Alumni Blog

Topping Out

2010-05-21T16:11:00.009+01:00

This week saw a milestone in the construction of the new Campus Centre building in Luton. The Vice Chancellor and other senior University staff took part in the traditional Topping Out Ceremony.

High on the roof of the new building the university staff were joined by representatives of the architects and the builders. At the ceremony the VC received a glass plaque to mark the occasion. He then pressed a button which inflated the roof for the atrium. The University Chaplin also blessed the building.

From September the Campus Centre will become the home for many of the student support services.

Alumni E-Zine Launch

2010-05-14T10:04:00.009+01:00

The first edition of the new alumni Noteworthy E-Zine has gone live.

The May edition includes a profile of Bedford graduate Michelle Rowe. Michelle recently launched a charity to help school children in Malawi. We also have details of a new graduate internship scheme and the forthcoming nursing and midwifery reunion.

The Noteworthy E-Zine is sent to over 16 000 University alumni on a quarterly basis. This is in addition to our annual Noteworthy printed publication.

If you:

have some alumni news or
know of an alumni with a story to tell or
haven't received your email notification yet

Please email the alumni office.

Two New Faces in the DARO

2010-05-07T15:21:00.000+01:00

This week I welcomed Shamim and Rene to the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO). They have joined us on temporary contracts to deal with data entry, graduation and the nursing reunion.

Shamim (left) is a level two BA Business Studies student. Rene, from Kenya is on the MSc in Computer Security and Forensics. They here until the end of July.

They will be kept busy maintaining records on the database and with the graduation ceremonies in Bedford and Luton. We also have a large reunion taking place in June. The Nursing, Midwifery and ODP Reunion is at Putteridge Bury on Saturday 12 June. Shamim and Rene will be helping with the event.

Freshers' Quiz Winner

2009-10-19T15:32:00.005+01:00

I was delighted to meet earlier to day Marwa Qari who is the winner of the Freshers' Quiz prize. Marwa, from Pakistan is a first year Law student. Marwa correctly answered the 'who's who' questions.

She is the winner of a £50 Amazon voucher and she already knows what she wants to get. The diligent student is off to purchase further text books.

Marwa said: "I'm delighted, you've brightened up my day. I was witing an eassy when you called with the good news."

Alumni TV

2009-09-01T14:35:00.009+01:00

Ever wondered what you look like, or sound like, on TV? So have I and I found out this week with the release of the latest UoB video on YouTube.

In what I hope will be a series of alumni interviews I recorded an interview with Bharti Tailor the newly elected Secretary General of the Hindu Forum of Britain. Here I'm talking to her about PM Gordon Brown.

With the help of Pete in our web market team I arranged the set and planned the recording. I thought the set was reminiscent of Big Brother and the lighting could have been better but on the whole a good first effort.

Alumni Fantasy Footie

2009-08-28T10:58:00.005+01:00

This Saturday sees the fourth round of matches in the Barclays Premier League. And I've had a good response to the initial UoB Alumni Fantasy Football League.

So far we have 16 teams competing and there's room for more. Kevin Teoh (BSc Psychology, 2008) leads the way with his 'Monkeys', closely followed by Alistair Shearer's 'Superstars' (BSc Sports Studies, 2007).

Those already staring at the trapdoor of relegation include the Somersby Saints and the Football Team (Rich Hayward and Andy Cockburn respectively).

Bharti Tailor

2009-08-13T17:07:00.012+01:00

Today I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Bharti Tailor, Alumna and the Secretary General of the Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB).

A graduate of 1997, Bharti's career includes working in local government; setting up her own business as a consultant; volunteering as a chaplain and now leading the HFB . Looking back, she has fond memories of her time here on the BA Community Management course.

In our interview Bharti sets out her goals for HFB, appreciates the opportunities her degree gave her and the philosophy that under pins her business dealings.

Details of our conversation will be available soon from the alumni website.

Mongolia latest

2009-08-08T16:59:00.006+01:00

Just been to Lee Tuffnell's Mongol Rally website. He's made it! Well at least to the Mongol border.

Lee's a CAD graduate driving half way around the world in a W reg Skoda, Alice.

Another adventurous scheme, to have Lee and his car put in an appearance at Freshers, was blown away by the discovery that the car - on Lee's return - is likely to remain in Mongolia .

Ashes 4th Test

2009-08-07T16:54:00.010+01:00

Why do I do it? Torturing myself by going to read regular score updates from the test on the BBC website. Why do I think that after a start of 16-2 things would get any better?

For a moment, - Australia 14-1 - I thought this might be a low scoring test. Visions of Harmison reborn and scuttling out the Aussies. But no. Reality straightens its pads, takes guard and hits me, square, through mid wicket.

Only a hopeless optimist would believe that we will not go to the Oval for the last Test all square.

Hang on! What's that you say Australia 140-3?

Freshers

2009-07-31T15:31:00.000+01:00

Just had a great idea for Freshers. A discussion in the office about the achievements of an alumnus led to a unusal market plan. He is a representative of the GB grazy golf team. Also he recently appeared in an addition of the BBC quiz eggheads with his teammates, Nutters with Putters.

So what about getting him to do a PA and promote the work of the alumni office. Better still set up a crazy golf hole and get freshers to play him. Even better why not a whole, (did you see what i did there?) crazy golf course?

A few phone calls and emails later and we had a supplier. Now to find someone to pay for it.

Graduation in Luton

2009-07-23T12:10:00.011+01:00

We have just completed a week of graduation ceremonies. In a new development for UoB the undergraduate ceremonies were held in July. And we benefited from some great summer weather.

I was busy with the alumni graduation goody bags. Every graduands receives one as a way of welcoming them to the alumni association.

This year's graduands were treated to Noteworthy, fair trade tea and pens. In another new development for the alumni office we text the student in the morning of their graduation to congratulate them and alert them to the goody bags.

So 1200 students, 100s of photographs, 20 boxes of Celebrations and 5 days later, the year of 2009 is set to take on the world.

And if you were one of them you can still order a copy of your graduation DVD. By contacting alumni@beds.ac.uk you can receive an order form and ultimately a DVD of the 'big day'.

We are always interested to know where graduates go and where they end up, so go to the alumni website and tell us.

If you find yourself missing uni in the coming months then we will soon be running a series of pub evenings in Luton and London. If you are further a field you could always contact your local Intevarsity Club (IVC), an organisation aimed at professionals, graduates and like-minded people.

Lady Of Letters

2009-07-10T09:39:00.003+01:00

Imagine my suprise last week. I received a letter in the post and here's a picture to prove it! Mary a BPOSA (Bedford Physical Education Old Students' Association) alumna wrote to me from Kenya, where she now lives.

Her letter was in response to the last HTML email I sent out to alumni. In it she thanks me for keeping her informed of developments at the University. She also looks forward to receiving future editions of Noteworthy.

Her letter goes on to describe her life in Kenya. She writes, "I am a fit and active 79 year old and I spend my time on adventures in the bush". For her 'Twittering' refers to the noises of wild birds.

Heatwave

2009-07-01T15:17:00.016+01:00

How are you coping? Are you enjoying air conditioned comfort or slowing melting at your desk?

As the hottest temperatures for three years look set to continue for the rest of the week and, who knows into the summer, do you spend you lunch hour in the frozen food section of Tesco cooling off or 'hot desking' try to avoid pneumonia from the super chilled air?

As I sit here - windows wide open and countless fans on the go, all to little or no avail - I am envious of those of you working in modern climate controlled offices. The first thing I am reminded of is that unlike in cold weather there is no max temperature limit. So it's up to me to cope the best I can.

Advice from the Dept of Health is:

Keep curtains on windows exposed to the sun closed if the temperature outside is higher than it is inside.

Once the temperature outside has dropped lower than it is inside, open the windows

Water plants, and spray the ground outside windows with water to help cool the air

All pretty sensible stuff. But to that list I would like to add:

placing your shoes and socks in the fridge until home time

relocating your office or business to the Shetland Islands

installing an ice cream vending machine next to the photocopier

Billy Schwer

2009-06-22T16:34:00.000+01:00

You never know who you might expect to meet around the University these days. But certainly not former light welter weight world champion, Billy Schwer.

Luton local Billy was appearing as a keynote motivational speaker as part of a staff training exercise. To all reports he did a good job. Later I was asked to take some pictures of Billy with the delegates.

When it was over I got a few minutes to chat to him.

So, I asked:"What's it like stepping into a ring with an opponent whose only aim to to knock you senseless"?

"Terrifying, but it's all about preparation", was his reply. He talked about his career and the changes he had to make outside of the ring. He came across to me as a perfectly amiable and sensible man.

UoB Degree Show

2009-06-16T09:52:00.016+01:00

This week sees the start of the Degree Show 2009. This showcase of art and design graduate talent takes place in Park Square between the 13-26 June. The show features, photography, fine art, animation and fashion to name but a few.

The exhibtion is too large to review fully here, but it's fair to say that the standard of work could easily turn it into a major public attraction in years to come. Who knows, we may have the next Tracey Emin or Damien Hirst here at Bedfordshire?

Anyway here are my three tips for the top. Ben Hodson, photographer, is already making a name for himself and his current project 'Iraq - the forgotten story' will only enhance it. Emma Barry, artist, works with largescale canvases and explores the language of patterns. Nabilla Ahmed, fashion designer, who's inspiration for her collection is the architecture of London.

In his catalogue introduction, John Stephens, Head of Art and Design, writes: "We are proud of the way they (the students) are rising to the challenges that the modern world is presenting them and we wish them well in making their mark in it."

HTML Heaven

2009-06-12T16:01:00.004+01:00

May was a busy month for alumni news and profiles. I have kept the news pages and my blog ticking over with alumni stories and I added several new profiles to the ‘Where Are They Now’ section.

But how to ensure our alumni know what’s going on?

The answer comes in the form of HTML email. This graphics driven message is an efficient and economical way to alert alumni to the latest news. When the email is opened the pictures act as links to web content. We are in the fortunate situation to have email address contact details for 25% of our alumni. So staring from June I will be sending out monthly emails.

And it works.

Feedback shows that nearly 80% of emails reached the recipient. So that’s nearly 10 000 alumni who have access to UoB alumni website at the click of a mouse. And you are already responding. I have several new leads to follow-up.

It’s not intended to replace the alumni newsletter Noteworthy, but to provide a regular monthly update on the wide world of UoB alumni.

So if you want to keep in touch be sure we have your current email address.

Kavelle's Carnival

2009-06-03T10:33:00.000+01:00

This week's guest blog writer is Kavelle Savary, BA Child and Adolescent Studies, 2007. She is the Arts Development Officer at UK Centre for Carnival Arts in Luton

"What a day! What a day!"

"Just recovering, but the memories of Luton Carnival 2009 are still as fresh as ever. The sun shone brilliantly and simply raised everyone’s spirits and expectations for the day ahead."

"There were people of all ages and races, and costumes of all descriptions, sizes and colours. The array of food on offer was tantalising and the various stalls and performances on the main stage meant that there was something for everyone. As the music trucks started pumping, Carnival 2K9 truly came alive! The food smelt better, the weather seemed brighter and participants and spectators alike were dancing and waving their hands in time to the tempo."

"As the procession got on its way, I kept eyeing the road from the marquee to see when my band was passing. I chatted to excited visitors but as I had already changed into spectacular Carnival gear, I was simply waiting to join my band mates to dance to our favourite soca music tunes! Soon enough the DJ announced the band and I was out of the marquee and ‘on de road’ to share in the true celebration of music, costume, creativity and love of life- Carnival!"

"I’m already looking forward to next year! Are you?"

Maria kukhareva

2009-06-01T14:10:00.001+01:00

In the third of series of guest blogs Maria Kukhareva, MBA Marketing 2003, writes about her photographic exhibition, “Mothers and daughters, fathers and sons”, which looks at ten families from Luton and Bedfordshire.

“This is my first exhibition of this kind, and I am very pleased with it. The best thing was meeting the people who agreed to participate, and sharing good moments with them by being there and capturing that day for them. Although it’s not been without its slight difficulties. Finding a day when someone would have all their family round, and they would be happy to be photographed, is not something all of us do a lot these days, it seems! And this was one of the points I wanted to make through this project.

“Someone said, this is a very unusual idea, to photograph generations of men and women, and present it in this way… I suppose the idea for the exhibition was inspired by being away from home and loved ones and fascination with large families with strong ties. I photographed generations of women and men in and around Luton, aiming to capture the bond between generations, as well as this intrinsic energy that seems to surround the family members if it’s just “girls” or “boys” getting together.”

“The understanding of where you come from, the explanation of who you are and why you are, I suppose, and what comes after you – I find this fascinating. And photographing three generations of men or women is one way of showing it. The feedback that I had so far shows that this is still a much cherished value, even though we are not in the Victorian times anymore and Jeremy Kyle’s show suggests that the family as a social unit has definitely moved on since!”

You can see an online version of the exhibition as well as some of her other work.

Roxanne Caldwell

2009-05-27T10:03:00.013+01:00

This week a new member joins the team of the Development and Alumni Relations Office . Roxanne Caldwell gives us an insight to her world:

What is your role? - PA to the Dean of Partnership, David Barrett and Director of Development, Maribeth Houlston.

How are you settling in so far? - Very well - everyone has been very supportive and friendly.

Where are you from? - Luton born and bread, but I can't ignore the fact that I'm half Scottish or my dad would be upset with me!

What are your interests or hobbies? - I'm very into sports. I have been rollerskating, cheerleading, gymnastics, running and lots of dancing (anything goes from Irish to Street) recently. I also love most types of music and singing although I'm not any good!

Where have you worked before? - I have worked at General Motors, easyJet and spent a few years in recruitment at a couple of Luton agencies.

What do you think is the best thing about the University? - The people!!

What drives/inspires/fascinates you? - Challenge and variety drive me. I'm often fascinated by the choices some people in my life make.

What's your worst habit? - Leaving the lid off of the toothpaste.

Which three people, dead or alive, would you like to have a night out with? - David Beckham, Keith Lemon and Cleopatra.

Souled Out Awards Night

2009-05-18T10:28:00.006+01:00

This week’s alumni blog has a guest writer. Aisha Plentie, BA Media Performance 2007, is one of the co organisers of the annual African Caribbean Student Awards in Luton and in the wake of this year’s event I asked her to take time out to write a blog of her experience.

“This is the third year Soul Events, our events company, has run these awards. The aim is to celebrate the achievements and talents of the African and Caribbean students at the University. The awards have been supported by the likes of The Voice newspaper, Choice FM and the UoB and this year’s celebration took place at Vauxhall’s Riverside Suite.”

"It was a very busy day for me. There's lots to do such as decorating the venue, liaising with the presenters and performers and catering for the demand for extra tickets. I'd been on live local radio in the week leading up to the awards so we managed to sell nearly 200 seats. Then it was a quick change and showtime!"

"The event is getting bigger and better and Soul Events intends on collaborating with other organisations for future projects. Though I release a big sigh of relief, when it’s all over, once its done and you get feedback from the guest saying how they enjoyed it, then you know all your hard work has paid off."

“Planning has already begun for next year’s awards and on future projects such as Black History Month in October. To contact me or the team at Soul Events please email soulevents@hotmail.co.uk or follow our facebook group: The African Caribbean Student Awards.”

CASE Conference - London

2009-05-13T13:17:00.002+01:00

My second CASE conference within a month: this time only 1 day. The subject was Engaging Students and Young Alumni. I spent the day learning about established American and burgeoning UK schemes. As usual I came away with a list of ideas to try at Bedfordshire.

We already try to engage our students with the work of alumni relation. From the initial freshers fayre 'Alumna/Alumnus in training' badges to the most recent Radio Lab ads our aim is to make every student aware of us before they graduate. But several UK HEIs have gone a step further and set up student alumni associations. These are volunteer programmes for students who, in exchange for free training and networking opportunities, help with the running of alumni activities.

We also discussed the challenges and opportunities ahead when dealing with young alumni. Mostly Millennials or Gen Y, this group of alumni are aspirational and forward looking. They want a relationship that meets their current needs and provides an on demand response. Hence the proliferation of facebook and other online communities and the need for e communications, such as this blog.

If you have ideas of ways in which we can engage alumni please let me know.

This Is Luton Calling

2009-05-06T14:46:00.025+01:00

Once again Radio LaB hits the air waves. The students' radio station broadcasts on 87.9FM and online and runs until the end of May. The station is run by final year media students and forms a large part of their final assignment.

As you can imagine it is a heady mix of news, views and music. Starting at 9 with the breakfast show and going on til midnight 7 days a week. The station can be heard within a 5 mile radius Luton and obviously over the net. Their most far flung fan is in Australia. They have also set up groups on Facebook, Flickr and Twitter.

In a new development for alumni relations I contacted the Radio LaB (formerly known as Luton FM & LaB Radio) production team to explore the potential to create awareness of all things alumni. With their help we pulled together a couple of ads to go out on air. So tune in to hear what the current students are doing and an innovative approach to alumni relations.

Radio LaB alumni relations ad:

A Feast of Fundraising

2009-04-27T15:54:00.003+01:00

Durham is a beautiful city. A monolithic cathedral stands prominently above the river Wear and the surrounding houses. The equally impressive castle now forms part of Durham University and a more picturesque setting for a conference you could not imagine. So its a pity I had to spend so much time at a conference closeted away in lecture theatres.

Seriously, I did manage to see many of the city's charms, admittedly early in the morning before the first session of the day, but I was there for the serious business of fundraising in Higher Education. The conference, organised by CASE, is a 'must' for all university fundraisers. My particular interest is annual fund giving.

Following mostly US examples the speakers guided us through the principles of a successful campaign. The pros and cons of direct marketing, telethons and online giving were thoroughly explored. Add to this sessions on major gifts and campaign fundraising and you have a lot information on best practice. Group projects finally brought a practical element to the proceeding as we prepared a prototype development plan.

So it was with mixed feeling that I boarded the train leaving Durham.

Hatters Final Triumph

2009-04-06T16:58:00.013+01:00

In an exciting and often tense cup final Luton beat Scunthorpe 3-2 after extra time. On a day where half the population of the town appeared to descend on Wembley, Luton overcame their more lofty opponents and sparked wild celebration from their 40 000 plus fans.

After what might be their last Wembley appearance for some time the team paraded the Johnstone's Paint trophy in front of a delight stadium. It is a measure of the level of support in this troubled season that Luton sold so many tickets. The walkways to the ground were a sea of orange and the only empty seats were at the Scunthorpe end.

The BBC described the game as the best game so far at the new Wembley. To the small group I went with - including 4 alumni - it was simply a great day and we can say, 'I was there.'

Wembley - Sunday 5 April

2009-04-02T11:54:00.011+01:00

There are less than 72 hours to go until Luton Town take on Scunthorpe United in the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. This is Luton's first return to Wembley in 20 years: not since their glory days of the late 80s have the Hatters travelled to a major final.

So no wonder Luton have sold over 30 000 tickets: a great atmosphere is guaranteed. And a part of the crowd will be made up of staff and alumni of the University. I will be sitting with at least 2 alumni (we'll be the ones shamelessly wearing the UoB flag) and I look forward to meeting new friends and alumni during the day.

If you are going, and by chance I don't see you, please forward any pictures of yourself at the game to the alumni@beds.ac.uk account and I'll put together a photo gallery.

A New Chancellor for Bedfordshire

2009-03-26T14:23:00.016Z

The new chancellor is Baroness Howells. She will be installed at a ceremony in Luton tomorrow. Originally from Grenada, Rosalind Howells OBE was raised to the peerage as Baroness Howells of St Davids, of Charlton in the London Borough of Greenwich in 1999.

Her career background includes being the Director of the Greenwich Racial Equality Council as well as a Community and Equal Opportunities Worker. Baroness Howells is a trustee of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust. She has worked with the London Voluntary Services Council, Carnival Liaison Committee, and the Greater London Action in Race Equality and has been an active campaigner for justice in the field of race relations.

We aim to hold a reception at the Houses of Parliament later this year and hopefully the Baroness will be there to host it.

Goodbye College House

2009-03-17T16:22:00.009Z

The bulldozers have been busy again and another former landmark of the University has been demolished. The old College House hall of residence has come down to make way for a new accommodation block opposite Vicarage Street.

The work here, and on the other side of the building, is the initial stage of the regeneration plans of the University. Over the next 2 years the builders will be busy constructing the new Student Centre and halls.

The redevelopment has also seen the demolition of the chaplaincy. But it has not gone for ever. It has taken temporary residence on the grass in front of Vicarage Street and has taken the name The Treehouse to reflect its multi-faith role.

ULSU Reunion

2009-03-11T16:55:00.006Z

Saturday night's ULSU Reunion was a huge success. Over 200 former students of the University met at the SU bar for a fabulous fancy dress party. Organiser Nathan Spencer was delighted with the turn out.

Its back down to earth for Nathan this week as he is busy preparing for the University Open Day at the weekend, but I hope to catch up with him and get the full story.

In the meantime to see a wide selection of pics (quality may vary!) go to the Reunion page on Facebook.

Vicarage St Redevelopment

2009-03-06T16:07:00.012Z

Work is well and truely underway with the redevelopment of our Vicarage Street site. As you can see from this picture the old reprographics building has been demolished and all the work was captured with the help of time lapse photography.

The work here and on the otherside of the building (the hall of residence and the chaplaincy) is part of the University's £70m redevelopment of facilities at the Luton campus. Soon the new student centre will rise up to fill the gap between Vicarage Street and Park Square. The centre will bring all the University's student support services, including the Students' Union, under one roof and is expected to be completed in academic year 2010-11.

The building will be the home of all student-facing activities and services for students on the Luton campus, including:

Reception desk.
240-seat bookable lecture theatre, available externally for conferences and events.
Exhibition space for student displays etc.
Informal learning spaces for our students.
Students’ Union support services, executive offices and bar.
Restaurant and café.
Senior Management Team offices.

But as yet the new building has to get a name, which is where you can help. Let me know of your, appropriate, suggestions.

All The Way From America

2009-02-26T12:22:00.009Z

The new Director of Development , Maribeth Houlston, joins us - via DMU - from America. During a busy first week I managed to catch up with her for a quick interview:

What is your role? - My role as the Director of Development includes managing all aspects of fund development and alumni relations.

How are you settling in so far? - Very well thank you due in no small part to the kindness of everyone I have met.

What are you hoping to achieve at UoB? - Establishing a first rate development department and alumni relations programme.

What do you think the biggest challenge will be? - The current economic climate presents challenges to fundraising efforts.

Where have you worked before? - Most recently, I worked at DMU as the Senior Development Officer. Prior to that I worked in the United States raising funds for non profit agencies, museums and colleges and universities.

What do you think is the best thing about the University? - The spirit of the people.

What drives/inspires/fascinates you? - Seeing first hand the positive effects fundraising has on young people. When you raise funds for institutions and programmes that support opportunities for young people to realise their goals you know that you are making a positive contribution.

What's your worst habit? - Eating too much pasta.

Which three people, dead or alive, would you like to have a night out with? - Bruce Springsteen, Maya Angelou and Barack Obama

Cheers!

2009-02-25T09:52:00.012Z

'By the end of the evening there wasn't a dry glass in the house.'

The initial 2009 UoB alumni event got off to a flying start at the Luton Beer Festival. Armed with copies of Noteworthy, some badges and a keen thirst I joined many local beer afficanados in their annual 'pilgrimage'.

After badging as many members of staff as I could find, I bumped into Johannah Flaherty (BA Public Relations 1999) and got her thoughts on the event. "Its brilliant, I love coming here every year. Its easy to forget that Luton has such great events."

Later I was introduced to Paul Haysom (HNC Computer Studies 1994) and Tim Kingston (BA Media Production 2001). Tim said, "Great to see I'm not the only alumni member driven to drink by the experience." I think he was joking.

Luton Beer Festival

2009-02-20T13:52:00.004Z

Just a final reminder that tonight is the first, unofficial, alumni reunion at the Luton Beer Festival. By the power of Facebook I am expecting 24 members of our alumni Facebook community to join me at Luton's premier beer tasting event.

Alumni are coming in from as far a field as.. as London and they are patiently waiting to try several of the 80 or more guest ales in the Hightown Sports and Arts Centre, Concorde Street, Luton.

All our alumni will be proudly wearing their unique Alumni - Beer Fest badge. Looking forward to meeting alumni, old and new alike.

Hats Off to the Hatters

2009-02-18T13:11:00.006Z

There’s definitely a spring in the step of people of Luton this morning. The smiles are on the faces of everyone I meet around the University. No, its not because, that after all the snow, we think the summer is just around the corner or that the ‘credit crunch’ has loosened its grip in these parts, its because Luton Town are on their way to Wembley.

Last night the Hatters won a dramatic penalty shot out at Kenilworth Road, against Brighton, and now face Scunthorpe in the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. So that means that unlike so many fans of Premiership clubs, including Liverpool, the resolute LTFC supporters are on their way to the new look Wembley stadium. And after the season they have endured - a ludicrous 30 point deficit to make up – this goes someway to make up for what will be almost certain relegation.

So the search begins for the Sunday 5 April final tickets and I’ve made very clear to the ‘Town’ fans I know that I’d love to go. Yes, its partly to see the ‘New Wembley’ but it’s mostly about going to support my local team, to create and be part of - what I’m sure will be - a great atmosphere and to share in the excitement of the day.

Come on down! Pound Stretcher Goes

2009-02-17T14:51:00.012Z

As you walk through town you can't miss that the The Arndale Centre - aka The Mall - is getting a face lift. The north corner opposite the town hall and where Pound Stretcher used to be is focal point of a major redevelopment for the town. So it's down with the old and in with the new. My pictures show a digger pulling down a large section of wall.

The current work will enhance the previous modernisation of St Georges Square, completed 18 months ago, and the revamp of the Central Library. We will soon see the arrival of the retail giant TK Maxx in Luton in addition to the soon to be completed M&S at the other end of the Mall.

So in the meantime the demolition of a small section of a 40 year old Luton landmark draws large crowds of locals of a lunchtime. and the developers have put up an artist's impression of the new facade.

DD - Day

2009-02-11T11:24:00.005Z

I'll be honest and say I'm getting quite excited about next Monday. Traditionally, the day of the week that most people hate, but this one is going to be different. On Monday the Universty's new Development Director, Maribeth Houlston, takes up her post.

Maribeth will take over from Naomi Wynter-Vincent to drive forward future fundraising and alumni activities for Bedfordshire. Her background in development in the United States is bound to add a new dynamism in the office. The US is way ahead of the UK in the field of development and alumni relations so I am looking forward to working with her.

Luton Beer Festival

2009-02-10T11:40:00.012Z

Just added a new event to the UoB Alumni page of Facebook. This month sees the 26th Annual Luton Beer Festival. In previous years this CAMRA sponsored event has been a magnet for University staff and local alumni alike. Its like a massive pub night.

So as a devotee of real ale and a regular attendee I felt it would be interesting to test the networking capabilities of Facebook and invite our members to the event. So by going to our page you can see who's coming and sign up.

It takes place at the Hightown Sports and Arts Centre, Concorde Street, Luton from the 19 - 21 Feb, but Friday is the traditional night to meet up. There will be a wide selection of ales, ciders, perries and bottled beers. So dust off your tankard - no not really, glasses are included in the entrance fee - and join us.

Snow Joke

2009-02-06T13:01:00.010Z

My mother always said, "you can have too much of a good thing", and well after a week of the 'white stuff' I know what she meant. Yes it's very pretty to look at, initially, yes the kids - and in my case the dog - love it, but I won't be sorry to see it go.

First, you never know what to wear. Water proofs or thick coat? Boots or wellies? On Monday I set out with full winter gear and gloves. Within in 20 minutes I was perspiring and my hands were roosting. Why? Becuase although we had 4 inches of snow on the ground it wasn't actually that cold.

Then there's the distuption to daily life. Roads are blocked, cars are stuck and people are slipping all over the place. Do you try to go into work and join all the others stuck in jams, or do you hold back - or go in at all - and run the risk of your collegues berating you for being late all because of a little neige?

I for one was happy to see the schools close. Hundreds of fewer cars on the roads in the morning rush hour is a good thing. There are loads of people who do need to be out - buses drivers, essential services staff, delivery lorry drivers etc - who all benefit from clearer highways and who do not need to be stuck behind someone, misguidedly, bravely, trying to stuggle-in on time.

Now we are closing early and everyone is heading back out, so its on with the boots.

UBSU Merchandise

2009-01-09T16:03:00.005Z

The Students' Union have been in-touch to let me know that UBSU merchandise is now on sale - online.

Hoodies, polos and umbrellas featurering the UoB logo can be bought online from the UBSU shop. So if you fancy being one of the first to wear the new pink hoodie for £20 then it is just a few clicks away.

ULSU Reunion 2009

2009-01-09T11:21:00.005Z

If you were in Luton in the 00's and you spent a lot of your time in the Student Union then you must put the ULSU reunion 2009 in your diary, organiser etc.

The third ULSU bash will take place in the union on Saturday 7 March. Organiser Nathan Spencer is promising another night of mayhem with a, yet to be decided, dress theme. If the pictures from the last two events are anything to go by then success is guaranteed.

To get involved in this year's party you will need to join the social network website Facebook and Facebook is the place to vote for your preferred choice of theme. The guest list is currently at 240 and growing.

Noteworthy 6 - Work in progress

2009-01-08T09:02:00.009Z

The next edition of our newsletter, Noteworthy, is due in early February and I am currently proofing the new edition.

Besides the usual news and events features we are looking at the sucesses of alumnus in the fields of law and teaching. Jonathan Goodman is a prominant barrister working in London while Matthew Smith teaches physical education at a scondary school in Peterborough.

Add to these articles on alumni fund raising and the work of the Centre for Women's Entreprise and we have the spring edition which will soon be dropping through your letter box. If you have not received your copy then get in touch to ensure we have your current address details on our database.

Louise Hepper - Keeping in touch

2009-01-06T15:07:00.002Z

I recently heard from Louise Hepper who studied a BA Humanities and then a MA at Luton in the '90s.

In her email she passionately referred to her time here and how it helped her in her career. Louise now teaches in Greece at the American College of Greece - Deree. She is part of the Writing Department and loves the freedom she has to teach her subject.

For her Luton had everything. The right course, inspirational lecturers and all the benefits of living in a small town with easy access to London. she particularly remembers Brian Tomlinson from the MA. The course, as she states, ' made me a teacher who puts student's needs first, a person who facilitates and motivates and works towards the best outcome.'

Not suprisingly, and as someone brought up in Greece, Louise returned home after her studies and enjoys spear fishing and walking her dogs in the mountains.

Stuart Barrow - Taking the Bulls by the horns

2009-01-05T14:43:00.007Z

The BBC News website has reported that Rugby League team Bradford Bulls have appointed University of Bedfordshire Alumni Stuart Barrow as their new player performance manager.

The 33-year-old has spent the last three years with Castleford Tigers in a similar role.

In the article a delighted Barrow says: "This is a massive opportunity for me at a really big club and I can't wait for the challenge ahead."

Barrow led the Castleford Academy into the play-offs for the first time last season and was formerly at Luton University as sports development officer.

Bulls head coach Steve McNamara added: "It's great that we've attracted someone of Stuart Barrow's calibre, someone who is very highly respected by everyone at the rugby league in terms of his person, ability and quality of work."

Stuart studied a BSc Sport And Fitness Science at Luton between 1996 and 1999.

Lynsey Johnston - See Me

2008-12-12T15:30:00.001Z

Current student Lynsey Johnston, FD Child and Adolescent Studies, brought a fresh perspective to the Luton Christmas shoppers. She curated an exhibtion - See Me - in a shop window in the centre of the town.

Lynsey, who combines her studies with working for local charity Luton Churches Education Trust (LCET), designed the exhibition to generate public awareness of children in care. Using work created by the children from a variety of media - photographs, installations etc - she brought the plight of young peple from unsettled home life to the attention of Luton shoppers.

The exhibition was both eyecatching and provocative. All the installations were clever in their simplicity yet always reminded the viewer that they are inextricably linked to the lives of their young creators. For example, to illustrate how nothing is private when in the care system one girl is photographed sitting on her bed surrounded by toys and pictures on Market Hill outside Debenhams.

Lynsey, who feels she has, 'learnt so much about young people through her course' is an alunae-to-be who is already proving herself as an ambassador for Bedfordshire.