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Farewell to the Wolf of Northampton

Steve
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Farewell to the Wolf of Northampton

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton is to leave his role next summer after a colourful and audacious term in office during which time he was dubbed the Wolf of Northampton by the tabloid press.

The nickname was earned after photos of Professor Petford letting his hair down with students at a social event showed him dancing and crowd-surfing and brought him acclaim and notoriety in equal measure.

It even inspired the creation of an eponymous parody Twitter account.

He oversaw the creation of UoN’s ambitious Waterside Campus as well as securing a Government Gold Tef Award for the institution.

Release from University of Northampton:

University of Northampton Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer Professor Nick Petford DSc will step down from his role in the Summer of 2022.

Professor Petford – who has led the University since 2010 – will remain in post until the appointment of his successor. He is leaving to pursue opportunities in the field of international education.

Mr Terry Neville OBE will also retire in 2022 after more than 11 years in the role of Chief Operating Officer.

Professor Petford said: “It has been an honour to have served as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton for more than a decade. In that time, many thousands of our graduates have made their mark around the world in every sector from finance to fashion and technology to teaching. I am immensely proud not only of them, but to have worked alongside colleagues at the University with such dedication to transform lives for the better, and inspire positive change.”

Professor Petford and Mr Neville spearheaded the University of Northampton’s bold decision to relocate the University from its previous campus to a purpose-built facility within Northampton’s Enterprise Zone – expanding the institution’s links to the local economy and creating a new commercial and leisure district for the town. Less than a year after opening in September 2018, the Waterside campus won the Royal Society of Chartered Surveyors “Design through Innovation” award; “Construction Project of the Year” at the East Midlands Property Awards, and the title of “University Impact Initiative of the Year” from the Association of University Directors of Estates (AUDE).

Under their leadership the University was awarded Gold – the highest possible mark – in the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). The official judgement by the Government’s review stated the University of Northampton delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students.

Professor Petford continued: “I arrived at Northampton in the knowledge that Universities looked set to face unprecedented challenges, and I am proud that we have risen to each challenge and overcome it – particularly in these most recent, difficult times. I look forward to ensuring a smooth transition for the new University leadership over the next year, and wish them and our students every success.”

Terry Neville added: “It has always been my belief that through their teaching, research and community outreach, universities are the engine of productive change. My years of working at Northampton have seen that belief become reality, and I am grateful to have played my part.”

Mr Mark Mulcahey, Chair of the University’s Board of Governors, said: “It has been my pleasure to work alongside Nick and to witness key success milestones during his 11-year tenure. In addition to realising the vision for the Waterside campus, he and Terry Neville have led the University to the vanguard of using higher education as a catalyst for social impact. That progressive thinking has become the hallmark of the University of Northampton – and a worthy legacy for these remarkable colleagues. On behalf of the University I would like to thank them, and look forward to working with them ahead of the change in leadership next year.”

Photographer turns camera on herself to reveal burden of body shape expectations

Nene Quirer
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Photographer turns camera on herself to reveal burden of body shape expectations

A highly personal series of self-portraits from a University of Northampton lecturer will go on public display this week.

Weight Bearing is Haley Morris-Cafiero’s response to an increase in requests for help with disordered eating during lockdown.

The photographic series sees Haley draw on her own experience of living with an undiagnosed eating disorder, many years ago.

The Senior Photography Lecturer’s self-portraits use imagery and symbols from everyday situations to communicate the invisible feelings that she associates with trying to control her body’s size and conform to the wider society and the media’s expectations of what a woman should look like.

Haley Morris-Cafiero self portrait

Haley said: “I am very proud of the images that were created for this series as they show a different view of disordered eating than what we see in the media. I hope that by showing this unique perspective, those who may be suffering from similar feelings can see themselves in the images and can seek help if needed.”

Weight Bearing opens to the public on Thursday 23 September, at the Departure Lounge arts venue, Bute Street, Luton. It will be open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 1pm to 6pm, until Saturday 30 October. See the Departure Lounge website for further details.

You can now book cabs in Northampton via the Uber app

Nene Quirer
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You can now book cabs in Northampton via the Uber app

Uber has today announced that its Local Cab product is launching in Northampton, enabling passengers in the town to book a trip with a local taxi company via the Uber app.

Following a successful pilot of Local Cab earlier this year, which saw launches in six towns and cities across the UK, Uber is now extending the service to other areas of the country.

Anyone opening the Uber app in Northampton will be presented with the Local Cab option, which connects them with local taxi firm Amber Cars. 

Residents and visitors to Northampton had not previously been able to book a ride via Uber, despite the app being opened almost 34,000 times per month. 

In order to meet growing demand for trips and extend the use of its app beyond the 40 UK towns and cities in which it currently operates, Uber is looking to work with local operators.

David Sherwood, Manager at Amber Cars, said: “We’re proud to bring Local Cab to the people of Northampton. This provides another way for customers to book with us – and for anyone visiting Northampton that already uses the Uber app, Local Cab will make it easy for them to book a ride with a local operator.” 

Ash Kebriti, UK General Manager, Uber, said: “The Local Cab pilot has proved to be a success for local operators, riders and local economies. Local operators have seen increased demand for trips and are now actively recruiting new drivers, which is having a positive impact on the local economy. We are now excited to roll the product out to more towns and cities across the UK.”

Shortlist for Food Hero of the Year is revealed

Nene Quirer
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0
Shortlist for Food Hero of the Year is revealed

The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards team have announced the next round of category finalists, for F&B Achiever of the Year, Local Food Hero, One to Watch and Weetabix Sustainability Award, ahead of the Awards Gala Dinner Ceremony on 20th October.

Founder Rachel Mallows MBE DL, brought together a team of dedicated judges to shortlist the finalists in the next four categories of the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards.

Rachel commented ‘It’s important to be able to highlight great food and drink individuals, organisations and businesses across the county, recognising remarkable achievements, many of whom are adopting new practices, adapting to change, diversifying, or helping to reduce their impact on climate change.’

Each year the Awards are sponsored by loyal and committed Northamptonshire based businesses, who support the categories and businesses in the sector by assisting with judging, providing expertise and knowledge to and for the finalists, which is a key part of the Awards’ continued success.

Matthew Talbot, Partner at Howes Percival, enthused, “Howes Percival are delighted to be sponsoring the F&B Achiever of the Year category again for 2021/22. I was blown away by the high standard of the finalists this year, not only in this category but the other business categories as well. It’s wonderful to see such quality from across the county, from a range of businesses, all working hard to put Northamptonshire on the map!”

Moulton College’s Principal, Corrie Harris, added “In our 100th anniversary year, Moulton College are over the moon to be celebrating the Local Food Heroes who are making a difference in their communities and going far beyond the normal requirements. Congratulations to all the finalists being announced this month”.

The finalists are:

F&B Achiever of the Year (sponsored by Howes Percival)

Laurence Connisbee of Wharf Distillery, Towcester

Matt Fountain of Bewiched, Higham Ferrers 

Greta McDonald of Sweet Lounge, Brixworth

Steve Reid of Friars Farm, Northampton

Jeeva Sanmugam of Classic Cuisine, Northampton

Local Food Hero of the Year (sponsored by Moulton College) 

The Gurdwara, Northampton 

Northampton Hope Centre, Northampton

The Old Swan, Earls Barton

The Old White Hart, Far Cotton

One To Watch (sponsored by Whitworth Bros. Ltd)

Brothers Pub Co., Northampton

Explore Chocolate, Finedon

Good Folk Brewery, Weedon 

Vicky’s Kitchen, Northampton

Yum Chop, Towcester

Weetabix Sustainability Award (sponsored by Weetabix) 

Applegate Organics, Northampton

Blue Skies, Pitsford

The Food Library, Northampton

Re, Flore

Sol Laug Haven, Moulton

Syan Farms, Horton

The achievement and successes of Northamptonshire Food and Drinks businesses will be celebrated at the Awards ceremony and dinner due to be held on 20th October 2021 at the Royal & Derngate.

For more information on the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2021/22, please visit www.northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk or call Rachel Mallows on 01933 664437 or email rachel@themallowscompany.com

Meanwhile, to keep up to date with the latest news, please follow the Awards on Facebook at @foodawards or Twitter and Instagram at @foodawardsHQ or on LinkedIn at @weetabixnfadawards using the hashtag #WFDA21.

Cycle 4 Cynthia braves the rain as the full event returns to Lamport Hall

Steve
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Cycle 4 Cynthia braves the rain as the full event returns to Lamport Hall

Disruptive rain showers were forecast for the return of the Cycle 4 Cynthia bike ride after its virtual hiatus during the pandemic.

And while numbers were down on what organisers would normally expect there were still several hundred riders in the saddle to raise money for Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

There was no deluge but it was definitely a wet ride for participants who negotiated either 25 or 50 mile loops from Lamport Hall, which alternates the ride with Althorp House.

You can still support the event by donating to the hospice here

Pictures from Saints season opener against Gloucester

Steve
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Pictures from Saints season opener against Gloucester

A stellar display from George Furbank was the centrepiece of this valuable first win in the first game of the season for Saints.

He scored and made tries on a day when everyone felt Saints could and should have had a few more points in the bag due to a high error count.

Gloucester’s squad were injury ravaged but with Billy Twelvetrees, Johnny May, Lewis Ludlow and Ben Morgan on the field they still had plenty of bite.

By the same token Saints also had a clutch of A-listers missing but put in a dominant display against a side that mugged them on its last visit to the Gardens (now officially The Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens).

Alex Mitchell had a good day at nine, looking sharp and dangerous, making way for the feisty input of Conor Tupai.

James Grayson was assured at 10 and can probably count his yellow card unlucky right at the end of the game.

Johnny May touched down in the corner and Grayson was one of two Saints defenders just a heartbeat too late to drive him into touch. May, with an older player’s anxiety about unnecessary knocks, piped up and ref Karl Dickson reviewed the footage. He saw a shoulder charge and showed Grayson yellow.

However this only allowed Saints to activate the least secret secret weapon there has ever been as Furbank slotted in at 10 as he has on a number of occasions for Saints now.

Captain Lewis Ludlam is looking for Saints to take it up another level this season and while it may not have been perfect it was certainly mission accomplished.

Pictures by Dave Ikin.

The Northamptonshire buildings that are always catching fire

Steve
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The Northamptonshire buildings that are always catching fire

Firefighters come from across the country to work and train in Northamptonshire and Watch Manager Instructor Chris Westfield is walking proof – he transferred in himself from London Fire Brigade.

With the Grenfell Disaster among his recent experiences, Chris is delighted to be part of a team delivering first class training in first class training facilities at Chelveston, which include a set of buildings that can be deliberately set ablaze to simulate real life scenarios the trainees might encounter.

Chris Westfield

He told NFRS’ communications officer James Averill: “Ultimately for whoever comes in we try to create, as best as we can, work related scenarios. The facilities we have here at Chelveston are far greater and advanced than a lot of other services, even down to the training rigs here.

“You speak to a lot of people nationally and they either have rigs that are very limited, or no training at all and they go to other services to train. But here we have these fantastic multi-floor units whereby we can create several different scenarios to help people be as safe as they possibly can.”

For a deeper dive into the work at the training centre see James Averill’s article here

First artists to display at Vulcan Works revealed

Nene Quirer
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0
First artists to display at Vulcan Works revealed

Three students from the University of Northampton are set to be the first artists to display their work at the town’s new £14m cultural hub.

Postgraduate artists Georgia Watkins, Gillie Masters and Natasha Toms will have a year’s worth of work on show at Vulcan Works – a conversion of a disused ironworks that’s just opened between Guildhall Road and Fetter Street in Northampton’s Cultural Quarter.

“It’s really exciting to be involved in one of the first few projects at Vulcan Works,” said Georgia about the event, which forms part of the three artists’ guest residency at art space NN Contemporary Art.

NN Contemporary Art became the first tenant at Vulcan Works, in July, while refurbishment work to its Guildhall Street base is completed.

The fruits of the students’ work and research will go on display at Vulcan Works for a week, from Thursday 23 September.

Georgia added: “The residency has given us the opportunity to share what we have been working on over the last year and it will be great to get out there and make connections with the community of Northampton.

“Visitors will be able to see what us three postgraduate students have been inspired by and how we have found a relationship between our practices. NN is a great resource for arts in Northampton and we would love to see the local public getting involved.”

The event, called Beforetime, will comprise a mix of print, paint, and photographic practices which speak to ideas of a connection between what we conceive to be real, and what is constructed.”

Georgia added: “The images we deal with seem to form a visuality of time, one’s own time, somebody else’s time or the time of another dimension.

“This, we feel, inevitably invokes a sense of memory and imagination, of remembering one’s own time (the past), remembering someone else’s time through their own reflection or through imagination. At this point, the image becomes a vessel, or a portal to another dimension, and through memory and imagination the image becomes fragmented.”

Beforetime is open on Thursday 23, Friday 24, Saturday 25, Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 September, between 11am and 5pm. It’s located in St John’s Building, Vulcan Works, Fetter Street, Northampton, NN1 1EW.

Booking in advance is essential, via the event website.

The Stanwick Sorceress needs your help

Steve
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The Stanwick Sorceress needs your help

This Halloween families can explore the Spooktacular trail at Stanwick Lakes! 

As part of their Natureworks Project and Heritage Projects, Rockingham Forest Trust have created a ‘spellbinding’ self-led event this year!

From October 25 to 31 families can visit the site to help The Stanwick Sorceress remember the spell for her magic potion. A spooky prize can be won by completing the Halloween trail using the ‘Book of Spells’ to find all of the missing ingredients. 

This family fun trail includes spooky Halloween decorations, hidden nature facts and a look into Stanwick Lakes’ magical history plus fun live demonstrations on selected days. 

Booking is not required, just purchase your ‘Book of Spells’ activity leaflet for £2.75 from The Snack Shack or Visitor Centre Reception (One prize for each leaflet sold). Dressing up is of course encouraged but is optional.

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