Kent Law School is looking for staff and students to act as jury members in its upcoming mock trials.

A total 40 jurors are needed – so now’s your chance to get involved if you’re frustrated at never being called officially for jury service!

The only time commitment is to attend one of the trials on 13, 15 or 22 March (17.00-20.00), sit and watch and come to a decision.

Employability points will be available to students taking part.

Register your interest now by emailing Darren Weir in Kent Law School: d.weir@kent.ac.uk
Nearer the time, he will send out specific date requests.

We are excited to announce a new trial cycle hire scheme at Medway campus. The University is working in partnership with Rent & Ride (R&R), which is an affordable dockless bicycle hire scheme.

When is the R&R cycle hire scheme launching?
The cycle hire scheme is launching Monday 14 January.

How does it work?
Download the R&R app. When you log in, the app will show the nearest five bikes to your location. When you reach the bike you want to ride, unlock the bike by scanning the QR code on the lock and start your ride. When you are finished, park and lock the bike in a suitable bike parking location and tap ‘Finish trip’ on the app.

How much does it cost?
A subscription is available for University of Kent students and staff. Student subscription is only £25 per year or £10 per term. For staff, the subscription is £50 per year or £20 per term. The annual subscription allows you to use the bike for 30 minutes free every day. After the free minutes, 50p will be charged for every 30 minutes up to a maximum of £5 per 24 hour period.

Users without a subscription can pay 80p per half hour, followed by £1 for every half hour capped at £10 per 24 hour period.

How can I find out more?
R&R will be demonstrating the bicycles and the app at the Student Hub 12:00-14:00 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday next week (14 January onwards).  They may also demonstrate the bikes at other locations on campus.

For more information visit https://www.rentandride.org/

Colleagues from across Kent Hospitality showed up in force on 14 December in their Christmas jumpers to raise money for charity.

This is the fourth year Kent Hospitality has taken part in Christmas Jumper day, and this year the teams involved helped to raise £131.47 for Save the Children.

Well done to everyone who took part.

It is with the greatest regret that we learnt of the death of Dr Lewis Ryder, former member of staff in the School of Physical Science, on 17 December.

Lewis joined the University of Kent at Canterbury in 1967 as one of the first cohort of Physics staff and, despite retiring in 1997, he continued to play a key role in the School and the University until very recently, including frequently playing the organ for University degree ceremonies in Canterbury Cathedral. He will be remembered with great affection by his colleagues and many former students.

The funeral service for Lewis will be in the Crypt of Canterbury Cathedral at 11.00 on  Monday 14 January, with a reception in the Cathedral Lodge to follow at 12.00. His family have kindly said that all are welcome to attend.

Lewis pursued his entire career at the University, designed much of the Modern Physics aspects was the author of three books on ‘Elementary Particles and Symmetries’; ‘Quantum Field Theory’ and an ‘Introduction to General Relativity’. These texts became classics in the field and were used by literally thousands of students over many decades (all are available on Amazon!).

He was also a very gifted musician, becoming an Associate of the Royal College of Organists and a Deputy Organist at Canterbury Cathedral.

Many people resolve to reduce their alcohol intake after the excesses of Christmas and New Year. Many also take part in Dry January and give up booze for 31 days. So, here are some tips to help keep your units down…

• Talk to someone – If you talk about your goal of drinking less with a trusted friend, or even through social media, you’ll increase your chances of becoming successful at cutting down.
• Don’t drink on an empty stomach – If you drink on an empty stomach, the alcohol will be absorbed faster, and cold drinks will accelerate this. Alcohol can affect the parts of the brain associated with impulse control and decision-making – too much alcohol and we make bad decisions and that can include drinking a lot more than we planned to.
• Alternate a non-alcoholic drink with an alcoholic one – Having non-alcoholic drinks in-between could reduce your alcohol consumption by half and help to hydrate you in the process.
• Beware of rounds – Drinking in rounds can be expensive, dangerous (if it means keeping pace with the fastest drinker in your group), and a nightmare (if you’re trying to cut down on alcohol). Stay in control, and save cash, by opting for smaller rounds with only a couple of friends within your group or giving rounds a miss.
• Eat up – A healthy meal before you go out, and snacks between drinks, can help to slow down the absorption of alcohol and help you stay in control. With less alcohol inside you, you’re also less likely to be tempted by late-night fast food!
• Small or lower strength is better – Make your units go further by having bottles of beer or halves instead of pints, and choosing a smaller glass for your wine. Buying spritzers will also help keep the unit count down and try switching to lower strength drinks.

The University of Kent Wellbeing Zone is a free tool to help you learn more about all aspects of wellbeing and you can use it to better manage your own health and wellbeing.

Logon today at www.kent.wellbeingzone.co.uk
Or create an account by clicking ‘Register’ and using the following organisation Code : KENT1