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THE BOLT
News from the University of Bolton
Issue 23 Winter/Spring 2015
Celebration
Achievement and
excellence for
Chancellor Installation
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WHAT’S
NEW
Welcome to issue 23 of The Bolt magazine,
bringing you all the latest news from the University
CONTENTS
A global first
CAPE is world’s first Ginetta-Nissan LMP3 owner
3
Autosport
Global launch of the LMP3
4
UTC Bolton
Pupils’ design success for new college
8
of Bolton.
Centre stage in this issue is, undoubtedly, the
installation of our new Chancellor, The Rt Hon
Lord Justice Ryder. Taking place just before the
University’s degree congregation ceremonies, this
very special occasion was held as the University
began celebrations around its 190th year as an
education institution. Nineteen honorary
doctorates were bestowed to mark this
momentous milestone year and student excellence
was also central to the Chancellor’s ceremony as
we celebrated the achievement of first-class
honours degrees.
In this issue we also mark a series of firsts for the
Bolton leads the World!
The University’s research assessed as ‘world leading’
11
Rugby research
Building knowledge for players’ protection
12
Setting records
Computer games’ internship excellence
13
Legal eagles
Law students’ moot first
14
MADchester in Bolton
Bez visits Creative Degree Show
16
Chancellor celebrations
University welcomes The Rt Hon Lord Justice Ryder
18
New partnership
Kazakhstan students’ visit marks MoU
23
Mela award
National recognition for health initiative
24
Eye research collaboration
Investigation adds to treatment knowledge
25
History on the road
Centre for Worktown Studies goes mass observing
26
Science festival fun
Nurturing the next generation
27
In memory:
Maureen Warburton
30
University. Our Centre for Advanced Performance
Engineering drives into the LMP3 category as the
first Ginetta-Nissan LMP3 owner. Our research
creates an injury knowledge bank for rugby
league – a first for the sport. Our Computer
Games lecturers’ focus on preparing students for
their careers has led to the world’s biggest
internship programme – another first.
Whether we are working to push the boundaries
of knowledge, working to better develop our
students for their professional futures, or working
to build a better Bolton, the University has a
creative vision at the heart of its mission to excel
as a teaching-intensive, research-informed
university.
All Bolt inquiries to:
The Bolt
Communications and Publications
University of Bolton
T: 01204 903007
E: [email protected]
Design
Spirit Associates
Front cover: University welcomes
The Rt Hon Lord Justice Ryder
This newsletter has been printed by B & D Print Ltd (Leyland), who are members
of the Woodland Trust and ISO 14001 accredited, using vegetable-based inks and
using Forest Stewardship Council approved paper stocks.
University News
Global first
for CAPE
The University and British racing car
company Ginetta have announced that
the University’s Centre for Advanced
Performance Engineering (CAPE) is the
world’s first Ginetta-Nissan LMP3 owner.
Le Mans Prototype (LMP) is the type of racing car
used in the Le Mans 24-hour race, FIA World
Endurance Championship, United Sports Car
Championship, European Le Mans Series and Asian Le
Mans Series.
The LMP3, as depicted in the final impression above,
will make its debut as part of the European and Asian
Le Mans Series in 2015 where it will be raced by the
University’s partner racing team, RLR Msport.
Professor George E Holmes, Vice-Chancellor of the
University of Bolton, said: ’Only our students have
unique access to work on a Le Mans race team and as
a result of our partnership with Ginetta they will now
be working on the brand new LMP3 car. This realworld experience gives our students a competitive
edge for a wide range of successful, advanced
engineering careers, making them stand out from the
crowd.’
Lawrence Tomlinson, Chairman of Ginetta, said: ‘The
University of Bolton is one of the UK’s leading
centres for the study of advanced performance
engineering and prepares students for the best careers
in motorsport engineering – thanks to their first-hand
experience working in a motorsport environment,
which is what I look for as an employer.’
Ginetta will offer internships to University of Bolton
students at their head office in Leeds in areas such as
design and aerodynamics,
3
4
University News
LMP3 unveiled at
Autosport 2015
The University is the first to own the GinettaNissan LMP3 which will be raced by RLR
Msport, the University’s partner racing team
based on campus.
Students studying at the Centre for Advanced Performance
Engineering will work on the car in the workshop and on the
racetrack. A stripped down version of the car was unveiled
on the University’s stand at Autosport International,
highlighting the engineering partnership between the
University and Ginetta, one of the country’s leading builders
of racing and sports cars.
Vice Chancellor, Prof George E Holmes, said: ‘Advanced
Performance Engineering at Bolton is a unique offer from a
UK university. Only our Advanced Performance Engineering
students have access to work on a Le Mans race team and as
a result of our partnership with Ginetta they will now be
working on this exciting new LMP3 car.’
Ginetta chairman Lawrence Tomlinson said: ‘We think this is a
vital partnership with Bolton. It helps to prepare quality
students who are properly qualified to come into the
industry and work for companies like Ginetta.’
As part of the relationship between the University and
Ginetta, internships in design and aerodynamics will be
offered to students at the car company’s Leeds headquarters.
Above Vice Chancellor, Prof George E Holmes with Ginetta Chairman,
Lawrence Tomlinson in the LMP3
Below Vice Chancellor, with CAPE students
University News
Bolton car
aims to smash
world record
Bolton supercar producer Dr Tony Keating
unveiled the car he believes will smash the
world speed record for its class.
Tony Keating, chairman and owner of Keating Supercars,
is convinced the car he launched at the prestigious
Autosport International Show at the NEC in
Birmingham will not only beat the 270mph record held
by an American team but will break through the 300
mph barrier.
His TKRS car has been put through its paces in a wind
tunnel where students from the University of Bolton
were instrumental in developing the aerodynamics.
Said Tony: ‘As a result of the wind tunnel experience, we
are now all convinced it can reach 330mph let alone
300 mph. It’s a really exciting prospect.’
The attempt to break the world speed record for
production cars will be made this spring at an airfield in
Campbeltown in Scotland.
Tony is an engineering graduate from the University of
Bolton and has worked closely with the University’s
Centre for Advanced Performance Engineering.
He said: ‘Without the great skills and dedication
of the students who have worked long and hard on
the design of the TKRS we would not be in this position
where we will be attempting to smash a world record.’
The University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof George E Holmes,
said: ‘This is another example of our students gaining
hand-on experience at the sharp end of performance
engineering.’
5
6
University News
Our Olympian Ginetta racer
World champion cyclist,
Olympic gold medallist and
Bolton honorary doctorate
recipient Jason Kenny OBE is
known for his skill and speed
at the velodrome. But in
recent years he has taken to a
different kind of track – he
now races for Ginetta Cars.
Jason made his debut in his own
Ginetta G20 at Donington Park in
September 2012 and finished in the
top 10. In the 2013 season he
progressed to the G40 class.
He is a keen supporter of the
University’s Centre for Advanced
Performance Engineering and a regular
visitor to the University’s Autosport
International stand at the NEC.
Eminent Professors from India deliver
Gandhi anniversary lectures
The University was proud to host two fascinating lectures by
esteemed academics from Jain University, Bangalore –
Professors Sandeep and Shailaja Shastri.
The open lectures took place at The
Bolton Business School on 2
October – the 145th anniversary of
the birth of Gandhi, who led the Indian
Professors Sandeep and Shailaja Shastri
freedom struggle from The British
Empire.
More than 80 years ago Gandhi came
to Lancashire at the invitation of a
Darwen-based mill owning family who
wanted to raise the profile of the
Lancashire mill workers whose
livelihoods were being destroyed in
part by the Indian boycott of British
goods. The mill workers’ house where
he stayed is marked with a blue
plaque.
University News
7
BAFTA award for Dominic
Graduate of the University’s
award-winning Writers’ Lab
project, Dominic Mitchell,
has won a BAFTA Craft
Award as Best Writer for his
hit BBC Three series, In The
Flesh.
The series gives a modern-day twist
to the zombie-horror genre. Rather
than zombies rampaging around a
post-apocalyptic world, the show is
set in a Lancashire village after a
zombie uprising.
He said: ‘Before In The Flesh was
commissioned and before I won
a BAFTA for writing the show, I was
lucky enough to be accepted onto the
University of Bolton Writers’ Lab
programme.
It was for emerging writers who were
on the cusp of the television industry.
‘The scheme equipped me with many
priceless skills that I use today to
navigate the world of television
writing and production,' said Dominic
who has been back to the University
to share his experiences of writing for
television with current students.
The win follows on from the
2013 success when he was named one
of BAFTA's 'Breakthrough Brits’.
Magic Lantern Tales hits the road
University MA course leader
and photographer Ian Beesley
and poet and broadcaster Ian
McMillan have been treating
audiences to an evening of
photography, poetry and
magic with their new show
Magic Lantern Tales.
‘The show featured photography of
veterans of the World War One era
together with original poems and
songs. The images were brought to life
using an old magic lantern. Magic
lanterns are an early form of image
projection which originated in the 17th
century, allowing painted or
photographic images to be projected
onto a white backdrop. Lantern shows
would have been popular across the
UK during the late 19th and early 20th
centuries. Ian Beeseley has lovingly
restored a magic lantern and preserved
a number of original hand-painted
slides whose delicate colours provide a
striking contrast to his black and white
images.
Ian McMillan’s poetry and prose, and
his distinctive Yorkshire tones, are
familiar to Shining light on the stories
of WWI – Ian Beesley and Ian
McMillan nmany from Radio Three’s
The Verb. He has been a Visiting
Professor at the University and has
written a series of new poems which
draw on the lives and stories of the
people in the photographs.
Shining light on the stories of WWI – Ian Beesley and Ian McMillan
8
University News
Pupil trio win UTC design contest
Three pupils from the Thornleigh Salesian
College have won £10,000 for their school after
winning the University of Bolton’s UTC design
competition.
The year nine pupils, Maria Antazo, Adam Hall and Emmanuel
Moro had to design what they thought the new £10 million
University Technical College should look like on Bolton’s
campus. They had just a single week to complete the project.
Presenting the prize, the then Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Colin Shaw,
said ‘The quality of the finalists’ work was of an extremely high
standard, with unique ways of using space to challenge
perspectives on what we expect from conventional education
buildings.’
Joining the Mayor on the judging panel were the former High
Sheriff of Manchester and Architect, Christian Wewer, Bolton
architect, Neil Pike, architectural Technology Course Leader,
Nooshin Akrami and Fine Art Senior Lecturer, Alan
Buckingham.
UTC Bolton’s specialisms will be engineering, manufacturing
and medical technology. Building work will start this summer
with completion due by July 2015. The building will open for
September 2015.
The winners of the £10,000 cheque with the Vice Chancellor, left, Mayor of Bolton, centre, and their tutor Leon Cox, right.
A symbol of our commitment
Bolton’s newest school, UTC Bolton, marked a
symbolic point in its development with a steelsigning ceremony hosted by building
contractors Willmott Dixon.
Representatives of the partners involved in the £10 million
project signed and wrote messages of support on one of the
building’s structural steel beams.
Cliff Morris (Leader of Bolton Council), Professor George
E Holmes (Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton),
Dr Tony Keating (University governor and founder of Keating
Supercars), Mike Dwan (Trustee and Chair of Governors for
UTC Bolton) and Dr Zubair Hanslot (Provost of the
University of Bolton and Project Director for UTC Bolton)
were all present at the signing.
Said Dr Zubair Hanslot: ‘Today represents a symbolic
milestone in the development, literally embedding the
commitment of the University and its employer partners at
the heart of the building.’
The school will open in September 2015 with 240 students
spread over two year groups, offering science-based GCSEs
and A-levels with specialisation in health sciences and
engineering technologies.
Signing the steel beam - Cliff Morris, Professor George E Holmes,
Dr Tony Keating, Mike Dwan, and Dr Zubair Hanslot
University News
9
Special effects masters let students in
on the secrets of the industry
Fantasy and sci-fi fans gathered at Bolton’s
Special and Visual FX Festival 2014 to meet
the special and visual effects masters behind
the latest hit TV shows and films, along with
the University’s star-studded Hollywood
graduates.
Speakers included the University’s award-winning Visiting
Professor, Neill Gorton, who co-directs Millenium FX
alongside fellow guest speaker Rob Mayor. Their credits
include special effects on Doctor Who.
The festival enlightened the audience on the production and
thought processes behind hit TV shows, problems faced in
the studio, advice on balancing budget and quality, and much
more.
Said Neill Gorton: ‘The industry really benefits from these
kinds of events. Students are the future, after all. Rather than
going the traditional route we can find the talent here.’
Day two of the festival was a student-only event, which saw
some of the University’s media graduates return to speak to
current students about how to get into the industry.
Graduate work includes sculpting on Guardians of the Galaxy,
environmental effects on Game of Thrones, VFX on Man of
Steel, and assistant VFX editing on Interstellar.
SFX and VFX masters look for talent at Bolton
STEM Advantage Scheme (SAS) is a
hit among schoolgoers
With jobs scarce, the next generation of
workers leap at the opportunity to spend a few
weeks of their summer holidays in school if it
means they have a head-start in the careers
race.
The University of Bolton invited young students to take part
in a three-week summer school programme.
The STEM – science, technology, engineering, maths –
Advantage Scheme (SAS) is designed to raise the aspirations
of students in their GCSE and A-level years and to introduce
them to local employers.
Outside of the classroom, the teenagers took part in sciencebased employer projects to raise awareness of the industry.
The scheme also included a residential weekend building
leadership and teamwork, and finished off with a graduation
evening.
Said Dr Zubair Hanslot, Provost of the University of Bolton
and Project Director for UTC Bolton: ‘We’ve been delighted
by the number of young people who have signed up for the
summer school.
‘The students are having a lot of fun, designing and building
1/20th scale racing cars and playing games with robots. But at
the same time they’re developing their understanding of
maths and science.’
Due to the success of SAS 2014, the University has decided
to offer the programme again in 2015.
10
University News / Student News
Black pudding sensation lays out
ingredients for success
From a market stall to a
nationwide operation in 12
years, The Bury Black Pudding
Company has a recipe for
success which is about to
launch into international
markets.
Managing Director, Debbie Pierce, gave
an audience at the University of Bolton a
fascinating insight into the ingredients for
success.
At the fifth in a series of Bolton Business
School networking events, the Bury
businesswoman shared her story, where
her company is getting ready to launch
products in the United States, Europe
and Hong Kong. The goal will be to
double turnover to £6 million in the next
two years.
And she had sound advice for Bolton
students as future entrepreneurs
themselves.
Said Debbie: ‘You have to be ready for a
lot of hard work, do what you are good
at and delegate what isn’t your strength.’
Broadcaster Gordon Burns interviewing Debbie Pierce
Vissi receives doctorate from the VC
For the last 40 years Anna
Vissi, the Queen of Greek
Pop, has wowed audiences the
world over.
The three-time Eurovision participant
has won countless musical awards but
recently received an honour of a
different kind.
The Cyprus-born singer was
recognised by the University of Bolton
with an Honorary Doctorate of the
Arts for her contribution to music.
The University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof
George E Holmes, presented the
award at the ceremony, which took
place at the New York College in
Athens.
Vissi told the audience of her fond
recollection of studying in Athens as a
student and, much to the delight of the
attending crowds, finished her speech
by singing her hit song ‘Ta Mathitika
Xronia’ in acapella.
Vice Chancellor, Prof George E Holmes and Honorary Doctor of Arts recipient, Anna Vissi
University News / Student News
University of
Bolton Leads
the World!
Research at the University of Bolton has been
assessed as ‘world leading’ in the 2014
Research Excellence Framework results.
The national assessment on the quality of research carried
out in all of the UK’s universities concluded that the
Inspection
celebration
The University has been celebrating a very
positive report by Ofsted following its first
inspection of the University’s Access to Higher
Education provision.
The inspectors described the progress students made as
‘good and sometimes excellent’. This was ably
11
University’s research over the last five years in Psychology,
Engineering, English and Creative Writing, the Built
Environment, Education and Communications and Media
included work of a world leading standard (4*).
Research in the seventh subject area judged in the
assessment, Social Work and Social Policy, was deemed to
be of internationally excellent standard (3*).
Over 70% of its research in Engineering was scored as
either 3* or 4* and work in English and Creative Writing
was commended not only for its quality, but also for its
important social and cultural impact.
The University’s Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Rob
Campbell, said: ‘This is an excellent result for the University,
confirming that it continues to improve the quality of the
research which informs its teaching.’
demonstrated by Access students who have subsequently
successfully completed Masters and Doctoral degrees.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate’s report pointed to the benefits
the Access to Higher Education students have gained from
studying amongst University undergraduates in very good
facilities. The clear strategic direction and commitment of
the University’s senior managers and governors to the
Access provision was also emphasised in the report.
Overall the University’s Access to Higher Education
provision was graded by Ofsted as ‘good’ with particular
emphasis on Management and Leadership and Teaching and
Learning.
12
University News / Student News
Rugby research first impacts on sport
A unique research project run
by the University and the
Rugby Football League (RFL) is
delivering high-impact results
that could prolong players’
careers and reduce serious
injury.
This is the first full-scale audit of player
injuries in rugby league history and the
largest ever epidemiological survey of
the British domestic game.
Then Sport Rehabilitation Senior
Lecturer, Anna Fitzpatrick, has been
conducting the audit since 2010. Anna,
now an Academic Group Leader, said:
‘We’re hoping it will really help to
reduce some of the serious, long-term
overuse injuries that force players into
early retirement. We want to give
players the longevity they deserve.’
Anna worked with a team of University
academics and IT and data analysis
specialists. The team in turn worked with
the doctors and physios from every club
Anna and Adam, a research first for rugby league
in the RFL. Adam Naylor, a data analyst
and a lecturer in sport rehabilitation,
said: ‘On average, each injury could
cost 36 days of missed playing and
training time, which is quite considerable
when you consider a season’s length.’
Alumni authors gift new book to
Peter Marsh Library
The University of Bolton’s
Peter Marsh Library is a little
fuller now after being gifted
copies of the latest work by
local brother and sister
writing duo, David and Tracy
Holroyd.
A Perfect Pair: The Enchanted Mirror is
based on the true story of a former
dolphin trainer and his aquatic charges
during the 1970s.
Said David: ‘The book is under fiction
but it is, in fact, a true story. Obviously
we had to change the names and
places as the dolphin training industry
didn’t want the name of the trainer
known.’
When asked why they had decided to
make the donation Tracy said: ‘We owe
our educations to Bolton. Both our
educations stem from here as I got my
certificate in education and degree
here, and David studied at Bolton Art
School. Apart from anything, Bolton’s
just a lovely place.’
University News / Student News
13
World’s largest game design
internship record set by Bolton
The University of Bolton has
set a record in the last year –
for the world’s largest game
design internship programme!
The innovative internship arrangement
provided opportunities for graduates
to spend their summer working
professionally, as a stepping stone
towards eventual employment in the
videogames industry.
Although several companies already
offer game design internship positions,
most take only one or two interns at a
time. The internship programme being
run at the University took 37 game
design interns for two or more weeks,
and 67 game design interns for a
minimum of two working days. A
typical week saw roughly two dozen
interns working on professional game
projects under confidential conditions.
One of the games they worked on,
Shadows: Heretic Kingdoms, went on
sale in June, thanks to an Early Access
arrangement on the digital publisher
Steam – which may also make the
Students organise
an invitation-only
industry night
Textiles and Surface Design
students had their hands full in
December as they debuted
their ‘Coordinated’ collection.
Each second year student developed a
bespoke collection of surface pattern
led products directed towards
contemporary housewares as part of
their Employability and Enterprise
module.
They held a private view of the
collection at the University,
showcasing their work to local and
national galleries as well as suppliers
within the North West region.
As part of the project, the students took
responsibility for managing deadlines,
outsourcing to local suppliers and costing
their products. This demonstrated their
financial management of creative
enterprise – a key skill employers are
looking for in graduates.
Guest speakers to the course this year
have included Oliver Baxter of
international furniture company
Herman Miller, and lighting designer
and Director of Luminosity Claire
Norcross, who also mentored the
group.
students the fastest in the world to go
from graduation to having a published
game credit!
14
Student News
Suren wins patient choice trophy
Health student Suren
Beebakhy has won the Patient
Choice Award in Stockport
NHS Foundation Trust’s ‘Pride
of Trust’ awards.
The annual ceremony celebrates the
Trust’s ‘brightest and most dedicated
staff ’.
Suren is a Staff Nurse in Community
Healthcare. As the Patient Choice
Award winner he is one of 10
category winners. Suren is currently
studying Advanced Professional
Development Clinical Examination
Skills – level 7 with Senior Lecturer,
Chris Mulryan who said: ‘Suren has
been an excellent student and we are
very proud to see him excel.’
This is Suren's second patients' choice
success this year – in April he was
shortlisted as one of only four nurses
nationwide for the Patient’s Choice
Award 2014, organised by the UK’s
best-selling nursing journal, Nursing
Standard.
Senior Lecturer Chris Mulryan with his award-winning student, Staff Nurse Suren Beebakhy
Law students flex their legal muscles
at first moot with sixth form
Students from the University
and Bolton Sixth Form
donned barrister gowns to
take part in their first joint
moot in the University’s
purpose-built courtroom.
They were arguing for and against an
appeal in a case set by senior law
lecturer at the University, Brian Jones.
After compelling legal arguments from
both sides, it was Paige and Sophie
who convinced the appellate bench
and won the moot.
The competition was overseen by
Dr Anatole de Parfouru, the Law
School’s dedicated Mooting Master.
The event was organised by Law tutors
from Bolton Business School and the
nearby Bolton Sixth Form College.
The moot was as close to the real
thing as a student can get, with
competitors arguing their cases in a
courtroom setting before Bolton’s
Senior Judge, His Honour Judge
Timothy Clayson. Judge Clayson was
joined on ‘the bench’ by barrister
Jonathan Wright of Kings Chambers,
Manchester and Bolton Sixth Form
Law tutor, Helena Taylor.
The competitors were second year
LLB Law students Paige Steers and
Airat Yousef from the University and
Alia Khan and Sophie Bulloch, both
students at Bolton Sixth Form College.
Students give their debating skills professional polish
Student News
15
Two podium places for Bolton teams
in IMechE universities’ challenge
Two teams of Mechanical
Engineering students have
finished second and third in
the seventh IMechE
Undergraduate Design
Challenge.
The annual competition is organised by
the Institution of Mechanical Engineers
and universities from the North West
region. The Bolton teams were joined
by engineering students from the
University of Liverpool, the University
of Lancaster and Manchester
Metropolitan University.
This year’s ‘design-make-test’
competition was dubbed the Pipe
Climbing Challenge Race. The aim was
to design a device that could climb up
the inside of a vertical transparent
tube, lifting an increasing load – with
the quickest team winning. Bolton’s
teams had to battle through nine heats
to make it to the final.
collecting £300 prize money. The pair
shared the winnings donating half to a
local cancer charity. The team of Phone
San, Sai Myat and Zagros Soori finished
third.
Asim Riaz and Kevin Abaloyan were on
the team that finished in second place,
After claiming second place, Asim and
Kevin will now go on to compete at
the national IMechE competition in
London later this year.
Senior Lecturer in Mechanical
Engineering Tim Ward said: ‘To have not
one, but two teams from Bolton finish
on the podium is fantastic and well
deserved.’
Creative Degree show shines
A celebration of all things
innovative and creative at the
University, from Fine Art and
Photography to Textiles and
Graphics, was showcased at
the Creative Degree Show.
It was a chance for the University’s
artistically gifted students to
demonstrate their graduate skills
through inventive, original and thoughtprovoking work.
This year, the show welcomed back
retired Deputy Vice Chancellor,
Professor Peter Marsh, to open
proceedings
Head of Textiles Design, Donna
Claypool said: ‘I’m very proud of this
year’s students – the standard of work
is very high. To produce this level of
professional work is outstanding.’
Academic Group Leader for Arts,
Design and Languages, Sam Johnson
said: ‘Every year I think that the
Creative Degree Show just can't get
any better, but, as always, this year's
show has gone above and beyond our
expectations.’
The full Creative Degree Show
includes work from the University
courses of Animation and Illustration,
Architectural Technology, Art and
Design, Art and Design Foundation,
Fine Art, Graphic Design, Interior
Design, Media, Photography, Property
Development and Design for Interiors,
MA Photography and Textile and
Surface Design.
16
Student News
Student, Andy Smith with Happy Mondays legend, Bez and Reality Party member, John Brealey
MADchester legend Bez visits
Bolton's Creative Degree Show
From shaking maracas in the early Nineties to
fighting ‘fracking’ in present day Salford, Mark
‘Bez’ Berry hasn’t had a conventional route
into the colliding worlds of art and politics.
But it is art and politics that brought the former Happy
Mondays dancing frontman to the University of Bolton’s
Creative Degree Show.
Whilst protesting against fracking at the Barton Moss
campsite in Salford, Bez met University of Bolton Fine Art
student, Andy Smith from Westhoughton.
Andy was in the final year of his degree at the University. For
his personal project, Andy had been focusing on the concept
of social and political consent, ‘with the aim of investigating
the mechanics of power, from personal to global’.
Speaking about the work, in particular a painting called
Seventy Three Per Cent – named after the percentage of
people against fracking in the area-Bez said: ‘This picture really
captures what it was like on the camp, it has caught the
mood just perfect.’
Student News
17
Bolton-based art collective, WIRE,
curated a new exhibition called Hydra
Graduating FIne Art masters students, The
WIRE Collective, have a future planned out
working together.
‘The process of art-making has also become an important
aspect to negate the high-speed nature of our current time
and the multi-faceted problems we all face in life.
Having met as undergraduates, the students stayed
together throughout their postgraduate course and
they are now working with neo:artists, a wellestablished arts group in Bolton, founded by University
of Bolton graduates.
‘Regardless of the influx of digital information in our culture,
communication is still routed through wire and experienced
on a physical level. In this respect, contemporary art feeds
from its connectivity to art’s valuable history, both physical
and theoretical processes carry knowledge towards
engagement and to inspire self reflection and human
connection.’
Since graduating this summer, they had soon curated
Hydra, which took pride of place in neo:artist’s gallery
within the Market Place Shopping Centre.
The collective said: ‘We have very strong views regarding the
importance of art within culture and we believe that to truly
progress we must learn from the past, in both art and life.
Top left: Alison Timmins
Top right: Gerard Young
Bottom left: Donna Dowd
Bottom right: Thaleia Kavvada
18
Features
Celebrations of
achievement
and excellence
for Chancellor
Installation
A spectacular ceremony
marked the installation of
The Rt Hon Lord Justice Ryder
as the new Chancellor of the
University of Bolton.
Above and right our new Chancellor. Below: ready to process Paul Griffith DL, Susan Hodgkiss CBE DL, Margot Leicester,
Martine McCutcheon and Professor Anthony Howell
July 2014 marked the start of a special
celebratory year as the University of
Bolton commemorated 190 years since
its origins as Bolton Mechanics’ Institute.
At the same time the Rt Hon Sir Ernest
Ryder, Kt, TD, DL, MA (Cantab), LLD,
FRSA became the second Chancellor of
the University in a dedicated ceremony
held at the Town Hall in Bolton.
Starting at the Octagon Theatre, the
University processed through Le Mans
Crescent and into the Town Hall square
before assembling in the Albert Halls. The
procession was led by 100 graduands
receiving First Class Honours degrees
and 19 honorands, representing
excellence in disciplines and professions
from Engineering to the Performing Arts.
The 19 represented each decade in the
University’s 190 year history.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor George E
Holmes, paid tribute to the graduands’
academic excellence as he conferred
their awards, commending the hard work
and determination needed to achieve the
Features
Top: At the signing ceremony, Vice Chancellor, Prof George E Holmes, The Rt Hon Rev Lord Bishop Nigel McCulloch KCVO, our first
Chancellor, The Baroness Morris of Bolton with the new Chancellor Below: Our Chancellor doffs his cap to his applauding audience
19
20
Features
highest award possible for an undergraduate. Graduating
students received a standing ovation.
The Rt Hon Lord Justice Ryder was presented as Chancellor
of the University by the Chair of Governors, The Rt Hon
Revd Lord Bishop Nigel McCulloch KCVO.
‘I relish the opportunity to play my part in the University’s
future. The Baroness Morris of Bolton has excelled in her
role as Chancellor and the University is proud of its
association with her. During my appointment as Chancellor I
will do my utmost to achieve excellence and encourage
partnership and opportunity in our teaching,’ the new
Chancellor told the audience.
Sir Ernest Ryder was born and raised locally and educated at
Bolton School. He graduated from the University of
Cambridge after studying politics, economics and law. After a
legal career as a barrister and Queen’s Counsel specialising in
family and administrative law, Sir Ernest Ryder was appointed
to be a Justice of the High Court and knighted in 2004. He
was elevated to the Court of Appeal and sworn as a
member of Her Majesty’s Privy Council in 2013. He has been
a Master of the Bench of the Honourable Society of Gray’s
Inn since 2004.
His other judicial roles have included appointments as the
Presiding Judge of the Northern Circuit and the judge in
charge of the modernisation of family justice which led to the
creation of the Family Court. He is presently lead judge for
the strategic development of the judiciary.
In 2013, he was awarded a Doctorate of Laws by the
University for his contribution to the legal profession.
As Chancellor, Sir Ernest Ryder is the principal figurehead of,
and ambassador for, the University of Bolton. His tenure runs
for three years.
Features
Top right : The Rt Hon Rev Lord Bishop Nigel McCulloch KCVO addresses the audience
Below right: Commemorative picture outside the Town Hall
Top left Professor David Thacker, University Registrar Sue Duncan LLD,The Rt Revd Dr D S Walker Bishop of Manchester and
Cllr Cliff Morris. Middle left Professor David Thacker gives a speech accepting his Honorary Doctorate of the Arts
Bottom left Vice Chancellor, Prof George E Holmes signs an oath of office
21
22
University News / Student News
Student support is superb,
says graduate Hana
Graduating student Hana El
Madani was thrilled with the
support she received from the
University’s disability service.
She graduated in BA (Hons)
Photography.
Said Hana ‘I love to take photographs as
I am, very strongly, a visual person. I am
deaf and my vision is the strongest
sense of all. I received so much support
at the University – the staff have been
very helpful. I would not have graduated
if it wasn't for them. I had one-to-one
support, group tutorials and a disability
advisor. I received a lot of support from
the disability service – they offered me
exactly what I needed, for which I am
very grateful.
‘At the start I wasn't too sure whether
to go to the University but when I got
the offer I decided to take it because it
wasn't far from my home. It was the
best experience of my life. I went to
Toronto during my trip to Canada, it
was the best experience and I would go
again though there are many challenges.
‘I will never forget the memories I
made here. I promise you – if you
come to Bolton, you will not regret it.
I would recommend any student to
choose this university because the tutors
are very friendly and so supportive. ‘
Rotary shares in Michael’s success
America-bound Michael Smith
graduated with a 2:1 in Sports
Rehabilitation from the
University, and sharing in his
success was the Marriott Trust
and Bolton Le Moors Rotary
Club which have supported
him throughout his course.
Through the affiliation with the Trust
and the Rotary Club, Michael won the
support he needed to head to New
Jersey, USA, to study for a Masters
degree in Athlete Training.
Michael said: ‘My aim is to work in
sports rehabilitation for a professional
sports team. The opportunity to study
in the USA wouldn’t have happened
without the Marriott Trust and the
Rotary – I am very grateful to them.
‘The new Bolton One facility is great
and I couldn’t have asked for more
support from tutors – they were
friendly and mentoring to all of us.’
University News / Student News
23
New International Memorandum of
Understanding for the University
The University, represented
by Pro Vice Chancellor
Professor Rob Campbell, has
signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with the
Karaganda State Technical
University (KSTU) in
Kazakhstan. The agreement
will make possible student
and staff exchanges, as well as
research and programme
collaboration.
Construction and civil engineering
students from KSTU visited the
University on a study trip in October.
It was their first time in the UK and
they said that they were particularly
impressed by the technology in The
Peter Marsh Library.
Dr Margaret Nelson, Programme
Leader for research degrees in Built
Environment, said: ‘We’re pleased to
see this relationship grow. We made
contact with the University in
November 2013 and it’s a great
pleasure to welcome the students.
Dr Nelson, left, with the first students to visit Bolton from KSTU with Engineering AGL,
Andy Smith right
Andy Smith, Academic Group Leader
in Engineering, said: ‘Our department is
keen to establish strong partnerships
with fellow universities. We look
forward to seeing this relationship
develop.’
Cycle challenge
for Bolton
Hospice poet and
research student
University research student Phil Isherwood
cycled 52 miles to raise money for Bolton
Hospice.
Phil is poet in residence for the for the patients at Bolton
Hospice, a not-for-profit hospice for people facing terminal
illness. He writes poems to accompany artwork done by the
patients, and poems to celebrate their lives and
accomplishments.
He raised money through joining The Great Manchester
Cycle, a mass-participation event. Phil said: ‘I’m riding to raise
money for Bolton Hospice because they need all the support
they can get.
‘Government funding covers only a fraction of the costs – it
costs £400 every hour for the Hospice to provide such
palliative care services, and as a charity we have to fundraise
the first £300 every hour, every day of the year.’
Fundraisers for the hospice have also included a Midnight
Walk, a day of golf, and a team of climbers sponsored to
reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
24
University News / Student News
New students excited by their
future at CAPE
New Centre for Advanced Performance
Engineering students, Tom Pickering, Ayodeji
Adebanjo and Joel Knox are all first years
thrilled to be studying with a Le Mans race
team.
Joel, aged 18, from Essex, said: ‘I can’t wait for the arrival of
the Ginetta-Nissan LMP3 and the opportunities to get out
and visit racetracks, maybe even go abroad with RLR!’
All three spoke of how much they are enjoying studying
at the University’s CAPE, in partnership with RLR
Msport.
Tom, aged 19 from Manchester, said: ‘I researched online
all the possible courses nationwide and Bolton stood out a
mile for being the only place with the hands-on, practical
experience you’d get. Everywhere else only offered theory.
The videos on the website were particularly exciting.’
Ayodeji, aged 23, from London, added: ‘I had received an
email from UCAS telling me to look into CAPE.’ Again he
was impressed by the practical elements of the course and
added: ‘In the first week we visited Silverstone, which was
absolutley amazing.’
CAPE first years Tom, Ayodeji and Joel
Social enterprise award for NFHW
The National Forum for
Health and Wellbeing
(NFHW) has been named
Social Enterprise of the Year
at the E3 Business Awards.
Established in 2001, the NFHW is
dedicated to promoting health
awareness and empowering
communities that have been slow or
reluctant to engage with mainstream
health providers.
The NFHW, in close co-operation with
Rotary Cumbria and Lancashire District,
is responsible for the now well-known
‘Health Mela’ events in Bolton and
across the region. The Health Melas are
day-long events at which people enjoy
activities and entertainments and get
free health checks and advice. The
model is being rolled out nationwide.
Rotary Cumbria and Lancashire have
been awarded £65,000 from the Rotary
International Foundation (Charity), part
of which will be used to expand the
Mela movement into areas of greatest
health need in their area.
NFHW Chair, Professor Romesh Gupta
of the University of Bolton said: ‘I am
proud that our efforts to promote
healthier communities have been
recognised by the E3 Awards. ‘
Health Mela advice - now being rolled out nationwide
University News / Student News
25
Investigating treatments for a
common but serious eye disorder
Eye research collaboration: Prof Rajendran, Mr Kelly and Prof Campbell
Scientists at the University have been working
with eye specialists at the Royal Bolton
Hospital to research Retinal Vein Occlusion
(RVO) – a common retinal vascular disorder in
which a portion of the blood vessel in the back
of the eye becomes obstructed.
It can cause haemorrhage or a leakage of vessels leading to
macular oedema (swelling). The condition affects a large
number of people. The consequence of the leakage of vessels
can be serious and can result in pain, severe visual
impairment and even sight loss.
There are two main types of RVO – Central Retinal Vein
Occlusion (CRVO) and Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
(BRVO). The most common causes of RVO include age
(most common in over 50s), high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, glaucoma, diabetes, smoking and blood clotting
disorders. RVO affects 16 million people worldwide.
The treatment for the blockage is usually a type of laser
treatment called grid laser treatment. In recent years eye
experts have also been using medication including steroids or
anti vascular endothelial growth factor treatments such as
Ozurdex and Lucentis to reduce macula swelling and prevent
leakage of blood vessels. The medication is delivered via a fine
needle into the eye.
Recent advances in the treatment of RVO and its associated
macula swelling may offer improved options for patients and
the NHS is keen to receive more evidence data on new
treatments. The team wanted to look at the effectiveness of
an implant – Ozurdex – which delivers steriod medication
over a period of months. Ozurdex is a relatively new form of
treatment. The team’s involvement in this study means that
valuable evidence informs the NHS’ choices around
treatments. The medical device or implant is inserted into the
back of the eye by intravitreal injection and designed to
slowly release the medication over six months. The joint
research team looked at the effectiveness of the implant for
specific patients.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Rob Campbell said: ‘The
University is committed to promoting Health Studies and
Health Research. This joint collaborative research will enhance
the health and wellbeing of Bolton communities.’ The
University has strengths in biomaterials research and the
development of materials and devices for use in healthcare.
The project, an Investigation into Macular Oedema Associated
with Retinal Vein Occlusion and the Response to Treatment,
was led by Prof Subbiyan Rajendran from the University and
Mr Simon P Kelly, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Royal
Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The researchers were
Amy Airey (UoB), Bridget Ng, Ophthalmology Trainee and
Emma McKenna, Research Practitioner, (RBH).
Study outcomes
• Feedback has also been provided to the manufacturers
of the implant about the dosing regime; the maximum
benefit from Ozurdex lasts for three months, meaning
that subsequent injections are required at three
months, not six months as previously stated in the
regime.
• Feedback was provided on the type of needles used
to deliver the implant so that patient care and
comfort is improved.
• 95% of patients experienced a reduction in macular
oedema and swelling at three months following the
use of Ozurdex and their vision improved by 54%.
• Some patients developed a few side effects such as
cataract or cataract progression.
• Several patients who started on Ozurdex have been
switched to Lucentis.
26
Research News
Social history captured in cartoons
All aboard! Bolton history
fans have been taking to the
trains to try Mass
Observation 21st century
style.
University of Bolton PhD photography
researcher, Caroline Edge, who plays a
leading role in the Bolton Museum’s
website archive, was among those
captured by Tony’s pen.
Bolton is renowned for being the
centre of a 1930s Mass Observation
project, seeking to capture the world
of Worktown – their name for Bolton.
Celebrated photographer Humphrey
Spender and his colleagues attended
football matches, trips to Blackpool and
even voting in elections as part of their
mission to capture everyday life in
Bolton.
The Mass Observation event, which
featured award-winning cartoonist
Tony Husband, met at the University
for talks and a history lesson on
Bolton’s famous Mass Observation
archive with the University’s Centre for
Worktown Studies. While Tony
sketched his observations for the day,
observers used their mobile phones
and tablets to tweet in their
photographs and thoughts as the mass
observation movement took to social
networks.
Top left, Caroline Edge whose lecture on
the day was captured by cartoonist, Tony
Husband above. Bottom, left: back in the
1930s Spender’s photographs were all
taken without those being observed being
aware of the camera
Hair today, gone tomorrow
Hair is the number one food contaminant in the UK, but thanks to a joint research project
between the University of Bolton’s Institute for Materials Research and Innovation (IMRI) and the
world’s leading manufacturer of hair containment led products, ABurnet UK, this problem could
soon be a thing of the past.
On average humans shed between 100
and 150 hairs per day. That equates to
between 3,300 to 5000 hairs being shed
per 100 people in an industrial
environment during an eight hour shift.
The IMRI’s Technical Textiles team, who
carried out the research, was led by
Professors Subhash Anand MBE and
Subbaiyan Rajendran (pictured centre
and left). The project looked into four
areas, how much hair is shed? Why is
hair difficult to contain? How to contain
hair and how to train, educate, monitor
and improve the performance of your
workforce. The results have led to
ABurnet UK applying for four patents
for products that reduce hair
contamination. These include the
HairTite hairnet, HygieNets and
KleenCaps.
Another aspect of the study led to the
development of ‘Hairgon’ an advanced
wash formula additive that dissolves
residual hair, meaning hair caps could
be reused. The UK Food Industry say
there would be an estimated 603
tonne reduction in landfill per year if
they could recycle hairnets.
University News
27
Celebrating Chinese cultural heritage
Staff and students from the University of Bolton celebrated Chinese cultural heritage in the
region by taking to the waters of Salford Quays for the UK Chinese Dragon Boat Festival 2014.
It was the first time the University has
taken part in the event, which is now
one of the biggest of its kind in Europe.
There were 27 different teams battling
on the waters representing
organisations from around the UK. They
included solicitors, bankers, student
groups and other cultural societies.
The event attracted media outlets from
across China, including the state’s
national television channel, CCTV.
Senior Team Leader for Bolton’s Halls of
Residence, Jason Pendlebury, was elected
the team’s captain for the day. He said: ‘It
was a tremendous effort by everyone
who took part and what a really fun
event, plus the weather has been
spectacular!’
The team’s drummer was Bolton
graduate, Nadia Bikzadeh-Oskoei, who
said: ‘What a day! Beating the drum was
so much fun although sitting up there
can be a bit nerve-wracking when the
boat is rocking and especially when you
have seen other teams fall in the water.’
The dragon boat festival was organised
by the XinHua Chinese Association.
XCA works to boost cultural and
economic relations between Manchester
and China. The Dragon Boat Race
marked the 10th Anniversary of the
Association and was the third time it
has been held at Salford Quays.
Disability Administrator, Craig Renshaw,
added: ‘It was a great way to represent
the University. I’d recommend it to
anyone who is thinking of taking part
next time.’
The University’s team was made up of
ten rowers and a drummer recruited
from support staff, graduates and
students.
Graduate Careers and Employability
Adviser, Sarah Nicholson, echoed Craig’s
sentiments. She added: ‘We did
ourselves and the University proud,
especially considering it was the first
time a lot of us had done it before.
Plus we were the first ones to take up
the challenge for the University. Next
year, everyone should have a go.’
International Officer, Ben Chen, who
organised the University’s team
participation, said: ‘It was great to see
the staff and students from the
University come together for such a
unique and fun event. It is the first time
we have had a team in the race, but it
definitely won’t be the last.’
The University crew
Science festival fun ignites imagination
From open heart surgery on the lawn to
flashes and bangs in the fire labs, the
University played its part in inspiring the next
generation of scientists as part of Manchester
Science Festival.
Over a full week, Dr Gill Smart of the Institute for Materials
Research and Innovation coordinated events across campus
at at Bolton Library where youngsters were invited to Meet
the Scientist.
Children made their own Halloween-themed special effects
and joined senior lecturer, Chris Mulryan, in rescuing one of
his Clinical Simulation Suite mannequins from an imaginery
heart attack crisis situation beside Bolton One.
Dr Smart said: ‘For children and young people the Science
Festival activities give an insight into how our world and our
bodies work. It is a fun way to open minds to the
possibilities of science and it is part of the University’s
commitment to community outreach.’
The science of fire - inspiring the next generation
28
University News
We are all set to beat Ironman 2015
The international triathlon
Ironman returns to Bolton
next summer and the
University’s Sarah Nicholson
has decided to enter the
physically demanding event
wearing the University’s
emblem.
Joined by Matt Tomkin from VO2 and
Sport Rehabilitation Lecturer Adam
Naylor, they will take on the gruelling
2.5 mile swim, 112-mile two-loop bike
ride and 26.5 mile run.
Working together with University
students and staff, the trio are using the
Bolton One facilities to train for the
triathlon.
‘We’ll be training for up to 20 hours
per week,’ said Adam, a veteran of
Ironman triathlons.
‘The University’s sporting facilities are
The University of Bolton supports Matt, Sarah and Adam at Ironman 2015
great and will be really useful in the
run-up to the event.’
Sarah, who is the University’s Graduate
Careers and Employability Advisor, said:
‘I have incredible support from the
University of Bolton and I feel so lucky.’
The University are pleased to support
Sarah, Adam and Matt in their venture
and any student or member of staff
who participates in the Ironman 2015.
ADC trains Bartek for star Kona debut
Graduate Bartek Holda has
excelled in triathlon’s most
iconic event; the Kona Hawaii
Ironman World
Championships, wearing his
university’s colours.
Physiotherapist and Sport Rehabilitator,
has his own practice, BH Physiotherapy,
Sponsored by the University, Bartek
completed the gruelling experience in
an amazing time of 10 hours 43
minutes, finishing with an overall rank of
797 as he took on a 2.4 mile swim, a
112 mile cycle and a full marathon run.
Bartek, originally from Poland, prepared
for the event with a training regime at
the University’s Athlete Development
Centre (ADC).
Dr Colin Robertson, Senior Lecturer in
Sports and Exercise Science at the
University of Bolton worked with
Bartek throughout his preparation.
‘Bartek initially approached us in
September to assist with his training
schedule, and with the goal of qualifying
for the Ironman World Championships.
‘He had come very close to attaining
qualification for the World
Championships on a number of
occasions and wanted that edge in
order to finally achieve his goal.’
Bartek, who is a Chartered
Man of iron - our graduate, Bartek Holda
in Bolton, where he is also a Registered
Advanced Fitness Instructor Level 3.
University News
29
Anne’s first oils make prestige show
The Royal Academy Summer
Exhibition is one of the oldest
and most prestigious in the
art world. Thousands of artists
submit their work for
consideration by a panel of
leading artists, but only a
select number are chosen for
summer-long event at the
Royal Academy's galleries in
London.
University of Bolton Fine Art student
Anne Stansfield was one such artist
whose piece was chosen for the
exhibition this year. An outstanding
achievement made even more
remarkable as it was her first ever
work in oil.
The painting is a luminous portrait of a
young woman in the first flush of
youth; a young woman who eventually
lost her life in a concentration camp
during the Second World War.
Anne explained: 'The piece came
about from the topic of mediation. I
wanted to explore how the medium of
piece of art changes how we think
about what is represented in it. The
original image was a photograph,
represented here by the white border
of the oil painting. The photograph is
on the Holocaust museum website and
has text beneath. Painting the text to
appear like type was the hardest part
of the piece.'
'I really enjoyed the chance to see
work by Anselm Kiefer, and portraits
by Marlene Dumas. They were
absolutely wonderful.'
Anne combines her degree studies
with her work in Adult Social Care.
She is now in her third year of the
course and looks forward to further
challenging briefs as part of her course.
'I enjoy researching other artists as well
as working in different materials. By
reading the history and theories of art
you realise you are part of a
continuum. Links with current and past
artists give meaning. It is one of the
ways I am learning more about oils and
techniques.'
Anne had the opportunity to see her
work at a private viewing at the Royal
Academy before the Summer
Exhibition opened to the public, and
was thrilled to see outstanding
international pieces up close.
Special business
award
The University, as joint headline sponsor
of the Bolton and Bury Business Awards,
was thrilled to see two of its honorary
award recipients take the stage for a
special award recently.
Well known Bolton couple, Andrew and Pat Dickson,
who ran the successful St Andrews Travel company are
stalwarts of the Bolton business scene. Andrew has
been Chair of Bolton Chamber of Trade and Pat Chair
of Governors at Bolton College.
The couple received University of Bolton Honorary
Fellowships in 2003 and later Honorary Doctorates in
2010 for their contributions to the town.
At this year’s Bolton and Bury Business Awards they
received the Special Achievement Award.
Top: Special Award night for Honoured Andrew and Pat
Dickson. Below: The Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton,
Cllr Martin Donaghy and Jacqueline Tracey with University
of Bolton Vice Chancellor, Professor George E Holmes
Royal Academy for Fine Art student, Anne
30
Community News
In memory of Maureen Warburton
It is with great sadness that the University of
Bolton learned of the death of Maureen
Warburton, aged 84 years.
Maureen was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the
University last year for her Services to Education.
Born in Bolton, she attended Bolton School in her early years
before later graduating in Domestic Science from the
University of Liverpool.
She initially worked with Marks & Spencer in the Personnel
Department and also worked across the UK opening stores,
but left to have a family.
In 1960 Maureen was a Founding Partner of the independent
Clevelands Preparatory School on Chorley New Road in
Bolton.
The school quickly grew to be one of the leading
Preparatory Schools in the area, with Maureen actively
involved right up until her retirement.
Maureen was married to the late George Warburton, a
Director of family bakers Warburtons Limited and for 30
years a Director of BWFC, where he served two terms as
Chariman.
Vice Chancellor Professor George E. Holmes attended the
funeral with several senior officials from the University
administration, whilst the University’s flag flew at half-mast as
a mark of respect.
Community News
Mayor’s pledge for
year in office
The motto for the town of Bolton, 'Supera
Moras', translates as ‘overcoming difficulties’ –
an accomplishment the Mayor of Bolton,
Cllr Martin Donaghy, will be targeting during
his year in office.
With unemployment still an issue across the area, Cllr
Donaghy has made the creation of 50 apprenticeships, one
for each week of his tenure, the key target of his premiership.
Originally hailing from Northern Ireland, Cllr Donaghy arrived
in Bolton in 1974 to undertake an engineering apprenticeship.
After joining the Engineers’ Union, he signed up as a member
of the Labour Party and by 1980 had progressed to being
elected councillor for Daubhill.
Forty years later he is still here and ready to pass on the
same opportunities he discovered in the Lancashire town to
the youth of today.
‘These apprenticeships will give people the opportunity to
learn and develop skills as I did and I think these people can
become model citizens for the future of Bolton,’ said Cllr
Donaghy.
During his period in office the mayor will also be working
closely with the University to help further boost its growing
status.
The Mayor Cllr Martin Donaghy with Mayoress, Gay Wharton
31
‘The University of Bolton’s Vice Chancellor, Professor George
E Holmes, is very dynamic and has been working hard to put
the University of Bolton on the map, delivering a first class
education.
‘Bolton One in particular has excellent facilities for medical
training, especially the innovative computerised mannequins
which react to treatments.
‘Thanks to Professor Holmes I don’t think the gown and
town have ever been more entwined.’
While continuing with his job at Sainsbury’s, where he works
with his two mayoresses Gay Wharton and Jacqueline Tracey,
Cllr Donaghy will be spending the majority of year as mayor
working out of the Mayor’s Parlour within the historic town
hall.
Built between 1866 and 1873, the historic building cost close
to £170,000 and was opened by The Prince of Wales (later
King Edward VII) and his wife, Princess Alexandra.
Cllr Donaghy describes the building as ‘the jewel in the crown
of Bolton’ but also implores Boltonians to remember that it is
their Town Hall and to appreciate and visit it.
Tours of the Town Hall are organised by the Mayor’s Office
and include visits to the Mayor's Parlour, enabling visitors to
see the impressive civic insignia and mementos of the town.
Smithills Hall, with its fine examples of 16th and 17th century
architecture, and Hall I’ th’ wood, where Samuel Crompton
developed the Spinning Mule which would go on to
revolutionise the textile industry in the 18th century, were
also keen recommendations by Cllr Donaghy for anyone
visiting the area.