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BGU celebrate women’s voting rights through Vote 100 events
The history of the campaign for votes for women is inspiring and compelling, and still has great political significance in the present. Through 2018 and since, staff and students at BGU and other Lincolnshire communities have been exploring this history and its contemporary resonance. This engagement has found special expression through the creation of a touring exhibition, exhibition ‘Vote100: A Lincolnshire View of Women’s Suffrage’, and we have captured some of the reflections on its production and importance. The exhibition, which is continuing to tour locally, was created collaboratively with other organisations and individuals, including Lincoln Central Library and the local Fawcett Society as lead partners. It has formed the showpiece for part of a series of events celebrating important dates in the history of women’s voting rights and the extension of the franchise by #Vote100BGU project at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and elsewhere in Lincolnshire through 2017-18 and into 2019. February 6 2018 marked the 100th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which enabled all men and some women over the age of 30 to vote for the first time. July 2 2018 marked the 90th anniversary of the Equal Franchise Act, which gave women the same voting rights as men from the age of 21. December 14 2018 was the centenary of the first general election in which women could exercise their newly gained right to vote. BGU hosted a series of events in the lead up to the centenary on February 6 2018, and since. Lectures, debates, performances and more, including student-directed events, celebrated the important milestones. History and English Literature staff Dr Andrew Jackson and Dr Claudia Capancioni, and students, Elaine Johnson, Sian Hope-Johnson, Jasmine Mills along with team members from BGSU were particularly active in supporting the various events. BGU was founded in 1862 as the Lincoln Diocesan Training School for Mistresses, and through much of its history was a college specialising in preparing young women for the teaching profession. ‘Equal opportunities for women in professional life was at the heart of BGU’s original purpose. The history of the University over more than a century and a half make it a fitting setting to celebrate 100 years of progress in electoral and political opportunities for women.’ Dr Andrew Jackson, Head of Research, Bishop Grosseteste University. Upcoming dates: Our itinerant exhibition will contribute to the Wolds Women of Influence this summer. It will be at Spilsby Franklin Hall from 5th June to 26th July 2019. The exhibition will continue to tour throughout the year, please check back here for more information. Previous events: 2018, December 14. The Vote100 exhibition formed the backdrop to an event to mark the centenary of the 1918 General Election. The event also featured an extract from the play, 'The World At Her Feet', introduced by Dr Claudia Capancioni (BGU) and Stephen Gillard and Sam Miles (Lincoln Mystery Plays); an extract from the play, 'The Forgotten Suffragette', introduced by Phoebe Wall-Palmer (Lincoln Performing Arts Centre) and Rachel Baynton (Proto-type Theater); a talk by Prof. Krista Cowman (Lincoln University); and contemporary writings introduced by Dr Andrew Jackson, and read by Elaine Johnson, Sian Hope-Johnson and Jasmine Mills 2018, December 10 – 13. The Vote100 exhibition was placed on display in the historic Old Stonebow Guildhall on the invitation of the City of Lincoln Council, as part of the lead up to the centenary of the 1918 General Election 2018, November 17. The Lincoln Labour Club hosted the Vote100 exhibition for their event to recognise and celebrate women’s rights: ‘100 years of Women’s Suffrage: Learning from their Legacy’. The exhibition was opened by Karen Lee MP and Professor Krista Cowman from the University of Lincoln, who introduced the collection within its historical context and explored its ongoing significance. The event also featured readings from letters in the BGU archive of 1909, on the arguments for and against women’s suffrage. The readings were introduced by Dr Andrew Jackson, and presented by Elaine Johnson, Sian Hope-Johnson and Jasmine Mills. 2018, November 16. The Vote100 exhibition provided the stimulus and inspiration for a workshop with local schools for the Being Human Festival, led by Dr Claudia Capancioni and Sian Hope-Johnson. The Being Human Festival theme for 2018 was ‘Origins and Endings’. 2018, October 4 - November 13. The Vote 100 exhibition was on display as part of North Kesteven District Council’s Local Democracy Week, and tying in with European Local Democracy Week / UK Parliament Week. The portable exhibition was to be found in the Council Chamber, Sleaford Town Hall, and at Kesteven & Sleaford Girls High School in Sleaford, Sir Robert Pattinson Academy in North Hykeham, and in the Terry O’Toole Theatre, Nth Hykeham, over this period. 2018, September 27. BGU sponsored a Vote100-inspired evening event for the Lincoln Book Festival. The Festival’s theme for 2018 was ‘Revolution’, and under the banner of ‘Sisters of the Revolution, there were talks by authors Jane Robinson, Maggie Andrews and Janis Lomas, introduced by Prof. Krista Cowman of the University of Lincoln. 2018, June 4 – July 2. The exhibition ‘Vote100: A Lincolnshire View of Women’s Suffrage’, at Lincoln Central Library on Freeschool Lane, Lincoln. The exhibition was designed by History and English staff and students at BGU, Dr Andrew Jackson, Dr Claudia Capancioni, Elaine Johnson, Sian Hope-Johnson and Jasmine Mills; together with staff of Lincoln Central Library. The exhibition features Lincolnshire’s contribution, set in the context on the progress towards achieving the vote in 1918, and the equalising of the franchise in 1928. 2018, February 9. Women into politics event at BGU Students’ Union (BGSU). The evening included a debate on ‘who should sit on the iron throne’. Guest speakers included Lincoln MP Karen Lee, former BGSU President Becca Smith and BGSU Manager Abigail Rogers. 2018, February 6. Andrew Jackson and Sian Hope-Johnson, BGU SU Officer and Eng Lit student, featured on BBC Radio Lincolnshire, discussing the historical and contemporary significance of Vote100. Andrew and Sian appear a number of times through the first hour of a three-hour programme marking the event, available on BBC Catch-Up here. 2018, February 5. Parliamentary Reform in 1918: Continuity, Reform or Revolution? In this talk noted historian, Professor Martin Pugh, explored a number of important and relevant questions surrounding the Representation of the People Act 1918. 2017, November 27. BGU hosted the Lincolnshire heat of the Historical Association Great Debate 2017 on the topic of: ‘Was the 1918 extension of the franchise the most significant moment in British democratic history?’ The heat, organised by the City of Lincoln Historical Association was open to Lincolnshire schools and sixth form colleges. Further information is available from Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall at BGU. 2017, November 18 and 23. Part of BGU’s engagement with the national Being Human Festival on this year’s theme of ‘Lost and Found’. An event for two Lincoln-based schools on November 23 was organised in collaboration with the charities Slam Jam and First Story. The event on Saturday November 23 was open to the public and celebrated ‘Becoming teachers: women’s college life from 1862 to 1918’. This occasion considered the life and opportunities for young women in this period in history. Further information is available from Dr Claudia Capancioni at BGU. 2017, November 6. The first event relating to Vote 100, a lecture for the City of Lincoln Historical Association. Dr Andrew Jackson, Head of School of Humanities at BGU, presented ‘Life on the First World War Home Front: Distressing or a Blessing?’ Andrew was accompanied by Maureen Sutton, folklore historian and dialect poet. Maureen read some extracts of the work of the Lincolnshire home-front poet, Bernard Samuel Gilbert, whose writings considered the lives, experiences and opportunities for working women 100 years ago. Further information is available from Andrew or Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall at BGU. Articles: Dr Andrew Jackson: Celebrating votes for women one hundred years on, The Lincolnite. For further information: Dr Andrew Jackson, Head of Research, BGU andrew.jackson@bishopg.ac.uk Dr Claudia Capancioni, Programme Leader for English, claudia.capancioni@bishopg.ac.uk Staff from the Research Department at BGU are involved in the organisation of our Vote 100 events. Find out more about their work here. -
BGU Celebrate Voting Equality with #EqualiTeas Event
Last week staff and students at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) held a special event to celebrate voting equality for women. Organised and hosted by a hardworking group of staff from across the University (including the CELT and Research teams), the #EqualiTeas afternoon was part of a national programme of events in the run up to the 90th anniversary of the Equal Franchise Act which granted equal voting rights to women and men across the UK. After an opening speech by Dr Andrew Jackson, Head of Research at BGU, the event delved into the history of Women’s Suffrage in Lincolnshire with readings from BGU’s archive covering records of debates held on women’s voting rights at the then Diocese College. These were followed by letters written to the college magazine at the close of the First World War read by current BGU MA students Elaine Johnson and Sian Hope-Johnson. Both letters were written by students of the college and offered rich historical detail discussing the appropriate nature of protest along with whether women should be allowed to sit in the Houses of Parliament. On top of this guests were provided with afternoon tea as well as an opportunity to discuss the continuing issues concerning equality both inside and beyond politics. Speaking after the event, Dr Jackson explained why celebrating the anniversary of the act continues to be of great importance: “Through this celebration we are remembering the long and hard fought campaign for Women’s Suffrage and questioning whether we have yet reached a good place in terms of opportunities, representation and conduct in politics and wider society” 2018 is a landmark year in anniversaries for equal voting rights and BGU are running events to celebrate throughout the next months. You can find more information on all the exciting plans, including our ongoing exhibition at Lincoln Central Library, on our dedicated #Vote100 page. -
BGU to Host Relational Schools Conference 2018
Have our schools lost sight of the HUMAN dimension? Are we allowing children to be themselves? Is there an over-emphasis on results? If these issues concern you and you would like to have a space to meet, share concerns, and act for change then a place at the Relational Schools day conference on Friday 22 June at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is for you. The conference, titled ‘Human Scale School’, will be focusing on Human Scale Education (HSE), an education movement committed to small scale learning communities based on the values of democracy, justice and respect. HSE works directly with schools and parents to promote human scale learning environments where children and young people are known and valued as individuals. HSE believes that ‘humanity of scale’ and the ‘primacy of relationships’ should not only inform the design of our schools but should also influence our public sector services. This day event offers a rare opportunity to gain high quality Continuous Professional Development, with input from inspiring and innovative, internationally recognised researchers and practitioners. Activities run from 9:30am to 4pm in the Robert Hardy Building at our campus on Longdales Road (LN1 3DY). The event is free to BGU staff and students and you can book your place at on our events page. For any questions email Rosalyn Spender or Mark Plater. -
BGSU Provide Donations to Support Lincolnshire’s Homeless
The team at Bishop Grosseteste University Students’ Union (BGSU) have worked hard to support local Lincoln charity the Nomad Trust by collecting food donations worth over £350. With BGU students heading home for the summer, the team saw a perfect opportunity to make a difference, encouraging students to use collection boxes placed in every halls kitchen rather than throwing away food they didn’t use. Their efforts led to a huge variety of donations which were then quality and date checked by staff volunteers from across BGU before being donated to the Nomad Trust. Being able to both support homelessness efforts in the county and combat the problem of food waste was incredibly exciting for BGSU, Students’ Union Manager Abigail Rogers said: “Our students are really passionate about supporting the homeless and donating their left over food is a way they can help those who are vulnerable whilst also positively impacting the local community that they have been a part of whilst studying at BGU.” Part of YMCA Lincolnshire, the Nomad Trust is dedicated to supporting those struggling with homelessness across the county. Accepting the donation from BGSU a spokesperson for the Charity was keen to highlight the positive impact their efforts would have: “We feed anywhere from 6 to 23 people twice a day so everything that BGSU has donated will get used because donations keep us going on, all year round they are so important. And looking at the amount they’ve brought we will be able to feed a good number of meals which is brilliant.” Along with the donation to the Nomad Trust, the food collection has also created supplies for BGU’s internal food bank, which helps to support vulnerable students in times of need. Staff and students at BGU regularly go above and beyond to support important charities around the world. You can find more information on their amazing efforts on our news page. -
BGU ignites entrepreneurial spark in Brno
Dr Elinor Vettraino, Head Coach and Programme Leader for Business and Enterprise at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), was invited to Brno in the Czech Republic to share practice, experience and knowledge with staff and teacher educators at Masaryk University focusing on the development of entrepreneurial learning. Accompanying Dr Elinor Vettraino was BGU Student Daria Pipczynska, Team Entrepreneur and Director of Entity, a first year team company on the BA (Hons) Business (Team Entrepreneurship) programme at BGU. Dr Vettraino was pleased to see the trip offer a forum for international cooperation and development between two dynamic institutions: “It was an exciting opportunity to engage in a knowledge exchange process that will benefit both BGU and Masaryk.” As part of this international visit to Brno Dr Vettraino and Miss Pipczynska delivered a workshop on innovation using Team Academy methodology to teacher coordinators and social innovators. In addition they engaged in a number of meetings with Masaryk Universities faculties of education to move forward future international collaboration relating to entrepreneurial education, something that Miss Pipczynska was excited to see develop: “I was both excited and grateful to be invited to share my knowledge and experience of our Team Entrepreneurship programme. I look forward to supporting Masaryk as it develops on its entrepreneurial journey.” A highlight of their trip was their invitation to the South Moravian Innovation Centre (JIC) 15th year anniversary celebration event. This evening event came after exciting and significant meetings with JIC and Impact Hub, two prominent social innovation organizations in Brno with a view to create collaborative ventures. For Dr Vettraino the visit was an important step forward in BGU’s international relations: “The celebration event we attended highlighted the importance of maintaining innovative partnerships during a time of geo-political instability in Europe. The timing of these conversations were therefore very apt.” For more information on business programmes at BGU please contact our Enquiries Team or visit website. -
BGU Exhibition on #Vote100 Launched at Lincoln Central Library
Last night the ‘Vote100: A Lincolnshire View of Women’s Suffrage’ exhibition opened at Lincoln Central Library. Designed to bring people together to learn about Lincolnshire’s contribution to the cause of Women’s Suffrage; the exhibition is packed with a collection of original newspaper articles, Women’s Liberation postcards and posters supported by rich and deep research from across the county. Curated by History and English staff and students at BGU – Dr Andrew Jackson, Dr Claudia Capancioni, Elaine Johnson, Sian Hope-Johnson and Jasmine Mills – it examines the input of people from Lincolnshire, set in the context on the progress towards achieving the vote in 1918, and the equalising of the franchise in 1928. For Sian Hope-Johnson, MA in English student at BGU, being involved in creating the exhibit was a fantastic experience: “We’ve been able to put together a historical showpiece with a really unique viewpoint that highlights how even small local activities could have a national impact. The history of Women’s Suffrage is very close to my heart, without these women I wouldn’t have the rights I do today, so to be able to work directly on the curation of this exhibition has been incredible.” Louise Woolley, Lincoln Central Library Manager, was delighted to be able to host such an important educational display: “We were incredibly keen to put together an exhibition celebrating Lincoln’s contribution to Women’s Suffrage and the results of BGU’s work are fantastic. We only expected a small exhibition but the team at BGU have helped us to put on our biggest exhibition ever!” The ‘Vote100: A Lincolnshire View of Women’s Suffrage’ exhibition is open and free to the public until July 5. Everyone is welcome to visit so make sure you get down to Lincoln Central Library for an eye-opening and enriching experience. The exhibition forms part of a series of events celebrating important dates in the history of women’s voting rights and the extension of the franchise by #Vote100BGU at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and in Lincoln through 2017-18. You can find more information about BGU’s other #Vote100 events, community activities and exciting range of courses on our website. -
SENI Students Experience the Power of Inclusive Leadership
Special Educational Needs & Inclusion (SENI) students from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) had the opportunity to boost their leadership and management skills with a trip to Eon’s Blackburn Meadows Renewable Energy Plant in Sheffield. As part of their degree course the group of Level 6 students have been studying the benefits and practices of inclusive leadership with the visit to Blackburn Meadows offering an opportunity to see it in action at a multi-company. Following a presentation on organisational management by David Lowles, Blackburn Meadows’ Asset Manager, the students were given the chance to tour the plant’s educational centre and production areas. Along with the hands on experience of inclusive leadership the trip, to one of the only renewable energy plants in the country, offered the students the chance to gain knowledge in a number of new educational areas including renewable energy, environmental protection and off site learning. Dr Julia Lindley-Baker, Programme Leader for SENI at BGU, was delighted with the range of experiences enjoyed by the students: “On top of the fascinating presentations from the staff at Eon; our students were able to gain a unique insight into environmental sustainability and understanding of different leadership styles which allowed them to reflect on graduate opportunities in a diverse educational setting. “It was also fun exploring how waste wood is turned into electricity for both domestic and district heating systems. Now we know how Ikea flat packs and snooker tables keep the city warm!” You can find out more about the opportunities available on our SENI courses by visiting our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
Learning Conference Offers ‘Opportunities for Excellence’ at BGU
Earlier this month Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) welcomed delegates from across the country to its annual Learning and Teaching Conference. Spearheaded by the University’s Centre for Enhancement in Learning and Teaching (CELT) Team, the conference delves into the biggest issues and questions surrounding the provision of Higher Education, with this year’s theme being ‘Opportunities for Excellence’ It aims to provide those involved in the provision of Higher Education an opportunity to refresh and develop their skills to help them stay ahead in a constantly evolving sector. Key themes and strands are identified for the conference to ensure sector relevance and enable dissemination of best practice. This year’s event focused on three key strands: Times of Change, Digital Capabilities and Student Journey. A number of engaging key-note speakers joined the conference including Professor Wyn Morgan, Vice-President for Education at the University of Sheffield, who discussed ways to navigate the constantly shifting Higher Education landscapes, and Dr Rachel Maxwell, Head of Learning and Teaching Development: Policy and Practice, Institute of Learning and Teaching in Higher Education at the University of Northampton, who examined the potential and opportunities for large-scale pedagogic transformation to active blended learning at universities. Part of a packed programme including breakout sessions run by BGU staff, the speakers helped the conference cover a diverse range of topics including leadership; global; digital capability and technology-enhanced learning; transformative learning, teaching and assessment; student engagement and experience; student wellbeing (one of BGU’s key institutional goals); and quality assurance and enhancement. Over one and half days the conference was met with high praise from an incredibly engaged set of attendees, with the “excellent” and “fascinating” key-notes being picked by Elizabeth Farrar, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at BGU, as her highlights whilst Caroline Meredith, who is studying for a Professional Doctorate (EdD) at Nottingham University, praised the “amazing” work of the CELT team in putting the event together. The CELT team are dedicated to promoting enhancement in learning and teaching and regularly run events and conferences to encourage this. Many of these are open to the public and if you would like to be part of them you can find more information on the exciting plans ahead on our events page. -
BGU Continue to Nurture Educational Links in Thailand
This week, BGU colleagues travelled to Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University (NRRU) in Thailand to continue developing the partnership between the two institutions. This visit follows the National review of ITE in Thailand led by Professor Chris Atkin, and subsequent visits to Thailand including by the University Vice Chancellor, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil. Professor Chris Atkin, Professor of Higher Education at BGU, was pleased to see work carried out over the last two years continuing to bring positives results: “It is wonderful to be returning to Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University almost exactly two years after I first visited as part of the government funded programme to review Initial Teacher Education. The warmth of our reception is an indicator of the ongoing development of the relationship between the two universities.” Dr. Warisara Yangklang, who teaches on English Programmes at NRRU, joined Professor Atkin in praising the efforts made by the two universities: “It has been a wonderful time to meet our BGU colleagues, and we hope to further develop this good connection in the future. We want to move forward with our project and our collaborative programmes for English language and Research.” A number of Professor Atkin’s colleagues from the school of Teacher Development, including Dr Steven Puttick, Dr Abigail Parrish and Kevin McLaughlin along with BGU’s International Manager Wayne Dyble have been discussing the opportunities for this international partnership to enhance the opportunities available to all of BGU’s students. Dr Nick Gee, Head of the School of Teacher Development at BGU holds a Visiting Professorship at NRRU, and BGU are excited about the growing collaborations between the universities. Over the next two weeks BGU will be delivering courses on Research, and English Language Teaching to staff and students at NRRU. Piyachat Dhephasadin Na Ayudhaya, Director of International Affairs at NRRU, described the positive impact the work of the BGU academics would have: “Having BGU colleagues visiting NRRU will provide a great opportunity for teachers in Korat. Having BGU colleagues delivering sessions on teaching English will help to provide lecturers in NRRU school teachers across the wider Korat region with new approaches towards teaching English.” BGU have a global outlook on education, and our courses offer unprecedented opportunities to travel and teach. You can find more information about all of these, including our BA and MA Courses in TESOL on our website, or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
BGU Monster Conference Draws International Delegates for a Weekend of Fear and Excitement
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) welcomed speakers and delegates from around the world last weekend for the 2018 Monster Conference.
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