Author Archives: Annabel Chislett

Tackling the stigma of poverty: ThinkNation comes to Gulbenkian Theatre

On 8 December, as part of Project Twist-It, we invite you to join young people when they present, live on stage, their ideas and stories on how we can tell a new story about poverty to improve public understanding and take away the stigma.

Hosted by Billie JD Porter (BBC, Channel 4) ThinkNation: Project Twist-It LIVE will kick off with a special screening of ThinkNation’s Project Twist-It film. Focusing on young people from across the UK, the film sees them share stories and insights on poverty, highlighting their ideas on how we can all change the narrative.

During the day, young people from diverse backgrounds will workshop their talks and stories with mentors from the world of tech, arts, public sector, business and academia before presenting to the audience, LIVE ON STAGE, that evening.

We’re delighted to have a very special acoustic performance of She Drew The Gun‘s song, Poem, which features in the film.

The song will be performed live by She Drew the Gun lead singer, Louisa Roach at the event.

University Carol Service 10 Dec: Free Student Tickets

Student Tickets for the University Christmas Carol Service in Canterbury Cathedral (which takes place at 20.00 on Mon 10 Dec) will be available at the Grimond Foyer at 12.45 on Monday 3 Dec; and 17.45 on Tues 4 Dec. To be sure of getting your tickets (one per Student ID presented) please arrive early and be prepared to join a queue. The Carol Service will feature performances by the University Chamber Choir and student Gospel Music singers. There will be an appeal for Porchlight, a charity supporting homeless people in East Kent.

Click here for more information and how to gain your ticket.

Wheelchair access and Sign Language (BSL) interpretation will be available at the event, reflecting the values of Disability History Month (but please notify us of any requirements). Students with disabilities should apply direct to the University Chaplaincy for tickets and advice about access and seating.

Tickets on sale for the University of Kent Players Radio Play

The University of Kent Players are proud to present a live recording of The Scarlet Pimpernel, a staged radio play set during the French Revolution.

Following the success of their first staged radio play, the Players will be taking the most elusive of characters, The Scarlet Pimpernel, to France and back (and back again) on Friday 30 November/Saturday 1 December 2018.

During the French Revolution, a mysterious English nobleman known only as The Scarlet Pimpernel, snatches French aristocrats from the jaws of the guillotine. Armed with only his wits and his cunning, he recklessly defies the French revolutionaries while being hunted by ruthless French agent Chauvelin.

Radio dramas were once the most popular form of entertainment and were usually broadcast as live performances. This performance recreates the entire experience – from actors performing to a foley team creating sound effects such as daring horse riding and swashbuckling fights.

“They seek him here, they seek him there, those Frenchies seek him everywhere…..”

Buy tickets

Tickets cost £6.50 (£6.00 for concession) and are available online.

University Carol Service on 10 December

Staff requests for tickets to the University Carol Service in Canterbury Cathedral are now invited. The evening will feature performances the University Chamber Choir and student Gospel Music singers. There will be an appeal for Porchlight, a charity supporting homeless people in East Kent.

Please email your requests to s.c.e.laird@kent.ac.uk between Weds 21 and Fri 30 Nov, and see  our webpage for detailed information.

Wheelchair access and Sign Language (BSL) interpretation will be available at the event, reflecting the values of Disability History Month (but please notify us of any requirements).

Kent Bunny’s Reverse Advent Calendar

Kent Bunny Needs YOU!

Kent Bunny is helping those in need this Christmas by donating to Canterbury Food Bank. Can you help bunny by donating an item or two by Friday 14 December into his warren (Development Office, Rutherford Annexe) ?

Items needed are:

Breakfast cereal
Whole milk (long life and semi skimmed)
Pasta (tinned)
Ham (tinned)
Carrots/Peas (tinned)
Corned beef (tinned)
Tuna/Fish (tinned)
Fruit (tinned)
Sponge pudding (tinned)
Custard (tinned or carton)
Smash instant potato or tinned
Tomatoes (tinned)
Disposable nappies/wipes
Baby food Cat/Dog food
Gents deodorant
Washing powder and household cleaning items
Washing up liquid
Shaving foam
Multi-purpose cleaning spray
Loo cleaner
Cleaning cloths
Kitchen roll
Toilet roll
Sanitary items
Toiletries
Tea bags
Coffee (small jar)
Fruit juice (long life) Fruit squash
Soup (tinned)
Cup-A-Soups Dried rice (500g)
Dried pasta (500g)
Pasta sauce
Baked beans (tinned)
Rice pudding (tinned)
Pies (tinned)
Jam
Biscuits, plus individually wrapped biscuits
High factor sun screen

For more information on how to help, please email kentbunny@kent.ac.uk to find out more. Alternatively, please see posters around campus outlining what is needed this year!

Getting ready for Winter Vacation

Already excited about the upcoming winter break? Here is everything you need to know about moving out of campus accommodation:

  • If you live in Becket Court or Keynes College Bed and Bistro (blocks F, G, H and I), you will need to leave your room and return keys to your college reception by 10am on Saturday 15 December. You can return from Saturday 12 January 2019.
  • If you live in Eliot or Rutherford College, you will need to leave your room and return keys to your college reception by 10am on Friday 21 December. You can return from Wednesday 2 January 2019.
  • If you live in self-catering campus accommodation you do not need to move out over the winter vacation. Just remember that the University closes over Christmas so services will be limited.
  • The University is closed from Friday 21 December – Wednesday 2 January 2019. Term starts on Monday 14 January 2019.
  • If you need accommodation over the vacation period on campus please contact the Accommodation Office as soon as possible.

Housekeeping’s top tips for moving out of campus accommodation:

  • You can leave belongings in your rooms, but be sure not to leave anything behind you may need as there will be no access to part-catered rooms during the break.
  • Remove all rubbish and perishable food from your room and kitchen.
  • Turn off all electronics and lights (except the fridge!)
  • Check all your doors are locked and windows are closed before you leave (although if you have a window vent you can leave this open).
  • If staying on campus, you can report any defects in your room over the closure period online, however if a fault requires urgent attention, please contact Campus Security on ext 3300.

Happy Holidays!

Professor Werner Eck on ‘The Lost Augustan Province of Germany’

Professor Werner Eck, one of the lead archaeologists of our time, recently visited the School of European Culture and Languages and gave a talk entitled ‘Beyond the Rhine: The Lost Augustan Province of Germany’, in association with the Department of Classical and Archaeological studies.

In this wide-ranging lecture on the lost Augustan province of Germany, he reviewed the original intentions of Augustus in stabilising the Empire’s northern frontier, drawing on texts, epigraphy, and the latest archaeological evidence, to free us from the hindsight of Roman historians, who wished to cover up what became Rome’s greatest failure. This story, of Herman the German (Arminius), and the rise of ‘Free Germany’ has long played a key role in the German national myth.

Just one example of the range of opportunities provided by the School of European Culture & Languages for students to interact with and learn from experts in their field of study, this lecture was a result of the Department of Classical & Archaeological Studies’ dynamic outreach programme. A full recording of the lecture is available online.

The Department of Classical & Archaeological Studies offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including MA programmes that include a term at Kent’s Rome School of Classical and Renaissance Studies as well as an 18-month programme at our centre in Athens. Find out more at www.kent.ac.uk/courses.

Learning & Teaching Network session – Autism Awareness

Colleagues are invited to attend the Learning & Teaching Network session taking place on Wednesday 28 November, from 13.15-14.30 in Cornwallis North West Seminar Room 6.

Presented by Tom Sharp, Disability Team Manager, Student Support, the session on ‘Autism Awareness’ is a chance to discuss the many faces of autism: we know that some members of the University community have a positive diagnosis of autism, and we recognise that autistic people can be successful in academic contexts.  We recognise also that autistic people can struggle to assert themselves alongside perceived norms, or within institutional mechanisms.  (Hopefully) you will bring your own experiences to the discussion.

To confirm your attendance please complete the online booking form.

Watch the Rochester and Canterbury graduation ceremonies live on YouTube

This year you can watch the Rochester and Canterbury November graduation ceremonies live on YouTube. Tune in on…

Rochester – 21 November

10.30  https://youtu.be/mNY0oS_Ud5M
14.30  https://youtu.be/OCqmAj1py80

Canterbury – 23 November

10.30  https://youtu.be/UAvmeP1iRUs
14.30  https://youtu.be/lgM9kId4qI0
19.30  https://youtu.be/Hz6c56IWayY

To find out which schools are graduating in each ceremony, please visit: www.kent.ac.uk/graduation-dates

Disability History Month 2018

In Student Support & Wellbeing we’ve been working on an exciting line up of events to mark Disability History Month (22 November to 22 December) at the University of Kent, which this year has a theme of Disability & Music. Activities include art exhibitions, musical performances, talks, film screenings, and workshops – all free to attend for all, including non students!

  • View www.kent.ac.uk/dhm for the full programme of events in Canterbury & Medway
  • For more info follow @UniKentSSW on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook #UKDHM2018.

Canterbury highlights include:

Coffee Morning for the Day of Action Against Disability Discrimination in Education
Wednesday 21 November: 11.00-13.00 in Keynes Teaching Foyer (upstairs above bar).
VIEW FACEBOOK EVENT

Challenging Ableism Forum
Thursday 22nd November: 17.00 for drinks reception in Grimond Foyer; 18.00-19.30 for Forum discussion in Grimond Seminar Room 1.
VIEW FACEBOOK EVENT

An introduction to British Sign Language and Deaf Awareness
Thursday 29 November & Thursday 6 December: 13.10-14.00 in Keynes Seminar Room 6
VIEW FACEBOOK EVENT

Politics & Disability panel discussion: What issues are affecting disabled students?
Tuesday 4 December: 18.00-19.30 in Templeman Lecture Theatre
VIEW FACEBOOK EVENT

Johnny Crescendo “Tragic But Brave” Show
A rare live performance by Disability Legend singer songwriter and activist Johnny Crescendo along with Comedienne Wanda Barbara and singer-songwriter Dennis Queen.
Thursday 6 December: 17.30-18.45 in Gulbenkian Café
FREE – BOOK HERE via Gulbenkian Box Office

Medway highlights include:

‘Mr Holland’s Opus’ film screening
Monday 26 November: 18.00 in Jellicoe Building, Room 106.
VIEW FACEBOOK EVENT HERE

Medway Carols on campus with participation of The Music Man Project
Tuesday 4 December: 17.30 – 18.30 in St Georges Centre (festive refreshments available beforehand)
https://themusicmanproject.com/

Tactile Ensemble
Thursday 6 December: 18.00 workshop and 19.30 performance at Galvanising Shop Performance Space (café open for refreshments)
https://www.jackiewalduck.com/tactile