Autumn 2009

The magazine for Friends of Coventry University

six
clicks to
Coventry
Plus online
Benefits
and offers
Graduate 2tone
2 tone
profiles
Events and
me
emories
memories
30 years since
reunions
Your letters graduates launched
and updates tthe
th 2-Tone
he 2 To e label
one lab
ab
bel
el

Art attack
How creative graduates
are beating the recession
with artistic enterprises

win
money off
the cost of a
fabulous
cottage holiday
Keeping it
real
Why film director and graduate
Debbie Isitt thinks Coventry is
better than Hollywood
evolve contents

welcome
There are many challenges in the current
economic climate, but interest in the arts
is set to boom.
8
An arts revival happened during the
recession in the 80s and artists are
hopeful for the same reaction again
as the downturn causes more of us
to escape to theatres and cinemas.
Coventry’s arts graduates are
already using their creativity and
entrepreneurialism to carve out successful careers and in
this issue of evolve, we pay homage to their achievements.
From film director Debbie Isitt releasing a feel-good family
movie this Christmas to the recent graduates launching
a new theatre company called New Macho; Coventry
University's Art & Design graduates are fighting back.
We also take a walk down memory lane to celebrate 30
years since the launch of the 2-Tone label and speak to the
graduates who brought Ska music to life in Coventry.
If this is the first time you have received evolve, then
welcome to your alumni association’s magazine. We look
forward to hearing your story to include in a future issue.

Keep in touch
Kristina
18
The alumni team
Deputy Director of Development and Alumni Relations Ian Moore
Alumni Relations Officer Kristina Anders
Data Officer Katharine Jones
Annual Fund Officer Brian Wilson
Head of Development Matt Feeley

Contact us
Telephone: +44 (0) 24 7688 8589
Email: alumni@coventry.ac.uk
Post: FOCUS, The Development Office, Alan Berry Building, Room
32
35, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB
Website: www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
E-News: A free monthly alumni e-newsletter. Subscribe by emailing
SUBSCRIBE to alumni@coventry.ac.uk
Social Networking: Become a Fan and join the Friends of
Coventry University group on Facebook, link up with the University
and other professionals on Linkedin and get in touch on Xing.

Credits
This magazine is written and designed by Elliott House Communications
for Coventry University, photographs by Graham Harwood and printed by
Emmersons Press.
Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue of evolve.
Please keep sending in your stories.

This magazine is published twice a year for alumni of Coventry University. All letters,
photos and news are welcomed but we reserve the right to edit any contributions.
The opinions expressed in evolve are those of the contributors and do not
necessarily reflect those of the Alumni Relations Office or Coventry University.

02 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni

contents
regulars
4 Update
Catch up on all the latest campus
and graduate news
11 Lecturer in focus
Head of Department for
Physiotherapy and Dietetics Karen
Harrison reveals a love of muscles
12 Get connected
Find out what old friends are
doing now and get back in touch
24 Letters
Your views and opinions about the
University and the magazine
27 Profile
Graduate Tim Thompson talks
about his new life in Mexico
34 Events
A round up of reunions that have
happened on and off campus
36 What's on
Find out about the latest events
and activities on offer to graduates
14
features
8 Business performance
Graduate company New Macho
mix business with pleasure
14 Dance moves online
Coventry has created a new digital
dance archive online
18 Special memories
Celebrating 30 years since 2-Tone
was launched by Coventry grads
20 Keeping it real
Film director and graduate Debbie
Isitt chats about her new film
28 Number crunch
Why the Government wants more
economists from Coventry
30 Six ways to...
A guide to getting more out of
Coventry online
32 King of content
Pro Chancellor Ernest Petrie talks
about his love of journalism
offers
38 Benefits
All the membership perks listed
39 Competition
Win money off a cottage holiday
This magazine
is available in
alternative formats on
request. Call +44 (0)
24 7688 8589 or email
alumni@coventry.ac.uk
Vice-Chancellor
Madeleine Atkins
reveals how the
University is helping
in the recession
In tough times,
individuals and
businesses need
to implement
tough measures
for survival.
We have been
successful in a
bid for a share of £50 million in
an economic investment scheme
announced by the Higher Education
Funding Council for England
(HEFCE). More than 70 universities
and colleges will be offering help
after winning a share of the money,
£27m of which has come from the
Government. Coventry has been
awarded the full grant it applied
for which is just under £500,000
and the money will go towards
developing targeted training and
skills development, specialist advice,
mentoring and start-up support
in order to stimulate growth and
business development. There is
also support for specific sectors –
niche manufacturing, automotive
technology, serious gaming, and
the creative industries. Though
the focus is on rapid action and
short-term help, we will also help
businesses succeed when recovery
gathers pace.
For recent graduates, the
challenge to secure employment is
even greater in these difficult times.
The University’s Careers Service is
here to give advice, as well as our
Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship
(IAE) for those wishing to set
up a business. You may also
want to consider a postgraduate
qualification or a Continuing
Professional Development course to
develop your skills further and your
chances of getting the job you really
want. We continue to offer careers
support and guidance even after
graduation, so do please feel free to
give us a call or come and see us if
you think we might be able to help.
Professor Madeleine Atkins
Vice-Chancellor
03
evolve update

update
Got a
story?
Send news
to alumni@
coventry.
ac.uk
The latest campus and graduate news

BOY RACERS:
David Wick, Matt

Formula
Cherrington and
Paul Nowland
at Silverstone in
August. Inset:

for success
Matt before the
Silverstone race

R
ecent graduates claimed a world first in June
after their team’s Bio-ethanol powered Locost
racing car won the 750 Motor Club Locost
championship – beating standard petrol vehicles.
It is believed that this was the first time a bio-ethanol
powered machine had beaten petrol counterparts in club
Motorsport in the UK and the team have won four out of
13 races this season, with six podiums.
David Wick (Engineering, 2008), Paul Nowland,
James Trostler (both Mechanical Engineering, 2008)
and final year Engineering student Matt Cherrington
formed Bio-Tech Motorsport while at University. They
have been working on a project for the last three
years, sponsored by Coventry University, aimed at
proving alternative fuels can work at any level of
motorsport and plan to sell conversion kits to other
racers keen to change their petrol cars.
Driver Matt, who races the Locost, also set up his
own company 'TMC' that builds and prepares cars
for races. “You can't beat the adrenaline when you're
racing," said Matt. "I'm looking forward to graduating
now so I can concentrate on the business."
Represent FOCUS
around the world
FOCUS is looking for ambassadors to
represent the alumni association in different
countries around the world.
A job description and person profile has
been produced about the kind of graduate
that would be perfect for the position and
the alumni office is now searching for
volunteers. The aim is to create a voluntary
network of ambassadors around the world.
The search started in North Africa, where
the International Office recently held four
events for Coventry graduates to attend.
Adverts were placed in local papers to
invite alumni to events in Tanzania, Arusha,
Uganda or Nairobi. For more information
visit www.coventry.ac.uk/ambassadors.

04 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
DRAGON: (l-r)
Daniel Sheridan,
Peter Jones, David
Wick and Simon Hill
Dragons and
directors inspire
G
raduate entrepreneurs
received advice from
Dragon’s Den star Peter
Jones and won awards from the
Institute of Directors this year.
Peter Jones visited the Institute
of Applied Entrepreneurship
(IAE) to see how the University is
working with student entrepreneurs.
Simon Hill (CPD, 2008) who runs
his business Summit Marketing
Solutions met the Dragon.
“Peter is a genuinely nice guy
but he pulls no punches and when I
met him, he gave me three minutes
to give him a Dragon’s Den style
Be a global entrepreneur
E nterprising graduates who want
to get ahead and become better
innovators should take the new MA in
Global Entrepreneurship.
The Masters qualification, which
is run by the Institute of Applied
Entrepreneurship (IAE), is a two-year
part-time course and includes the
chance to attend a study week based
at The Shanghai Institute of Foreign
Trade in China. The overseas work
gives entrepreneurs the opportunity
to explore new markets.
The course includes 10 modules
that help students gain practical
knowledge that can be applied to
their business or corporate career.
Modules include personal
entrepreneurial development,
pitch of my business,” said Simon
who's currently studying for an MA.
Graduates were also honoured
at the Coventry Means Business
Awards – an event that marked
the end of a year-long mentoring
scheme run by the Institute of
Directors (IoD) for Coventry and
Warwickshire. The scheme is
the first of its kind and pairs up
business leaders with aspiring
young entrepreneurs. Among the
winners were graduate company
New Macho (see page eight).
Winners received a cheque for
£800 and the runners up, £200.
profitability and financial performance,
and marketing for entrepreneurs.
IAE also offers support to develop
businesses while you study as well as
a range of resources.
The course costs £4,230 for
two years excluding travel and
accommodation in China.
For more information contact
Dr Gideon Maas on
gmaas@cad.coventry.ac.uk
evolve update
newsinbrief
Good progress
Coventry has risen up the
ranks of The Times Good
University Guide, reflecting
its investment in helping
students find employment.
Relative to other new
universities, Coventry
performs particularly well
on entry standards and on
graduate prospects, which
measures the proportion of
graduates who have found
graduate level jobs or
moved into studying for a
postgraduate qualification.
Coventry climbed three
places to 71st position
in the guide that was
released in June.
Car trials
Coventry University is part
of a consortium which will
run the world’s largest user
trial of privately owned low
carbon vehicles.
The Coventry and
Birmingham Low Emission
Demonstrators (CABLED)
project will trial a range
of electric and hydrogen
vehicles across two cities.
The Government’s
Technology Strategy Board
has invested £25m in the
project (the biggest project
of its kind) which will fund
eight trials nationally within
the next six-to-18 months.
Play the game
The world communication
conference on sport and
society, Play the Game,
came to the UK for the
first time this year and was
hosted by the University.
The conference was
co-organised by Coventry
University’s Centre for the
International Business
of Sport (CIBS) with Play
the Game and attracted
around 400 media
professionals, academic
researchers and sports
practitioners.
Issues facing world
sport were discussed, such
as good governance and
anti-doping.
05
evolve update

RECOMMENDED:
memory bank Lucy Gillett at
the conference in
Malaysia
Graduates reveal
their favourite
student memory

Angela Owen (neé Day)

(Law, 1988)
The juke box in
the SU's Mandella
bar (1985-1988)
playing Indie such
as The Violent
Femmes and The
Cult – and then as a complete
contrast the pop of the time,
for example MARRS' Pump up
the Volume and Peter Gabriel's
Sledge Hammer.
Christopher Jackson,
(European Studies with
French, 2002)
My best memory is finishing
a three hour exam at 12.30
and going straight to the Colin
Cambell to watch England V
Argentina in June 2002 in the
World Cup. Beckham’s penalty!
Bryan Finlay
(Mechanical Engineering, 1966)
An amazing
mentor – Control
Systems
Lecturer Sandy
Livingstone.
Steven Coyles
(Business Studies, 1983)
The friends I made in Priory
Hall from BA Business Studies
(1979-1980).
Matthew Jones
(Biological Sciences, 2000)
The fun of Fresher’s Week
and making
new friends, the
experience of living
in halls and settling
into a new life with
new like-minded
people. At Coventry I had a real
journey – and looking back have
nothing but great memories from
my time at Uni.
Ambassador
storms Malaysia
A
Coventry graduate has
made recommendations
for improving education
for all young people in
Commonwealth countries.
Lucy Gillett, a 20 year old Law
graduate and current Young UK
Ambassador, attended the 17th
Conference of Commonwealth
Education Ministers (CCEM) in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
A total of 110 youths from 29
Commonwealth countries took
part in the conference, which
was in its 50th year, as part of
the relatively new youth forum.
“The youth forum was
a fantastic opportunity to
Humanitarian honoured
A former student has been
honoured for his humanitarian
work at this year’s International and
postgraduate awards ceremonies.
Dr. Majid Alsadi who studied
for a part-time MPhil-PhD
in Mechanical
Engineering (featured
in evolve autumn
2008) in the 1980s
was conferred with
the Honorary Degree
of Doctor of Business
not only learn about the
education systems of other
Commonwealth countries, but
also to use these differences to
implement recommendations to
the Commonwealth ministers
which will effectively improve
education for all young people
among the Commonwealth
countries,” said Lucy who stayed
with a family while she was there
to learn about the culture.
Lucy was one of two
representatives who presented
the recommendations and also
chaired the drafting committee
that collated all the information
to draft the recommendations.
Administration. It was in recognition
of his contribution to humanitarian
work, regeneration and education
in Iraq and the Middle East.
He has recently been made a
Visiting Professor in Aerospace
Engineering and supported the
development of a set of flight
simulators. In 2007, the University
launched the Majid Alsadi
Scholarship Foundation, which
gives financial support to students
from Iraq and elsewhere.

06 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
 STYLE: Models
show off the

Fashion
creations of final
year students

show first
The Degree Show 2009 included
a free student fashion show

T
he first cohort of students to graduate from
Fashion displayed their creations at the graduate
fashion show, part of this year's Degree Show.
The full catwalk show included garments from award-
winning student designer Kevin Geddes.
The Fashion Show was just one part of the successful
event which invited graduates from all years back to
the University to look around. Work was included from
students in Industrial and Automotive Design and Visual
Arts as well as Theatre, Media and Fine Art among others
in the Faculty of Art & Design.
It was an opportunity to look at some of the latest in
car designs from award-winning students and to see
designs and products of the future.
Designs on show included innovative wind-powered
super yachts, electric cars, a purpose-built helicopter
designed to help control bush wildfires, products to help
detect lower body injuries and even a new type of
roller coaster.
To see films from the Degree Show 2009 visit
www.coventry.ac.uk/degreeshow

Graduate's new album

A Coventry graduate has released her first
album after discovering her talent for singing
and writing music at the University.
Verity Pabla (Theatre and Professional
Practice, 2005) released Trust Again in June.
Two years ago Verity turned professional
and set up her production company I’m Not
a Machine Productions with support from the
Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship (IAE).
Verity, who has been compared to singer
Beth Orton, said: “I’m confident this will be
the album that raises my profile in the British
music scene. The most important thing
though is that people are
enjoying it!”
The album is available at
www.silveryrecords.com
or find out more at
www.veritypabla.com.
Double celebration 35-years later
One graduate who missed out on his
graduation ceremony is making up for it 35
years later after winning a stay in a luxury
hotel in the same year he is attending a special
reunion. Derek Holden (Combined Science,
1974) entered the evolve competition in the spring 09
issue to win a two-night stay at the four-star luxury
Ramada Hotel Coventry. Derek correctly unscrambled
the name Lady Godiva and was entered into the prize
draw to win the hotel break. “It will be nice to come back
and look around," said Derek."I made a lot of good friends
who I lost contact with over the years. It would be great
to see them at the 1974 reunion event in November.”

07
evolve enterprise

TEAM PLAYERS:
(l-r) Lindsey,
Eileen and (front)
Robert perform
in New Macho
Service Station
in Coventry city
centre. (Inset)
Performing in

Business
Feed the Birds
in 2008

performance Performing arts are set for a revival

during the recession and one new theatre
company is using business sense to keep
their artistic passions alive
08 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni

A
t the end of every
performance, New
Macho hand out
origami cranes
to their audience.
In Japanese
culture the crane
symbolises honour and loyalty and
for New Macho it’s also a brilliant
marketing device.
Promotional tactics like these are
just one of the tools many artists
currently leaving the University are
being encouraged to adopt. Survival
is no longer just about great acting
in the theatre, there also needs to be
a great performance in the business
world too. And especially so
in tough economic times.
New Macho is
“Our lives are this company now.
part of a new wave
of theatre companies
The thought of doing anything
else feels unnatural to us.”
that are mixing commercial sense with
creative talent. The trio are currently
studying for an MA in Innovation and
Enterprise in Performing Arts and are
based in the University’s new Institute
for Creative Enterprise (ICE).
The course not only helps them to
hone their performance skills but also
teaches them how to ensure their
theatre company will make money.
“There were lots of debates when
we first attended the modules in
business and entrepreneurialism,”
said Lindsey Hartland who formed
Main image courtesy of Coventry City Council
New Macho with course mates Eileen
McCarthy and Robert Jones while
studying Theatre and Professional
Practice. “They were teaching us how
to run a business, but it was such a
cold approach to a project that we felt
was part of us. We were very precious
about our company at first but then
we saw how the modules could help
us with practical things, like pricing.”
PLAYTIME: (left
and below) Street
theatre (right)
an interactive
installation called
No Conferring
Business mentors gave them
tailored advice on funding packages
and raised their awareness of the
competition in the marketplace.
“It has taught us to be realistic
and think about ways the company
can work in the outside world,” said
Robert. “We don’t think of ourselves
as students, we’re in a business now.”
New Macho was one of the only
arts companies to be accepted on to
the University’s Student Placements
for Entrepreneurs in Education
(SPEED) programme and received
funding to help them get started.
“Coventry has had a big part to
play. The first thing the tutor said
when we started was: ‘From now on
you’re an artist,’ which put you in that
mindset from day one,” said Lindsey.
In the tough economic climate,
the arts are hoping to experience the
upside of the downturn by offering
a form of escapism. New Macho
believes it is in the best position to
do that and hopes to attract younger
audiences. “We’re all only 22 so we
make stuff that we enjoy. We want to
attract the next generation of theatre-
goers,” said Robert.
They write and perform their own
contemporary shows, which often
include a social commentary, such as
the ‘Lessons in Avoiding the World’
play, which was set in a makeshift
squat. Their aim is to be accessible to
everyone – especially those who don’t
normally go to the theatre.
From street theatre projects
supported by the City Council to
performances at the Belgrade Theatre
in Coventry; New Macho is in work
and happy. All three are prepared to
pick up part-time jobs while they get
the business off the ground and they
spend every spare minute hatching
innovative ways to attract audiences.
They recently won the Best Business
Idea at the Institute of Directors'
Coventry Means Business Awards.
“We use the origami birds and
our logo of a paint splat to create a
presence and a buzz. This viral and
guerrilla marketing builds our brand.
We leave recognised symbols behind
to show we’ve been somewhere,”
said Eileen. “Our lives are this
company now. The thought of doing
anything else feels unnatural to us.”
According to Japanese culture,
New Macho’s greatest wish will come
true if they fold 1,000 origami cranes.
They dream of touring the UK with
their own work while still having as
much fun as when they first started.
While there are compromises to
be made, New Macho is proving that
to be successful, artists must learn to
mix business with pleasure.
Find out about the help
available to creative
enterprise over the page.
Find out more about New
Macho at www.newmacho.com
09
evolve enterprise
How to... start
a creative business
Business Mentor Robin Underhay explains how the University’s new
creative institute can help businesses like New Macho
Breaking the ICE
Based on the Technology Park
the Institute for Creative Enterprise
(ICE) provides incubation space
and business start-up advice for
creative graduates wishing to set
up their own business. It also has
a performance studio, a screening
room, a digital studio, a café and wi-fi
is available throughout the building. It
also offers postgraduate courses in
creative subjects.
Support packages on offer
for creative graduates
ICE and the Institute of Applied
Entrepreneurship (IAE) offer support
for new creative businesses, from
start up to networking and business
support. You can expect:
● Support for up to 12 months
(initially) from the start of your
business
● One-to-one advice and
discussion with a Business
Mentor (by appointment)
● Invitations to networking
meetings
● Access to telephone support
and advice
● One and a half hours' free use
10 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
of the Board Room for meetings
per week
● A minimum of four specifically
tailored business support
modules
● Access to numerous fact
sheets, publications, booklets
and brochures
● Introductions to banks and
other funding opportunities
● A prime location and furnished
hot desk space for up to 12
months
● Access to fast broadband
internet
● On-site Business Mentor and
support staff
Business mentors help
grow creative enterprises
The dedicated business mentors
will help creative graduates to plan,
establish and grow their creative
businesses. Mentors are all trained
business advisors and appreciate
the different approach needed for
the creative sector. They understand
creative entrepreneurs and will offer
practical advice and guidance.
Boost skills with ICE's
postgraduate courses
The University’s School of Art and
Design offers the following Masters
courses based at ICE:
● Design and Digital Media
● Media Arts
● Performance Innovation and
Enterprise
● Dance Making and Performance
● Media Production
ICE also provides business
development support, placements
for students, mentoring, information,
debate, advice and more.
The aim is to develop partnerships
and collaborations between the
postgraduate students, working with
academic staff, and the professional
cultural organisations based in the
Institute.
More information to get
your business started
For more information on how
to start and develop your
business (and not just in
creative enterprise) TEXT to
60777 IAE (space) followed
by either of the following
(dependant on personal
situation)
_Undergraduate
_Graduate
_Business
_Other
A mentor will respond to your
text with details of the service
they can provide.
Alternatively, please contact
Robin Underhay on +44 (0)24
7623 6001 or runderhay@cad.
coventry.ac.uk

“I find anatomy
completely
fascinating”
Karen Harrison is the Head of Department
for Physiotherapy and Dietetics and has
been with the University since 1993, when
she joined as a Principal Lecturer from
Wolverhampton School of Physiotherapy
Why did you choose to teach
Q Physiotherapy?
Like most things I’ve done in my
A life there has been a degree of
serendipity about it. After my undergraduate
physiotherapy training at Birmingham, the
Principal called me when I was working as a
Senior Physiotherapist, and suggested I go
into teaching. I then did my teacher training at
what is now the University of Birmingham.
I find anatomy completely fascinating. I like
the sounds of muscle names such as Flexor
Email alumni@ Hallucis Longus or Pectoralis Major – there’s a
coventry.ac.uk charm and delight about them.
to send Karen a
message or let
What are you most proud of?
us know which
academic you
Q When I was a student, I was awarded
would like to see in the Manley Memorial prize for getting
the next issue. A the highest mark in what were then
evolve profile
national physiotherapy examinations. I had
to go to Cambridge University to collect the
award; it was splendid and very exciting.
In 2000, I became the first UK Chair in
Physiotherapy Education.
You feel pride in lots of different things –
such as graduates who become outstanding
clinicians in their field or do something which
is nationally recognised. I also feel proud
when we visit our students on placement and
our graduates are teaching them.
A lot of well-known names in Physiotherapy
have come through here. Student satisfaction
levels in the Department are extremely high;
92% in the last University student survey.
Do you use any interesting
Q teaching techniques?
I do the lead lecture on a module
A called Welfare, Health and Inequalities
and we discuss stereotypes. I always
describe my 80-year old father, who does
quite outrageous things. I talk about (with his
permission), how he has severe osteoporosis
and is very bent, has a hiatus hernia and
tinnitus, to conjure up a certain picture about
how he will look. I then put a picture of my
father up on the screen and he’s standing
behind a red, 600cc Yamaha motorbike,
because although he can’t walk without
a frame, he can perch up on a motorbike
by propping himself up on the handlebars.
There’s usually a huge hoot of laughter when I
show it. It challenges assumptions.
How have the courses
Q progressed?
The differences are enormous. I often
A think I would love to go back and do
my physiotherapy training all over again as it is
such a cracking course.
The e-learning facility is one of the main
differences. We’ve developed the online Inter-
Professional Learning Pathway, which 1,400
students use, including medical students at
Warwick University. That’s an enormously
powerful innovation and there isn’t anything
else quite like it in the UK.
We offer the most comprehensive Masters
portfolio in the UK by a long way and we also
have the only MSc in Acupuncture in Europe.
We offer novel provision in a number of areas
that other institutions don’t offer at all, such as
ultrasonic diagnostic imaging, or neurological
injection therapy, which involves injection of
botulinum toxin into spastic muscles. We look
for whatever is a new area in development
and try to get there first.
11
evolve get connected

getconnected Coventry graduates from over the years

reveal what they are doing now
Graduated 1960s Graduated 1970s
Margaret Faber Raymond Tew
Chemistry and Metallurgy, 1966 Mathematics 1970
Having started at Lanchester College I retired in 2007 from my final position
of Technology in 1963, when D block of Principal Lecturer in Quality
was still unfinished, and C block Management at Nottingham Trent
was fairly new. It was a big surprise University.
to me when I visited this year to
see it being demolished. I was the Carol Maxwell
only woman on my HND Chem and Modern Languages, 1974
Metallurgy course – now it seems to I had already gone off on a two-year
be the norm for women to do all the world trip when the original 1974
engineering and science courses. graduation ceremony was supposed
Nigel Adams
Business Studies (Marketing), 1970
I was a member of the second cohort on
the Business Studies (Marketing) degree
programme from September 1966 and was
awarded a BA (Business Studies) honours
degree in 1970. A very long time ago!
There were 85 men and one woman on the
programme. Very different from today’s
Marketing programmes!
Following my graduation in 1970, I
continued working for Massey Ferguson in
several international marketing roles until
1983, when I was headhunted by Cargill
Inc to work on Countertrade projects in
London and Geneva. In 1985 I established
my own Countertrade consultancy business
and then from 1993 until 2002, I worked in Poland as a UK
government Know How Fund Management Adviser.
Following my return to England, I re-established my international
business consultancy company and was also a visiting lecturer in
Marketing and International Marketing at Coventry University and at the
University of Buckingham.
Today, in addition to running my own international business
consultancy, I am also Programme Director for the BSc Business
Enterprise (BBE) at the University of Buckingham, mentor the BBE
students and lecture in Marketing and International Marketing.
For further information, please see: http://www.nigeladams.com
and http://www.buckingham.ac.uk/business/bbe/
to take place, so I had completely
forgotten that it had never taken
place. If the majority would like to
have the ceremony in November
2009, then I would also be pleased
to take part in that, otherwise a
dinner/reunion would be a wonderful
idea and an opportunity to catch up
with friends from that time.
Dr Ashley Nixon
Applied Biology, 1979, PhD 1992
About six years
after graduating
I registered as a
part-time, remote
postgraduate
student, for research
into soil chemistry and ground flora
changes associated with woodland
restoration on the Isle of Rum,
Scotland under the supervision
of Dr Humphrey Smith. I believe
this was the first PhD in the
Biology Department of the newly
formed Coventry University from a
graduate of the Modular Science
programme. During this time I
was a lecturer in environmental
management at Norwich City
College, Farnbrough College and
Sunderland University. I then went
into environmental consultancy
with the University of Aberdeen
and its spin-off company, Cordah.
This led me to work all over the
world (more than 30 countries),
including Peru where I was based
for four years working in the mining
and oil and gas sectors. In 2001
I moved to Calgary, Alberta, where
I still live, now as a Canadian
citizen, working with Shell Canada
first as Sustainable Development
Advisor and, more recently, as
Social Performance Manager in the
Heavy Oil Division.

12 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
d
GRADUATION:
(l-r) Stephen
Winteridge back
in 1974 and how
he looks today

Stephen Winteridge
Combined Science, 1974

I
suppose if I had realised that a few poor A level
results in 1971 meant that universities wouldn’t
want me, I might have tried harder. But we all
know that at 18 there are other things in life
apart from study. That said I knew that if I wanted
to get a decent (well paid) job, I would need some
more qualifications, and anyway I had no idea what I
wanted to do for work.
Applications to various colleges were duly completed
and Lanchester Polytechnic offered me a Combined
Science course. Success indeed, but it was in Coventry,
nearly 150 miles away!
The Lanch was my first prolonged time away from my
home in Yorkshire. My parents
accused me of being homesick
at my first return, but I was only
“there has always
home to have my washing done! I
soon got into the swing of things,
been a hole in my
made many friends and certainly
was not homesick.
history. Whatever
I studied Combined Science
for my first two years, and during
happened to all of
that time lodged with Mr and Mrs
Jessop in the Broad Lane area.
us who never went
For my final year I had a place in to a graduation
the halls of residence overlooking
the delights of Pool Meadow ceremony?”
bus station, when no part of The
Lanch was located outside of the Ring Road. Times
were good; we studied hard, but also partied well.
Progressing to gain my degree in Mathematics
has always surprised me, none more so than when I
discovered an old folder of theories, calculations and
formulae a year or so ago, and couldn’t understand a
word of it. It must have made sense at the time, as it was
definitely my handwriting.
Those days in Coventry were the best and most
formative days of my life.
I do remember the bar (through a Younger’s Tartan
haze) and the Polytechnic motor club and seem to recall
tearing round the Warwickshire countryside in various
vehicles with somewhat dubious reliability.
Everything worked out well for
me after leaving. A job in (what
is now called) IT, first at Lucas
Industries, is what I still do, albeit
now for only two days a week.
Fortunate enough to be semi-
retired, and happily married to
Pauline, I have time once again to
tear around the countryside (within
the speed limit now of course).
But there has always been
a hole in my history. Whatever
happened to all of us who never
went to a graduation ceremony
because it was cancelled due to
the Birmingham pub bombings? I am not in contact with
any of my fellow students from that time. Did everyone
just lose touch?
I welcome the proposed gathering [on 27 November
2009], and would dearly love to see inside some of the
old lecture rooms located in the block alongside Cox
Street, the bar, and some of my other haunts in Coventry.

Graduated 1980s eight months, and am now a full-time Graduated 1990s

Joanne Leung
(nee Miller)
Modern Studies, 1986
After 20 years of living in London and
working in insurance, I now have
three children aged five, four and
mum living by the sea in Dorset. I
am a classic degree and career first,
then, luckily at 38, started my family.
When they are all at school I hope
to run a sweet shop – I wouldn’t say
that my degree will be of much use
then, but I wouldn’t have missed it
for the world!
Jeffrey McQuone
Applied Physics, 1993
I have completed 15 years teaching
KS3 and GCSE Science and I am
now progressing on to A Level to
teach Physics and Chemistry at

13
evolve get connected

Deborah Ellis Andrew Penfold and

Business and Finance, 1994
In 2004, when I was aged 34, my career as a
paramedic came to a rather abrupt end when
I needed to have both my hips replaced. I was
born with congenital bilateral hip displaysia.
It meant I was unable to do the job of my
dreams. I became very depressed, as I knew
that the technology I needed for my hip
replacements would not last my lifetime (you
can only have so many review operations and
I was still too young). Things looked pretty
bleak. Then my doctor put me in touch with
my Consultant Steven Young. In March 2007
I had my L hip replaced and in the following
August the R hip.
While I was having my hips replaced I passed my Class A motorbike
test. But I felt that having just had my hips done a return to front line
duties would be a little different from before. Also, I did not want to wear
out my new hips with the demands of front line work. Even though I did
try Control Room duties, I decided to move onto new horizons.
I have worked for Alliance Medical since September 2008. The job I
was originally hired for was made redundant but luckily, with my patient
skills, I was re-deployed to Clinical as a MRI Technician at my local
Nuffield Hospital. Now I can get my teeth into a new patient area by
taking patients through their MRI scan.
I have also built myself a new hobby as a singer/songwriter within the
Folk Music Industry. Life is starting to look up again.
West Nottinghamshire College. I India, Eire, Belgium, Germany
am also married with two kids and and Switzerland.
have a keen interest in developing I have recently finished a major
the effective use of ICT. My business contract in Switzerland for a large
‘Educatio’ Educational Consultancy financial firm and highly recommend
is also now over 10 years old and working and living there. I also gained
still going strong, supporting the an MSc in Interactive Media from
secondary teaching profession UCE Birmingham and plan to follow a
in the Midlands area with notable full-time MSc Data Communications
inspirational events based around and Security course at Birmingham
rockets of all types. City University in order to develop my
Cisco networking skills.
Joyce Vials Coventry University proved
Nursing Studies, 1993 time well spent and has always
I completed an MA had a well-deserved reputation for
in Medical Ethics encouraging mature students, of
and Law at 64 years which I was one. Best wishes to the
of age at Keele University and its future students.
University. I retired
at 65. Sylvia Dos Santos
Modern Languages, 1998
Paul Lock I met John Lennon while at University
Technical Communication, 1994 who was studying Business
After graduating, I worked for local Administration and we graduated in
companies as a Technical Author and the same year. We were married in
in 1997 started my own company, Jersey in 2003 and we now have a
working as a Consultant Technical baby daughter who was two at the
Author in the Banking and Financial end of August. John and I are both
Services sector. My work took me to employed in the financial sector in
several different countries, including Jersey.
Emma Penfold (nee
Stacey),
Emma: Occupational
Therapy; Andrew:
Business and
Technology, 1998
Emma and I married in
2007 and just had our
first baby Charlie who was born on
the 5th April.
Venthan Mailoo
Physiotherapy, 1999
If Paul Brennen or James Hardy are
reading this, please get in touch with
me on servantofvishnu@gmail.com,
thank you.
Graduated 2000s
Mohammed Zubair
Pharmaceutical Chemistry, 2000
Shortly after graduation, I joined
the chemical industry, and spent
several years analysing electroplating
solutions for precious metals. Part-
time study led to a postgraduate
degree in Chemistry and helped
further my chemist career.
Britain’s economic downturn
aside, and having been made
redundant, I am still in work as
a Voluntary Teaching Assistant. I
help elderly people from the local
community learn basic Internet and
email skills. I am hoping to participate
soon in a PhD research programme,
developing new antibiotics. Most
importantly, I still cherish the many
good memories that I have of both
staff and students while at Coventry
University, and I wish them and all
present members of this Institute
well. I hope you are all successful in
every endeavour you undertake.
Ian Alvares
PgD Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment, 2001
Once I returned to
India from Coventry,
getting a job in
Environmental
Science was a
difficult task. Either
the payscales were really bad or the
positions available did not match my
line of interest. I therefore decided to

14 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
continue with studying and enrolled
for a part-time PhD which I have
almost completed. I also work for
Dell in Hyderabad, India, in the
training department. The year I spent
in Coventry will always remain the
best year in my life. Reminiscing
conjures up fond memories of the
great lecturers I met, friends I made
and beautiful, beautiful England.
Here’s hoping that I will some day
gladly again get a chance to be ‘sent
to Coventry.' Anyone from the 2000-
2001 batch who reads this, I would
love to hear from you.

Andrew King
Advanced Product Engineering,
MEng, 2002
Started my own company two
years ago to go contracting. Now
currently looking to develop this in to
a consultancy and develop my own
products ideas. I took on my first Mervyn Leah
employee this year and looking to
take on another by the end of 2009.
MA Marketing, 2006
After five interesting years as a
Kevin Rebello part-time lecturer, I now devote
Mechanical Engineering, 2003 much of my time on a voluntary
I got married to Shabana (Physiology, basis as chairman of a non-
profit heritage railway.
2001) in May 2008, having been
together since 2001. Both of us
studied at Coventry University, having
met at the Planet. Our first baby is Advanced Vehicle Systems – I went to Sweden in January
due in October 2009, so not long to www.euromind-edu.org). This 2007 for a semester and then
go now! The good old memories of Masters is a partnership between left this peaceful country to do
our Uni days! Southampton University, Linköping Automotive Specialisation in Paris.
University (Sweden) and E.S.T.A.C.A I finished my studies in Germany
Yohann Macé (France) and aims to give students on an industrial placement for six
BEng Automotive Engineering, 2006 the ability to work in an international months.
I have very good memories of environment. The transport industry I lived in four different countries
Coventry. After I graduated, I did is an international business. Mobility during my studies, which meant I
the Master EUROMIND (MSc and adaptability are the main skills met people from all over the world
in Design and Technology of of engineers today. and discovered different cultures.
I try to keep in contact with the
people I met. I strongly advise
Coventry students to study at least
Tracy Davis one semester abroad, it will be an
unforgettable experience.
Adult Nursing course, 2004
After finishing my course, I sold my house in Peter Cotton
Coventry and moved with three children and Diploma in Public Service
my partner to Falmouth, Cornwall, into a rented Leadership, 2006
cottage with no heating. My partner is a chef and Having not formally studied since the
found work immediately and I started working as late 1970s, it was quite daunting to
a staff nurse at Falmouth Hospital where I have go back to college and study for a
now been for five years. The family now enjoy days on the beach and the life DPSL. Everyone involved was very
that Cornwall presents. We have been so happy living here, but will always supportive, encouraging and helpful
have a soft spot for Coventry. to me throughout the whole course.

15
 Dance
moves
online The University has
launched the UK’s
first digital dance
archive of the work of
one of the country’s
most prominent
contemporary
choreographers

£102m
Every year, the Arts and
Humanities
Research Council (AH
RC) provides £102m
from the Government
to support research
and Postgraduate stu
dy in the arts and
humanities. For more
information visit
www.ahrc.ac.uk

16 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
 evolve research

H
istory and dance are clos
ely
connected. The relation
ship
is discussed in the fore
word
of the recently launched
digital archive Siobhan
Davies Replay – describ
ing
both as being made up
of
movements, moments
and people, of actions,
responses, choices and
chances.
Performances have bee
n documented for
years in the form of arti
cles, photographs and
even costumes or set des
igns but advances
in technology have create
d a wealth of
audiovisual recordings
– including films of
performances or even talk
s from the creators.
This expanding collection
has led to
the creation of the UK’s
first digital dance
archive of one of Britain’
s most celebrated
choreographers. The onli
ne resource is
accessible to students,
researchers and dance
enthusiasts via an attract
ive and interactive
website. Content is free
and includes over
2000 fully searchable elec
tronic records of
moving image, still images
and
text relating to 36 dance
and eight related project
works
“not only are we savin
for future researchers g it
s.
Users can also generate
their
own ‘scrapbook’ of ima
most exciting areas of the
archive is Kitchen
where visitors can see how
all the ingredients
of a dance work are source
d, developed and
come together to make
the final work. Users
can gain insight to the cre
ative processes of
lead ing composers, designe
rs and artists.
Together with the video-s
tills option, these
unique parts of the archive
provide access
to dance in ways that are
entirely new and
could have a profound
impact on how dance
is viewed, made and dist
ributed in the future.
Being at the forefront of
such developments
places Coventry in a pro
minent position to lead
other digital archive pro
jects.”
Siobhan Davies was a lead
ing dancer
and choreographer for
the London
Contemporary Dance The
atre in the 1970s.
In 1981 she collaborate
d with other leading
cho reo graphers to form Second
Stride, and
in 1988 created her ow
n company Siobhan
Davies Dance. She was
awarded a CBE in
the New Years Honours
in 2002 and is now a
Visiting Professor of Dan
ce at the University.

also raising the profile, but

ges and
text-based materials.
The archive has been cre

by researchers from the
for Media Arts and Perform
(CeMAP) at the Univers
ity in
collaboration with Siobha
and was funded by the
Research Council (AHRC
Resource Enhancement
Starting back in Januar
has taken 18 months to
Professor Sarah Whatle
y, Director of CeMAP,
first came up with the idea
PERFORM:
From the material documenting Sio
performance: for her own research. “Th
Wanting to
contemporary dance,”
tell stories. she said. “By digitising
Photo by David this amazing collection
of work, not only are we
Buckland saving it for future researc
the profile of contempor
ary dance. One of the
DANCE: From the per
formance: Bank.
Photo by Sean Hudson
contemporary dance” of
ated
Centre
ance
The archive represents
n Davies Dance the history of the
choreographer’s work.
Arts and Humanities Many of the objects
have been sourced dire
) as one of the last ctly from Davies and
her collaborators’ person
Schemes. al collections, while
institutions and private
y 2007, the project contributors have
loan ed other items. Almost all
come to fruition. of these objects
appear online for the first
time, and in many
cases they have never
while searching for been viewed by anyone
since they were created.
bhan Davies’ work
Siobhan Davies believe
is really is a first for s the archive
is a huge achievement
for both her own
org anisation and for CeMAP
at the University.
“Dance performances thri
hers, but also raising ve on being seen
in the mo
ment of their doing but
there will
now be a wealth of kno
wledge that can be
easily accessed through
my, and I hope the
many future, dance arc
hives,” said Davies.
“This will lead to a fuller
understanding of the
many models of thinking
and practice which
underpin this extraordina
ry art form.”
To view the Siobhan
Davies Replay, visit
www.siobhandaviesr
eplay.com.
To find out more abo
Coventry visit www.c ut research at
oventry.ac.uk/researchn
et

17
evolve nostalgia

THE LANCH:
The Specials
performed at
“The
The Lanch to
crowds of fans Specials
in the bar
wouldn’t
have existed
without
Coventry”

SINGING
SUCCESS:
Pauline Black is
still performing
all over the
world today

Special
memories
It has been 30

T
he Specials singing “I Shot the Sheriff at the
wouldn’t have top of his voice.”
years since existed without The distinctive 2-Tone style was
Coventry Coventry,” said influenced by Jamaican Ska music
graduates Bass Player and mixed with the contemporary
launched the Horace Panter
(Fine Art, 1975). He was speaking at
punk and pop sounds of the time.
The bands were also unique in
2-Tone label and the University ahead of the band’s the early 80s for including different
introduced a recent Glastonbury performance races. It made a powerful statement
whole new style to and 30 years after he had launched against racism – and The Specials
the 2-Tone label with fellow graduate in particular used their lyrics and
the British music Jerry Dammers. performances to reinforce their views.
scene Horace, who came to study at The different social backgrounds
The Lanch, met Jerry on the art and personalities of the seven
course and together they formed band members that made up The
Ska band The Specials. Specials often led to explosive
Horace remembered Jerry performances on and off stage –
walking into the art studios in and eventually to the band’s demise
“tartan trousers, grown out Mod- in 1981.
haircut complete with sideburns” But 30 years on the group has

18 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni

re-formed, this time without Jerry,
and has played a sell-out UK tour –
including the festivals – has visited
Australia and New Zealand and
Images courtesy of Pete Chambers / Pauline Black photo: Mark Crame
has another UK jaunt booked for
November to the delight of fans.
One fan that is keen to see the
revival is local music journalist Pete
Chambers who has spent the year
placing commemorative 2-Tone
plaques outside key city venues.
In November the last one will be
unveiled outside the Students’ Union
where many bands such as The
Specials and The Selecter played.
“The Lanch was extremely
important,” said Pete who has written
a book about the 2-Tone music scene
in Coventry. “The Specials filmed the
video for the single Rat Race in the
main hall and the song was written
by Roddy Byers after he overheard
students discussing the jobs their
parents had got lined up for them
after graduation.”
The Specials were not the only
2-Tone band to come out of the
University. Pauline Black, lead singer
of Ska band The Selecter, studied
Combined Sciences here in the
70s and remembers the “halcyon
days” of University performances.
The group did their first show in the
Downstairs bar at the Students’
Union in 1979 – for a 75p admission
price. “You could see bands in the
Downstairs bar for a reasonable
price and it was absolutely rammed.
The atmosphere was really good,”
said Pauline, who still performs
regularly but originally wanted to
become a biochemist. “I think I was
one of the only black students here.
I used to go around with a huge
great Afro. No one ever seemed
to do any work,” recalled Pauline
who left Coventry University to
study Radiography at Coventry and
Warwickshire Hospital.
After qualifying, Pauline went on
to work at Walsgrave Hospital before
being headhunted by Lynval Golding
PLAQUES:
Horace Panter
unveils one of
the plaques at
a special city
location
(of The Specials) to join The Selecter.
Although the group eventually
disbanded, Pauline diversified into
acting and TV presenting, eventually
re-forming The Selecter in the 90s
and touring the world for 15 years.
Since 2006 Pauline has embarked
on a solo music career, most recently
performing in Argentina, Brazil and
Australia. She regularly guests with
Neville Staples from The Specials and
is impressed by the renewed interest
in 2-Tone music.
“I’m pleased there’s a revival of
Ska. The Skatalites (a Jamaican
band) started it all off and it’s where
the music originates from.”
While there are many performers
who brought Ska music to life,
Coventry will always be the home
of 2-Tone thanks to the University
alumni who made it all happen.
Pete Chambers
plans to open a
2-Tone museum. Any
graduates who would like to
donate memorabilia or record
memories should contact
tencton@hotmail.com or visit
www.2-toneat30.info.
19
evolve big interview

“The
Stanislavski-
based training
I received
at Coventry
really did get
under my
skin”

20 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
 evolve big interview

Keeping it
real
As her latest movie gets set for release, film
director and graduate Debbie Isitt explains
why studying and living in Coventry is more
inspiring than Hollywood

D
ebbie Isitt doesn’t have passion for realism began.
a swimming pool in her A student in the early 80s on the Theatre
back garden. Nor does and Professional Practice course at the
she spend her days University (then known as the
lunching with other Coventry Centre of Performing Arts),
film types in London
or Los Angeles,
discussing the latest
movies or theatre productions.
It’s a world she has deliberately
avoided in an effort to ensure her
work continues to reflect real life. Its
eccentricities and its tragedies are both
in abundance in the down-to-earth city
of Coventry and it is here where Debbie’s

21
 REAL SHOW:
Jason Watkins
turns into
teacher Gordon
Shakespeare

it was the Russian Constantin

Stanislavski’s method of acting that
appealed most and convinced her to
use improvisation in film.
“The Stanislavski-based training
I received at Coventry really did get
under my skin,” explained Debbie
about the system that is based
around an actor ‘living the part.’
“If an actor can own their role and
know exactly what to say because
they have become that other person
then it means their acting is the
best it can possibly be and for me
it’s about pushing the acting to the
extreme. The ultimate end game is
improvisation. It’s much more difficult
and scary, but more creative.”
It's a technique she has employed
on her latest film Nativity, which
is due for release this Christmas.
British actors Martin Freeman (The
Office) and Jason Watkins (Being
Human and Little Dorrit) play two
teachers in the improvised comedy
who compete to put on the best
school Nativity production. Martin's
character attempts to persuade
his ex-girlfriend and Hollywood film
producer, played by Ashley Jensen
(Extras and Ugly Betty), to visit
Coventry to see his school's Nativity.
It's a story based on the fact Debbie
knows lots of actors who became
teachers and then felt like they failed
at acting. The underlying message
of the film is that teaching is a more
worthwhile profession.
For Martin it is the second time
he has worked with Debbie as he
starred in her first improvised film
Confetti, but for Ashley it was a
whole new experience – especially
filming in the Midlands.
“Ashley Jensen was having a
swimming pool built in her back
garden in LA at the time, and she
was getting on a plane to come to
Coventry and I thought: ‘Oh geez,
she’s just come off Ugly Betty
[award-winning American sitcom],
she’s got a swimming pool in LA
REHEARSAL:
(l-r) Actors Martin
Freeman, Ashley
Jensen, Jason
Watkins and
director Debbie
Isitt on set (inset)
Martin and Ashley
in the movie
and she’s coming to Coventry.’ But All the pupils in the film are from
everyone really loved it here and I local schools and the University’s
was really proud,” said Debbie who Ellen Terry building was used for
was born in Birmingham but stayed auditions. The whole production
living in Coventry because she liked was more expensive to shoot in the
the community-feel of the city. She Midlands because it meant taking
lives in Longford with her ten year old everyone out of London. But it was
daughter Sydney and partner Nick an endeavour regional funding body
Ager (a film editor who also edits Screen West Midlands was keen to
all of her work). “We had brilliant support and for obvious reasons.
support, I was invited with open arms “I wanted to represent Coventry
into schools for research and casting. in a positive light. It looks fabulous
All the actors and crew said it was on the film and hopefully it will do
their happiest shoot.” a little bit for the tourism business.
The Cathedral looks amazing. We
“You make probably couldn’t have filmed it here
without the funding. It was brilliant
for me as I didn’t have to get up so
your own luck early,” laughed Debbie who jokes
that the extra hours in bed were the
and Coventry real reason behind filming locally.
Getting into Coventry to study
understands theatre was a dream come true for
the director who found it impossible
that ethos to hold down a normal job – she was
sacked from five different positions in
more than the space of 12 months.
“I wasn’t very good at functioning
in normal roles. I worked as a
anywhere” switchboard operator and cut

22 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni

people off, I let people have stuff
for free when I worked in shops. I
was a lunatic! I had to get back to
the thing that made me sane – and
that was performing. I’d dreamt of
going to New York to study theatre
and film and then I saw an advert for
Coventry and that was a bit nearer
and I could afford the train fare.”
It was at the auditions with other
“street-wise” young people that
Debbie finally felt like she belonged
and was desperate to get in. “I
remember thinking I’d have to kill
myself if I didn’t,” she recalled. “When
I got the letter I knew it was the
beginning of the rest of my life. It was
a sign I’d made the right decision
and I should pursue my dream.”
The dream led to the formation of
a theatre production company called
Snarling Beasties that she set up
with fellow Coventry graduate Mark
student profile
Lived: In a
shared house
on Green Lane
Favourite
pub: Dog and
Trumpet
Favourite
memory: When Mark
Kilmurray and I were cast
as Arthur Miller and Marilyn
Monroe in our first student
production of After the Fall.
We thought we were ‘IT’ then,
as you do when you’re young!
We got good reviews from
everyone. We were Posh and
Becks before they existed. I
bet everyone hated us.
Kilmurray. The pair took their show to
Edinburgh, which was the start of 15
years of working all over the world.
“In the 80s it was all about small
independent theatre, it rocked, it was
sexy. The timing was fantastic for us.
It has been a real source of sadness
that small scale independent theatre
has disappeared. That whole actor/
manager thing is a brilliant way to live
evolve big interview
COMEDY CRITIC: (above) Comedian
Alan Carr stars as a critic in the film
LOCAL KIDS: (left) Local schoolchildren
star in the improvisation with Marc Wootton
and learn,” said Debbie who believes
Coventry gives its theatre students
a real sense of empowerment.
“There’s almost a business link, an
entrepreneurial spirit, that’s linked to
the programme and to the tutoring.
There’s an old saying you make your
own luck and Coventry more than
anywhere seems to understand that
ethos and empower its students to
make their own luck.”
It’s a belief that has served her
well so far. As well as creating her
own films, she has recently been
commissioned to script a film about
the North Wales all-male Fron Choir
and write a film adaptation of a
Marian Keyes novel.
Work is busy, which is good in
a recession, and while Hollywood
is feeling the effects of the credit
crunch, Debbie believes British
filmmakers will fare better as they’re
used to smaller budgets.
“My ethos is to keep things on a
realistic level, keep control, do what
you love and don’t be pushed by
other people’s expectations of what
you should be doing.”
If Nativity does become a global
phenomenon, this is one director who
won’t be losing touch with reality.
Nativity is out on Friday 4
December. Debbie Isitt is
appearing in a Coventry
Conversation at the University
on 22 October, which will also be
available online on the University’s
iTunesU site.
23
evolve letters
Share
your views
with other

letters
Friends of Coventry
University and you
could win £25 to spend
in Waterstone’s.
Our star letter prize is kindly
donated by Waterstone’s
Coventry University.

star letter

Student
sympathy on Monday mornings. I just had time
Dear FOCUS,
to get back to Wood End, where I

I
was interested to read Rachael’s
diary (evolve, spring 2008) and
budget for the week. When I
was at Coventry (1989-90 – I
was excused the first year of
my degree because I had Open
University credits) I worked at
HAPPY Watford Gap service station. My
MEMORIES:
Martha pictured shifts were Saturday and Sunday
in Bali at her nights from 11pm until 7am. I got
son's recent
wedding back to Pool Meadow station at 8am
lived, shower, and be at my seminar
for 9am. One morning a student who
frequently arrived late – or not at all
– was due to lead our discussion. He
didn’t turn up.
The lecturer sent someone to get
him out of bed. He arrived rubbing
his eyes, with his jeans and sweater
pulled over his pyjamas!
I had very little money because I
was a lone parent with three children
at home. I haven’t got much money
now because I am 67 and on a State
Pension so I am unable to donate to
the Phoenix Fund. I am glad it exists
because there must be many people
who don’t go to university because
they can’t afford it. I enjoyed
university and learned a lot. Not least
that getting mediocre essays in on
time got me the same degree as
my brilliant friend who got excellent
essays in very late!
I worked as a Debt Counsellor
at Wood End Advice Centre until I
retired at the end of 2000.
Martha Young, Modern Studies,1990

24 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni

Please send letters to Letters, Development Office, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB
Happy to
graduate
Dear FOCUS,
I do appreciate
the wish of the
University to make
good the lost 1974
graduation.
I remember
well that the disappointment was
compounded by the manner of the
cancellation, just two or three days
before it was due to happen, which
meant that many people turned
up with their families on the day,
expecting to graduate.
Anyone who wrote to the Director
at the time was told that the
Polytechnic was urgently considering
inviting 1974 graduates to the 1975
graduation – but this was not to be
honoured. Alumni seemed to count
for less then.
I am sure most of us thought the
cancellation an overreaction. There
had been incidents in the West
Midlands, including the death of
a bomber from his own device in
Coventry, but I thought then, and
still do, that the proper reaction
to terrorism is to take essential
precautions, but not to let normal life
be unnecessarily disrupted.
I do hope that the invitation to the
1974 reunion graduation this year
will receive the positive response
that it deserves. However, in 1974
it would have been a farewell by
people at the start of their careers.
In 2009 it will be a reunion of people
approaching retirement, and many
will be untraceable.
I hope that the surviving and
former academic staff of the era will
be invited too. There were some
evolve letters
Waterstone’s is the UK’s leading academic bookseller, with a comprehensive range
of course books, textbooks and professional titles at highly competitive prices. The
shop stocks an extensive range of academic books from the UK and abroad, with
an expert team on hand to help.
Waterstone’s, Coventry University, Frederick Lanchester Building,
Gosford St, Coventry, CV1 5DD, or visit other Coventry branches in
Cathedral Lanes and the Lower Precinct.
Weird Science
Dear FOCUS,
I was fascinated to read your profile
of Professor David Kirk (evolve
spring 2009). He taught me
Metallurgy back in 1984-5 when
I was studying Physical Science/
Materials Technology. I went into
the Physical Science stream after
year one and had little contact
with him after that. I do remember
the smartly suited Dr Kirk (as he
was then, but little changed in the
profile photo) puffing away on his
pipe. I have wondered how many
of my lecturers are still putting chalk to
board. I had assumed most would have retired. Although this does not seem
to have stopped Professor Kirk.
Like him I was disappointed to hear about the loss of the Materials and
Physics courses. I did meet some of the final Physical Science students
when they visited the Joint European Torus, where I got a chance to talk
to my final year tutor Dr E D (David) Jones. The changes I saw in D Block
[James Starley Building] when I visited for the recent Careers Service alumni
event – all the labs converted into classrooms – were quite significant.
Though the floors at the south end still droop the way I remember (enough
to cause a sense of nausea when I sat at the back of 101 one time).
In the early days of my career I worked with several Coventry educated
scientists, though with the loss of the departments no new scientists have
passed within my career orbit. This is a shame. These departments did
outstanding work and now that they are lost, will probably never be brought
back. Thanks for bringing back a few more memories.
Paul Burton, Physical Science, 1988
great characters among them and response to the 1974 graduation
it was they, more than anyone, ceremony reunion (details at
who made The Lanch years so www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni/
memorable. events). We are keen to include
Bill Urry, Modern Studies, 1974 as many people as possible so
please pass the word on. We
Dear Bill, hope the special ceremony will
Thanks for your letter. So far, go someway to replacing your
we have had a really positive missing graduation.
25
Develop your
career
As a Coventry University graduate, your education is already benefiting
you in the workplace. Why not let Coventry continue to enhance your
career even after you have graduated?

Postgraduate and part-time study offers you the chance to

add a range of specialist skills to your portfolio and advance
your career options.

We also offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

training programmes through our School of Lifelong Learning
to further enhance your career progression.

Come along to one of our Postgraduate and Part-time Open Days

to find out about the opportunities:

Thursday 12 November 2009, 4pm – 7pm

Saturday 14 November 2009 10am – 2pm

Alumni who would like to arrange a meeting with a tutor at a

more convenient time can contact the Graduate Centre for a
separate appointment or come along to an Open Day.

Subject experts will be available to advise you about our courses

and you can have a tour round our dedicated facilities for
Postgraduate, Part-time and Continuing Professional Development
(CPD) students.

Our open days take place in the Graduate & CPD Centre, Jaguar
Building on the city centre campus, accessible from Gosford
Street, off Junction 3 of the ring road.

For further information and to register, please

email gradopendays.uni@coventry.ac.uk
or visit www.coventry.ac.uk/postgraduate
or call + 44 (0) 24 7688 8614
For the School of Lifelong Learning visit
www.coventry.ac.uk/soll or
email lifelonglearning.soll@coventry.ac.uk
or call + 44(0) 24 7688 7867
 evolve profile

“Mexico has
changed my
whole life”
When Tim Thompson (MSc
Computing, 2003) got the urge to
do more with his life, he embarked
on a trip to Mexico where he met
his wife and started a new business

Why did you go to Mexico?

Q I was working in a local company after
graduation and I decided I wanted to
A do something different with my life. I
went out to Mexico with a Christian voluntary
organisation and I was placed with a family MEXICAN WAVE:
to get to know the culture. It was through Tim with his wife
them I met my wife Mirna, who I married in and daughter (inset)
Tim with his father
November 2008. David in Mexico who
After the two-year placement came to an works at Coventry
end, I found a job with a web agency over University
there who were developing as a competitor to
Ticketmaster, and so I decided to stay. those values to my clients now.

Why did you set up your own
Q company?
I have always wanted to express my
A own creativity and values. While I love
Mexico, work conditions are harder than we
are used to in the UK. Salaries are lower,
hours are longer and there is little job security.
I felt that where I was, I was unable to grow
professionally. With a desire to do great things
and lead a better quality of life, my situation
was the push I needed to make the jump.
What is different about your
company?
Q My business Stem Pixel builds usable,
accessible and attractive websites. I
A specialised in accessibility for my MSc,
because at that time it wasn’t formalised in
law but I thought it was important.
Most web designers had a graphic design
background and were not interested in coding
websites for accessibility because there was a
perception it would look boring.
So I set out to develop a website that could
be both accessible and look good.
I wanted to do something that improves
the world – even in a small way. I can bring
How are you finding the new
business?
Q Going into business in the current
climate is a bit daunting but I thought
A there had to be something better than
what I was doing.
I wanted to spend more time with my
family as I am currently informally adopting
my wife’s daughter and my wife is also
pregnant. I just need to maintain the income
that I had before and hopefully improve on
that. I recently gained two more clients when I
was over in the UK so things are going well.
What does the future hold? To find out more
I have based the business in the UK, about Tim visit
Q as I mainly work with British companies www.stempixel.
who value the work that I am doing on com and to
A accessibility. While we intend to move find out about
how the IAE
back to the UK in the near future, the great could help your
thing about web design is you can work on it business visit
anywhere in the world. www.coventry.
I come back to the UK regularly for client ac.uk/iae
visits and I’m back over in October to meet If you would like
to feature in a
with the Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship graduate profile
(IAE) to get some more business support. contact alumni@
coventry.ac.uk

27
 evolve employment

The Government is
searching for more
economists to join
the civil service and
Coventry graduates
have been equipped
with the right skills
for the job

Number
crunch
T
he effects of the credit
crunch on the economy
could be compared to
the impact of Swine Flu
on the NHS. During a
pandemic you need more doctors,
and when the economy is ill you
need more economists.
It’s a comparison that Deputy
Director of the Government
Economic Service (GES) Andy Ross
made when he described the need
for more graduates, especially from
post 1992 universities, to apply for
assistant economist posts.
“It’s difficult to imagine a more
important time to get good
graduates into the GES and we’re
very keen on Coventry. It depresses
me that we still get more applicants
from Cambridge and Oxford than all
the post ’92 universities combined,”
said Andy. “Once they are through
the entry process it’s clearly a level
playing field. I wouldn’t bet on a
candidate’s career progression
just from knowing their university, it
becomes an irrelevant variable.”
Diversity in the civil service is
an ongoing issue. Only recently a
Government social mobility report
stated that 45 percent of senior civil
servants were privately educated.
Statistics like these deter some
Coventry candidates with good
grades from considering a role in
Government. This lack of confidence
is a "waste of good talent"
according to Andy.

28 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
 If I can do it,
anyone can”
Biba Ahmed (Economics, 2005) is flying high in
the Government Economic Service, despite initial
reservations about applying
When Biba attended the GES Open Day,
she never believed her application would be
successful. Four years on, and Biba is an
Assistant Economist in the Department for
Work and Pensions and has just completed
an MSc in Economics at the University of
Birmingham – funded by the GES.
“Two of the best decisions in my life
to date are applying to Coventry to do
Economics and the other was applying
for the GES,” said Biba who wanted a
job where she could use her economics
on a regular basis. “At least 60 students
were at the open day and a lot of them
were from traditional universities like
Oxford and Cambridge. I wondered if
there was any point in applying.” But she
did, and after an application form and a
couple of online tests, Biba was invited
to an assessment day in London with 16
other candidates. “When I saw graduates
from the London School of Economics I
wondered if I would be as good as them
but I did really well in the assessment.
I don’t think I would have been able to do
it without the support of the economics
staff at the University and also the
content of the degree course.”
Biba is hoping to progress to an
Economic Advisor within another year.
“A lot of people think it’s a number
crunching job, but it’s not. You’re faced
with real world policy issues every day.
It’s a great place to work. Unemployment
is high at the moment so I’m hoping to
work on a high level policy area to help
sort out the problems we’re facing as an
economy and as a country.”

an assistant economist and these will show off that they are potentially
posts are often fast tracked up to Nobel Prize winning economists but
advisor level within five years where that’s not what we’re looking for.
employees can expect a career We’re interested in good consumers

h
GOOD MATHS:
Biba Ahmed is
glad she applied
for a position in
the GES
“Coventry is good preparation.
You concentrate on a deep
understanding and application rather
than just mimicking sophisticated
mathematics. This is more important
for the professional practitioner
economists that we have in
the GES. Coventry recognises
that economics is an incredibly
vocational degree,” said Andy.
A career in the civil service
comes with an attractive package
– starting salaries begin at £25k for
average of around £55k.
From there, it’s a step up to a
senior civil servant and, for those
that really want to go far, possibly a
post as a permanent secretary. Gus
O’Donnell, the current Head of the
Civil Service, is a GES member who
started out as a GES economist.
Despite the rewards, it’s a career
that cannot be considered lightly as the
decisions made could affect millions
of people’s lives. The GES employs a
rigorous testing process for candidates
because many will go on to work
at very high levels, solving issues of
national and international importance.
“They will engage with some of the
top minds in the country and people
who wield enormous power,” said
Andy. “Some people think they have
a right to be in the GES because of
their university, but these often come
unstuck in the process. Some people
of economics, who apply the subject
to the world around them. We deal in
dilemmas not lemmas!”
Andy advises attending the GES
Open Days to get more tips on
applying to the service – and recent
graduates as well as not-so-recent
graduates should consider applying
(a 2.1 in Economics or a postgraduate
degree in Economics is needed).
“It’s a fascinating subject and
in times like now highlights how
important it is,” said Andy. “Coventry
graduates are well-equipped and it’s
due to high quality teaching. I see the
proof of the pudding in terms of the
quality of the graduates.”
If you think you have
what it takes, visit
www.ges.gov.uk for
more information.

29
evolve online

Whether it’s
catching up on the
latest University
news or watching
professional
presentations, the
new alumni website
has more to offer
graduates

ways to enjoy
Coventry online
New look
The alumni website www.
coventry.ac.uk/alumni has
had a makeover.
As well as a new design and
loads of new content, there is also
an exclusive login area which is
only accessible to graduates. All
graduates who are registered with
the alumni office have been issued
with a username and password so
they can access special content on
the site. If you have not been sent
your details request them by emailing
alumni@coventry.ac.uk.

Exclusively yours The exclusive login area

allows you to update your contact details online,
search for old friends and leave messages for other
graduates to read. This separate area of the site
also allows you to read member-only content too.
It includes information about the general career
progression of graduates from individual courses,
which we compiled from your feedback to our
questionnaire. www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni/login

30 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
Image courtesy of Mark Tredgold PRIZES: Graduates have won tickets in our
online quiz to see the Coventry Blaze ice hockey
team and (inset) won University goody bags

Win prizes
Graduates can log
in to the site to enter
competitions and
quizzes to win prizes
every month. The site See and
has given away goody hear more
bags full of University The alumni site also
links up with Coventry’s
memorabilia, University t-shirts and YouTube channel and
graduation bears, as well as tickets to iTunesU. Coventry
see ice hockey or for events such as the was one of the first
universities in Europe to open an
Doctor Who Exhibition at the Coventry iTunes store, and it now has over
Transport Museum. 200 lectures, tutorials and videos to
download for free. An alumni section
includes film
lms from the Gala
Events calendar FOCUS
Su
and Summer Balls and
Now you can keep up to date with all the latest on Media grad
graduates can also
reunions and events by checking our online calendar. members can now re
request to upload
The interactive diary means you will never miss out on a listen to the Coventry t
their own films. Visit
Coventry event again and you can register for most events Conversations series online. www.coventry.
online too. www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni/events It has received thousands of ac.uk/itunesu for
downloads on iTunesU and more information.
YouTube. The alumni site You can also
has links to the podcasts
w
watch a range of
that are recorded by
students
fil
lms and lectures

5 News update
Keep up to date by subscribing to the monthly alumni umni
e-newsletter. As well as the latest news, you can also
see who's looking for old friends, be the first to hear about
online competitions
Televis
C
on Coventry
Television
www yo
at www.youtube.com/
(CUTV)

covstudent. Launched 18 months

ago, its videos have been watched
University

and get a list of the more than a million times.

latest events and
reunions. Subscribe
by sending an For more information about
email to alumni@ getting online contact the
alumni office on email at
coventry.ac.uk with alumni@coventry.ac.uk or visit
SUBSCRIBE in the www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni or call
subject bar. +44 (0) 24 7688 8589.

31
evolve development
King
of content
A career managing regional
newspapers has turned Pro
Chancellor Ernest Petrie into a great
admirer of journalism and the art
of communication
I
n regional press terms, Ernest
Petrie is a media mogul. It’s not
a phrase he would use about
himself, as this surprisingly self-
effacing man is very careful about
the words he chooses – a skill he
admires greatly in journalists.
Working life began as an
accountant on a local newspaper in
the Thomson Organisation, until at 31
he became the youngest managing
director in the group.
“I was very stimulated by the
whole environment, it’s a fast moving
business,” said Ernest. “It liberated me
from accountancy.”
Ernest became Managing Director
of the Coventry Evening Telegraph
in 1993, and was part of the
management buyout of the paper.
He helped to float it on the stock
exchange and then finally sold it to the
Daily Mirror Group in 1997.
While Ernest has always focused
on the commerciality of newspapers,
he holds the creative elements in high
regard. It challenges the perception of
accountants squeezing resources.
“I enjoyed the fact we could make
things happen together. It was up to
me to find enough money to allow
the papers to expand, to have good
writers and to be well resourced,”
explained Ernest.
32 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
FUND: Channel 4 Newsreader Jon Snow
presenting Ernest's scholarship fund.
In the current climate though many
regional newspapers are feeling the
pinch and facing cuts to cope with the
decline in advertising and the growth
of internet news. He believes these
issues are not the death knell for local
journalism. “The need for journalists
is rising but it will be spread across
a much broader canvas. It will be as
much electronic communication as
it will be about the traditional printed
word. They all have a part to play.” It’s
a belief that is evident in his personal
investments. He is a major shareholder
in Forth Independent Newspapers,
invests in a website design company
in Leeds called Chapter Eight, in
a regional magazine group which
includes Midlands Business Insider
and in two national magazines, MIX
Mag and The WORD. “Very local news
will never be totally supplied by the
internet. Local weekly newspapers
are coming through the recession
much more strongly in terms of their
readership and their commercial
performance than the big metropolitan
and daily newspapers. Content is king.
The person who owns, stimulates and
delivers the content has a business
model that will work,” said Ernest who
set up a University scholarship fund to
support student journalists. Channel
4 Newsreader Jon Snow recently
acknowledged the recipients of the
fund at an awards ceremony.
“I have always had a high regard
for people who were skilful with words
as it’s a very powerful and enabling
facility. I wanted to put something
back into training and development
of young people and I’d recommend
that to anyone who feels they have
a bob or two to spare. If one more
person feels stimulated about doing
journalism because of the fund, then
I’m a very happy chap,” said Ernest
who also supports the Rowington
Almshouse Charity.
His involvement in the University
stretches back to his days at the
Coventry Evening Telegraph when
he became a Governor. He is now
one of the five Pro Chancellors who
take an interest in the well-being of
the Institution and preside over the
graduation ceremonies.
Communication has driven his
career, but it is education that Ernest
truly believes changes lives.
“As far as my children and
my grandchildren are concerned
I’ve always tried to help with their
education. It’s the one unique thing
that goes across boundaries. It’s one
of the few things you can do where
you can’t go wrong.”
Curriculum Vitae
1991-93 Managing
Director of Coventry
Evening Telegraph
1993-1996 Managing
Director of Birmingham
Post and Mail
1993 Became Governor
at Coventry University
1996-1998 Business
Development Director
on launches and
acquisitions on all
weekly newspapers
1998 Managing Director
of Scottish Daily Record
and Sunday Mail
1998-2002 Group
Managing Director
for Yorkshire Post
group of newspapers
(orchestrated MBO
in 1998 and sold to
Johnston Press)
2002 Retired and
became Pro Chancellor
of the University

You too
can support
students with
scholarships and
bursaries. Visit www.
coventry.ac.uk/alumni/
support for more
information.

“I have always had a high

regard for people who
were skilful with words as
it’s a very powerful and
enabling facility”
33
evolve events
events
A round-up of reunions and events that have been happening on campus
and across the UK. Visit www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni/events to keep
up to date online with future and past events
Graduates see
the Doctor
An exclusive after-hours
tour around the Doctor Who
exhibition attracted nearly
50 people to the Transport
Museum earlier this year.
It was a one-off opportunity
to see the Doctor Who
exhibition without the crowds
and at a discounted price.
Steve Bagley, Head of
Collections at the Transport
Museum and a self-confessed
Doctor Who fan was on hand
to give information out about
the exhibits, which included the
TARDIS, Davros, K9 and many
items and characters from more
recent episodes of the hit show.
Refreshments were available
after the tour, which gave
alumni a chance to catch up
with friends as well as hear the
latest news from the University.
Jason Kinmond, Combined
Science 1985 came along on the
evening and said: “Thank you
very much for the hospitality,
what a great exhibition and
a nice idea to have a private
viewing.”
Check the online events
calendar for future events like
this that you could attend at
www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
34 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
UNITED: Fernanda
is third from the
left and Hatem is
second from left
Global reunion
D
istance was no object for
one group of friends who
were determined to get
back together on campus five
years after their graduation.
The friends who all live in
different locations around the
world are 2004 graduates
of the MA Communications
Management and MSc Operational
Communications.
Fernanda Veiga, who is Brazilian
and now lives in Spain, managed
to reunite 13 of them in June.
“It’s great to have people
here from all over the world –
including Russia, Mexico, Zambia,
Trinidad and Tobago, Malta and
Egypt,” said Fernanda. “Some of
us have met with each other over
the years if we have been visiting
their country but this is the first
time we have all been together.”
reunions
alumni events
what’s on
For Hatem Hanafi and his wife
Marwa Dewidar from Egypt it was
a chance to introduce their nine
month old daughter Khadeeja to
the city they once lived in as well
as reunite with friends.
Hatem said: “We used to live in
a house on the Foleshill Road in
Coventry and we have tried to call
everyone we knew so we can see
them while we’re here.”
After the weekend Fernanda
is keen to get the group back
together again. “I would like to
do it again in five years' time. The
alumni office has been so helpful in
organising this event,” she said.
Inspired to meet up with
your old friends? Visit
www.coventry.ac.k/alumni to
look at the reunion pages or email
alumni@coventry.ac.uk or call +44
(0) 24 7688 8589.
Fair play
Students beat the graduates at this year’s Sports
O
ver 200 people attended this
year’s Alumni Sports Day in
May where students beat
the graduates in three out of the five
matches.
The annual event was held at
Westwood Heath and attracted
teams of men and women for
matches of football, hockey and
rugby.
The men’s alumni football team
beat the students 4-3 in a tightly
contested match, but the women’s
alumni football team lost out to the
students.
It was the first time footballer Alex
Moore (Transport Design, 2004) had
been to the annual Sports Day. “I’m
really glad I came, it’s great to be
playing back with the team again.
It’s the first time I’ve been back to
Coventry since I left as well.”
The alumni men’s hockey team
drew with the students 3-3 but the
women’s alumni hockey team were
beaten 5-1.
Despite losing, Jenny Wood
(Leisure Management, 2005) was
pleased to be playing with her former
hockey team mates again. “I used to
be a part of women’s hockey when
I was a student and I play for the
Jaguar Ladies Hockey Club now.
It’s good to get everyone together
again. It’s a social event more than
anything,” said Jenny.
The men’s alumni rugby team lost
to their student counterparts with an
overall score of 43-22.
The event was the fourth Alumni
vs Students Sports Day and ended
with a trophy presentation before the
teams celebrated in some of their old
haunts in the city centre.
If you would like to take part
in next year’s Sports Day
contact the alumni office to book GOOD SPORTS: From top: The alumni
your team’s space. Just email
football team celebrate; student captains
collect the shield; University cheerleaders;
alumni@coventry.ac.uk men's alumni hockey team.
A vintage reunion
One London reunion helped graduates learn the difference between
a Shiraz and a Chardonnay at a Wine Tasting evening.
The guided wine tasting tour at Vinopolis in London earlier this
year was a chance to learn about wine as well as mingle with friends
and make new contacts with other Coventry graduates.
Graduates sampled wines and learnt the differences between
regions, grapes and vintage years. Ben Donovan (Psychology, 2004)
came along to the event and said: “I really enjoyed the evening.
Everyone I spoke to commented on how well it went and there was a
lot of enthusiasm for us all meeting up again some time.”
35
evolve events

what’son
Book yourself in for any of the events happening on and off campus.Visit
www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni/events for the most up to date information

October
15 October
The Best And Worst Of Times
– Who Would Be A Journalist
In The Second Decade Of
The 21st Century?
Jon Snow (Channel 4 News) give his
inaugural talk as Visiting Professor
Time: 10.00
Place: Coventry Cathedral
15 October
Sexorat And Investigating So
Much More
Shelly Jofre (BBC Panorama) talks as
part of Coventry Conversations.
Time: 13.00
Place: ETG34
17 October
Prodders '89 Reunite
A 20 year reunion for the Production
Engineering class of 1989.
Time: 7.30pm
Place: The Walls restaurant in
Oswestry, Shropshire
Organiser: Chris Farmer - cjo.
farmer@btinternet.com
22 October
Making "Nativity"
Debbie Isitt (feature film maker and
Coventry alumna) talks in Coventry
Conversations.
Time: 13.00
Place: ETG34
28 October
I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Into
There!
Professors Richard Keeble, John
Tulloch and others
(Part of The ICE Conference)
Time: 10.00
Place: Start-up Café
Ghostly goings on
Have fun this Halloween at a spooky
event for all the family
Alumni are invited to take
a journey into the dark
and mysterious side of the
historic heart of Coventry
this Halloween on an
organised ghost tour.
Two tour guides will reveal
stories of ghosts and spirits,
murder, mystery and mayhem
from Coventry’s historical past
and delve into the shadows of
the city by twilight.
Alumni Relations Officer
Kristina Anders said: “It promises
to be an experience to make
your spine tingle, to surprise and
delight. It’s suitable for children of
all ages too so all the family can
join in the spooky fun.”
The tour will last one and
a half hours and children are
encouraged to come in fancy
dress. There will be hot drinks
28 October
Is World Journalism In Crisis?
Live video conference chaired by
Peter Sissons – speakers from the
UK, USA, Africa and China, and Nick
Davies and Jeremy Paxman (both tbc)
Time: 14.00
Place: Humber Theatre
29 October
Blocking Investigation
or Ensuring Truth For
Clients?
andd bi
bi
biscuits for everyone in the
Start-up Café at the end of the
tour.
The event is on Saturday 31
October from 4pm until 6.30pm
(please meet at the Alan Berry
Building at 3.45pm to ensure a
prompt start). Tickets cost £5 for
adults and £2.50 for children up
to 13 years. Contact Kristina on
alumni@coventry.ac.uk to reserve
your places.
John Stonborough
(Media Counsel) talks in Coventry
Conversations
Time: 13.00
Place: ETG34
29 October
Blood, Iron and Gold
Christian Wolmar
(best-selling author) talks in
Coventry Conversations
Time: 18:00
Place: The Herbert Café

36 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
31 October
Spooky Ghost Tour of
Coventry
Future reunions
Family Halloween event, children
welcome.
Don’t miss out on these forthcoming
Time: From 16.00 until 18.30 reunions organised by graduates
Place: Alan Berry
Ticket price: Adults £5, Children
up to 13 years £2.50

November
05 November
From the Headington Shark
to Radio Success
Bill Heine (Presenter, BBC
Radio Oxford) talks in Coventry
Conversations
Time: 13.00
Place: ETG34 » Graphic Design class of 1981
A 30-year reunion is being organised for the 1981 graduates of
12 November Graphic Design to meet again at the 2011 Degree Show.
An Alternative View on TV Graduate Mark Elling decided to organise a reunion after he got
News back in touch with old friends – one of whom now only lives down
Stephen Cole (Presenter, Al the road from Mark in Wiltshire – through the website Facebook.
Jazeera English) talks in Coventry “It feels like only five years ago when we all graduated and that
we haven’t really grown up. It’s the curiosity factor of life after the
Conversations
Lanch,” said Mark, now an Events Manager for the charity The
Time: 13.00
Trussell Trust. He has tracked down 10 people so far who were on
Place: ETG34 the course but would like to hear from others.
Get in touch with Mark Elling at m.elling1@ntlworld.com or
19 November contact the alumni office at alumni@coventry.ac.uk.
Does Local Commercial
Radio Have A Future?
Phil Riley (Owner of six Midlands
» Combined Science class of 1975
radio stations) talks in Coventry A reunion is being planned for 2010 to celebrate 35 years since the
Conversations Combined Science class of 1975 graduated.
Trevor Theobald is organising the event and would like to
Time: 13.00
invite anyone who graduated in 1975 from the Combined Science
Place: ETG34 course and the single subject science courses (such as Chemistry,
Physics, Maths, Geography, Statistics) – including former tutors.
26 November A precise date and venue for the 2010 party is yet to be
Secrets of the BBC Election confirmed but Trevor is keen for people to register their interest.
Graphics “I would like to invite fellow alumni TV weatherman John Kettley
Jonathan Spence (Lead graphic and his wife,” said Trevor. “The event could involve a dinner and
designer, BBC Election and Coventry perhaps a Ceilidh. It would be good to do a campus tour.”
Anyone interested in attending should contact Trevor for more
alumnus). Part of a day of graphic
information at trevor.theobald@abagri.com.
design talks including Philip Oliver
and Martin Lambie-Nairn.
Time: All day » Event of the decade
Place: GS404 Alumni eager to reunite with others from their graduation year can
now get help with organising the event.
27 November Graduates can ask the alumni office for assistance in organising
1974 Graduation Reunion an event for people from their graduation year, their course or
Students’ Union club.
For all those who missed out on
their Graduation Ceremony in 1974,
join us for a celebration event 35 If you’re interested in organising a reunion for the year you graduated or
would like some support to organise a smaller gathering back on campus
years on.
contact the alumni office for more information on +44 (0) 24 7688 8589 or at
Time: TBC
alumni@coventry.ac.uk.
Place: Coventry Cathedral

37
evolve benefits

Member Benefits
Benefit from your connection to the University and get discounts on useful
services listed below. For more information go to www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
or call the alumni team on +44 (0) 24 7688 8589.

leisure
Up to 50% off the UK's top attractions, such as The Alton Towers Resort,
Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo, LEGOLAND® Windsor, Madame Tussauds
London, the Dungeons, SEA LIFE centres & Sanctuaries, THORPE PARK and
Warwick Castle. Call +44 (0) 870 220 4000 and quote Coventry University along
with the date of your visit.

Exclusive Open Fairways Offer – save up to 50% on your green fees at over 1800 golf
courses around the world with the Open Fairways Privilege Card. Join today for only £69
and start saving. Log onto www.openfairways.com/joinnow or call +44 (0) 28 9039 3990,
quote offer code COV09.

Enjoy 2-for-1 meals or 25% off your bill – including drinks – at thousands of UK restaurants
with the Gourmet Society Dining Card. Fantastic discounts at over 3,000 leading restaurants
across the country. Annual subscription usually costs £53.50, but FOCUS members can
join for just £27.95 and get two months extra FREE. Visit www.gourmetsociety.co.uk and
click JOIN NOW using the promotional code: COV or you can join by phone by calling
+44 (0) 800 043 1978 and quoting the same code.

transport
Save up to 10% on car and van hire with Europcar. To make a reservation please call
+44 (0) 871 384 1082 and quote 50308793. This discount applies to all hires taken
in the UK and includes cars, vans and prestige vehicles.

Save up to 30%* on AA Personal Membership from the UK’s No. 1 breakdown

organisation.Members are also eligible for 25% off European Breakdown Cover.
Call + 44 (0) 800 048 0075 and quote Coventry 627.
*Terms and conditions apply. Discount applies to new members only.
Please ask for full details when calling.

Save 25% on RAC Breakdown Membership for you and your immediate family at
enrolment or renewal.* Call +44 (0) 800 581 077 and quote GE0300.
*Terms and conditions apply. Please ask for full details when calling.

Up to 10% discount on advanced bookings for airport parking and airport hotels
in the UK. Visit www.parking4less.co.uk/alumni or call +44 (0) 871 360 2131 and
quote WY705.

38 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
 evolve benefits

At Your Service
As a Friend of Coventry University,
your membership includes:
• Evolve – the bi-annual alumni magazine
• Member only website at
www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
• A monthly e-newsletter
• Invitations to reunions and events
• Free find-a-friend scheme to help trace old friends.

holidays
Stay in the four-star luxury of the Ramada Hotel in Coventry – Gold Award Winner of
the 2008 Godiva Award for “Best Hotel” in Coventry and Warwickshire. Discounted
rates start at £67.50 per B&B. Call +44 (0) 24 7623 8110 and quote Coventry
University Rate (or call the alumni office for larger group bookings).

Save 10% on a holiday with cottages4you. 15,000 properties throughout the UK,
France, Ireland Spain, Portugal and Italy. Visit www.cottages-4-you.co.uk/coventry
or call +44 (0) 845 268 1282. Quote COV10 when booking.

Win
university offers

• Discounted Library membership
– only £20 per year. Call the alumni
office for more info
• University Sports Centre –
for discounts on full to basic
membership, ask at the Centre
• Associate membership of the
Students’ Union – call the SU on
+44 (0) 24 7679 5200
• Careers advice and graduate
vacancies, see www.coventry.
ac.uk/cu/careers or email
careers.ss@coventry.ac.uk or call
+44 (0) 24 7615 2525
• Business start-up support
from the Insitiute of Applied
Entrepreneurship (IAE). Text 60777
IAE or call +44 (0) 24 7623 6001
• Join Coventry University Wine
Club – call +44 (0) 24 7688 8161
a cottage holiday!
Coventry University has teamed up with the UK’s leading
self catering provider cottages4you, to offer one lucky
graduate £250 off a stay in one of their cottages.
E scape from it all and enjoy a
holiday in one of over 15,000
cottages4you properties across
choose, cottages4you are sure
to have the perfect property
for you.
the UK, Ireland, France, Spain,
Portugal and Italy. To be in with a chance
Choose from a majestic of winning £250 off the
castle in Scotland for you and
20 friends, a cosy cottage for
cost of a cottages4you
two in the Lake District, or a holiday, just unscramble
fabulous villa with private pool the name of a famous
on the Spanish coast. band associated with
You can choose to stay for Coventry:
two, three or four nights as a
short break, a week or perhaps
even longer. Whatever you ETH LASPSEIC
Send your answer to alumni@coventry.ac.uk or by post to Cottage competition,
Development Office, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB by
the closing date of 11 January 2010.
Terms and conditions 1. The holiday prize is subject to availability and must be booked and taken by 31 Dec 2010.
2. The prize value of up to £250 applies to accommodation only – no cash alternatives or substitutions will be offered.
Insurance, ferry supplements and other miscellaneous costs are not included. 3. The prize value of £250 is valid for one
booking and cannot be split to cover numerous bookings. No change will be given. 4. Holiday prize is not transferable. 5.
Standard booking conditions apply as outlined on the cottages4you website. 6. Discount is subject to availability, applies to
new bookings only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Discount does not apply to any extras including
insurance and ferry supplements. Cottages4you booking terms and conditions apply.
The University
Gift Shop
Round Crystal Paperweight
Coventry University's book

Cuff Links
Mini Cut Vase

Satin Notepad and Mirror

Tankard

Business Card Case

Mini Bears

Champagne Flutes

Remember your student days with pride and buy special souvenirs
branded with the University name or logo.
It’s now even easier to choose from our selection of high quality goods by shopping online:

www.coventry.ac.uk/onlinestore
If you wish to make purchases by mail order please contact Jackie Walsh, Alan Berry Reception,
Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB. Telephone 024 7688 8774 or e-mail
jackie.walsh@coventry.ac.uk for further details.

Please note: refunds are only available where goods are faulty, statutory legal rights are not affected. Goods will be delivered within 21 days of receipt
of order. If you are not fully satisfied, goods may be returned within seven days for a full refund. Prices are valid until March 2010.