to maintain 

your health and fitness at our fully 

furnished Fitness Centre with its mixture of cardiovascular and 

resistance equipment. There’s even a punch bag on which to release 

your stress. Or you could go to one of the lunchtime and evening 

aerobics and yoga sessions, in the new Aerobics Studio next to the 

Fitness Centre. 

You can book a court for badminton in the newly refurbished 

Sports Hall, or book one of the four excellent floodlit tennis 

courts. And why not fix up a session with one of the Cranfield 

Students Association (CSA) sports clubs and societies, open 

to alumni? 

Now alumni can obtain preferential rates from Sudbury 

House Hotel, a subsidiary company of the university 

situated at the edge of the Cotswolds and conveniently near 

the Shrivenham campus, between Swindon and Oxford. 

Click on the Pod site for details: www.cranfield.ac.uk/alumni 

ON COURSE FOR YOUR 

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT 

This autumn heralds a flurry of new 

development opportunities at 

Cranfield and many special offers for 

our former students. 

A three-day course considers the burgeoning 

of in-flight entertainment as a 

differentiator between competing airlines. 

The course, which runs from 21-23 

October, is endorsed by the World Airline 

Entertainment Association. Speakers 

include Walé Adepoju, MD of the Inflight 

Management Development Centre, and 

Patrick Brannelly, General Manager, 

Passenger Communications at Emirates 

Airlines. 

On 13-15 November, Basic Practical 

Signal Processing considers the use of key 

equipment in the investigation of environmental 

and engineering problems. 

By popular demand, Gas Turbine 

Appreciation will be repeated in 

February, enabling new delegates to 

acquire a firm grasp of the principles of 

design and performance. 

And Understanding IPPC (Integrated 

Pollution Prevention & Control) is a 

practical seminar and workshop on 

16/17 December, covering the implications, 

implementation and impact of the 

IPPC Directive. 

Other opportunities include: 

❋ Next Generation Product Realisation 

13-17 October 2002 

❋ Properties and Applications of Metals 

14-18 October 2002 

❋ Introduction to Microsystems and 

Nanotechnology October 14-18 2002 

❋ Environmental Auditing 28 October - 

1 November at Silsoe 

❋ The Making of Europe’s Best 

Factories 1 November 2002 

❋ Diving Science and Technology 

2-6 December 2002 

❋ Manufacturing Technology 13-17 

January 2003. 

The programme runs through to the 

spring and full details can be seen via: 

www.cranfield.ac.uk/alumni/diary/ 

month.cfm 

Ripeandready 

for picking 

Pod offers exclusive benefits, services, 

discounts and information tailored 

especially for you, Cranfield 

University alumni. 

HOW TO REGISTER 

Simply click on ‘Pod’ in the navigation 

box and follow the instructions 

– you will then receive confirmation 

of your password. 

CURRENT OFFERS 

Conferencing 

Book your conference, dinner, 

reunion, or wedding at a price 

reserved just for Cranfield’s alumni. 

Venues are Mitchell Hall and 

Cranfield Management Development 

Centre at Cranfield , and The 

Conference Centre at Silsoe. 

Library membership 

A range of benefits including full 

use of reference materials; catalogue 

and Internet access; borrowing 

rights; access to selected electronic 

databases and Cranfield’s 

digitised materials, and the expertise 

of library staff via a dedicated 

alumni liaison officer. 

Travel 

Book your flights or even organise 

your own complete itinerary using 

Travelselect, our on-line travel shop 

– fast and simple, it handles every 

requirement. 

Alumni Jobs 

Look here for some of the selected 

vacancies that the Careers Service 

has available for Cranfield alumni. 

Clubs and societies 

The Cranfield Students Association 

(CSA) clubs are also open for alumni. 

To see the complete list, visit: 

www.cranfield.ac.uk/socs/csa/ 

sports/sports.htm 

Password is published twice a year by Cranfield University Marketing & Communication, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Beds MK43 0AL UK 

Tel: +44(0)1234 754991/2 Fax: +44(0)1234 752259 Web: www.cranfield.ac.uk/alumni Publisher: Shirley Jones Editor/designer: Jenni Jackson Project Manager: Dot Hill 

Designed by Cranfield University Marketing & Communication Printed in England by The Colour Works 

Cover photograph: © Roman soldier courtesy of re-enactment society Legio Secunda Augusta, Portsmouth. More information at www.legiiavg.org.uk

Autumn 2002 PW 5 - Cranfield University

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