On a personal note ...

Most people who know me well just laughed when I said I was going camping over the Bank Holiday weekend, but here's the proof ...

The Big Church Day Out is actually a weekend (though a day visit is an option). There were five stages, umpteen bands, eateries galore, fun stuff, a massive resources tent and 25,000 people  ...  all set in the grounds of Wiston House.

I SURVIVED!!!  I can now officially say  ...  been there, done that, but no-one gave me a t-shirt.

Thought for the week ...

Bowling Night

Bowling Nights are always fun and last night was no exception with 17 of us spending almost three hours at MFA Bowl.

Here's Sonali Mishra, from India, in action.
Her first ever evening bowling :-)

Here's Rhandi from St Kitts & St Nevis, also
playing for the first time, and here doing a
wonderful impression of a cardboard cut-out.

 

Here are two of our three score results -

please note against the 'L' three strikes, four spares

and two broken nails later, I won the final game :-)  

Many thanks to all who came along.

A Day in Dover

It was great to be able to partner with the University of Kent on this day out in Dover, alongside a group of photography students from the University of Memphis. I simply love networking and really enjoyed all the conversation I had with their teacher, David, as we travelled on the bus.

Our first port of call was Dover Castle, one of England's most iconic fortresses that has provided protection for some nine centuries. Sadly, we didn't have the opportunity to experience the drama of the secret wartime tunnels, but we were able to explore the grounds, the church and the medieval tower. 

 

Our time at the castle was followed by 2 1/2 hours exploring the stunning white cliffs, overlooking the Port of Dover (but only after my safety speech about not getting too close to the edge) ...

 

Hope the Memphis team enjoyed the day as much as we did :-)

Paper Hearts Project

We did it!!!! 

Thank you to everyone who contributed their hearts

to this special project!

Status
CURRENT RECORD HOLDER

Date of attempt/verification/discovery
09 February 2019

Attempt location
Chatham, Kent, United Kingdom

Measurement
53,704 total number

Record holder(s)
Paper Hearts Project, United Kingdom

Thought for the week ...

Change is Here to Stay

This is the title of one of my favourite TABLEtalk evenings, and one we've not actually done for some time. 

Our evening began with some discussion about the words we might use to describe change and how is makes us feel. Below are just a few examples of what was said.

We then heard from students about events or inventions they think have brought about most global change and also changes within the nations they represent. This resulted in an interesting discussion about how progress - through such things as medicine and technology - has been positive but in some respects is now turning against us. Our conversation included the topics of climate change, artificial intelligence and social media.

In the final part of our evening everyone shared two events that had brought about significant changes within their own lives.  I am always amazed and blessed by the stories people tell and the vulnerability with which they share. Many thanks to those who came and took part.

Body World

What an amazing exhibition  ...  though possibly not for the squeamish!

Body World is a journey through the human body, discovering the mysteries that lie beneath our skin.

All of the anatomical specimens are real people; donors have given their bodies in order that you and I can see and appreciate how this 'earth suit' of ours truly works.

One of the things I found most interesting was a display called the 'Tyranny of Choices' which talked about the fact that too many choices or options doesn't often lead us to a greater sense of well-being. The plethora of choices that face us in today's society - whether it's which TV channel to watch or what technology to choose - is actually uncomfortably overwhelming.

Another display talked about the 'DNA of Happiness' which said that 50% of our sense of happiness in inherent in the make-up of our genes. I found that very interesting and a potential discussion topic at TABLEtalk sometime.

I learned some interesting facts too  ...  
** an adult has a network of veins, arteries and capillaries that measure more than 60,000 miles
** every day our heart pumps around 7,000 litres of blood

I very much appreciated the fact that there was a lot within the display not just about our physical being but also about aspects of mental health and stress.  All in all, I would highly recommend this fascinating display!!

GKU Volunteering Awards

Always great to celebrate all those students who, in addition to their studies, give a crazy number of hours to a whole variety of activities. THANK YOU to all of you who have worked hard for the benefit of others both on campus and within our local community.

Three awards I was personally thrilled about  ...

Our very own Kesia Balsters won 'Freshers' Helper of the Year'  ...  "Kesia, it's been great being part of your journey at university, and a privilege to walk alongside you through the rough and the smooth."

The Sports Studies Society won 'Fundraiser of the Year' for their work with the Paper Hearts Project  ...  "Ian, who would believe we'd miss you walk around campus laden with boards and glue and origami paper?  It was a fabulous project to be part of and I hope and pray the effects will be felt for a long time to come."

Last, but by no means least, the 'Event of the Year' award went to MADS for their play The Addams Family Musical  ...  "I brought several friends along to the Sunday performance and we laughed long and hard. Don't know which adjective to use - it was FANTASTIC, FUNNY, CLEVER, BRILLIANT, the list could go on.  They say that laughter is the best and cheapest form of well-being therapy and I went away feeling simply marvellous!"

Thought for the week ...