Town & Gown partnership

Last weekend, Sir Anthony Seldon, Vice Chancellor of the University of Buckingham and I went on a research road trip to Aberystwyth and Bangor to find out from those two university towns (of a similar size to ours) about how they manage the partnership between the town residents and the university (students and staff). We were met by lovely people in both places including the mayors, some town councillors, senior managers of the universities and others. It was fascinating and we learnt lots.

I have just written a report for the full Council which will be discussed on 12 March. Once it is on the agenda, I will upload a link here. Meanwhile, I am aware that Sir Anthony is talking with his colleagues about the implications of the learning to University business. We are both of the view that there is much more to do that could enhance the benefits all round to students, residents, staff and beyond. Watch this space!

Meanwhile here are some pics of our visits to Aberystwyth and Bangor.

In Aberystwyth we met with Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for
External Engagement, Cllr Steve Davies, Mayor of Aberystwyth, Cllr Talat Chaudhri, Deputy Mayor of Aberystwyth, Cllr Sue Jones-Davies, Town Councillor and former Mayor of Aberystwyth, Dr Debra Croft, Manager of CWPESI, Caryl Davies, Director of Student Support Services, Rachel Hubbard, Aberystwyth Sports Centre, Jim Wallace, Director of Campus and Commercial Services. And I am enormously grateful to them all for their insights and hospitality. And indeed, I think they got something from inquiry as it made them reflect on all of what they were doing too.

In Bangor we had two meetings with the first being with  Ian Jones (Town Clerk), PVC Prof Jerry Hunter (Pro Vice Chancellor of Welsh Medium and Civic Engagement), and Derek Hainge (Mayor of Bangor). Here we all are.

Later on we met the Vice Chancellor, Professor John Hughes. Here he is talking with Sir Anthony. Both meetings were enormously useful and I am hugely grateful to the time they all gave us, especially Jerry who is an American and fluent in Welsh. Most impressive!

Both University campuses feature brilliant arts centres. Here are a couple of pics of the one at Bangor which bridges the university and town by wrapping itself round a hill. A stunning building and we were fortunate to see a concert by The Gentle Good in the evening. This was a sublime fusion of Welsh and Chinese folk music.

One of the windows in The Pontio overlooking the town and Menai Straits.

Looking down through five floors of innovation, entertainment, performance and study spaces!

The Gentle Good playing "The Immortal Bard". Wonderful and a great way to round off the trip before travelling home on Saturday morning.