People

Nightliners welcome back Hosking

Nightline celebrated its 40th anniversary by welcoming back one of its founders Professor Geoffrey Hosking.

Professor Hosking, one of the UK’s most respected experts on Russian History, taught at the University of Essex between 1966 and 1984 and supported students to set up the confidential listening service.

He returned to the Colchester campus with wife Anne to attend a special reception at the University Gallery and take part in a discussion on the work of Nightline with current training officer Nikki Ashfield at the Lakeside Theatre.

During the discussion he pointed out Nightline had particular significance for him as he had met Anne when they were both amongst the first volunteers back in 1970.

The event was attended by current and previous Nightline volunteers and representatives from the Colchester branch of The Samaritans - which supported the establishment of the original service.

Mr Hosking said: ‘We valued the chance to meet the members of the current executive and everyone else connected with Nightline, and it was extraordinary to see the current centre and even the log book in which we made our original entries 40 years ago!’

Professor of Poetry

Internationally -cclaimed poet Derek Walcott has visited the University for the first time in his new role as Professor of Poetry.

The Caribbean poet, playwright, essayist and visual artist, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1992, flew in from St Lucia to take part in a series of events hosted by the Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies (LiFTS).

This included special workshops with students and a public event at the Lakeside Theatre where he read his work to a captivated audience and discussed his life, experiences and influences with Professor Marina Warner and Dr Maria Cristina Fumagalli from LiFTS.

The students who took part in his workshops were thrilled to be able to work with and be challenged by one of the world’s most respected and celebrated writers.
Matthew Kroll said: ‘I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to study with Professor Walcott. I learned a great deal from the knowledge he imparted, but I will gain even more from the inspiration his passion and enthusiasm for poetry has given me.’
 
Italian student Jessica Kovacic, who completed a thesis on Walcott under the supervision of Dr Fumagalli, said: ‘It was a fabulous experience, unrepeatable.
 
‘It was really emotional to hear him speak and find out his feelings about different poets.
 
“He feels so much - every word he says is in tension and quivers with poetic richness and passion.’
 
Pete Fitzgerald said: ‘It was a privilege and an honour to be taught by Professor Walcott.’
 
During Professor Walcott’s two week stay in Essex a number of events were held in his honour including the premiere of Jamaica for Sale attended by director Esther Figueroa and a performance of Sound Journey by artist-in-residence Adriano Adewale.
 
Professor Walcott said at the end of his visit: 'It was a wonderful experience. I really enjoyed teaching the students and I was welcomed very warmly by my hosts who made sure I had a very pleasant time here.'

Also in the printed June edition of Wyvern:

• Troubled adults focus of new degree
• Improving lives of vulnerable people