Lampeter Life

Issue 1

Lampeter

Life

www.uwtsd.ac.uk

University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 1

Contents

4 12

Lord Elystan-Morgan Academy of Sinology
receives Honorary Doctorate opens its doors

6 13

Five New Professors Exploring the Materiality
of Practice Appointed of Foodstuffs

8 14

Harmony Conference Medieval New Year

9 15

Cliff Tucker Chinese New Year
Memorial Lecture

10 16

Student Article published Ceredigion’s Legends
in ‘Anthropology Now’ of the West app

2 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life

Welcome

Welcome to the first edition of ‘Lampeter undergraduates at the University has the past few months and in this edition
Life’. The University has had another improved in two consecutive years to 85% we look at some of the highlights during
successful year as we continue to move from 79% two years ago. This improvement graduation, the opening of the University’s
up in all the major league tables. The has seen UWTSD climb 44 places in the UK Academy of Sinology as well as a visit to the
recent Times and The Sunday Times Good Universities NSS table. This is testament to campus by BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards
University Guide 2018 showed that the the hard work and quality of academic staff who was guest lecturer at this year’s Cliff
University has been ranked 16th overall we have at the University. Tucker Memorial Lecture.
in the UK for ‘Teaching Quality’ and third
in Wales. These results come swiftly after We’ve just welcomed a new cohort of Finally, we’d like to thank you for your
the University was recently awarded its students to the Lampeter campus and we continued support as we look forward to
highest ever Student Satisfaction score look forward to another busy academic another exciting year for the University.
in the National Student Survey 2017 year. ‘Lampeter Life’ gives you a taste of
(NSS). Satisfaction amongst final year what has been happening on campus over

University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 3

4 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life

Lord Elystan-Morgan
receives Honorary Doctorate

During the graduation ceremonies on Morgan of Aberteifi in the County of as a politician, lawyer and a judge. On
the Lampeter campus Lord Elystan- Dyfed. He held the office of Recorder receiving his Honorary Doctorate, Lord
Morgan was awarded an Honorary between 1983 and 1987 and the office of Elystan-Morgan said:
Doctorate from the University. Circuit Judge between 1987 and 2003.
“The gratitude I feel towards the
Born in North Ceredigion, Lord Elystan Presenting the award to Lord Elystan- University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Morgan was educated at Ardwyn Morgan was UWTSD Associate Pro-Vice is concurrently a mixture of humility
Grammar School, Aberystwyth and the Chancellor Gwilym Dyfri Jones. He said: and indeed of wonderment. You
University College of Wales, Aberystwyth have honoured me far, far beyond any
before training to become a solicitor. “It is my very great privilege to present possible expectation that I had.
In his early political career he was a Lord Elystan-Morgan, the former
Plaid Cymru candidate but later joined Cardiganshire MP and High Court May I also congratulate all of you
the Labour Party before being elected Judge and one of Wales’ greatest living that have received your degrees and
Member of Parliament for Cardiganshire statesmen, for admission to the degree various other qualifications. You have
at the 1966 general election. of Doctor of Literature. Lord Elystan- achieved a great deal and I salute your
Morgan is a statesman of stature and achievements most sincerely. You are
He served as a junior minister in the brilliance who served Wales with great members of a distinguished school
Labour Government as Under-Secretary distinction for over fifty years. of learning that had its origins 195
at the Home Office from 1968 to 1970. years ago. It was founded as a religious
He was also chairman of the Welsh An unassuming, kindly and institution but over a period of time it
Parliamentary Labour Party between unprententious gentleman, he has been has served Wales and Great Britain with
1971 and 1974. Having left politics, Lord instrumental in the emergence of a honourable distinction and credit. The
Elystan Morgan concentrated on his legal confident, successful and self-believing efforts you have made are indeed part
career. He was admitted to Gray’s Inn in nation, in shaping the identity of a of the supreme pioneering spirit of this
1971, entitling him to practise as mature, culturally-vibrant, and forward- University and it shows the willingness of
a barrister. looking Wales.” many generations to sacrifice everything
in the name of higher education. You are
Lord Elystan Morgan was made a Life Lord Elystan-Morgan’s contribution to life now part of that rich heritage.”
peer in 1981 with the title Baron Elystan- in Wales and beyond has been immense

“An unassuming, kindly and
unprententious gentleman, he has
been instrumental in the emergence
of a confident, successful and self-
believing nation, in shaping the
identity of a mature, culturally-vibrant,
and forward-looking Wales.”

Gwilym Dyfri Jones, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor

University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 5

Five new Professors
of Practice appointed

The title of ‘Professor of Practice’ is
bestowed upon an individual to honour
and recognise that person for having
attained academic and/or professional
distinction in those disciplines which are
aligned with the strategic intentions of
the university.

The five individuals who were honoured
by the University are Professor Jianjun Bu;
John Darlington; Alan Ereira; Saleem Asghar
Kidwai and The Revered Dr Jeremy Duff.

Professor Jianjun Bu is the Director of
UWTSD’s Teaching Centre at Renmin
University of China and has almost 22 years
of experience working in higher education.
With an excellent reputation for research,
teaching and international education,
Professor Bu has led the HND centre of
Renmin University since 2003.

Having undertaken a PhD in Management in June 2015 from the National Trust where of the Somme), then for 15 years with BBC
International Cooperation, Professor Bu went he was Regional Director, North West of TV, winning many awards including the
on to become Vice President of the School England. In this position John championed Royal Television Society’s Best Documentary
of Talent Training at the Information Centre a diverse portfolio of high profile projects Series (Armada) and creating the series that
for Social Sciences at Renmin University of at places ranging from mansions such launched the History Channel (Crusades).
China before being appointed Director and as Dunham Massey, Lyme Park and Little He then became a successful independent
Assistant Dean of the School of Training and Moreton Hall, to the mountains and producer, working closely with ex-Python
Education. He took up his current role as countryside of the Lake District. He is also a Terry Jones.
Deputy Dean of the School of Training and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries as well
Education in 2013. as a Member of the Chartered Institute for In 1990 he encountered the Kogi, a
Archaeologists and frequently writes for The remarkable indigenous community in
Professor Jianjun Bu, holds a number of Art Newspaper. Colombia with whom he has made two
other positions including Deputy Director of films regarded as seminal. His account of the
the Central Education Committee of Chinese More recently Mr Darlington has enjoyed Kogi, From the Heart of the World, won the
Peasants And Workers Democratic Party; contributing towards Oxford University’s Green Book Award. He founded the Tairona
Expert Group Leader of HND program Department of Continuing Education, Heritage Trust to help the Kogi preserve
CSCSE China Ministry of Education, and mentoring post-graduate students from and convey their culture. He has written a
a Member of the Standing Committee of London City University and coordinating number of works on historical topics, most
Beijing Haidian District People’s Political a regular series of lectures at the Royal recently the Nine Lives of John Ogilby. He
Consultative Conference. Geographical Society on an historical theme. is currently working on a cultural history of
The latter has brought speakers from Syria, gold, for publication in 2019.
John Darlington is the Executive Director Antarctica and Egypt to a UK audience on
for World Monuments Fund Britain (WMFB), topics as diverse as the Oxyrhynchus scrolls, Mr Saleem Asghar Kidwai, OBE is the Co-
a UK charity that champions and breathes the preservation of huts of the heroic era Founder and Chief Executive of EBSP Ltd,
new life into extraordinary buildings in of polar exploration and reported on most Leadership, Equality and Diversity Training
Britain and across the globe. WMFB is the recent events in Syria. He is also a special Centre. He is also the Co-Founder and
largest affiliate of World Monuments Fund, contributor to the British Museum’s Iraq Chairman of Islamic Banking and Finance
based in New York, the leading independent Training Scheme, helping to teach Iraqi Centre UK and serves as Independent
organisation for the protection of cultural conservation professionals about the UK’s Director at Cardiff and Vale University Health
heritage. Mr Darlington has a professional approach to heritage management. Board. Mr Kidwai is a Member of Board of
background in heritage, scholarship and Governors, Cardiff Metropolitan University
environmental management and the Alan Ereira is an award-winning writer and a Wales Committee Member of Equality
charity’s current projects include Stowe and producer-director who specialises & Human Rights Commission Wales. He is
House, St Paul’s and Coventry Cathedrals, particularly in history and archaeology. also a Director of Groundwork Wales and
Newstead Abbey, Charlton House, Strata He worked for 15 years with BBC Radio, Chair its Finance Committee as well as a
Florida and initiatives in Zanzibar and being awarded the global Japan Prize for the member of Glas Cymru.
Jordan. John Darlington joined WMFB in best educational radio programme (Battle

6 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life

Mr Kidwau is a trustee of South Wales Dr Duff was born and brought up in Dr Duff is a biblical scholar, publishing and
Islamic Educational Trust; Secretary General Liverpool. At eighteen he became an officer teaching in the area of New Testament and
at the Muslim Council of Wales; a trustee in the Royal Engineers, serving overseas Greek, and has a nationally recognised
of the Muslim Council of Wales Charitable with the British Army and United Nations, expertise in the formation of priests and
Foundation; Chair of the Executive and then went up to Cambridge where he other ministers. However, his real passion
Committee of the Islamic Social Services received a First in Mathematics and a First is in the power of the Bible to transform
Association-Wales; Chair of the Executive with Distinction in Theology and Religious individuals and communities when taken
Committee of the New Leaf- Rehabilitation Studies. Doctoral research in New Testament away from elite interpreters and put in the
of Ex-Offenders, and Vice President of the and Christian Origins then followed at hands of people in their own language, as
Welsh Scouts Council. Jesus College and The Queen’s College, was done first in Wales by William Morgan in
Oxford and then a research fellowship at St 1588 – who himself has been the priest at St
The Revered Dr Jeremy Duff is the Principal Cross College and tutorial appointments at Padarn’s church near Aberystwyth.
of the St Padarn’s Institute, established Worcester College and Wycliffe Hall. In 2004
in 2016 to provide education, training, he moved back to Liverpool becoming the “I’m delighted to appoint such eminent
formation and professional development Director of Lifelong Learning in the Anglican individuals as Professors of Practice at the
for the Church in Wales. St Padarn’s brings Diocese, and Dwelly-Raven Canon at University,” said UWTSD’s Vice-Chancellor
together many strands from across Wales, Liverpool Cathedral. Then in 2010 he moved Professor Medwin Hughes, DL.
including a significant partnership with ‘to the coal face’ becoming vicar of a highly
UWTSD. This continues a long tradition of deprived part of Widnes, near Liverpool, “They join a number of exceptional
partnership between the Church in Wales where under his leadership the church saw individuals who are working with the
and the University, stretching back to the significant growth, particularly though university to bring their unique and
origins of the Lampeter Campus as St David’s partnerships focused on recovery from professional expertise to benefit our
College which was founded by Bishop addictions, domestic violence, in further students. The role of Professors of Practice
Thomas Burgess in 1822 to prepare priests education and the town’s nightlife. is relatively new to the University and
for the Church in Wales. allows us to work with partners with
specific expertise related to our strategic
“I’m delighted to appoint such eminent aims who sometimes do not come through
individuals as Professors of Practice at the traditional academic route. Through
the University.” their involvement in our provision we can
enhance the access to a range of defined
Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, Vice-Chancellor UWTSD skills to support academic delivery and build
upon our rapidly improving reputation for
delivering graduate skills in the context
of employability, sustainability and work-
related education and training.”

University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 7

Harmony Conference

The University of Wales Trinity Saint
David hosted its second annual public
Harmony conference at the Lampeter
campus this year.

Entitled “What is the Relationship Between
Harmony and Sustainability?” delegates
had an opportunity to hear the thoughts
of leading environmental commentators
and activists including Quaker Writer
David Cadman; John Sauven, Executive
Director of Greenpeace UK; Tony Juniper,
an independent sustainability and
environment adviser and Peter Davies
who is the former Welsh Government
Sustainable Futures Commissioner.

The four distinguished experts, who are also John Sauven, Executive Director of Greenpeace UK
UWTSD Professors of Practice, opened the
conference by giving a short statement on
the theme of Harmony before discussing
their views in a series of Question and
Answer sessions with students from
disciplines across the University, including
Philosophy, Anthropology and Business.

Dr Nicholas Campion, Director of UWTSD’s
Sophia Centre and Conference Chair said:

“The University was proud to host another John Sauven, Professor of Practice and Postgraduate student, M.A. Rashed
day in its series on Harmony with the Executive Director of Greenpeace UK was thoroughly enjoyed the conference
University’s Harmony Professors of Practice. delighted to be a part of the conference. and relished the opportunity to discuss
The University has been developing policies the different notions of Harmony in the
and teaching related to sustainability in “Part of our role is to come and give a lecture company of fellow students, staff and the
recent years – we are now interested in a couple of times a year to the students, the distinguished Professors of Practice:
developing the philosophical notion of staff and to the local community and really
Harmony within the curriculum and in to try and find ways in which the whole issue “Being able to contribute to the Harmony
connection with the wider community. around sustainable development, harmony conference of 2017 was a uniquely inspiring
“The conference was an outstanding and protection of the environment can be experience. Considering the expanding
success in terms of contacts made and ideas brought into the university and into the conflict that exists today on many levels,
shared. Bringing teaching staff and students curriculum - to give it a higher profile and societal, political, and subsequently
from across disciplines together with the also get people out of their silos. environmental, it has never been as essential
Harmony Professors was a vital step towards So the important thing we’ve been as it is today to understand the philosophical
developing philosophical perspectives doing today is talking to philosophy significance, classical and contemporary, of
which can underpin the University’s students, anthropologists, economists harmony in our everyday lives.”
sustainability agenda and develop its and so on. This is the way we need to
national and global collaborations.” go – we need everyone to start thinking “...it has never been
about these issues. as essential as it is
Students themselves also had an today to understand
opportunity to present papers on a range “It’s tremendously important that young
of Harmony themes and discussed a variety people and students in particular are the philosophical
of perspectives with the eminent Professors discussing these issues, because in a way, significance, classical
of Practice. Lecturers from a range of subject the future is theirs, the consequences of
areas also presented case Studies linked what we do today - they will definitely and contemporary,
to Harmony. feel, so it’s really important that they of harmony in our
take responsibility for this - that they feel
The event took place on the University’s empowered and have the knowledge to everyday lives.”
Lampeter campus and was organised in be able to deal with these really important
partnership with the University’s Institute issues. I think it’s been fantastic today to M.A. Rashed, Postgraduate student
of Sustainable Practice, Innovation and talk to students across all of these different
Resource Effectiveness (INSPIRE) and the disciplines and to have this debate
Sophia Centre for the study of Cosmology with them,”
in Culture.

8 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life

Cliff Tucker
Memorial Lecture

BBC broadcaster and author Huw Edwards story of the London Welsh without
was the guest speaker at this year’s Cliff understanding the story of their numerous
Tucker Memorial Lecture. chapels in the city. Since a considerable
amount of new and colourful information
The title of this year’s lecture was Ar has come to light regarding the roots of the
drywydd y ‘Ginshop’: Capeli’r Cymry yn Nonconformist causes in London, it was an
Llundain (On the trail of the Ginshop: the opportunity to explain more about their
chapels of the London Welsh). Huw Edwards importance during the lecture.”
was born in Bridgend but from the age of
four, was brought up in Llangennech, near Cliff Tucker is commemorated at the
Llanelli. He was educated at Llanelli Boys’ university through a history research
Grammar School and graduated with a degree scholarship in his name and
first-class honours degree in French from through the construction of the Cliff Tucker
University College, Cardiff, in 1983. As Lecture Theatre on the Lampeter campus.
the BBC News lead presenter for major Previous guest speakers include the former
breaking news in the United Kingdom Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan
he presents Britain’s most watched Williams, and the composer Sir Karl Jenkins.
news programme, BBC News at Ten, the
corporation’s flagship news broadcast. Dr Rhiannon Ifans from the Faculty of
Humanities & Performing Arts added:
The Memorial Lecture is named after
magistrate and politician Cliff Tucker, “The Faculty of Humanities and Performing
who was educated at St David’s College Arts were pleased to welcome the author,
Lampeter before going to work as an scholar and broadcaster Huw Edwards to
industrial executive with British Petroleum. the Lampeter campus. It was wonderful to
see the Cliff Tucker theatre full. It certainly
Huw Edwards said: “I very much enjoyed was an evening of entertainment and
my visit to the University of Wales Trinity learning, and one that will remain in the
Saint David Lampeter and I’d like to thank memory for a long time to come.”
everybody for their warm welcome. It is
impossible to understand the remarkable

University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 9

Student Article
published in
‘Anthropology Now’

Early in the year Lampeter based student “Her work illustrates the real-world value of
Lucinda Walker, originally from Salisbury, Anthropology and how the discipline can
submitted a paper to Anthropology Now be used to make the world a better place.
and was swiftly informed that the article Lucinda’s work should inspire others to both
would be published in the April edition. reflect on their contribution to the world
and to act to make a difference.
Anthropology Now is a unique, peer-
reviewed publication for research-based “From her research and work with the
articles, book, film and exhibit reviews, charity Love Zimbabwe, Lucinda is now
photo essays and commentaries. The considering the social consequences of the
Journal in particular provides opportunities commodification of light in rural Zimbabwe.
to inform readers about emerging She should be very proud of herself! I know
perspectives on important issues, and I am proud of her!”
thus contribute to public understanding
of the human condition. Lucinda is now looking forward to seeing
her work published and is working on
Lucinda’s article explores the agency of light, further papers that she’s keen to submit to
exploring complex and in-depth concepts other academic publications.
that tackle the themes of materiality and
immateriality. Lucinda’s fieldwork experience “This is really exciting,” says Lucinda. “I never
in Zimbabwe with the charity Love thought I’d have a paper published as an
Zimbabwe was the foundation for the article undergraduate. I now want to continue
in which she analyses her experience and writing. This experience – along with the
how this contributed to her research. fantastic support of my lecturers - has given
me the confidence to carry on.”
“I’ve been to Zimbabwe with the charity
Love Zimbabwe twice since starting my Lucinda who graduated from UWTSD in
course at UWTSD,” says Lucinda. “This has July has her sights firmly set on working
been a fantastic experience. I’ve taken part in International Development. In the
in voluntary work, living in villages, visiting meantime, Lucinda is continuing to work
the Domboshawa caves and building with Love Zimbabwe, taking on a role as a
keyhole gardens for water projects. charity trustee.

“After returning to University, I decided “I never thought I’d have
to focus my dissertation on light – the a paper published as an
commodification of light and its impact
on society. In the module Materialities undergraduate. I now
in Anthropology, I created sculptures want to continue writing.
out of rubbish inspired by the caves in This experience – along
Domboshawa – looking at how light
changes their form and how light can with the fantastic
make material objects immaterial. I then support of my lecturers
further explored this theme in the paper
I submitted to Anthropology Now.” - has given me the
confidence to carry on.”
The paper has been commended by
the journal’s editors with one of them Lucinda Walker, Student at UWTSD
commenting, “It is very creative…I’ve
never read anthropological work on light
and lighting before, this is a very original
direction to go!”

UWTSD Anthropology Programme Director,
Luci Attala, is extremely proud of Lucinda’s
success. “I am absolutely thrilled with
Lucinda’s achievements,” says Luci.

10 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life

University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 11

Academy of Sinology
opens its doors

to set a good example in order to build up
a culture of learning. As the positive impact
of the education of the ancient sages and
of religious education gradually become
influential in the world, all great scholarly
minds which share the same mission can
join forces in order to promote social
stability and world peace. That will be a
great blessing for the whole of humanity.”

The Chin Kung Multi-Cultural Educational
Foundation is a Hong Kong based
organisation, established by Master Chin
Kung, a Buddhist monk whose core belief
is that all religions share a common,
universal element of shared values,
toleration, compassion and a respect for
the views and beliefs of others.

The new Academy of Sinology based in Wales but looking out across the world. These values reinforce Lampeter’s long
Lampeter has opened its doors to the first “This is a major development and is one of history as a world centre for multi-faith
cohort of students this year. many which we are pursuing centred upon and multi-cultural study, and will build
the expertise and location of Lampeter. It upon the Faculty’s existing provision in
The Academy of Sinology was established will not only benefit the University but the field of Chinese Studies, the study of
in July 2016 as a joint institution between will also benefit the town and the Ancient Civilisations and home to Wales’
the Chin Kung Multicultural Educational community in Ceredigion”. first Confucius Institute.
Foundation and the University of Wales
Trinity Saint David, marking the beginning Speaking via video during the celebration, The Academy’s aim is to guide and
of a new era in the studies of ancient the Venerable Master Chin Kung praised educate its students towards a deep
Chinese culture, values and ethics. the University for its vision and celebrated understanding of the classic Chinese
its rich heritage in the teaching of texts, and the legacy of the ancient
The nine students who have recently religious education. Sages including the Sakyamuni Buddha,
embarked on their studies within the Confucius and Laozi. It uses an immersive
Academy were greeted by members of He said: “There is a sign at the entrance teaching methodology allowing the
the University along with members of the gate illustrating the history of the Lampeter students to focus their learning on one
Chin Kung Foundation in an evening of campus. It says that Saint David’s College subject until they are able to translate
thanksgiving, prayer and song. was founded by Bishop Thomas Burgess in their learning into deep understanding
Lampeter in 1822 and that it is the oldest and insight by the end of each module.
The purpose of the Academy is, through college in Wales. It was established with a There are six modules within the MA and
education, instruction and enlightenment, goal of improving the education of Anglican the programme runs for 72 weeks.
to reintroduce ancient heritage and culture clergymen. From 1827 to the 1920s, two-
to the international community, at a thirds of the Clerics of Wales graduated “The Academy of
moment when so much change and chaos from this college. Sinology has the
in the world undermines people’s faith and great honour to be
belief in social harmony, mutual respect “Today, the Academy of Sinology has established on this
and peace. the great honour to be established on
this campus with its extraordinary past campus with its
Commenting on the development of the achievements and legacy in the field of extraordinary past
Academy, Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, religious education. I hope the academy achievements and
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales of sinology can shoulder the responsibility legacy in the field of
Trinity Saint David said: “This development of reviving the education of ancient sages religious education.”
is very much grounded in the tradition of of the East and learning from the religious
the University’s Lampeter campus as a multi- education of the West to carry the past Venerable Master CHin Kung
faith and multi-cultural centre, rooted in glorious history of St David’s College. This is

12 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life

Exploring the Materiality
of Foodstuffs

A major international archaeology book launch itself. We’re very proud of the Dr Katharina Zinn, Senior Lecturer in
publication has been launched at the final output and we’d like to thank the New Egyptian Archaeology and Heritage added:
University of Wales Trinity Saint David. York based Wenner-Gren Foundation for
their support. “It was a very successful event and we’d like
‘Exploring the Materiality of Foodstuffs’ by to thank everybody that supported us and
Dr Louise Steel and Dr Katharina Zinn is This volume explores the materiality of contributed towards the evening’s success.
the output of a Wenner-Gren Foundation foodstuffs past and present, examining
funded workshop held at UWTSD’s Lampeter humanity’s intriguingly complex We’ve ensured that this book considers
campus in 2014. relationships with, and experiences of, food. a wide range of cultures, spanning from
The book also makes a fresh contribution to ancient China to modern-day Kenya.
The scope of the publication is our understanding of materiality through a The broad collection of interdisciplinary
interdisciplinary and the contributors are novel focus on material culture, analysing chapters reveal the multiple interplays
international and include world-renowned objects used to prepare, wrap, serve and between foods, bodies, material worlds,
anthropologist Prof Rick Wilk (Indiana consume food and the tactile experiences rituals and embodied knowledge that
University) and archaeologist Prof Brian involved in its production and consumption. emerge from these encounters and which,
Hayden (Simon Fraser University). This We believe that Exploring the Materiality in turn, shape the material culture of food.
new publication explores the materiality of Food ‘Stuffs’ will make an important
of foodstuffs past and present, examining contribution to this burgeoning field and One of the highlights of the launch was
humanity’s intriguingly complex will be of interest to archaeologists and the re-enactment of an ancient wine
relationships with, and experiences of, food. anthropologists working in the key area of drinking ceremony. This ceremony included
food research.” the mixing of wine and water in a replica
Dr Louise Steel, Reader in Mediterranean Mycenaean krater and using a dipper juglet
Archaeology at UWTSD said: As part of the official launch a re-enactment serving it into different types of drinking
of an ancient wine drinking ceremony was cups according to status or ethnicity. We also
“We’re delighted with the interest shown in held as recorded in the art of the Near East demonstrated the correct way to drink from
our new publication and it was very pleasing and Aegean. these cups, according to ancient etiquette
for us to see so many people attend the of course.”

University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 13

Medieval New Year

The Medieval New Year was celebrated “UWTSD Lampeter is one of only a very Monastic Wales and the Swansea
on the Lampeter campus as hundreds small number of UK institutions that offers ‘City Witness’.
of people attended the University’s first Medieval Studies at undergraduate level
Medieval Day. and our first Medieval Day allowed us to Medieval Studies is an interdisciplinary
showcase and celebrate the University’s degree that draws on the expertise of its
The free public event was a day of ‘living role in the teaching of Medieval history,” internationally renowned staff in History,
history’ and included re-enactments she adds. Janet is well known for her English, Welsh, and Archaeology, and
with the University’s Norman, Viking and research on medieval monastic orders and makes full use of its rich collection of
Battle societies; archery and medieval is the author of many books and articles medieval manuscripts and early printed
craft demonstrations. on the subject. She works closely with books, which are accessible to students at
colleagues in UWTSD and in other all levels.
During the day, visitors to the University’s universities in Wales, and in Europe and
Lampeter campus also had the beyond. Professor Burton is also Director The Medieval Studies BA offers students
opportunity to hear the University’s of the Monastic Wales project. the opportunity to study this exciting
Medieval Choir perform in the chapel and vibrant period of history, combining
on campus as well as being able to view “Our Medieval Studies degree schemes modules that cover broad sweeps of
displays of a range of medieval research have been very successful and many of time, which allow them to consider long
projects. our graduates have gone on to further term developments in politics, society,
research, and to careers in heritage; economy, and culture, and others that
“The University of Wales Trinity Saint museums, archives; heritage tourism as focus on particular topics and genres, such
David has a strong reputation for well as teaching and a range of as Medieval Welsh Prose, Anglo-Saxon
its Medieval Studies programmes in administrative posts. poetry, and the impact of the Normans on
Lampeter and as we looked forward to the medieval world.
the Medieval New Year, we thought it “Staff across the disciplines – History,
would be a great opportunity to celebrate Archaeology, Literature, Manuscript For further information on the Medieval
with the local community by organising Studies – are engaged in a number of Studies provision we have at the
a public Medieval Day,” says Janet Burton, major research projects that feature University please contact Professor Janet
Professor of Medieval Studies. Medieval themes, such as the Newport Burton:j.burton@uwtsd.ac.uk
Ship; Strata Florida; Saints in Wales;

14 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life

Chinese New Year

The Confucius Institute opened its doors Alex Liao, a volunteer teacher from China currently taking an MA in Heritage at Beijing
to the community in Lampeter to celebrate Sichuan Province also showed how Chinese Union University and has been studying for
Chinese New Year’s Day. painting developed from calligraphy and two semesters at the Faculty of Humanities
helped workshop participants to draw at the Lampeter Campus.
Around 60 people of all ages, all with an pandas - the iconic animal most often
interest in Chinese culture, were welcomed associated with China. During the Chinese New Year period
to the festively decorated Confucius Institute staff from the Confucius Institute
Reading Room on the University’s Lampeter Visitors also tried their hand at paper visited schools all over Ceredigion and
campus to take part in a range of workshops. cutting. This traditional art form is closely Carmarthenshire to bring a Chinese
linked to Chinese New Year celebrations Spring Festival experience to pupils.
During the day, visitors were given the and at this time of year, families across Children in these schools had an
opportunity to try their hand at a variety of China decorate their windows with beautiful opportunity to make Chinese dumplings,
traditional Chinese activities and workshops. images of flowers, animals and the lucky learn about the Chinese Zodiac – especially
‘Fu’ character to guarantee a prosperous the Rooster - and heard more about how
Sam Qin, from Beijing Union University, year ahead. At the end of the workshop families in China celebrate their long
introduced the ancient art of calligraphy. everyone had made an extra-lucky 3-D winter holiday.
Much more than just the practice of papercut to take home.
Chinese handwriting with a brush and ink,
calligraphy is a form of artistic expression Fan Tai Chi workshops and the opportunity
that requires stillness of mind and body. to take part in Chinese tea ceremonies
were also offered during the day under the
As well as being a talented calligraphist, guidance of Ellen Zeng.
Sam is also a Chinese teacher, teaching
students at Crickhowell High School and The tea ceremony was beautifully
teaching Chinese to Tourism Management accompanied by the tones of the zither
students at UWTSD Swansea. (guzheng) played by Elan Mu. Elan is

University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 15

Ceredigion’s
Legends of the West app

The University recently celebrated its An exhibition of rugby related memorabilia visitors to engage more deeply with the
place in Wales’ rich rugby history as it was also launched – an exhibition curated culture of the region and explore the places
launched its involvement with a new and by the University’s Heritage Studies and spaces associated with the legends
innovative heritage app. students based at Lampeter. contained on the app.

To celebrate Wales’Year of Legends With funding from the Regional Tourism With Lampeter being the birthplace
staff and students from the Lampeter Engagement Fund (RTEF) from VisitWales, of Welsh rugby, it was fitting that the
campus have been working in partnership the Ceredigion and the Dyfi Biosphere content about the town focussed on its
with Ceredigion and the Dyfi Biosphere Destination Partnership group has sporting heritage.
Destination Partnerships to deliver a developed a new App with Bangor based
project that will bring the region’s digital company, Locly to bring Ceredigion’s The 2015 /2016 rugby season marked
stories, legends and folklore to a new legendary landscape to life, delivering the 150th anniversary of the first
and broader audience. stories, legend based games, activities competitive rugby match ever played in
and information to visitors as they roam Wales between St David’s College and
The university’s input focuses on the region with their smartphones. The nearby Llandovery College.
celebrating Lampeter’s place in rugby new app, works with GPS and iBeacon
history with the town being recognised as technology to locate the user and push It is widely accepted that rugby was
the birthplace of rugby in Wales. To mark content to their devices, encourages introduced to Wales by the Rev. Professor
its involvement in the project coaches from Rowland Williams, who became Vice-
the Scarlets rugby region were invited to Principal of St David’s College in 1850 and
the campus to hold training sessions and who’d played Rugby Football as a
activities with up to 80 children from Ysgol student at Kings College, Cambridge.
Bro Pedr.

“The Legends of the West App is a wonderful overview of the exciting
legends of Ceredigion and includes St David, Twm Sion Cati, the
Nanteos cup, and even covers some contemporary legends such as
the successful TV show Hinterland filmed in and around Ceredigion.”

Lindsey Gilroy, Business Development Officer at UWTSD’s Lampeter campus

16 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life

The Welsh Rugby Union also acknowledges and around Ceredigion. The Lampeter sport,” says Dr Jeremy Smith, Dean of the
Lampeter’s importance to the birth of content covers some of the history of how Faculty of Humanities and Performance
rugby in Wales, giving their full support rugby was brought to Lampeter, with an at UWTSD.
to last year’s season of events. audio narration by Selwyn Williams himself,
including historical photographs of the “It is our continued aim to raise awareness
With articles in the University’s archives town and University, and information about of Lampeter’s connection with the game
featuring former students reminiscing Rowland Williams as well as his portrait. whilst also allowing University staff and
about playing rugby at Lampeter in the students, the people of Lampeter and
1850s, rugby matches were certainly “The University has also launched a rugby fans across Wales to find out more
thought to have been played between temporary exhibition of Rugby covering about its history and its origin,” he adds.
students from 1850 onwards, although the the period from the birth of the game to
first competitive match using the rugby the current era, that ran throughout the “We are very proud of the University’s
rules wasn’t played until 1866. Summer. The exhibition was curated by role in the development of rugby and are
our very own Heritage Studies students delighted to be celebrating Lampeter’s
Local historian, Selwyn Williams who has and has been supported by the Welsh place in rugby history by being part of
written a book about the town’s place in Rugby Union who’ve loaned us some such an exciting digital project.”
rugby history entitled The Fighting Parsons artefacts from their collection.”
features on the app and tells the story of
the town’s legendary rugby heritage. During last year’s celebration, the University
Lindsey Gilroy, Business Development unveiled a memorial on the University’s
Officer at UWTSD’s Lampeter campus has campus in the town to commemorate
been instrumental in the development Rowland Williams’ contribution to Welsh
of the project and has been working rugby. A special rugby fixture between the
in collaboration with the Ceredigion University and the invitational side, Welsh
Destination Management Partnership. Academicals was also played.

“The Legends of the West App is a “The 2015 / 2016 rugby season was a very
wonderful overview of the exciting legends special one for the University of Wales
of Ceredigion and includes St David, Twm Trinity Saint David. It marked the 150th
Sion Cati, the Nanteos cup, and even covers anniversary of the first competitive game
some contemporary legends such as the of rugby played in Wales as well as noting
successful TV show Hinterland filmed in Rowland Williams’ contribution to the

University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life | 17

CONGRATULATIONS

to the Class of 2017



University of Wales Trinity Saint David University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Lampeter Campus, Ceredigion SA48 7ED @StudyUWTSD

Tel: 01570 422351 www.uwtsd.ac.uk UWTSD
20 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Lampeter Life