News
Polish Ambassador visits University
The University was delighted to welcome His Excellency, Dr
Stanislaw Komorowski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, to the
University recently to deliver a lecture. An audience of more than 100
listened to the Ambassador's lively and illuminating talk entitled 'Poland
- Partner in Europe' which was sponsored by the Jean Monnet European
Centre of Excellence and the Pan-European Institute.
The Ambassador during the reception where he was able to speak
to students
Professor Emil Kirchner, Chair of the Jean Monnet European Centre gives
this report in the Ambassador's visit: 'The Ambassador covered a wide
range of issues on Polish-European Union relations and paid tribute to the
early pioneers of the European construction process. With particular
reference to the role of Jean Monnet, he was pleased to note the
association of Jean Monnet's name with the European Centre at Essex.
'The Ambassador reminded the audience of Poland's long standing
struggle for independence. He went on to stress that in spite of this
fiercely held autonomy, Poland would have joined the efforts of the
European Union (EU) founding fathers in the 1950s, had the Communist
Regime permitted. Neither will this independent status deter Poland from
playing a full part in the future of the EU. This according to the
Ambassador included full support and commitment to the Euro.
'In addition to Poland's interest in genuine partnership with the EU,
the Ambassador highlighted the importance of relations with countries to
the east of Poland. He saw Poland as representing an important
"bridge" between the EU and countries like the Ukraine and
Russia.
'After his interesting talk, the Ambassador answered questions relating
to the state of readiness of Polish accession to the EU, Polish security,
and the likely timetable of EU enlargement. The ensuing reception gave the
Ambassador an opportunity to exchange views with some of the attending
dignitaries including County Councillors and the two mayors of Colchester
and Wivenhoe. He was also pleased to meet members of the Anglo-Polish
Society who had travelled from Braintree especially for this event. The
Ambassador's visit was rounded off with a dinner at Wivenhoe House.'
The visit of the Polish Ambassador was the latest in a string of
well-known European personalities who have come to the University,
including Commissioner Padraig Flynn, MP Kenneth Clark and the German
Ambassador, Dr Hans-Friedrich von Ploetz.
Around Essex
Alan Titchmarsh - New Patron of Writtle College
The country's best loved TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh has
been announced as the new Patron of Writtle College in Chelmsford, a
position he will hold for the next three years.
Alan's formal contacts with Writtle College began in 1999, when the
College presented him with an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his
services to horticulture. Since then he has supported several College
events including this year's horticultural graduation ceremony.
Alan Titchmarsh trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and became a
horticultural journalist. He has written over 30 books on gardening, and
has twice been named 'Gardening Writer of the Year'. However, he is best
known for his work on radio and TV, in particular the hugely popular Ground
Force.
Writtle College student comes 'top of the class' in national
examination
Writtle College student Joanna Haxby out performed
horticultural students from across the country to win the Chittenden
Memorial Prize, which is awarded to the student who receives the highest
mark in the Royal Horticultural Society Diploma in Horticulture
examination. This tremendous achievement will be recognised at an awards
ceremony in London this month, when Jo will also receive a number of books
to the value of £150.
Ivor Benveniste tournament
The Ivor Benveniste outdoor 5-a-side tournament was held
on Sunday 18th November. The tournament is held each year to honour the
memory of Ivor Benveniste, a popular former student and member of staff
who tragically died while playing football in 1988. The number of teams
entered was slightly disappointing this year, however the seven teams
involved did the tournament justice. The ethos of the tournament has
always been fair play, and the Gingernuts certainly epitomised this in
their approach to the tournament. The competition was run in a league
format, and it was the final match that was to decide the winners, with
Phat FC depriving the Allstars of a third successive victory in this
tournament by a mere 2 points. Thank you to all the teams who entered, and
for the all round spirit in which the tournament was played.
Dan Tilley
Also in the printed December edition of
Wyvern:
