Thursday is the new Friday

"Stop work everyone, it's time for Prosecco" said MrsM's manager "Clear your desk, MrsM, that is the party desk". MrsM obediently moves her psychedelic wrist-rest and matching mouse mat to make room for crisps and dips while the lady from the Ankara desk polishes Prosecco glasses. "Am I too late?" asks the American colleague rushing in from her meeting "I told them that I have a meeting with a major donor...which is true of course...although, perhaps not right now this minute..."  "What are we celebrating today?" asks the lady from the Iraq desk "Lots of good news : a Birthday, a new flat and MrsM has finished her probationary period!" says the lady from the Levant desk. There is much clinking of glasses and sampling of Prosecco. Plans are made for an expedition, with dancing, in the spring. Everyone agrees that it is a very nice way to spend Thursday evening."Thursday is the new Friday" announces MrsM's manager. 

*****

I must tell you that later that evening the American colleague goes to a very smart reception upstairs. The dress code is "glamorous" and she is extra sparkly. After ten minutes she comes back into the office looking thoughtful "Somebody has a brought a dog. It is an elderly corgi and it is barking, I am praying it stops when the speeches start. Pour me another drink, this is going to be a long night."

the world comes to me

"Tea break at the cave
with the best lemon drizzle cake
we've ever tasted.
Thanks Alice!"

I couldn't go the cave this year
so I sent a cake by special delivery.

This message on twitter made my day.

(image : @danmclean3)

GeogSoc Brownies

MrsM wakes to the sun streaming through the gaps in her bedroom curtains. "Today is the day!" she thinks "Today is the day to make the famous GeogSoc Brownies."  She leaps out of bed and is in her kitchen in the twinkling of an eye. Dark chocolate! White chocolate! A tray of raspberries! Everything is present and correct and she is ready to start.

There is much melting of chocolate, beating of eggs and sifting of flour - it is all very satisfying.  Soon the kitchen is filled with delicious chocolatey smells and MrsM wonders why she does not bake before breakfast more often. The brownies take slightly longer to cook than the recipe states but they are out of the oven in plenty of time to take to work.

MrsM looks at the tray of chocolatey goodness and realises that if she gives them all to the Exams officers they will probably both have heart attacks before the exam period is finished. For their own wellbeing and to ensure that the exam process is unaffected she sends an email out to the Department announcing the opportunity to sample the famous GeogSoc brownies. After five minutes MrsM remembers that she has not taken a photograph of the brownies. Alas, it is too late - they are all gone - only a few crumbs remain

*****

This recipe was given to me by Ally, a finalist who is a very talented baker. Can you see that she customised the recipe card? Isn't that lovely!

The GeogSoc brownies feature in this post and are particularly delicious because the raspberries cut the sweetness of the chocolate. Next time I make this recipe I will use a larger, shallower tin and I estimate that the cooking in my oven will be 40 mins at 160 fan. If you use a 20cm by 20cm tin as in the recipe you will need to cook for up to an hour. Use a cocktail stick and test a corner section because this is most likely to be baked  first and the stick should come out clean - this will give you an idea what the centre should look and feel like when you test with the stick.

what a time it was

Is it really over two years ago
that I wrote to you from Nerja?
I looked back at the photos today,
amazed to find that time had passed so quickly.

The first year students I accompanied
have become good friends now
who drop by my office to tell me their news.

They will be sitting their last exam today,
celebrating, sleeping,
going to job interviews
and then packing up to leave.

It will be hard to let them go.
Very hard.

*****

“No matter how much time passes,
no matter what takes place in the interim,
there are some things we can never assign to oblivion,
memories we can never rub away.”

Haruki Murakami
Kafka on the Shore

(just for the record)

1.
The campus is alight
with patches of daffodils
catching the morning sun.

2.
The Head of Department tells me
about the birthday treat
he has organised for his wife:
cocktails at the top of Centrepoint.
I feel a teeny, weeny bit jealous.

3.
Dr H-next-door is wearing fabulous
white framed vintage sunglasses
that she bought in Long Beach.
In her office.
We indulge her because it is her birthday.

4.
The academic who is approximately 44
has organised a conference in a Scottish castle.
He describes the hall which bristles with
antlers, muskets and jousting armour.
I hope he concentrates on the conference.

5.
The fastest academic
has just run a spectacular time
in the London Marathon.
We are all very proud of him.
Watch your back, Mo.

6.
Do you remember the student
who mentioned me in his thesis?
He has just got married
inside a Cornish tin mine.
It was a great party with a band
and no one minded about the noise.

7.
A student walks past my office
wearing a short white dress
with a thin gold belt and sandals
in a classical Greek style.
She looks interesting but chilly.

8.
The post graduate student
comes in to give me details
about his fieldwork in Rwanda.
I tell him that I have heard
Rwanda is a beautiful country
and he looks emotional
"It is a beautiful country,
it is my homeland".

9.
A much loved colleague is leaving.
She has rescued me on several occasions
from administrative tangles
of my own making and I will miss her.
Out of the blue she emails to ask
if I will write references for her.
I am absolutely delighted.

10.
In the middle of a long meeting
about examination procedures
I am distracted by the sight
of a small girl with chirpy bunches
running past the window,
shouting with excitement.

11.
Lovely Jenny has her photograph
used on the homepage
of the College website.
I have stolen it for you to see too.

12.
At the end of the day
I remember the cocktails...
there is vodka in the freezer...
and blood orange juice...
which makes a screwdriver...
mmmmm...

a world before our world

The Lady Professor spends her life
working with the fossil bones of animals
and using them to reconstruct past climates:
wolves roaming the Somerset hills,
hippos swimming where Trafalgar Square is now,
woolly rhinoceros grazing in Staffordshire.

After she has been to the exhibition of
Ice Age Art at the British Museum
she shows me a replica carving
which is small enough to hold
in the palm of your hand
and we wonder at it together.

It is an adult woolly mammoth
carved by someone who saw them wild,
who knew what colour they were,
how they moved, what they smelt like,
recognised the sounds of their calls.

We cannot know why the statue was carved
or much about the person who carved it
but it is the briefest glimpse,
a pinpoint beam of light,
into a world before our world.

the world comes to me

Very Senior Professor

The Young Academic and the Very Senior Professor
have been in the Falkland Islands
acting as official academic observers
for the referendum which took place last week.
My tiny role in this diplomatic mission
was to assist in the purchase
of high specification technical clothing
and in return they agreed to send me
pictures of aforementioned clothing in situ.

So here are two pictures of penguins
for the next edition of the Goretex catalogue.

Young Academic

Read about their role in the referendum here:
Geopolitics & Security

(just for the record)

The celebrity speaker and the GeogSoc

1.
The GeogSoc are making map bunting.

do I have scissors? Yes
and glue? Yes
and card? Yes
and string? Yes

2.
The student who organised it
is walking around the Department
with his suit in a bag,
white with fright.

3.
Two students who make cakes
have been drafted in to help.
Tiny cup cakes, lemon tarts,
raspberry and white chocolate brownies
All with map labels.

4.
@OrdnanceSurvey tweets
"What about map cakes?"
No pressure then.

5.
The celebrity speaker arrives.
She is immaculate in tailored tweed
but  immediately sees the map cake labels
and asks if she can take one home.

6.
The student who organised it
is breathless with excitement
as he introduces
"Dr Vanessa Lawrence,
Chief Executive and Director General
of the Ordnance Survey"

7.
The celebrity speaker starts.
"When I was an undergraduate
I was President of the GeogSoc
and so when my people told me
about your invitation to speak
I said 'I would like to do that'."

8.
She talks about the role of maps
in development in China,
flood compensation in Australia,
land tenure in Rwanda
and her role in the United Nations.

9.
There is an endearing habit
of prefacing her anecdotes
about extraordinary achievements
with the phrase
"I was very lucky because..."

9.
"I was very lucky because I was asked
to provide all the mapping information
for London 2012.
It was the sort of opportunity
that only comes once in a lifetime."
Detailed mapping of each location
down to the nearest centimetre
sounds like a huge amount of work to me.

10.
When the celebrity speaker mentions
new developments in the Ordnance Survey
MrsM feels that she should stand up and testify
for the half of her Christmas list
which was personalised maps.
An inspired idea.

11.
The Head of Department thanks her
not just for a fascinating speech,
but also for her commitment
to the next generation of Geographers.
She responds with a delightful modesty.

12.
The student who organised it is glowing.
"It was just as I imagined it.
She was amazing."

*****
This one is for Lovely Jenny
who is not very well.
Get better quickly - it's quiet without you!

(just for the record)

The Periodic Departmental Review

1.
It is a very, very serious occasion.
There are a panel of eight visitors
assessing the student experience
in the Department.
It happens once every five years.

2.
MrsM delivers a car-load of paperwork
in stylish dark red lever arch files
that she has purchased specially.

3.
MrsM agonises about what to wear.
She wants to look like a proper Administrator.
She notes that the Head of Department
is wearing his Serious Tie.

4.
The Technical Operations Manager
organises the room for maximum efficiency;
Lovely Jenny displays her best posters;
MrsM pimps the noticeboard outside.

5.
Groups of students are interviewed,
Academic Staff are interviewed,
The Head of Department is interviewed
and then the panel retires
to consider its verdict.

6.
At the end of the two days
the staff of the Department
are invited in to hear the initial outcome.
The Vice-Principal, who has a reputation
for being fierce, is smiling.
It is rather unnerving

7.
The Vice-Principal reads the summary
"There is a culture of excellence here.
Academic, Technical and Administrative staff
working hard to ensure that students
get the best possible experience."
And MrsM is so very, very proud
of the dedication of her colleagues.

8.
In a long list of commendations
the Vice Principal praises
the innovative use of social media.
And MrsM is secretly thrilled
because this one is her project.

9.
The Head of Department turns to his staff
and says
"Thank you, Team."

10.
After the panel of visitors leave
The Head of Department takes the leftover cakes
and stands in the foyer
handing them out to students.

11.
MrsM goes back into the committee room
and eats all the remaining twiglets
The shame of it.

12.
And then the Head of the Department,
and MrsM and everyone else go the pub.

(just for the record)

We took 127 first year students to Spain
and it was a huge logistical challenge.

What I shall remember from this trip
is the extraordinary teaching
I was lucky enough to watch.

My academic colleagues talking without notes,
answering challenging questions,
communicating their passion for the subject

I stood in a mountain layby
while a memorial to the unnamed victims
of the Spanish Civil war was interpreted
and it was impossible not to be moved.

Later, I watched as a group of students
explained their plan for project work
and were helped to design questionnaires
to interview people who do not speak English.

Here is a translator working with a student
to transcribe an interview which will
form part of the data set
for a presentation and report.

Not everybody had to contend with a breakdancer
but all of the teaching I watched was inspiring.

I wished, yet again, that I had studied Geography.

(just for the record)

The Annual Lecture

The Head of Department was so pleased
with the success of last year's Annual Lecture
that he decided to go large for 2012.

'Invite a celebrity speaker!
Book the biggest lecture theatre!
Invite as many schools as possible!
Make a huge publicity splash!'

And we all set to work

MrsM booked the biggest lecture theatre,
Schools were delighted to be invited
and the Admissions Tutor, the Lady Professor
and the Academic who is a very youthful 43
invited a speaker from Another University

On the big day the Head of Department
looked around and was exultant...
the lecture theatre was full
of the brightest and best sixth formers
enjoying the anticipation.

And then the Celebrity Speaker started

After the wine reception
MrsM thanked the catering staff
and took a deep breath...
it had been a bit awkward when
part of the ceiling fell down...
thank goodness the Annual Lecture
was over for another year.

from Kenya, with love

a message from my students
on a field trip in Kenya

*****

as I said,
a long time ago,
the rewards of my job
are not easy to measure.

(just for the record)

Science Open Day

It is a bright blue Saturday morning
and the campus is alive with children
who have come to experience
the excitement of Science.

In the room next door
I can hear the academic who is 42
demonstrating the skull of a cave bear
to awestruck little boys.

And the Technical Supervisor
is putting her hands
in the soggy Bog in the Box.
Again.

Beyond, in the foyer,
there are tiny hands colouring in
pictures of Victorian Explorers.

In this small room
I am surrounded by woven baskets
from the rain forest of the Guiana Shield
in a multitude of different designs.

The research assistant is pointing
to the photo story boards which show
how cassava is grown and used for food.
She took the photos herself last month
and the solemn faces of the local tribes
stare out at me from their other world.

She shows me how a tube of woven grass
is used to squeeze cassava pulp.
"Look" she says "you put the pulp in
and pull the tube at the bottom
and the grass weave tightens
to squeeze out the water."

And, at that moment, my pleasure
at learning something new,
understanding how something works,
is a great as any of the children around me.

A Brilliance of Professors

Christmas Lunch - December 2011

I think that this is one of the pictures
that I would put in my desert island photo album...
I know that whenever I looked at it
I would still hear the faint sound of laughter
and it would be impossible to feel lonely.

Coffee Time

Right...down tools everyone.
No talking about work...OK?

"The home-made mince pies
are supplied by the lovely wife
of the Professor of Interesting films."

"Did anyone hear
Isaac the Postman's Elvis impression?
It was legendary...
Or perhaps 'unforgettable'..."

"Talking of Elvis...
There were fried peanut butter sandwiches
at the Research Group party last night."

"Never mind the sandwiches...
there was a Somerset cider cake...
Austrian Stollen, Italian Pandoro
and Spanish nougat...
it is a very international student group."

"I saw some student feedback this morning
and there was one fabulous comment
'his voice is so soothing
that he should record relaxation tapes
with Peruvuan pan pipe music...'"

"and another form which just said
'Marry me...'"

"I have seen 17 students in Santa hats today
and it is only 11 o'clock..."

"They are selling gingerbread 'people' on campus..
No stereotyping around here, thank goodness."

"The Department Office is covered in fairy lights
and the Daniel Craig grotto is tinselled up."

"I think that the new Head of Dept
should ban the twinkling Santa feature...
it would be a kindness to everyone."

"Is it true that the academic
who is 42 and a quarter
is doing a charity run this weekend
dressed as Santa?
Photos on Monday will be compulsory."

"I see that You-Know-Who
is wearing his red fleece top...
it MUST be nearly Christmas."

Right..drink up...
back to work now...no slacking

*****

for Ali M in Plymouth

(just for the record)

The Annual Lecture

1.
MrsM realises to her horror
that the publicity is wrong because
that the wrong lecture theatre has been booked
by the All Powerful Timetabler.
MrsM sobs pathetically and realistically.

2.
The All Powerful Timetabler
does not admit his mistake
but graciously enables a swap
to the correct lecture theatre.

3.
MrsM spends too much time
deciding which wines to order.
More white than red??
More red than white??

4.
The Head of Department worries
about the jokes in his eulogy
for The Distinguished Speaker.

5.
MrsM reviews her extensive knowledge
of local restaurants to choose one
which is comfortable
but not toooo extravagant
for the after-lecture dinner.

6.
The Professor of Interesting Films
purchases a souvenir book
for presentation to The Distinguished Speaker.
Everyone is delighted with this thoughtful touch.

7.
The Distinguished Speaker arrives.
He is wearing the same colour top as MrsM
but he does not notice...
his mind is on loftier things.

8.
The Lecture Theatre is full.
People standing against walls
and sitting on the floor.
Students, Staff, Visitors.
There is an excited buzz of anticipation
because he is a Distinguished Speaker
and his subject matter is very relevant.

9.
MrsM helps set up the wine reception.
Marianne takes pride in her work.
Tablecloths are folded to achieve perfect corners,
wineglasses are polished and arranged.
Crisps and savoury snacks laid out beautifully.
MrsM tells Marianne that she is an artist.

10.
Disaster!
The presentation book has been left
in the Head of Department's office.
The fastest member of staff is selected
to run back to the Department.
(This is NOT MrsM)

11.
Loud applause.
The lecture is ended.
More loud applause.
The book is presented.
150 people surge out of the lecture theatre.
Drinks are drunk.
Snacks are eaten.
It is all over.

12.
MrsM is delighted to receive
a twitter update later that evening.
It is clear from the photo
sent by the Young Academic
that the after-lecture dinner
is a great success.

MrsM sips her mug of Tranquility tea
and permits herself to breathe out.

A New Perspective

The door to my office is propped open
with a block of Icelandic lava
as soon as I arrive in the morning.

All day students and academics walk past
and I hear snatches of conversation
and gusts of laughter.
It is impossible to feel alone.

Today I heard the young Visiting Lecturer
talking to two students from his class
in the corridor outside my office.
He said "Why didn't you do it?
Were you afraid of making a mistake?
That is why we are here...
to make mistakes and learn from them.
Go away...be brave...make mistakes."

His words lingered in my mind all day.

making a difference

The security guard at the entrance to campus
has been there since the start of term.
He is supposed to check car permits
and direct visitors to the car parks
but after a while he recognised staff
and waved to them as they drove past
and soon people were waving back
and opening their windows to greet him.
This morning the relief security guard
stood there with his hands in his pockets
and I missed the smile and friendly wave.
I had not realised how important it was to me.

view from the bus stop

In the evening
the sun illuminates the west side
and the red brick glows.
It still surprises and delights me,
this vast Victorian 'chateau',
I must photograph it more often.

the world comes to me

© Tim Cresswell

Professor Cresswell in the office next door
who studies the 'notions of place'
and the 'concept of mobility'
has just returned from a journey to the Arctic circle.
He was part of a team of people creating a new nation
from the landscape revealed by retreating ice sheets.

The artist Alex Hartley discovered the island
and registered it as 'Nowhereisland' in 2004.
This autumn he brought together a team
to travel to the Arctic and design a Utopia
considering fundamental issues of statehood.
Rocks from the island were removed
with permission from the Governor of Svalbard
and in 2012 these will form a floating sculpture
travelling from port to port around the English coast.
This voyage is part of the Cultural Olympiad
and will be used for lessons in citizenship in schools.
You can learn more about the project
and read the blog on the excellent website.

What moved me was the reaction of my colleague
who said it was one of the best things
that he had done in his life.
For three weeks he left his academic work behind
and lived in a world of sea and ice.
The experience will shape his future work
and will inform a generation of school children
as they think about the world they want to live in.
It was a privilege to hear about it first hand.

Migration and hospitality - lessons from Svalbard