Introduction

SOUTHAMPTON COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, SOUTHAMPTON COLLEGE OF HIGHER EDUCATION, SOUTHAMPTON INSTITUTE

Part of what is now Solent University began its existence as Southampton College of Technology (SCOT).  Whilst under that banner, Dennis Rutley, a member of the academic staff, began the publication of a weekly ‘newsletter’ in an attempt to improve communication within the organization.

He continued to perform this function as the organization changed its name twice within a comparatively short span of time.

The following summary of the 17 annual volumes is an attempt to give a picture of life within the organization, both professional and social, over this period of constant change.  The college had initially a goal of becoming a Polytechnic but that ambition was thwarted by the Government’s decision to do away with the status of polytechnic.  The newsletter covers the period leading up to the time when Polytechnic status was a goal.

I have tried to achieve a balance in the items I have selected to report from the newsletters over the years.  For an official research then Minutes of Academic Boards, Governors Meetings etc would need to be consulted.  This recording is of more trivial events that helped shape the culture of the working conditions of the college over a period of years.

Dennis Rutley is to be commended both for his notion of the newsletter and for his perseverance in producing and editing it over so long a period.  There are many who will testify to the uniqueness of his venture that allows us now to get such a clear picture of an organization and its staff.

Finally, I must acknowledge the part played by my son, Jonathan, in making this blog possible and thank him for his efforts.

Jim Rumsey

April  2019

Volume 1 - 1973/74 - NEWSCOT

Preamble

For a reason that I cannot recall, Dennis Rutley saw fit to present to me the copies of the above publications that ran from October 1973 to January 1990.  Having recently come across the boxed files, I wondered if there would be a wider audience than just myself who would be interested in a précis of the contributions that made up the content of the various weekly term-time handouts.

This is not a scholarly exercise.  Each academic year was given a Volume number and each edition numbered consecutively. 

Here goes….

VOLUME 1  -                             October                     1973

The editors, Ginny May and Dennis Rutley, started the process with the following opening paragraph:  ‘This newspaper (sic) will appear weekly, we hope.  It will be complementary to, rather than competitive with SCOT (a publication of Southampton College of Technology) and is intended to serve a different purpose.  We believe the general communications between departments, committees and staff in the college could be improved by NEWSCOT.’  Contributions were asked for about any events etc going on in the college.

(2) Staff members quickly picked up the request.  100 pints of blood were donated on a one day visit from the blood donor organisation.  27 German schoolteachers visited after the college which had been selected as a good example of this type of college. John Sneezum explained about the new car park arrangements where a magnetic key would be required to lift the barrier.  The Art College shared the parking sites and it was hoped that each college would park in their own parts of the campus.  Peggy Souter asked if a separate exit gate could open onto St Andrew’s Road  (The  police objected to entries on to dual-carriageways).

Maurice Cope complained that the clocks were not consistent. He suggested perhaps the use of CCC  (Civic Centre Chimes),   Peter Maggs wanted staff to know that the audio-visual unit was available to all – especially for video-taping.  Bryan Dowding wanted a letter-box in the main entrance hall for postal delivery when the college was shut. (Rejected on security grounds).  Bob Howlett recently married Elaine and was back at work after a honeymoon in Greece.

(3) 45 students and staff went to the World Cup Qualifying match against Poland at Wembley.  A request was made for anyone with a large compass to please forward it to Doc Macey who had great difficulty in finding the coach at both ends of the journey.  Geoff Staples reported on the cycle shed situation.  The first victim was claimed by the New Road exit “dragons’ teeth”.  Lost, one complete exhaust system, bent one tooth.  Humphrey Bott was appointed as Education Liaison Officer.  A female member of staff wondered if the soft toilet paper could be had in the staff ladies toilet ‘as the existing kind is very inadequate’.  Sister Gupta came forward with the idea of a college Weight Watchers club.  Ivan Champion  wrote of an Unholy Alliance being proposed for the federation of local colleges.

(4)  Ray Kemmish gave details of the College Autumn Ramble.  Hugh Adams made a plea for festive decorations for Christmas in the college. A female member of the Building Department asked for a pedestrian entrance to the college near the department in New Road ‘Leaping lightly over the wall may be good for the figure but is death to tights’.  The Chemical Engineers wrote about the difficulties of teaching alongside New Road.  Lee Vaux pointed out that we had to abide by the contracts issued by the Civic Centre ‘these do not allow the purchase of soft toilet paper.’

(5)  More support was given for the problem of teaching in rooms by New Road.  Clive in Reprographics gave some statistics for duplicating which he converted into 45’ of paper.  Dennis Rutley complained about smoking in the dining room.  Geoff Orme asked for The Guardian in the SCR to be left and not purloined daily.

(6)  Dr Ken Everett explained the architectural problems with the New Road classrooms and the ongoing efforts to deal with them.  Danny Bouchard objected to having names on car windscreen permits.  Bob Corlett said that Southampton Corporation’s submission to the DES on the subject of the Federation of Southampton Colleges was available for perusal in the library.

(7)  The Principal announced the date of the Carol Service and Brian Fletcher gave the date for the Children’s party.  College Diploma Certificates are in the process of being redesigned.  A Residential hostel for students was being planned for Townhill Park House.  Jill Parkinson said the Social and Welfare Committee had put forward an idea of an induction course for overseas students. A strong posse of staff had attended the Careers ’74 Exhibition in Birmingham to help on the College stand.  Mike Wareham was congratulated on executing the display designs.  Lee Vaux asked staff to conserve power energy because of the Power Crisis.

(8)  A presentation was to be made to Sister Gupta on her departure.  Peggy Souter reported on the Dramatech production of Antigone – an entry for the National Student Drama Festival.   Richard Complin spelled out the Refectory arrangements starting with Breakfast at 8.00am.  Norman Davies reported receiving an envelope addressed to him at the College of Technology, c/o the Baths Department.

(9)  No new nurse had been appointed to replace Sister Gupta.  Ivan Champion asked if more copies of the proposed Colleges Federation might be had.  LSU staff had each been given a copy.  Mike Wild reported that a female student had fainted because of the stuffy atmosphere of room 315.  Stanley Allen appealed for the retention of at least one shed for motorcycles and scooters.  Ginny May asked staff to forward the name of any student who might be suitable for the proposed college film.

(10) Soft toilet paper was stated to be in use at Kingsland Hall and the Technical College.  The new Student Union President was voted out of office just weeks after being elected.  Ginny May offered  College Seasons Greetings cards to staff to send to college contacts.  Christmas lunches were advertised – cost 45p.  The usual number of Coming Events were advertised (as they had been in each issue).

(11) Nick Whitehead reported that the combined efforts of Newscot and Radio Solent had achieved the impossible – soft toilet paper was on its way.  The General Office was undergoing a repainting.  Olive Bermingham wrote to acknowledge the kind people who had spoken and written to her on the death of her husband – Brum.

(12) The college was exempt from the three day working week occasioned by the fuel crisis. Staff were asked to conserve energy in usage of lights and heating.  A Rota was printed of likely power cut times.  Violet Ford, the College Lodgings Officer would retire in a few weeks time after 16 years in the job.

(13) Rumours abound about the planned Federation and the chance of Early Retirement.  Tony Timbs compared canteen  prices at SCOT with those at the Civic Centre  (eg Meat Dish and 2 Veg 19p in Civic Centre, 27p at SCOT) and wondered why local government officials were subsidised by us.  Frank Wright suggested that every other radiator in the corridors and lavatories be turned off rather than every other one in the Library. The Childrens Party was cancelled because of the power crisis with the hope of a summer outing instead.

(14)  Sister Karen Gupta gave birth to a girl, Sondar.  The car park barrier has been rammed and broken six times.  Clive Welsteed reported that during the previous three months, 358,313 sheets had been produced from 11,139 printing masters and 26,639 photocopies.

(15) John Stanley reported on the College of Technology/School of Art amalgamation. Jill Parkinson reported that Mrs Jackie Smallwood had been appointed as Lodgings Officer.  Hugh Adams asked if anyone knew the whereabouts of two exhibits missing from the foyer.  Dennis Rutley wondered that with money in short supply for educational purposes spending on carpets for offices might be questioned. From the Maths Department – Multiplication Section came the news of the birth of Lucy to Jane and Jonathan Britt.

(16) The start of a debate about a Lichtenstein print hung in the staff refectory.  Jim Hazel objected.  Mr Herbertson asked if an Art Exhibition of works by college staff could be arranged.  Ginny May gave a critical account of the Civic Centre canteen – low standard of food and sordid appearance of the canteen removes any price advantage.

(17)  Margaret Fraser defended the Lichtenstein print’s display along with Hugh Adams.  David Clark asked for new life to be breathed into the Senior Common Room with perhaps a dart board and billiard table.

(18)  Dick Swann entered the Lichtenstein debate.  Mrs Janice Hemmings was announced as the new nurse.   The cost of VIP Room meals for visitors was increased to 75p.  Geoff Orme asked for an increase in the two car spaces reserved for the disabled.

(19) The Chaplaincy situation in the college (three rather occasional chaplains) was to be discussed at an open meeting.  More contrasting opinions about the Lichtenstein were expressed.  Hugh Adams, under Articles For Sale, advertised ‘One second-hand Lichtenstein print – going cheap’.  Dave Barker, Terry Baker and Dave Hewett wanted a ruling about who could use the staff refectory.

(20) Refectory prices will have to increase when Winchester takes over from Southampton as the administrative organisation.  Southampton had subsidised the referctory, but Winchester will not.  John Ghey became a father, Hugh Adams was elected chairman of Southampton Arts council.  Peggy Souter enquired whether there was any interest in forming a staff orchestra/band/ensemble.   Switchboard problems were reported now that it had been moved out of the general office and no one was on duty to take calls in the lunch hour.

(21)  Lee Vaux reported that 139 rooms at various times in the last week had their lights on when not in use.

(22)  The staff rugby team for the match against the students was named.  The Vice-Principal that as a result of a recent Heads of Department meeting it was agreed that Newscot was an ideal publication in which official notices and instructions could be brought to all members of staff – without editorial comment!

(23)  Ivan Champion, Rita Austin, Hugh Adams, Jill Parkinson and others each contributed pieces on why Newscot should not be the organ for staff notices etc.  The editors issued a statement: ‘At another meeting last week it was decided that Newscot will not carry official notices’. 

(24) April 1^st, Hampshire takes over from Southampton administratively.  Roberta Ridge and Alan Munford announce their wedding day.  Lyn Thorn gives birth to a baby girl, Louise.  John Ward praises Newscot, Mr Herbertson suggests its publication be suspended as part of a national effort to save paper.  The staff defeated the students 30 – 17 in the rugby match.  The ‘lavatory’ debate – about the correct word to use – came to a conclusion with an anonymous contribution listing ‘sensitive’ words used from Greek times onward.  It was reported ‘through the grapevine’ that two bomb threats had been received and the ‘powers that be’ had decided that there was no need to evacuate the building.

(25) Another term and this time no fuel crisis.  John Sneezum appealed for waste paper to be collected to raise finances for good causes.  The Admin. Secretaries put in a plea for staff ‘who stray into our office’ not to treat them as suppliers of paper clips, envelopes etc.  The Staff side won the Interdepartmental Rugby Sevens, but admitted to importing a star player to replace the injured Derek Prout.

(26) Lee Vaux reported that traffic must turn left when they leave the New Road exit as directed by the Ministry of Transport sign that had been erected.  Ginny May began her leave of absence.  John Bloodworth appealed for tennis players to attend the courts at Hardmoor.

(27)  Complaints still about the inability to turn right out of the New Road exit, making necessary a long detour for west-bound vehicles.   Terry Murphy brought up-to-date news of the Burnham Salary negotiations.

(28)  The death of  technician A. F. Davies (Mick)  was reported by John Sommerville.  Hugh Adams announced the cessation of exhibitions in the foyer because of difficulties in arranging insurance.

(29)  Marjorie Greenwood (wife of the Art College V.P.) announced that she would talking about village life in Africa as seen by her in a recent visit and holding a collection to help those afflicted by drought etc.   Geoff Staples, Neil Toye and Ken McBride each made ‘critical’ observations about the new paintings in the college.

(30)  Ken Everett wrote a tribute to R. N. Cook who had been a founder member of the college being at that time Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department.  Peggy Souter put out an appeal for someone to take the role of Antonio in Twelfth Night.   Robberies were reported.  Bill Macey and Bob Corlett announced that because of a paucity of news and articles SCOT would not be published this term.  Jill Parkinson bemoaned the staff’s apathy when only five people attended the talk about African village life by Marjorie Greenwood.

(31)  A Cheese and Wine event was arranged for the SCR (85p). Jacky Smallwood wrote about her leaving the college and the difficulties it would impose on trying to find accommodation for new students.  The job is only classified part-time by the new Authority.  Hugh Adams defended the new prints on display, accepting two of the ‘criticisms’ but berated the ill-considered bitterness and petulance of the other.

(32)  Congratulations were given to Ginny and Dr. May on the birth of their baby – Joseph Dominic.  The Editor commented:  ‘Conceived in May, born in June.  Is this a record?’  Dennis Rutley also asked that consideration be given for excluding unwelcome vehicles from the college campus.

(33)  The College Sergeants replied to the query of unidentified vehicles by pointing out several staff had recently changed cars but not renewed their ‘stickers’ whilst increasing spaces for visitors ( 2 staff required 12 spaces recently) meant the possibility of more ‘unidentified’ vehicles.

(34)  Lee Vaux requested that staff refrain from parking next to the NO PARKING signs in the roadway between the workshops.  John Sneezum gave the last of the reports about the staff cricket matches including a penultimate last ball win in the Parks against Krakatoa.  The removal of the Dragon’s Teeth from the cart park exit was reported.

Read the full newsletters (link).

Volume 2 - 1974/75 - NEWSCOT

(1)  Jill Parkinson gave details of two social evenings for the new overseas students.  Tickets were available for the Christmas Ball (£1.00 to include band, cabaret, buffet and free draw for prizes).  Comings and goings were detailed;  Jill Bazire (new accommodations officer), Gillian Oliver (Library Assistant), Graham Hayes and Mrs Horrill (Technicians) have arrived and Eve Richardson (Library), Liz Greenyer and Christine Grigg (General Office) were departing.

(2)  The cost of printing the College coloured leaflets for Full and Sandwich Courses meant that a more serviceable document was needed called The College Prospectus of Full time and Sandwich Courses which would incorporate the leaflet information – now in black and white.  Ginny May found that it was a nice welcome back to the college to find soft toilet paper in the Ladies Staff toilet. New teaching staff were welcomed  Messrs  Pritchard, Petruv, King, Edwards, Palmer, Russell, Calcutt, McMurray, Payne and Mrs Davis (for one year).

(3)  Bob Watmough suggested a new game to brighten things up – racing a cyclist through the car exit barrier.  The loser either has a cracked skull or a dented car roof.  30 camp beds were installed in the Sports hall as temporary accommodation for new students.  Language classes for staff were advertised.

(4)  R J H  (Safety Officer) asked staff to give students a copy of the College Safety Code.  The success of the Overseas Students Induction Evenings was reported.  Maurice Cope queried about the new Hampshire Conditions of Service.  Ann Tupper appealed for support for the Hospital Broadcasting Service.  Under Coming Events for the coming week nine were advertised from a Royal College of Music recital to talks about films and listening to records.

(5)  Laboratory and Workshop staff were reminded of their duty to foresee risks, devise precautions etc for the safety of students in the light of a recent court case of neglect to do those things.  In the light of the sugar shortage and the restriction to just two lumps per canteen cup, a price reduction should be in order wrote Dennis Rutley.

(6)  The case of the Refuse Lorry leaving by the IN gate was raised as well as the height of the shrubs by the EXIT gate.  Robin Shell was welcomed as a Careers Advisor for Hampshire who was now based in the college.  The Safety Officer reported that since July colleges were subject to Statutory Safety Provisions.

(7)  Quotes from the Minutes of the Emergency General Meeting of Students Union noted a proposal that the College of Art should become a School of Technology and that the crisis topic of student accommodation was not discussed at yesterday’s  meeting of the Board of Governors.  Ann Davis asked if there was a local rule that new members of staff must not be spoken to in the Common Room.  Lee Vaux vented forth on the Refuse Lorry situation and asked for clarification on where the offending shrubbery is since there is none to the right of the exit which is the only way drivers have to look, having to turn left.

(8)  Frank Wright wrote of the futility of the economy measures plea from the chief Education Officer as lights still blaze in empty sun-lit classrooms.  Margaret Gordon advertised her chalet at Mudeford for £950.  The College Nurse reported 108 pints of blood collected at the recent session in the Mountbatten Theatre.  The Safety Officer asked for all accidents to be reported.  Last year only 21 were reported.  Doreen asked when we can expect a cheerful word from Lee Vaux.

(9)  Lee Vaux responded to Doreen – ‘Somebody has to moan and get nasty to get people to do things.  It’s all too easy to let things slide……..’  George Roberts felt he had to challenge Lee Vaux’s remarks about putting up with the Refuse Lorry situation because of the potential danger of the arrangement.  The Academic Board was to circulate the report on Staff Development.  The need to form some sort of Research Association was also mentioned.  A working party was to be set up to look at the deployment of academic staff among the College Departments.

(10) Once again Lee Vaux gave a detailed account of the procedure for the Refuse Lorry.  As to the shrubbery ’16 months ago I had all the lavender bushes dug up and removed on the left of the exit to facilitate drivers seeing pedestrians on the pavement.  The view is excellent, pedestrians being I view from the waist upwards, unless they are midgets.’  The college sergeants requested that their new New Road office should not be seen as a repository for cases, bags, musical instruments etc.  Ginny May’s impending departure to Canada was mentioned.

(11) The ‘midgets’ remark by Lee Vaux occasioned several   comments.  John Ghey (most children are about the same size as midgets), Hugh Adams (midgets are nearer all the dirt about the place) and Three Midgets (would it be possible to have snorkels provided for those people using the path alongside the Mountbatten Theatre in wet weather?)  Terry Murphy reported that the ATTI anticipated a 38 week academic year in 1975.  The Link Block Gallery staff noticed the Vice-Principal’s car in the Disabled Drivers’ car parking space. ‘May we, sir, please offer our sympathies?’

(12) All the College Ball tickets had been sold.  The Music Group had been practising Carols and now needed some volunteers to sing them.  Doreen – responsible for the layout and typing of NEWSCOT – was thanked on her departure from the college for her sterling efforts.

(13)  THERE IS NO RECORD OF THIS EDITION

(14)  Dennis Rutley noted that last week’s edition had been wrongly numbered (12 instead of 13) which normally, had it been a postage stamp, would have made it a valuable edition.  (EVEN MORE VALUABLE SINCE DENNIS DID NOT INCLUDE THIS IN THE RECORDS).  The Christmas holiday dates for the non-teaching staff were announced.  Chief Technicians, Eric Roe and Albert Roles, now shared an office.  Paul Spellman, Frank Pratt, Simon Brown – the Honorary Chaplains – gave details of the Christmas Event to be held in the Mountbatten Theatre.

(15)  Bob Corlett reminded staff that Minutes from all relevant meetings (Governors’, Academic Board etc) were all kept in the Library.  Jill Bazire gave a report about the lighter side of the Accommodation problems by quoting from landladies and students.  John Blizzard, C.R. Ford,D. W. Mitchell and M A. Baggs took strong issue with comments made by Dennis Rutley concerning the Christmas Event.  In turn Dennis Rutley took space to defend his comments.

(16) A new year.  Someone wanted information about the progress of the Federation with other colleges. A belated welcome for Mrs Margaret Bevis as the new Academic Registrar.  She already has had her wallet stolen from her handbag in her office.  Other welcomes for Doreen Hendy (clerical assistant), Angela Gregory (punch card operator), Sandra Holditch (secretary to the Academic Registrar) Mr. A. Gilbert (School of Business Studies).  Leavers included  Dave Barker (Law)  Alan Munford (Maths), Max Planitz, Brian Fletcher and Peter Maggs (retired). A plea was made by a teaching member of staff for a quiet place to work.

(17) Arthur Parr reported that the DES has expressed considerable doubts about the possibility of establishing a viable federation of ALL Southampton colleges into an Institute.  Joint provision of courses between SCOT and LSU was to be encouraged but not considered as a Federation.  The Academic  Board at its meeting on January 9^th agreed to recommend a merger of SCOT, SCOA and the School of Navigation to the Governors.  Dennis Rutley had heard the intermittent bell warning that there was a bomb scare but omitted to send his students home, not having read Addendum Sheet No 1. carefully enough – but he had shut all the windows.

(18) The car park barrier by the College of Art would now be manned daily.  No admittance without a college car park sticker.  Robin Shell advertised the build up of career information in the college careers office.

(19)  Bill Macey asked if anyone had any ideas about what the college structure should be for discussion by the Working Party.  A Cheese and Wine party in the Senior Common Room was advertised.

(20)  ‘Has the lecturer who uses Room B011 on a Tuesday afternoon special dispensation to smoke his pipe while he is teaching?’ wrote Con fumo publico.

(21) Conditions of Service were agreed between the ATTI and the LEAs.  David Vardy becomes a Senior Technician.  The SCR Newspapers are currently funded by the profits made from the sale of SCR coffee.  However, many staff are reading the newspapers but buying their coffee in the Refectory.  Suggestions are invited.  Dennis Rutley was concerned about the plume of black smoke emerging from the college that he noticed as he cycled from Bitterne station.

(22)  The re-emergence of SCOT to be edited by Bob Corlett and Margaret Bevis was announced.  Registers were an issue – how to fill in correctly (Maurice Cope), needed at all (Dennis Rutley)?  A Resuscitation methods course was to be organised using the inflatable dummy  (“regretfully, not the one advertised in Playboy’ R. J. Hailes)

(23) Ernie Haine and Jeff Weight were congratulated on graduation from the Open University.  The Administration staff wrote in verse about running a course about registers.  A list of 18 car registrations not displaying the college red identity car parking stickers..

(24)  Adam Herbertson wanted to know how much longer ‘the framed monstrosities’ were going to litter the corridor walls in the vicinity of the college offices.  Peggy Souter pointed out that someone in authority had lengthened the Christmas vacation by one week.  Other holiday changes were also afoot.  The effect on students was mentioned since it would impinge on exam revision times etc.

(25) Peggy Souter wanted to know why the trees at the front of the college had been cut  down and what were the new ones. Ivan Champion asked for a Referendum to establish when lecturers would prefer the extra weeks holiday  (Harold Wilson had just proposed an National Referendum on the Common Market.  That would cost 8 million pounds.  Ivan suggested a college referendum could be done at a fraction of the cost.)

(26)  The results of the referendum showed that 29 of the repliers would prefer an half term before Christmas.  69 people had returned their choice from the eight options given.  The College Safety Officer commented that clarification was still needed concerning the car park exit on to New Road since any method required an illegal action.  Bob Hailes writing as himself and not the Safety Officer complained about the grubby state of various college areas and furniture.

(27) John Sneezum reported on the draw (3 – 3pts) at the Staff v Students rugby match.  John Bloodworth advertised the use of the tennis courts.  Jill Parkinson’s departure was announced.  Anne Jefferies and Ann Davis took exception to the male biased comments previously recorded in NEWSCOT.  Peter Rogers gave a long and detailed account concerning the new trees albeit with some tongue-in-cheek remarks.

(28) A meeting concerning the college reorganisation was advertised.  The staff rugby side were unsuccessful in defending their title in the rugby sevens tournament.  Hugh Adams reported a 500 pound grant for the college from the Arts Council.  Norman Davies wondered if anyone had a family size frame tent for sale.

(29) Peggy Souter joined the debate about discrimination concerning female members of staff quoting ATTI Womens’ Rights Working Party.   Stanley Allen thanked his ex-Business Studies colleagues for his retirement gift.  Telelang courses were now free for members of staff.

(30)  107 pints of blood were collected.  Geoff Orme wanted to buy several bicycles.

(31) Car parking would be cramped because of resurfacing work.  The cricket team drew their first match.  John Stanley tested the waters for interest in a golf outing.

(32)  An Audio-Vision Centre was approved by  Business and Social Studies.  Derrick  Price would be in charge of the centre.  Peggy Souter was looking for volunteer House Managers for the Mountbatten Theatre.  Wally Hilderly reminded staff that Tom O’Connor would be retiring soon.

(33)  Tony Timbs asked for support to represent the college in negotiations at Academic Board level stating that, inter alia, SCOT was being treated as the country cousin.  Retirements were announced for Bill Cutler (who joined the Electronic section in 1967) and technician Bill Bulman.   Trevor Cole was welcomed as technician in the Fluids Lab.  The staff cricket remain undefeated after five matches.

(34) There was a welcome for Judith Constantine as Administrative Assistant (Examinations). Staff cricket still unbeaten after seven matches.  Geoff Orme commented on Tony Timb’s manifesto but tried to show errors in his logic. 

(35)  The Union of Southampton Colleges (SCOT, SCOA, School of Navigation) was approved by the DES to take place in April 1977 – according to progress.  The DES also approved two Diploma courses jointly submitted by SCOT and LSU.  Both reported by Arthur Parr.

(35)  Arthur Parr backtracked on his statement of the previous week stating that it was the Hampshire County Education Committee that had agreed in principle to the formation of the union.  Other stages in the process will occur before, and if, the DES gives its approval.  Lionel Wardle reported on the College Research Survey Questionnaire.  Two last over wins for the staff cricket team were recorded.  Norman Davies was out for only the second time in the season in the match at Easton and Martyr Worthy and finished with an average of 100.

Read the full newsletters (link).

Volume 3 - 1975/76 - NEWSCOT

Preamble

Compared with other years, this group of weekly publications seems rather anodyne.  Indeed in Issue 18 someone writes that there have not been many ‘grumbles’ this year.  Peggy Souter continues her indefatigable quest to involve staff members in the Arts – plays, recitals etc

(1)   Welcomes both for Stephen Clark-McMullen  (Student Counsellor) and Eddie Parker  (Accommodation Officer) plus 25 other new staff.  John Sneezum explained the Insurance Group activity.  No subscriptions are required unless a member of staff goes on reduced pay and then the rate is 5p per week.   Bob Watmough asked if staff would be permitted to wear swimwear in teaching rooms where the temperature regularly exceeds 75 degrees.

(2)  Dennis Rutley asked for an explanation for the extra week’s vacation after Christmas.  The Print Room requested less URGENT and ASAP jobs. 

(3)  Bob Watmough made his third contribution (last week’s was about blackberry picking).  This time it was about cutting down on waste – ‘starve the wastepaper basket’.  Dick Swann wrote about the SCR Newspapers and Magazines.  Information about various groups was included – Modern Arts Society, Art Appreciation, Victorian Society, Life Drawing Class, Basic Art and Design Class, Guitar Classes, Mountbatten Singers.

(4)  Sylvia and Linda gave details of the Christmas Ball and the sale of Christmas Cards (to subsidize the Ball).  Barbara Bishop gave information about Language classes.

(5)  Lee Vaux asked staff to display car parking stickers.  Geoff Orme complained of the SCR crossword addicts who removed their daily efforts thus ruining articles that were written on the other side.

(6)  Sylvia and Linda complained that the sale of Christmas cards was very poor.  A Research Seminar was advertised.  The Sergeants at the car park barrier reminded staff they were there for the benefit of trucks etc and not to raise the barrier for staff who were too lazy to reach out with their plastic keys.

(7)  Peggy Souter looked for others who might want to go to Salisbury Playhouse with her part-time group and gave details of Dramatech’s next production, plus a couple of upcoming lunchtime recitals.

(8)  Ken Everett commented on the growing number of false alarms at the college which resulted in evacuations.  Sylvia and Linda continued their plea for the sale of Christmas cards – ‘Come on, you tight-fisted lot’.

(9)  Dennis Rutley postulated on the leveling of the campus by a bomb attack and asked what changes/improvements could be made to the building should the authorities offer to re-build.   Sister Janice Hemmings gave details of the forthcoming Resuscitation Course.   Joe Howarth reported on the first Research Seminar and advertised the second.   The Social Science and Educational Research Section were anxious to know if any other staff member had interests in this direction.  If so, contact the committee members – Barbara Bishop, Brian Bowen, Bill Hogben, Maurice Cope.

(10)  Peggy Souter would like a big room in any reconstructed edifice.  Staff were invited to provide a crossword clue the answer to which was ‘Academic Board’.

(11)  Neil Toye wanted ample staffroom accommodation and a building design that made the use of teaching aids easy instead of virtually impossible.  Crossword clues;  ‘Read a bad comic for these minutes’ – Joe Howarth.  Bob Corlett announced reduced library hours because of staff shortages.

(12)  Crossword clue:  ‘College body fed up with its job, we hear’ – John Sneezum.  Jeff Hawksley gave details of the next Research Association seminar.

(13)  Crossword clue:  ‘A wooden panal on which to pin our educational suggestions’ – Vincent Nelson.   Mr. Buckley hoped Heads of Departments and Lecturers will encourage students to attend the carol service.

(14)  The winner of the crossword competition (Issue 10) was John Blizzard with ‘Bad, mad, C. I. A. core reformed to make what sounds like an intellectual plank.’  John Sneezum appealed for a one-off insurance contribution for Connie Bamford. Sylvia Bealey and Linda Barton made a final plea for the purchase of tickets for the College Ball otherwise ‘our accounts will be IN THE RED’.   Bob Corlett reported that the Open University would no longer lodge their course units in the Library.

(15) Dramatech, through Peggy Souter, announced a whole series of events to take place early in the new year.

(16)  Francis Andrews, Lab. Technician in the Department of Applied Science, won second place in a national competition for Applied Ideas run by the journal ‘Electronic Engineering’.  Ian Tromans announced the opening of the cricket nets practice sessions.  The Research Association reminded everyone of their next event.  Peggy Souter gave details of the next visit to Salisbury Playhouse to see ‘Cowardy Custard’  plus also some forthcoming college recitals.

(17)   This issue was basically a rewrite of the previous issue but late because of a printing device failure.

(18)  A comment, anonymous, that there haven’t been many grumbles in Newscot for some time now.  Is it because we are too busy, grateful for employment, the futility of complaining, that officialdom is winning, or is it the calm before the storm?

(19)  Barbara Bishop wrote about the new link with the Dunkerque Institut de Technologie and a forthcoming week’s visit of ten French students.  Jonathan Britt commented on some members of staff being vociferously rude to other members rather than using official channels of complaint.  Barbara Bishop advertised a research seminar on the use of visual aids in teaching.

(20)  Peggy Souter advertised the lunchtime recital that had been reviewed in ‘The Times’.  She also gave details of the staff visit to Chichester to see ‘Twelfth Night’.

(21)  Of 3200 or so applicants for the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Travelling Fellowship, John Blizzard was one of the 106 recipients.  It would take him to Japan for six weeks.   Charles Painter reminded staff of the necessity of reporting their absence through sickness to the Head of Department.  Dennis Rutley congratulated Dramatech for their production which had been seen by his three children.

(22)  Frank Mahon appealed for another set of chess for the SCR.

(23)  Robin Shell drew attention to the resources available in the College Careers Office.  Peggy Souter listed a litany of forthcoming events.  Bryan Dowding reported the removal of the 1130 computer to be replaced by a bigger and better MOD machine.

(24)  The SCR Committee proposed a darts league based on departmental or section basis.  Seminars were arranged for those likely to use the new computer.  The staff of Room 013 suggested that some white lines in the back car park might be an aid to good neighbourly car parking.   Room 013 staff were John Austin, T. Baker, D. Hewett, W. Jukes, G. Rule, G. Thick, B. Watts, F. Wright.  They also complained about the timing of the extra week vacation coming, as it did, at the end of the long vacation.

(25) Stan Parker  gave six reasons why the additional week had been placed where it was citing consultation at each level.   The arrival of a large van bearing the word CONCORDE was reported.  Thankfully, according to staff, it only contained the new computer.

(26)  The staff’s rugby victory (23 -9) over the students was reported.  Norman Davies was anxious for the return of the ‘pinched’ Popular Garden from the SCR.

(27)  Peggy Souter  asked if any staff would like to contribute to ‘an entertainment’ at the Social Centre for the Blind.  Dennis Rutley wrote asking for car parkers to follow the rules imposed.

(28)  John Bloodworth advertised arrangements for staff tennis.   Ron Ward warned of thieves in the college having recently lost his wallet.   C. Carter gave details of a seminar about teaching methods that would be led by  Bill Macey, Margaret Bevis, John Sneezum and Margaret Ross.

(29)   Doug Peacock and Tom Campbell wrote of two members of the Marine Engineering Staff who are presently seriously ill in hospital – J. Clark and D. Humphrey.   Peggy Souter advertised a talk about the Wessex Educational Television Consortium.

(30)  The main item was the reporting of several staff cricket matches.  Mentioned in dispatches were;   D, Booth (fielding), D. Clark (bowling),  N. Davies (batting), I. Tromans (batting),  B. Dowding (batting, wicket-keeping).  Peggy Souter canvassed for interest in a visit to the Watermill Theatre, Newbury.

(31)  A comparative chart for the various methods of college photocopying was produced.  Peggy Souter gave details of a video workshop.  Maggie Ross asked if any staff would like to be put on a computer mailing list for latest developments etc.  Staff should contact their department computer representatives, viz;  K. Blatchford, J. Bloodworth, K. Church, D. Heffer, D. Hembury, M. Ross, R. Ward.

(32)  More cricket matches were reported – 1 win and 2 draws.  Bryan Dowding reported that computer terminals were now available for staff.   A notice board had been installed in the SCR.   A SCR Cheese and Wine event at Townhill Park House was advertised.

(33)  R. A. Lawrence set a puzzle for the staff.  A plea for car drivers to slow down whilst on campus was made.

(34)  A farewell presentation to Wendy Millns was announced.  The most recent three drawn cricket matches were reported.  Norman Davies waxed lyrical about the venue of the SCR Cheese and Wine event, in particular over the venue of Townhill Park House.   Peggy Souter mentioned the next Chichester Theatre visit.  Dennis Rutley thanked Jane Harrison for her typing and Clive Wellstead pointing out that the issues were only delayed by the various bomb scares.

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Volume 4 - 1976/77 - NEWSCOT

Preamble

Main issues are reported here.  However, Newscot did carry many For Sale items and many issues contained Additions to the Library.  Peggy Souter features throughout in her efforts to promote the Arts to members of staff.  This year’s editions gave very little indication of academic issues – no Academic Board regular reports, for instance.

(1)  Wilf Norfolk wrote about holiday touring conditions and costs on the continent giving a table of comparative costs of fuel and exchange rates.  Dave from the Print Room thanked contributors to his wedding gift to Sonia and himself.  Peter Batt was welcomed as Technician in the electronics laboratory.

(2)   Vending machines  was the main topic for this issue with the editor putting forth some observations.  One was the lack of consultation with staff before the installation of the machines.  Comments on the vending machines should be addressed to the City Auditor.  John Sneezum raised the Insurance case for Peter Hayward. 

(3)  Dick Swann gave details of the annual auction of magazines.  A notice on the Gents toilet stated it was closed to conserve water.  Please use toilet above or below on this stairway.  This college is saving 50,000 gallons each week.   The Editor commented  that ‘not only does this save water, it also makes life very interesting.  The toilet below is for Ladies.’  Peggy Souter gave details of forthcoming events including Dramatech, orchestra, singing and lunchtime recital.

(4)  Ian Tromans asked for volunteers to serve on the Senior Common Room Committee.   Barbara Bishop pointed out that day and evening language classes are available free to all members of staff.  Lee Vaux pointed out that during the first week of term 427 lights were on in empty rooms.  An interested, but frustrated Grade II lecturer asked why there was no proper staff association for airing grievances or opinions?

(5)  With deep regret the death of Dennis Humphrey, School of Marine Engineering was announced.  Tickets for the College Ball were available from Sylvia Bealey or Gill McCleland.  F. Jameson replied to the Grade II lecturer that a Safety Committee and Social and Welfare Committee already existed.  Eric Roe offered his personal  support to the Grade II lecturer.  Joe McGarry asked that parents accompany their children to the Staff Recreation Friday Nights in the sports hall rather than leaving them there.

(6)   John Blizzard was to give a talk on his experiences in Japan during his Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Travelling Fellowship.  Lee Vaux pointed out that there were 51 car in the car park not displaying stickers on Tuesday afternoon.

(7)  R Neil Toye confessed to being the Grade II lecturer, thanked everyone for their comments, but still bemoaned the fact that nobody seems to care about the lack of effective communication within the college.  Peggy Souter gave the usual list of forthcoming events

(8)  The Print Room staff wrote in rhyme about staff who leave work with them and slam the door on departure.

(9)  Richard Complin gave details of staff Christmas lunches (80p incl vat). John Sneezum reported that Peter Hayward had retired on a breakdown pension.  The Senior Common Room Sociable Christmas Revelry event was advertised  (25p for a snack).

(10)  Wilf Norfolk gave details of the reconstituted Editorial Panel of SCOT.  Chief Editor;  Bob Corlett, Assistant Editors;  Margaret Bevis, John Ghey,  Production Organiser;  Clive Welsteed, Co-opted member; Dennis Rutley, Chairman and Teaboy;  Wilf Norfolk.   It is intended that SCOT will continue to be a magazine of articles and items of interest and entertainment for all the staff of the college, published every four to six months.

(11)   This issue carried four large adverts for the Christmas Ball and a couple of events advertised by Peggy Souter.

(120  Adam Herbertson wondered if the last issue suggested that paper and labour could be saved by discontinuing Newscot publication now that it chose to repeat four large advertisements.  Dennis Rutley stated that the repetition had little effect since Sylvia and Gill had written that there had been little response.

(13)  A Panel had been got together to deal with the subject of The Suitability of the SCOT Building as a Teaching Centre in an ‘Any Questions’ format.  The panel was:  W. Norfolk, J. Gregory, E. Cogswell, N. Mabey, L. Vaux.  Joe Howarth asked for questions along the lines of – siting of the SCOT building and associated facilities, the design of the building, the environment provided by services.

(14)  Wilf Norfolk thanked those who had made the SCR Lunch-Time Revelry such a success.  Margaret Ross, Dave Hewlett and Ian Tromans  were mentioned in dispatches.

(15)  The Principal had sent a circular banning external telephone calls in the morning as a cost saving action.  Bryan Dowding reported that Tom Thomas had his car stolen from the staff car park.  It was later found minus its four wheels.

(16)   John Hooper complained about being reprimanded for brewing tea in his office. The College Safety Officer gave details of a First Aid course for staff.

(17)  Joe Howarth reminded staff of the meeting (see 13 above).  Peggy Souter gave details of the many activities in Arts for the staff.

(18)   Further activities arranged by Peggy Souter were listed.

(19)  Derek Lochhead had been admitted to hospital.   Wm Smith, Principal of the College of Art, arranged for staff from the College of Technology to an informal meeting prior to Open Day for the College of Art.  ‘As we will be joining you in the  formation of the proposed establishment of “Higher Education” and as only a few of you know us well’, he thought the two staffs would gain from such an initiative.  Peter Maskell gave details of the cricket net booked at the County Ground for staff.

(20)  The College Safety Officer had issued staff with pocket/wallet size instructions for Accident Procedure and Fire Precaution.

(21)  A welcome back for Fred Wilson, storekeeper, was given.  Fred had been off work for four months.  The College Nurse reported that 151 pints of blood were collected from the 162 people who attended the session.

(22)  Robin Shell gave the locations where Vacancy Bulletins could be obtained.  The Print Room reported a delay of over two days for the return of work caused by the volume of work submitted and several breakdowns in the machinery.

(23)   John Sommerville retired after 14 years as a Senior Technician, Trevor Cole now takes his place.  John Sneezum gave details of the forthcoming staff v students rugby match.  Wilf Norfolk floated the notion of a display of works of art executed by the staff.  Bob Corlett was still looking for material for SCOT.

(24)  Ian Tromans advertised the SCR Easter event.   Barbara Bishop sought accommodation for five students coming for a week’s visit from Dunkirk.  George Roberts illustrated a round circle with TUIT printed in the middle.  This, he said, was in answer to all those people who said, “I’ll do it as soon as I get a Round Tuit.”

(25)  Geoff Staples was involved in an accident riding his bicycle, resulting in a broken wrist.   The staff rugby team was announced for the game against the students;  D. Keith, I. Tromans,  D. Prout, A. Molland, G. Allen, C. Widgery, N. Davies, B. Hiscock, T. Lynch, R. Butcher, G. Biddle, R. Ward., D. Evans, J. Sneezum. M. Eden.

(26)  Rugby result – Students  7   Staff 19   Individual praise was accorded to Brian Hiscock and Ron Ward. Duncan Keith’s handling at full back was, as usual, of high standard.

(27)  Grania Casswell had mislaid some notes on ‘Attitudes’.  John Sneezum reported on his findings from a survey of the Subscription Insurance Group.  The only issue centred around the publication of the membership.  John Bloodworth reported the start of the tennis season for staff on the tennis courts in East Park Terrace.  Norman Davies gave details of a short course, ‘Problem Solving With Computers’.

(28)  Staff wishing to attend the England v Italy game at Wembley should inform Peter Maskell.   The start of the staff cricket season was imminent.  Peggy Souter announced trips to the theatres a Salisbury and Chichester.

(29)  Staff were asked by the Print Room to check Assessed Papers as soon as possible to avoid a build-up of work in the Print Room.  Attention was drawn to the fact that John Souter and Bill Macey were acting at the Nuffield Theatre in ‘A Voyage Around My Father.’  The SCR Committee reported that an exhibition of works of art executed by staff would take place in October.

(30)  A welcome was  accorded to Alan Spencer a Technician taking over from Peter Batt.  Ian Tromans reported on a staff cricket victory over the students.  Dennis Rutley posted Part One (of Four) concerning Death or Disaster in which he gave details of the Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme with illustrations of the benefits.

(31)  The SCR were selling tickets for a Cheese and Wine event to be held at Townhill Park House.  The staff cricket team had beaten Whitbread, having overcome a run chase that could have been affected by the crate of beer so kindly left by the opponents in the changing room.  An evening game victory over LSU followed, the staff using nine bowlers in the process. Death and Disaster dealt with Sick and Breakdown situations.

(32)  Cricket results:  loss to Bristol Solicitors, draw with Taunton’s College.  The Research Association advertised a talk by John Blizzard and Anthony Loriston-Clarke on ‘Some Aspects of Marine Corrosion.’  The Insurance Group reported on the collection for Norman Barker.

(33)   The Staff Arts Exhibition for October needed to know who would be exhibiting.  Planning was in the hands of Eric Roe, Peggy Souter and Dave Hewett.  Death and Disaster pointed out that if a female teacher, who has paid the same superannuation as a male teacher, dies in service, the widower and children do not get a pension.

(34)  Ann Tupper complained at members of staff who smoke during courses at the Food Training Restaurant.   Jane Harrison was thanked for her typing and arranging of Newscot.

(35)   Jessie Hey and Sandra Rawlings were bade farewell from the Library staff.  The final cricket results were published; draw with Burridge ,  loss to King Edwards, draw with Embley Park  and victory over Shedfield  with Norman Davies taking 4 wickets for 2 runs in 4 overs.

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