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Lincoln B&B Featured in National Campaign
A bed and breakfast based on campus at Bishop Grosseteste University has been featured in a national newspaper as part of Visit England’s Access for All campaign. Visit England has been working with the Daily Express to highlight accessible tourist and business destinations across the country. Longdales House bed and breakfast at BGU was featured in a special edition which appeared in the S magazine supplement on Sunday (27th September). Visit England has now been granted an extra £125,000 to support businesses in improving their accessibility. As part of the project, businesses are provided with personalised feedback of their access statement as well as online and classroom disability awareness training for members of staff. Located on the campus of Bishop Grosseteste University, Longdales House was originally home to the head of the college and in 2011 it was developed into a stylish bed and breakfast facility. Staff at Longdales House have undergone extensive training over the past year to improve customer service excellence, having already attended a course as part of the World Host programme in June this year when Lincoln became a World Host committed destination. Jane Vincent, Senior Conferencing and Events Co-ordinator at BGU, said: “I am delighted that Longdales House has been approved for inclusion in the Visit England National Access for All campaign. I would like to say thanks to all the BGU staff that have helped us to achieve these awards.” Longdales House features a range of facilities for disabled people with accessible en suite rooms, conference rooms installed with hearing loops on the adjacent BGU campus, Deafgard alarm systems and a host of other options available on request. -
Bishop Grosseteste University Gears Up for Clearing
The admissions team at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln is primed and ready to deal with enquires during Clearing on Thursday 13th August when students across the country will receive their A-level results. Admissions Assistant Laura Dovey (24, pictured) will be one of the people answering the phone, offering advice and support during Clearing, and she knows better than most what it can feel like to go through the process. In 2010, Laura from Lincoln, had taken a gap year and was planning to start a photography course at university in September when the course was cancelled at the last minute. “I was left without a plan and without a place at university,” said Laura. “My second UCAS choice was the BA English Literature course at BGU, but I wasn’t sure if I had already missed out on a place.” Laura was asked to use the Clearing process to apply for a place and was the first to get through when the lines went live at 8am. Laura said: “I discussed my qualifications with the admissions team and spoke to the senior course leader. I was delighted when I was offered a place on the English Literature course.” Following three years of study Laura graduated in 2013 with a first-class honours degree, something she puts down to the university, she said: “The atmosphere at BGU is one of inclusivity and support. “When I arrived I was quiet and shy, but thanks to the nurturing nature of my lecturers and encouragement from my friends I left feeling much more confident, both in myself and my work.” Laura and the rest of the admissions team will be ready to advise and support the next wave of students as they navigate the Clearing process. The call centre will be open from 8am until 6pm on both Thursday 13th August and Friday 14th August and the number to call is 01522 583698. Prospective students are invited to attend the university’s open day on Friday 14th August from 10am until 5pm. The day provides an opportunity to see what Bishop Grosseteste University has to offer, take a minibus tour of Lincoln and speak to staff and students about courses and life as a student. The open day also provides an opportunity for those who are starting (or hoping to start) in September to speak face-to-face to BGU staff about any anxieties regarding qualifications and pick up a free Freshers’ Wall Planner which contains all of the important events Freshers may want to attend. “The days following A-level results day can be a stressful and anxious time for those students who have not yet finalised their plans,” said Karen Richardson, Head of Student Recruitment and Admissions at BGU. “It’s a busy few days for us but as always we will do our best to ensure that students are not left worried or uncertain about their place at university.” Top Tips for Clearing If you’ve just got your A-level results and you’re not sure what to do next, consult Karen Richardson’s handy set of tips for students who will be entering the Clearing system: Don’t panic! If you stay calm you’re more likely to take in all the information you need to succeed. If your grades fall short, wait for that important acceptance/rejection indication on Track before you put yourself into Clearing. You never know – your first-choice university might still accept you. Don’t give up! You may well get a place on a similar course that’s just as good – but you’ll need to shop around. Don’t rush your decision. The UCAS system doesn’t even let you trigger the formal process of accepting a Clearing place until 5pm on results day, so you have the chance to shop around. Be realistic. If you’ve seriously blown it then think hard about re-sits or another course altogether – you can always re-apply next time around. UCAS is offering a free (for landlines) Exam Results Service on 0808 100 8000 where trained, professional careers advisers will be available to give help and advice Be prepared to make lots of phone calls and to be persistent! Keep your nerve – you may need all your negotiating skills to persuade an academic that they should take you on Enlist the support of friends and family – keep them informed, as they’ll be a great help to you when you have to make that difficult final decision Be prepared to explain to universities why you didn’t do as well as you hoped in your exams – and be honest If you don’t get the grades you need it’s not the end of the world – there are plenty of other opportunities to consider -
Scholars to Flock to First International Meredith Conference
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln will welcome scholars from across the globe during the first international conference on the work of novelist and poet George Meredith this weekend. Part-funded by the British Association for Victorian Studies (BAVS), the two-day conference – George Meredith and His Circle: Intellectual Communities and Literary Networks – will take place on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th July 2015 at BGU. The keynote speaker and newly elected Fellow of the British Academy, Professor Sally Shuttleworth from the University of Oxford, is one of the foremost scholars reaffirming Meredith’s position in Victorian studies. Her current project, The Diseases of Modern Life, supported by the European Commission, continues to enhance the understanding of Meredith’s role in the Victorian age. Organised by Dr Claudia Capancioni and Dr Alice Crossley, senior lecturers in the English department at BGU, the conference is a landmark event in Meredith studies. Dr Claudia Capancioni said: “It is an honour for the university to host the first international conference on George Meredith’s work and critical reputation. The event will highlight debates on the circulation and exchange of ideas between Meredith and his contemporaries. “I’m looking forward to the keynote address by Professor Shuttleworth and am interested to hear the opinions of our visiting scholars as they enthuse about Meredith’s work on this scale.” The conference will bring together established and emerging scholars working on Meredith, and consider more broadly his position at the centre of a wider network of prominent 19th and 20th-century figures, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Alfred Lord Tennyson, James Joyce, Henry James, Virginia Woolf, E M Forster and Siegfried Sassoon. As a writer of both the Victorian and Modern periods, Meredith was awarded the Order of Merit and followed Tennyson as President of the Society of Authors. His work remains consistently at the forefront of 19th-century literary studies. As a part of the conference, delegates will be able to visit the archives of the Tennyson Research Centre in Lincoln, where Collections Access Officer Grace Timmins will be curating a mini-exhibition specifically for the event. There will also be a paper presented on the poetry of Meredith and Tennyson in the Tennyson archive exhibition space in the Hardy Building at BGU. During the reception session there will also be a poetry reading by local Pimento Poets, Maureen Sutton and Nic Lance, who will read poems by Tennyson written in Lincolnshire dialect along with their own responses to Meredith's poetry. If you would like to attend this conference, please contact Dr Claudia Capancioni and Dr Alice Crossley via meredithconference@bishopg.ac.uk. Visit the website at https://www.meredithcircle.wordpress.com/ and follow them on Twitter: @Meredith_BGU -
Take That BGU! Dan Makes a Welcome Return
A former Bishop Grosseteste University student is set to make a glorious return to the campus to perform as Take That star Gary Barlow. Dan Hadfield, who performs as the singer as well as acting as Gary’s official lookalike, is singing at BGU on Friday 6th November in The Venue from 7pm. Having performed with the man himself and appeared on the X Factor, Dan is known as the ‘number one Gary Barlow tribute artiste’ and performs his solo show across the country as well as abroad. He has also appeared on the BBC comedy Miranda. Dan said: “I know that it will be a pleasure to perform at BGU again. My mind goes back to performing in the university’s Stars In Their Eyes competition as David Gray with my friend Euan on guitar. We were the only entrants to perform live, and covered ‘Say Hello, Wave Goodbye’, a nine-minute song which brought the house down enough for us to win the competition.” Dan also worked in higher education for a while at both BGU and the University of Lincoln, but left that behind to perform as Gary. He is currently writing his debut album of original music, set for release in 2016. Hannah Clipsham, Events Manager at BGU, said: “It’s great that we can welcome back a former student to the university to perform. To have one who’s done so well in his chosen career is pretty special. This should be a night to remember, and we can’t wait to hear all those Take That hits live!” Find out more about Dan at www.garybarlowlookalike.com Tickets for the evening cost £15, with all funds raised going to the BGU Foundation Fund, which helps enhance the student experience and supports making a difference to people’s lives. The university is also offering a pre-concert meal to book in advance in the Refectory from 5pm to 6.30pm. To book, call 01522 583795 or visit www.thevenuelincoln.co.uk For further details contact the Conference and Events Office on 01522 583681 or email jessica.lyons@bishopg.ac.uk -
New Students Invited to ‘Share Hand of Friendship’
A welcoming ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral is to take place for the first time to formally introduce new students at Bishop Grosseteste University. The event on 8th October will give both undergraduate and postgraduate students the chance to meet university staff and each other. It is hoped that this matriculation ceremony will now be held annually, and over 1,000 new students have been invited. The university’s Vice Chancellor, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, explained: “Matriculation is the term used to describe students' formal entry into the university. We hope this serves as a friendly welcome to all those who are starting their studies here this year and that students feel they are becoming a part of the wider university family.” The ceremony will be held in Lincoln Cathedral on Thursday 8th October at 3.30pm. For most students this will also be the place of their graduation, thanks to the university’s links with the Diocese of Lincoln. An academic procession will take place, with members of the university’s academic staff, council and officers of the university making a grand entrance. Distinguished county and civic guests will also be invited to attend. Students will also be given a badge to commemorate the event, a unique modern-day pilgrim badge specially created and designed by the Historic Lincoln Trust which also commemorates the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. Professor Neil added: “The Dean of Lincoln will welcome students to the cathedral and the matriculation roll will then be endorsed by the Registrar and Secretary on behalf of the university. “I will then invite students to 'share the hand of friendship' and shake hands with each other to admit them all formally as members of the university. Speeches will then be given by me, the President of BGU Students' Union and Lord Cormack, Chairman of the Historic Lincoln Trust.” Students will leave the cathedral to be greeted by the university samba band who will be performing following a public announcement by Lincoln’s Town Crier. -
Enjoy Bhajis and Bhangra Beats at BGU Bollywood Evening
Tickets are still available to join in the one-night-only Bollywood bash at Bishop Grosseteste University. This year’s Bollywood-themed evening will take place on Sunday 13th September 2015 to raise money for the Bishop Grosseteste University Foundation Fund. For just £25 guests will be treated to a screening of Bollywood movie Queen, followed by an authentic Indian meal in the Refectory. The evening will begin at The Venue at BGU from 5pm, with the bar open from 4pm. Queen is a 2014 comedy-drama directed by Vikas Bahl and produced by Anurang Kashyap. The film tells the story of a young Delhi girl who decides to travel alone on her planned honeymoon after her fiancé ends their relationship. Hannah Clipsham, Events Manager for BGU, said: “Bollywood is one of the largest centres of film production in the world, so this is a real treat for everyone, whether you are already an avid fan of Indian film and culture or not. “This will be our fourth annual Bollywood evening, which has always been very popular in the past. And as if there were another excuse needed to get involved, we will direct all proceeds from the evening to the BGU Foundation Fund. “This event is co-organised with the dedicated support and generosity of Jasmit Phull, a member of the Bishop Grosseteste University Council, who works hard to make it a success.” The BGU Foundation Fund exists to encourage and enable students and alumni to take part in voluntary or community engagement activities, both here in the UK and overseas. The initiative supports charitable projects that clearly demonstrate enrichment to the students, but cannot be otherwise resourced through the university’s main funds. It also helps staff to develop innovative activities which enhance the student experience and supports the Students’ Union clubs and societies. Over the last year grants have been provided to support many diverse activities, including a visit by one student to Japan to take part in the world Scout Jamboree. Another is travelling to Bangalore, India as part of a visual arts project. Although it is not compulsory, guests are welcome to fully embrace the evening of Bollywood glamour and arrive in traditional Indian or international dress. For tickets or more information please contact Jessica Lyons in the BG Venues Conference and Events Office 01522 583702 or email jessica.lyons@bishopg.ac.uk -
Dementia-Friendly Movie at The Venue
We all have a favourite film where classic one-liners and the musical score create a sense of nostalgia. Cinemas can provide a powerful way for those living with dementia to reconnect with their memories. Now Lincoln cinema The Venue at Bishop Grosseteste University is working in partnership with the Lincoln Alzheimer’s Society to show a dementia-friendly screening of Singin’ in the Rain on Wednesday 18th May. The screening coincides with Dementia Awareness Week (15th to 21st May) and BGU is promoting this film as being particularly suitable for people affected by dementia and their partners, family and carers. Among the benefits for viewers are increased lighting in the auditorium, reduced sound levels and no adverts or trailers preceding the fim. Jane Vincent, Senior Conferencing and Events Officer at BGU, said: “Dementia-friendly cinema will be a great addition to our programme and sits alongside our Relaxed Screenings, which take place one Sunday per month. “These special performances, planned and delivered in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society and Grantham Autism Information Network, have subtle changes to the cinema environment which mean that people who have sensory difficulties have a more positive experience than they would in a traditional cinema setting.” Tickets for the dementia-friendly film cost £4.50 and carers can go for free. You can purchase your tickets via www.thevenuelincoln.co.uk -
Lecturers Swapping Lecterns for Laughs
Stand-up comedians often make jokes about politics, their childhood or everyday observations – but a new breed of comic is getting laughs out of academic research. Bright Club is a nationwide project to turn academics into comedians, and Bishop Grosseteste University is the latest institution to join in the fun. BGU will host its first Bright Club event at its Curiositea café on Thursday 12th May. Compered by professional comedian Simon Bligh, the evening will feature comic turns by education experts, drama tutors and even the university’s chaplain! “Academics are notoriously solitary creatures, and while they’re used to presenting their research at conferences this is a chance for them to put across the research they’re doing in a much more fun and inspired way,” said Elinor Vettraino, a business and enterprise academic at BGU who is organising the event. “Bright Club began life at University College London and it occurred to me that it’s an interesting way of engaging people within the BGU community to share practice and learning while having a fun evening.” At the BGU event next week former Perrier Award nominee and Time out Comedian of the Year Simon Bligh will introduce participants including: Dr Julia Lindley-Baker Academic Co-ordinator, Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion The Reverend Dr Peter Green University Chaplain Graham Meeson Head of School of Humanities Dr Dennis Eluyefa Senior Lecturer in Drama Elinor Vettraino Academic Co-ordinator, Business & Enterprise “To prepare our budding stand-ups who are treading the boards for this first pilot experience Simon has held two training sessions,” said Elinor. “But the idea is that it’s a risk, and at the same time it’s great fun. It’s helps lecturers, whose job it is to engage with students and get their message across, to make their repertoire more versatile.” Tickets for the event cost £5 on the door (£2 for students) at Curiositea and are open to members of the public as well as to BGU staff and students. Doors open at 7pm and the event starts at 7.30pm on Thursday 12th May. Universities involved in Bright Club include Cambridge, Oxford, Leicester, Loughborough, Manchester, St Andrews, Belfast and Bristol. To find out more about Bright Club visit https://brightclub.org/ -
BGU Barista is Full of Beans
Making an excellent espresso or a classy cappuccino is all in a day’s work for Dominic Desforges, who will be pitting his barista skills against the best next week. Dominic (23), who works as a barista at the Curiositea café at Bishop Grosseteste University, has been selected to compete in the Barista Skills Challenge at this year’s TUCO Competitions at Warwick University on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd March. The 15-minute live competition will test the candidates’ skills in producing espresso, cappuccino and their own signature drinks which they have to discuss and present as they prepare them. Dominic recently attended an advanced barista development course in Bologna, Italy, and will be up against 27 other top baristas from universities across the UK. “I’ve been a barista for four years but I wasn’t very good at it when I first started,” he said. “My boss at The Showroom in Lincoln could do a pattern on top of the coffee, which intrigued me, so I started practising and went to different cafés to see how it was done. “To be a good barista you need interest and dedication as there’s a lot of science and hard work behind it.” Next week’s event will be the first barista competition Dominic has taken part in. “I’m feeling fairly confident but also a bit nervous about it,” he said. “For my speciality drink I’ll be making a chilled cocktail stretched with a simple syrup with hints of lemon and orange, so I hope it goes well!” John Hodson, Operations Manager at BG (Lincoln) Ltd, added: “We are really thrilled that Dom will be representing us at this years’ TUCO competitions – good luck Dom, give it your best!” Curiositea is Bishop Grosseteste University’s Alice in Wonderland themed café on campus which is open to the public. TUCO is the leading professional membership body for in-house caterers operating in the higher and further education sector. -
Exploring the Constructions of Dreams at BGU
We all sleep and, believe it or not, we all dream too. What we don’t always do, however, is remember those dreams. To explore the importance of our nocturnal imagination, psychologist Dr Caroline Horton is heading up research at the new DrEAMSLab which will be launched tomorrow at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. “Research shows that although we dream several times a night, arguably even continually through the night, we remember very little of our dreams,” said Dr Horton, who has set up DrEAMSLab (Dreaming, Emotions, Associations & Memories in Sleep Laboratory) at BGU. “Although dreams are difficult to access, there are systematic ways of studying them. Indeed, scrutinising the individual elements of dreams, and the ways in which these different elements combine, can tell us a lot about how the brain processes memories during sleep – a process known as memory consolidation. Sleep enhances memory as part of that consolidation journey.” Dr Horton added that the Continuity Hypothesis broadly states that there is overlap between our dreams and in our waking lives, a theory which challenges those who have argued that dreams are the product of random firing of brain cells during certain stages of sleep, or that dreams might provide an insight into our futures. The British Psychological Society, which accredits the suite of Psychology joint degree courses offered at BGU, has recently funded Caroline and her team of researchers from the Universities of Manchester, Swansea and Bedfordshire to co-ordinate a series of seminars that aim to push the boundaries of our understanding of how dreaming might contribute to memory consolidation in sleep. The first event in the seminar series will be held at BGU on Wednesday 10th February and will include a series of talks, discussions and celebrations. If you are interested in coming along to learn about what dreams can tell us about brain and mind, as well as the role of dreaming in memory formation, you can register your interest by emailing bronwen.kane@bishopg.ac.uk Tomorrow’s event begins at 10am in the Hardy Building at BGU and will conclude at 4pm with the launch of DrEAMSLab. To find out more, visit www.dreamslab.co.uk or follow DrEAMSLab on Twitter @sleepandmemory.
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