The Newsletter of the New Lincoln Hall Association
This page is an adaptation of the seventh edition of the Association newsletter
published in February 2002.
It is published by the Lincoln Hall Association and does not necessarily
represent the University of Nottingham.
This year marks a milestone in the history of Lincoln Hall as it celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2002. The Association is planning a gala event to mark the occasion. To make it a memorable success we need your help - the event can’t happen without you. So put the 29th June 2002 in your diary and tell your ex-Lincoln Hall colleagues.
The first celebratory dinner Lincoln staged was the 25th Anniversary dinner held in 1987. The dinner was a roaring success with over 200 ex-Lincolnites attending, some were members from the early sixties others from the recent past. Much merriment and camaraderie was had by all well into the early hours of Sunday morning. Five years later was the 30th Anniversary which was also a huge success. The 40th will be no exception. There have been several suggestions for activities during the event. We are planning to erect a large screen TV in the JCR to view the World Cup finals in 2002, and to have some musical entertainment after the dinner. We have been active in increasing the membership of the Association, which currently stands at 101. However, please forward names and addresses (if known) of friends and colleagues of Lincoln so we can make contact with them. Whatever, your era we need your support so fill out and return the reply slip at the back of this newsletter.
The 2001 Reunion saw a return to a more traditional event, but with a slight difference. Out was the traditional formal dinner and in was a massive buffet style banquette. It was perhaps a little smaller than some previous events, with attendance of 35 members plus guests, but the range of age groups present was bigger than ever. The buffet style meal worked well, providing extra opportunities to mix with everyone at the event.
The event’s success was largely due to the efforts of John Robertson, a name that should be familiar to anyone who has attended previous reunions. Embarrassed by previous low turnout by members from his era, he worked especially hard to encourage their attendance this year. His email networking proved especially useful.
Don Rees was an invited guest in honour of his early association with Lincoln Hall as Deputy Warden and subsequently as Warden of Hugh Stewart Hall. He shared many memories with those present from his era. Over the years, the relationship between Hugh Stewart and Lincoln has been a little eventful to say the least, but on this occasion I think that it is fair to say the Don was made very welcome. After all, Lincolnites couldn’t let past disagreements get in the way of a good party!
During the speeches Alan Wint paid tribute to the guest of honour at the dinner. He said, "Don Rees, Warden of Hugh Stewart Hall, surpassed only by (the legendary) Harry Lucas, ex-Warden of Cripps Hall, but Dr. Don Rees would be second to Harry Lucas as a supporter of the Nottingham University Hall system." Don’s speech was captivating and interspersed with amusing anecdotes; he recalled that in the early days Peter Coveney (the first Warden of Lincoln) forged links with the City of Lincoln, and invited Sir Francis Hill, ex-mayor of Lincoln to be associated with the Hall. At one formal dinner an inquisitive foreign gentleman from Lincoln surprised the prestigious mayor with the comment, "Sir Francis, I am told you have a finger in every tart in Lincoln!" We are not sure to this day what the exact reply was. Don also spoke about the annual Lincoln Hall fire drill ‘stage show’ that takes place on a cold, wet, Tuesday morning in late October. When he asked why the turn-out was so low, the official reply was "the students were busy writing their essays." However, there was on some occasions a huge round of applause for the odd female that turned out, who had evidently finished ‘writing her essay’. The concluding speech came from Joanne Wright who remarked about Don’s entertaining anecdotes and that "Lincoln girls have the best reputation." Exactly what she meant by this statement is still unclear. However, Joanne encouraged all to make a special attempt to return for the 40th anniversary dinner in 2002.
The meal was followed by several hours in the bar, a feature of the Hall not available to many of the older members during their period of residence! This provided further opportunity for the usual exchange of tales of Hall Life occurred - it continually amazes me how little some things have changed throughout the years... The time in the bar was perhaps a little less raucous than in recent years, but that didn’t prevent several renditions of ‘American Pie’ before the night was out. It was the early hours of the Sunday morning before most left the bar, and I don’t think that that was the end of the night for certain residents of F-block!
At breakfast the next morning, yes we did make it up to see the cheery faces of certain familiar members of staff, all agreed that it was a great event, and couldn’t wait for 2002 to come around! We all hope that you can join us to make it the best reunion ever.
Dr Alan Wint who was Lincoln’s Warden from 1984 to 1996 is retiring this January from part-time teaching at the University. After giving up full-time duties in 1996, he was invited to continue teaching chemical engineering, especially in the topics of loss prevention and pollution control.
When he was first appointed to a lectureship in 1964, neither of these subjects were included in the University syllabus, although both would now be considered as vitally important to a chemical engineer. Prior to taking up the post, he had worked for ICI for five years, gaining experience of the behaviour of such dangerous chemicals as chlorine, hydrogen, acetylene, ammonia and sodium. The founding Head of Department of Chemical Engineering at Nottingham, Professor Edgeworth Johnstone, asked him to include just six lectures on fires and explosions in a final-year course on the design of chemical plants and one rather shallow question was included in the exam papers in 1967. However, the subject was given a dramatic impetus in 1974 when, coinciding with the first European conference on loss prevention, the Flixborough explosion occurred on Humberside killing 28 men. Ironically and even more tragically, the Piper Alpha disaster in 1987 had 170 fatalities and took place at the same time as a conference was being held in Exeter to discuss how best to teach loss prevention within a university course of chemical engineering.
The prevention of pollution from a chemical plant first took its place in the syllabus in 1973 as the result of a request by the student members of the department’s staff-student consultative committee, a very real gain arising from these newly-formed bodies. Ten years earlier it would have been unthinkable that students’ opinions could affect material within an engineering course.
The topic rapidly gained recognition and within a few years experienced engineers and scientists were returning to the University during vacations, attending one-week courses in order to remedy deficiencies in their knowledge.
In 1981, with his Nottingham colleague J K Walters, Dr Wint published two volumes of "Industrial Pollution Control," based on the material presented in this series of short courses.
In his opinion the requirements of lecturing have changed little in 38 years. Even though at first sight the role has changed from "chalk and talk," with a big black gown to provide shelter from the worst of the chalk dust, to pre-printed notes and a variety of sophisticated projectors, the basic needs are still a loud voice and sufficient bottle to cope with potentially disruptive students. The main difference in lecturing in recent years comes from the current modular structuring of courses in which the importance of exams has declined and a high proportion of the marks comes from continuous assessment of laboratory reports and projects.
Dr Wint says he greatly enjoyed all his years of teaching, but the most memorable time for him was his stay in Lincoln Hall. He sends his very best wishes to all past members of the Hall’s staff and Common Rooms.
Perhaps this title is a little critical, but it paves the way for me to convey that while Jubilee may be a little quirky, it is also a cosmopolitan melting pot of prosperous futures. Jubilee is home to the Business School, which has earned itself "top 6" status in terms of UK university business schools.
Perhaps this is something myself and fellow students take for granted when we moan that the buses run at the wrong times, when we need to get back to main campus in a hurry, or to borrow a book over the weekend. For some people, these little hitches do present serious issues. I have to cut a business lecture short to be able to study Italian on main campus.
There is one benefit to come from tolerating the hassle of the bus journey. As a fresher last year, I came to realise that it encourages a friendship group to form between the main campus students of different halls. In addition to being course mates, we were all faced with "putting up" with the hitches of Jubilee. I have made some great friends from my course and I am convinced the "Jubilee phenomenon" has contributed to this.
"It’s so cut off and industrial around there!" The future of community spirit within Jubilee is now looking up. I walked over last week and was surprised to discover how much work had been done on the new buildings adjoining the campus. I hope these additions will make this place feel more complete, and give it the finishing touch it might be lacking.
In conclusion, I should feel privileged to be studying in the business school at Jubilee, but I can’t help but treat it as just a place of work. The towering metal gas drums that overlook it just do not even allow a comparison with the glorious greenery of our beloved main campus.
Last academic year when it was announced that a President was needed for the Junior Common Room, I knew I wanted to go for it. I had enjoyed my first year within the Hall, but like all students found it hard adjusting to the University environment and Hall life to begin with. I was immediately drawn to the idea that I could help the incoming freshers feel at home within the grounds of Lincoln quickly. On being elected I began to learn about the JCR and my role as President. Over the summer, the preparations for the arrival of new Lincolnites got underway. The Hall booklet sponsored by Walkabout Inn in Nottingham had to reach our new incoming residents before the beginning of term and Week One activities had to be organised. I was also in negotiations with Walkabout Inn on Friar Lane, Nottingham with regard to gaining full sports team sponsorship.
On 22nd September, new Lincolnites arrived to enjoy a dazzling array of Week One activities. Every night that week, Lincolnites were invited to parties in other Halls where they could meet their year in the University. Each Hall had its own party organised by the Week One Committee in collaboration with the JCR of the Hall. Friendly Lincoln Week One Representatives, who were elected last year, were on permanent call, whether it was to give help making the freshers feel incredibly welcome, giving directions, selling tickets or by lending a sympathetic ear when the loan cheque was not ready yet.
This year’s Lincolnites are maintaining the sporting tradition. Our three Football, two Netball, Rugby and Basketball teams are all fully ‘kitted’ out by Walkabout Inn. We also have various swimming competitions in the inter-mural league.
As part of our sponsorship deal with Walkabout Inn, Lincoln Hall has its socials on their premises every Wednesday. I also have the pleasure of being a Female Judge on the FHM Swimwear panel (beauty competition style), which was one thing that I did not expect to be doing as Hall President. And yes, so far, there have been humorous comments on favourite colours and world peace. These evenings are often supplemented by other numerous social activities, both on campus and in town, including the tutorial dinners organised by the SCR (Senior Common Room).
Karnival in Hall continues too. We raised £800 alone at the slave auction!! We are aiming for 3rd this year - which would be an achievement in itself. Every Saturday, we go on our weekly rag raids to a city chosen by the Karnival Committee and raise heaps of money for charities chosen. Karni is a great way for people in Hall to meet one another and to feel they can give back to the community. We have raised thousands for British Heart Foundation and various other charities so far.
To date, my job has been going well. My JCR are wonderful - very enthusiastic individuals with their primary focus in making sure that the freshers are enjoying themselves and are happy here. We have a formal in November, a ‘Bad Taste’ party at the end of October, the infamous ‘Superheroes party’ is back before Christmas and we are also trying to re-introduce the Christmas party for a Lincoln orphanage.
Although, my job requires lots of energy and organisation, I am truly finding the whole experience exhilarating. My life is made much easier by the help of CRS (Catering Residential Services), Joanne (our warden) and the SCR. This makes life much better for students in the hall and is appreciated by the student body immensely.
A final word for those of you returning to Lincoln’s 40th anniversary, the blocks now have new names. The new house names associate each old block with a Lincolnshire village or town, they are:
Aveland, Belton, Covenham, Dunton, Enderby, Fulbeck, Gainsborough, Harlaxton, Ingoldsby, Jerusalem, Kesteven, Langsworth, Maltby. Sorry to ruin your surprise, but thought it may interest you!
Look forward to meeting you all in June.
Tom Brooks has been unable to face the big bad world of work and is undertaking a PhD in Engines at Nottingham. Fortunately it is sponsored by Ford, so his income is sufficient to finance his three monthly holidays.
Paul Collins has finally graduated and is now working in IT.
Dave Ellis is fulfilling a lifetime ambition to extend his knowledge of Ford Transit body panels in Essex.
Dave Hoile is still working for Astra Zenneca and is ashamed to disclose that he is driving a Mondeo.
Dave Lynes is now preparing to become an RAF officer having successfully convinced them that having a Russian wife was good for international relations.
Matt Monahan is now taking his articles in London having spent a year at the Trent Law School.
Richard "Jub Jub" Newbould is living in London with Mark Severn and Liam "Love Rat" Rattigan and is hoping to pass his accountancy exams first time (for the first time).
Paul "Brackley" Seckington is enjoying turning down planning applications in Maidenhead. He is fully loved up with a Brackley girl, having failed to find any one suitable in Nottingham.
Jan Van Heddeghem is relishing the "superior Dutch quality of life" but he still flies over as often as possible to see his mates and girlfriend. (Not always in that order unfortunately.)
Ponniah "Bob" Vijendran is based in London and works for Accenture. He is spending everything he earns, which is quite a feat.
Ben Scott is living in Long Eaton and works as an Engineer for WS Atkins. He refs rugby and is happy to say that he has improved since his formative years at Lincoln. James Warburton still thinks that he can play cricket and is training to become an accountant in Newcastle.
Rob Whalley is almost finished drinking his way round the world. His mass is now stable having gained two stone in the first 4 months.
David "Raver" Withnall now living in Cardiff and working for L’Oreal (because he’s worth it).
Nick Wooley is working in IT on the Natwest Royal Bank of Scotland systems integration project.
On the retirement of her husband Peter, Mrs Mary Carlton and he have moved house from Beeston to near Dartmouth in Devon. She was Lincoln Hall’s longest-serving member of staff, having worked in the dinning hall from 1967 to 1996. She would make the journey from Beeston by bicycle, in all weathers, was never late and any absences from illness were very rare indeed. All former members of the Hall will wish Mr and Mrs Carlton a long and happy retirement together.
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Created: 20 June 2002
Last Revised: 20 June 2002