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Royal Visit to Mark Opening of Landmark Building at BGU
HRH the Duke of Gloucester will visit Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln next week to officially open the university’s latest new building. The £2.2 million extension to Constance Stewart Hall, which has created a new landmark building at the junction of Newport and Longdales Road, will be opened on Thursday 6thJuly. The works have doubled the size of the teaching block and involved building a steel-framed structure on top of part of the original building to give the university an additional seven teaching spaces set over two floors. This approach of building over an existing structure means that BGU will significantly increase its teaching space capacity without increasing the building’s overall footprint, which helps to maintain the green and open feel of the campus. During his visit to Lincoln on 6th July the Duke of Gloucester will also officially open the Battles and Dynasties Exhibition at The Collection. At BGU he will be introduced to dignitaries including the Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Christopher Lowson; the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Chris Burke; Lincoln’s MP Karen Lee; the Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil; and the university’s Chancellor, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas. On a tour of the campus the Duke will visit the university’s business centre BG Futures, the Victorian chapel and the new Centre for Enhancement in Learning and Teaching which opened in March. He will then officially open the new extension at Constance Stewart Hall by unveiling a plaque at approximately 2.45pm. A bold statement “This iconic addition to our estate really makes a bold statement in uphill Lincoln that BGU is an outward-facing institution,” said the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “It’s further evidence of our ongoing commitment to invest in our teaching resources to ensure our students continue to have an outstanding experience.” Steve Deville, Director of Resources at BGU, said: “This fantastic new building reinforces BGU’s commitment to invest in our students and their learning experience. “This building is to be opened just a few months after our new Centre for Enhancement in Learning and Teaching facility and will provide students with flexible teaching spaces and state-of-the-art facilities to aid their learning.” The new teaching spaces will incorporate moveable partition walls, increasing their flexibility, meaning that they can be used not only for teaching but also for a variety of functions and events. Delivered by Lincoln-based architects LK2 and local construction company Robert Woodhead Ltd, the project was carried out in two phases and saw a 7,770 square foot extension added to the Constance Stewart Hall to accommodate new teaching space. The extension is supported by an impressive steel framework made from locally sourced steel and erected by Robert Woodhead Ltd. Throughout the project, contractors pledged to use local resources wherever possible. The project was procured through the empa framework which is managed by Scape Group. The development of the new building on campus was an opportunity to enhance the graduate attributes of BGU students, who were able to gain valuable work experience on the project with Robert Woodhead Ltd. -
BGU student organises activity day for young carers
A BGU Drama in the Community student recently organised an activity day with forty young carers from across Lincolnshire. Every year Drama in the Community students at BGU complete a community project in their final year working with a community group for approximately three months. The communities vary from work with the elderly, projects with people with mental health issues, special needs, schools, youth groups and many more. Chloe Stewart, a third year Drama in the Community student, decided to work with young carers for her project. Her project culminated in an activity day at the BGU campus giving young carers the opportunity to relax, socialise and try out a range of activities. The young people took part in drama, dance, samba band, sports and craft workshops. Chloe said “after speaking to some of the young carers, it was apparent that the day had had an effect on them. “Some expressed that the day had given them the opportunity to get away from their responsibilities, others said how thrilled they were to have tried the different activities that were available for them, and some just stated how nice it was to meet individuals of a similar age to them in a similar situation. “I felt immense pride in watching the two communities come together to give the young carers the opportunity to have some time away from their home life and responsibilities.” To make the day a success Chloe liaised with a number of outside organisations, companies and Lincolnshire County Council. Freshtime Futures Trust, a charity from Boston that give young individuals funding to achieve their goals, invested just under £1000 to enable the day to go ahead. The connections made at the event will be long lasting and there is hope that the event will be held again in the future. The community project is just one of many opportunities that Drama in the Community students at BGU get involved with. Chloe said “the course gives students incredible opportunities. I am thrilled we are given the chance to go out into the world and use our knowledge and skills to benefit a community. “It is incredible to be able to see your hard work come to life and what real effect you can have on other individuals.” Find out more about studying Drama at BGU. -
Revealed: The Private Lives of the Tudors
Historian Tracy Borman will follow up her book and TV series The Private Lives of the Tudors with a colourful talk on the same subject at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln next month. Tracy is a best-selling author and historian who specialises in the Tudor period. Her books include Elizabeth’s Women, which was Book of the Week on BBC Radio 4, and Thomas Cromwell: The Untold Story of Henry VIII’s Most Faithful Servant, which was a Sunday Times best seller. Her most recent book, The Private Lives of the Tudors, includes such gems as Henry VIII’s visit to Lincoln in 1541 with his fifth wife Catherine Howard, who proceeded to cheat on him while they were staying in the city. “Tracy is a well known TV personality but she is also a familiar face on campus at BGU,” said Hannah Clipsham, Events Manager at BGU. “We are really looking forward to hearing her informative and entertaining talk about this fascinating period of English history and this most influential of royal dynasties.” An Audience with Tracy Borman presenting The Private Lives of the Tudors takes place at The Venue, Bishop Grosseteste University at 7.30pm on Thursday 1st June 2017. Tickets cost £6.50 and are available online from The Venue. For further details please contact the University Events Office on 01522 585635 or email events@bishopg.ac.uk. -
Election Candidates to Debate the Issues at BGU
An election debate aimed at students is set to take place at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln next week. Lincoln’s parliamentary candidates will go head to head in a hustings event at The Venue on Thursday 25th May at 8pm. The event will be an opportunity for students and staff at BGU and the University of Lincoln to put questions to the candidates for the city parliamentary constituency before the General Election on 8th June. Conservative candidate Karl McCartney, Labour’s Karen Lee and Lib Dem candidate Caroline Kenyon have already confirmed their attendance, as has Tony Wells, standing in for the UKIP candidate Nick Smith. The other candidates – Ben Loryman (Green), Phil Gray (Independent) and Iain Scott-Burdon (Independent) – have all been invited to appear at the hustings. Each candidate will be allowed to give a short address before questions are invited from the audience. The event is open to students only but it will be live streamed on the Bishop Grosseteste University Students’ Union Facebook page so the general public in Lincoln can hear what the candidates have to say. The hustings will be chaired by Bob Walder, Chair of the Bishop Grosseteste University Council and former Chief Executive of the Longhurst Group. “It’s thought that only 36 per cent of people aged 18 to 24 voted in the 2015 General Election, and yet the politicians we elect next month will decide the future of young people across the country for many years to come,” said Abi Rogers, Students’ Union Manager at BGU. “As an SU we want to encourage students to register to vote and make sure they cast their vote on 8th June, whatever their political beliefs. “This debate will give students across the city a chance to meet their candidates and ask them important questions about what they would do for Lincoln and for young people if elected.” To book a free ticket online visit www.bgsu.co.uk. Tickets will also be available on the door, subject to availability. -
Michael Jackson Tribute Promises a Thriller at The Venue
The act billed as the world’s number one Michael Jackson tribute is aiming to provide a ‘Thriller’ for fans at Bishop Grosseteste University on Friday (19th May). Navi is the only Michael Jackson tribute to have worked for Michael Jackson for 17 years (from 1992 until 2009), promoting albums and concerts as well as acting as a decoy for the singer in public appearances. In a 25-year career as a Michael Jackson tribute act Navi has appeared in over 300 cities in 58 different countries. He has performed at Michael Jackson’s birthday parties in Los Angeles and New York, visited the singer’s Neverland Ranch and been invited twice to appear on the Oprah Winfrey Show. He closed the show at the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix to well over 20,000 people and has been featured on numerous TV programmes and in newspapers including CNN, CBS, ITV, BBC, Dubai One, MTV, The Sun, The Daily Telegraph, The LA Times and The Times of India amongst others. Navi stars in a new film entitled Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland which is due to be released in cinemas this month. “With a winning combination of authentic vocals, energetic dance moves and a striking resemblance to the original, Navi is bringing the ultimate Michael Jackson tribute show to Lincoln that will have you believing that the magic of Michael Jackson lives on!” said Hannah Clipsham, Events Manager at BGU. Tickets for Navi – Chosen by Michael cost £15 and are available online at The Venue website. The show begins at 7.30pm on Friday 19th May. For more information contact Daisy Wedge by emailing daisy.wedge@bishopg.ac.uk or by calling 01522 585635. -
Annual Lecture Will Shed Light on Battle of Lincoln
Eight hundred years ago this week one of the most important battles of mediaeval times was fought in Lincoln. To mark the anniversary, author and historian Dr Sean McGlynn will give the Annual History Lecture at Bishop Grosseteste University tomorrow (Wednesday 17th May) and shed light on the dramatic events of the Battle of Lincoln in 1217. The battle fought on 20th May 1217 is deemed by historians to be one of the most important military engagements fought in medieval England. This lecture will explain the remarkable circumstances that led to the battle and offer a detailed description of the dramatic events that occurred on the day. Dr Sean McGlynn is the author of three critically acclaimed books on mediaeval warfare and of a forthcoming biography of King John. His book Blood Cries Afar: the Magna Carta War and the Invasion of England, 1215-17 was the first to investigate the major French invasion of England that resulted in the Battle of Lincoln. The Annual History Lecture was originally established to mark the work of Dr Jim Johnston, a historian and teacher at BGU who pioneered the use of probate inventories and who died in 2007. It also celebrates the contribution of another former history lecturer, Dulcie Duke, and recognises the work of current BGU students with the award of prizes. Attendance at the lecture is free of charge and refreshments are available at the Refectory and Curiositea nearby. Please note parking on campus is limited. The lecture begins at 2pm. To book a ticket contact Daisy Wedge by emailing daisy.wedge@bishopg.ac.uk or by calling 01522 585635. -
A night at the Academy Awards
Staff from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln attended Sir Robert Pattinson Academy’s work-based learning skills and academic awards evening last week. Gemma Gazi, BGU's Education Liaison Officer, and Chris Hakes, Widening Participation Coordinator at BGU, presented two awards to students from the school at the celebration on 14 September 2017. Chris was asked to present the ‘MacFarlane Award for Advance Level Studies’, which is awarded to the student who has achieved the highest results in their A levels. The award went to a student called Antonia Folia who had achieved outstanding results across four A-levels plus the Extended Project Qualification. Gemma was asked to present the ‘Work Experience – Education Award’ for students who have completed Year 11 work experience within a school or nursery. The three finalists all had glowing references from their placements. The winner was Sam Benton, who had completed her work experience in the PE department at Lincoln Christ Hospital School. During the placement, she had the opportunity to help deliver lessons and coach students. The evening was in an Oscars style, with canapés and a drinks reception before heading into the school’s main hall for the awards ceremony. Speaking after the event Gemma said, “We have worked closely with Sir Robert Pattinson Academy for a number of years, both through recruitment and widening participation activities, so it was great to be invited to celebrate the evening with their staff and students. “We both found the evening very enjoyable and it was great to support one of our local schools!” Find out more about Outreach for Schools and Colleges at BGU. -
Celebrating the Charter of the Forest at BGU
The 800th anniversary of the Charter of the Forest will be commemorated in November, and Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln is joining in the celebrations. The 1217 Charter of the Forest re-established rights of access to the royal forest that were taken away by William the Conqueror. The charter complements Magna Carta and both documents can be viewed at Lincoln Castle, the only place in the world where two original copies of the documents can be found together. Lincoln Castle are hosting a celebration on 6 November 2017 where they will also launch a Charter for Trees, Woods and People for the 21st century. BGU will make a special contribution by having between 60 and 70 primary and secondary school students on campus. They will engage in age specific educational activities on the Charter of the Forest and the new Charter for Trees, Woods and People. BGU's special expertise in qualifying teachers and researchers at BGU on law and society will have its impact on these activities. The project is part of a major campaign, sponsored by the Woodland Trust, to work on Britain's environment for future generations. A ceremonial tree planting on the BGU campus will conclude the event. Interested in history? Find out more about studying History at BGU. -
BGU sponsors Gothic-themed Lincoln Book Festival
The Lincoln Book Festival is ‘Going Gothic’ this September and Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is co-sponsoring a variety of events. The festival invites visitors to explore the Gothic at events celebrating the genre throughout the city. Literature, history, art and architecture are all on the line-up at the festival that ‘places history at its heart’. BGU is sponsoring a free workshop at the University of Lincoln on Gothic literature for local schools and colleges. Experts from both BGU and the University of Lincoln will jointly run the event on Wednesday 27 September. On Thursday 28 September, BGU’s Dr Claudia Capancioni chairs an evening of ‘Victorian Truths & Gothic Mysteries’ at The Collection alongside the University of Lincoln’s Dr Scott Brewer. The evening will see a talk from award-winning historian and biographer Kathryn Hughes telling ‘Tales of Flesh in the Ages of Decorum’. Author Diane Setterfield will then present her talk on ‘Fiction of a Gothic Disposition’. Dr Claudia Capancioni has also helped to organise a free event on Friday 29 September aimed at creative writers. ‘Writing Romance – Mills & Boon Style’ takes place at The Collection and the two invited speakers are both historical romance authors. The final BGU co-sponsored event of the festival is ‘An Afternoon of Architecture – Revived and Inspiring’ at BGU’s Robert Hardy Building on Saturday 30 September. The afternoon sees Geoff Brandwood guiding the audience through the revival of Gothic Architecture Victorian style and discussing the churches of Sir Gilbert Scott, including many examples in Lincolnshire. Author Pamela Holmes will also be speaking at the event. The festival also launched a Flash Fiction competition. Writers of any age and ability were encouraged to submit Gothic-themed short stories of exactly 50 words. Dr Claudia Capancioni was part of the judging panel tasked with shortlisting over 400 entries for the final judges. The winners in three categories (primary school age, secondary school age and adults) will be announced at the festival launch party on Monday 25 September. Speaking about the festival Dr Claudia Capancioni, Academic Coordinator for English at BGU, said, “this year’s festival is most exciting because of the Gothic theme and a new Flash Fiction competition. “The programme caters for the whole community with creative writing events as well as speakers who share their works. It is a great programme and I can say already that we have had a great response. “As the success of the Flash Fiction competition shows, there is interest in the events the programme presents. “We are pleased to be working with the organising committee, the community and colleagues at the University of Lincoln to make sure this year’s Lincoln Book Festival is most engaging with Gothic mystery, horror and romance.” The Lincoln Book Festival takes place from 25-30 September 2017 across a range of locations in Lincoln. Visit the Lincoln Book Festival website to book tickets now. -
Lincoln’s Battles and Dynasties Exhibition
By Dr Andrew Jackson, Historian, Bishop Grosseteste University In a room in The Collection in Lincoln is to be found a quite extraordinary set of historical documents and artefacts. It is a collection of a status and importance that very few of us will have the fortune to encounter in our lifetimes. The leading ‘curtain opener’ to the exhibition is the story of the Battle of Lincoln of 1217. Much has been said over the last few months about that bloody fight, which took place between the walls of the castle and cathedral on 20 May, 800 years ago. The tale of the conflict in that year is a complex one, but easily and compellingly followed through The Collection’s displays and artefacts. The story of Lincoln in 1217 features its heroes and heroines, including the ‘man of the hour’, William Marshall, and the ‘woman of the hour’, Nichola de la Haye, Constable of Lincoln Castle. It is an episode that has passed quietly into history, just one of those many events, if a slightly more fraught one, that are a part of the chronicle of the life of the nation. The Battle of Lincoln, for political significance, was the most important military encounter after the Battle of Hastings, two hundred years earlier. If the French and their English allies had won in 1217, then that year would undoubtedly have found equal place in our popular historical memory alongside 1066. Few contests rival its importance and impact in later times: Bosworth and Naseby perhaps; the Boyne or Culloden; and then, of course, the combat that took place in the skies above our heads through the long and critical summer of 1940. After the account of the Battle of Lincoln, the exhibition charts the stories of Royal and aristocratic dynasties, and how they intertwine along with battles and other celebrated or notorious events through our history. Some of the documents are especially poignant. There is Henry VIII’s letter to the people of Lincolnshire in 1536, describing them as ‘rude’, and the county as the ‘most brute and beestelie of the hole realme’. There are the documents that, respectively, condemned Catherine Howard and Mary Queen of Scots to the executioner’s block. There is a letter to Charles II on ‘that monster Cromwell’, who ‘everie night…drinks himself drunke to sleep and forgets his fears’. The twentieth century is arrived at finally; and, from that time, can be read one of the most shock-reverberating announcements in our past: ‘After long and anxious consideration, I have determined to renounce the throne to which I succeeded on the death of My father, and I am now communicating this, My final and irrevocable decision’. So concluded Edward VIII, in his letter of abdication of 10 December 1936. Whatever your historical interests, it is a collection that will leave you rather weak at the knees. Faced by such documents, even the most sceptical will find it hard not to feel moved, and share some sense of wonder at the marvellous, if often messy, history that is Britain’s. If what is to be encountered at The Collection is not high enough in significance, then at the Castle there are also to be viewed the Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest, alongside the Domesday Book. Across city museums are at present some of the most precious and exceptional documents in our history. Each one you may have the opportunity to view just once in your life. To see them here together in small groups, and even more so as a whole gathering, is an experience that will never happen again in our lifetimes. >Bishop Grosseteste University is a sponsor of the Battles and Dynasties Exhibition. The exhibition lasts until 3 September 2017. Dr Andrew Jackson admiring a miniature portrait of Queen Elizabeth I from the Portland Collection
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