News

Bullseye takes photo prize

Latin American Studies student Alice Collins has become the third Year Abroad student to win an annual photography competition with her picture of a Venezuelan bull contest.

Alice's photo, entitled Bullseye, was taken during her year in Venezuela where she studied at La Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida. It captures the moment a horse rider reaches out to take hold of the tail of a charging bull during a frantic contest which involves chasing, grabbing and attempting to flip a bull.

Runner up in the Area Study Abroad Photography competition was Martyn Peters. The US Studies student created his picture, entitled A New York State of Mind, using Photoshop. The montage puts together random images: the photographer himself, King Kong, Mickey Mouse, the Flat Iron Building.

This year's competition was judged by Area Directors Dr Andrew Canessa, Dr Jeff Geiger, and Alistair McAuley. The two prize-winning photos can be viewed in the Areas/History of Art Common Room (6.106A).

A New York State of Mind by Martyn Peters

Award for Staff Development

The University has won a merit award for Staff Training and Development at the Colchester and District Business Awards organised by the Evening Gazette newspaper.

In the large employer section, the University was one of four finalists, alongside Debenhams, Asda and the Woolwich.

Although Debenhams were declared the winners, the judges were so impressed with the staff development at Essex that they presented the University with a special merit award, the only one awarded.

Staff Development Officer Mandy Anslow submitted the University's entry, she explained: 'Serena Yeo and I went to the presentation dinner at Charter Hall and were very pleased to receive this award. We have won a really nice rosewood plaque, which will be put up in our training room, and a magnum of champagne.'

Vice-Chancellor Professor Ivor Crewe said: 'This award is a real credit to the Staff Development team, and it is excellent publicity for the University as a good and progressive employer. I am delighted and impressed - and appreciate all the work behind the gaining of the award.'

Law firm links with Human Rights students

Masters degree students from the University's Human Rights Centre are to gain valuable experience by carrying out background research for a leading Colchester law firm.

The students will work with the civil rights department at Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP.

Professor Kevin Boyle from the Human Rights Centre said: 'This is a great opportunity for our students to get some hands-on experience of human rights cases.'

Fisher Jones Greenwood partner Tony Fisher, a member of the Law Society International Human Rights Committee, said: 'We are very pleased to welcome the students aboard and are positive the relationship will be beneficial both to them and to us.'

Tony Fisher, centre, with members of the FJG civil rights team and students from the Human Rights Centre

Mr Fisher has been working with the Human Rights Centre for many years. He has worked on cases involving alleged violations against Kurds in South East Turkey and recently helped secure £500,000 damages for Turkish villagers who were attacked by Government troops.

Also in the printed January edition of Wyvern:

• Ten years of the Time Team
• Laboratory to study impact of phone masts
• Queen's nomination for newspaper volunteers
• Political theory in the spotlight