Beryl's Memoirs

Saints stay top after win over Hull FC...

2009-06-05T23:12:00.005+01:00

Saints travelled to the KC Stadium this evening to see their 15th successive away win over Hull FC...Click Here for full match report.

Match Summary:

Final Score:
Hull FC 6 St Helens 30

Hull:
Tries: Tickle
Goals: Tickle (1)

Saints:
Tries: Lomax, Wellens (3), Gilmour, Fa’asavalu
Goals: Long (3)

Teams:
Hull:
1. Mutu Tony; 2. Mark Calderwood, 14. Richard Whiting, 4. Kirk Yeaman, 5. Gareth Raynor; 6. Richard Horne, 7. Chris Thorman; 8. Ewan Dowes, 9. Shaun Berrigan, 18. Jamie Thackray, 22. Mike Burnett, 12. Danny Tickle, 11. Lee Radford (c).
Subs: 19. Paul King, 20. Danny Houghton, 23. Tommy Lee, 25. Dominic Maloney.

Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 30. Jonny Lomax, 3. Matt Gidley, 11. Lee Gilmour, 5. Francis Meli; 6. Leon Pryce, 7. Sean Long; 10. James Graham, 9. Keiron Cunningham (c), 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Chris Flannery, 16. Tony Puletua.
Subs: 14. James Roby, 17. Paul Clough, 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu, 28. Matty Ashurst.

Referee: Phil Bentham

Attendance: 12,009

Saints march into the semi finals...

2009-05-30T19:56:00.005+01:00

Saints visited the Gateshead International Stadium and marched with ease into the semi finals of the Carnegie Challeng Cup today with a convincing easy win over Gateshead Thunder...Click Here for full match report.

Final Score:
Gateshead Thunder 6 St Helens 66

Gateshead:
Tries: McAlpine
Goals: Youngquest (1)

Saints:
Tries: Gidley (2), Roby, Wellens (2), Flannery (2), Fa'asavalu, Eastmond, Pryce (2), Ashurst
Goals: Long (1), Eastmond (8)

Teams:
Gateshead:
19. Nick Youngquest; 18. Robin Peers, 1. Ben McAlpine, 24. Paul Franze, 5. Stewart Sanderson; 6. Neil Thorman, 7. Luke Branighan; 25. Kris Kahler, 14. Ryan Clarke, 33. Sam Crowther, 4. Dylan Nash, 32. Jamie Cording, 12. Michael Knowles.
Subs:10. Tabuan Cakacaka, 15. Matthew Barron, 17. Chris Parker, 21. Ryan McBride.

Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 30. Jonny Lomax, 3. Matt Gidley, 13. Chris Flannery, 21. Gary Wheeler; 6. Leon Pryce, 7. Sean Long; 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 14. James Roby, 10. James Graham, 12. Jon Wilkin, 28. Matty Ashurst, 16. Tony Puletua.
Subs: 9. Keiron Cunningham, 17. Paul Clough. 18. Kyle Eastmond, 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu.

Referee: Ian Smith

Attendance: 4,325

Saints slay Dragons in final minutes...

2009-05-16T20:15:00.006+01:00

It was a warm 'welcome home' for Saints Head Coach Mick Potter in this evening's game between Catalans Dragons and St Helens at the Stade Gilbert Brutus, in the Catalan area of Perpignan, France...
Losing 22-10 at half time Saints recovered to win the close encounter with the timely try from Gary Wheeler and the conversion from Sean Long two minutes from the final whistle, sealing the victory. For full match report Click Here.

Catalans:
Tries: Bell (2), Bosc (2), Mogg
Goals: Bosc (4)

Saints:
Tries: Gardner (2), Wellens, Meli, Pryce
Goals: Long (4)

Teams:
Catalans:
1. Clint Greenshields; 18. Vincent Duport, 3. Steve Bell, 15. Jean-Phillipe Baile, 5. Dimitri Pelo; 4. Adam Mogg, 6. Thomas Bosc; 14. Dane Carlaw, 9. Casey McGuire, 10. Jerome Guisset, 22. Jamel Fakir, 19. Julien Touxagas, 26. Greg Bird (c)
Subs: 8. David Ferriol, 13. Gregory Mounis, 20. Kane Bentley, 24. Remi Casty.

Saints:
1.Paul Wellens; 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Matt Gidley, 21. Gary Wheeler, 5. Francis Meli; 6. Leon Pryce, 7. Sean Long; 10. James Graham, 9. Keiron Cunningham (c), 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 11. Lee Gilmour, 13. Chris Flannery, 16. Tony Puletua.
Subs: 14. James Roby, 17. Paul Clough, 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu, 28. Matty Ashurst.

Referee: Phil Bentham

Attendance: 9,065

Saints through to the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup...

2009-05-10T19:53:00.007+01:00

Saints are through to the Carnegie Challenge Cup quarter finals after a convincingly comfortable win over Catalans Dragons this afternoon at Knowsley Road. Winning at half time by 18 points to 8, Saints gradually cruised to deserved 17th consecutive cup tie win...For full match report Click Here.

Final Score:
St Helens 42 Catalans Dragons 8

Saints:
Tries: Meli (2), Wheeler (2), Wellens (2), Clough, Pryce
Goals: Long (4), Wheeler (1)

Catalans:
Tries: Gossard
Goals: Bosc (2)

Teams:
Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Matt Gidley, 21. Gary Wheeler, 5. Francis Meli; 6. Leon Pryce, 7. Sean Long; 10. James Graham, 9. Keiron Cunningham, 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 11. Lee Gilmour, 13. Chris Flannery, 16. Tony Puletua.
Subs: 14. James Roby, 17. Paul Clough. 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu, 28. Matty Ashurst.

Catalans:
1. Clint Greenshields; 18. Vincent Duport, 3. Steve Bell, 15. Jean-Phillipe Baile, 5. Dimitri Pelo; 4. Adam Mogg, 6. Thomas Bosc; 24. Remi Casty, 20. Kane Bentley, 10. Jerome Guisset, 16. Olivier Elima, 17. Cyril Gossard, 13. Gregory Mounis.
Subs: 8. David Ferriol, 9. Casey McGuire, 14. Dane Carlaw, 22. Jamel Fakir.

Referee: Ben Thaler

Attendance: 7176

Dissapointment for Saints at the McMagic Weekend...

2009-05-04T14:43:00.003+01:00

MURRAYFIELD MAGIC WEEKEND

The Magic Weekend moved from Cardiff to Murrayfield this year...The venue in my opinion and from what other friends, family and fans have commented is not as good as the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff nor as central. A lot of fans commented that there was a choice of three public houses close by to the ground where they could have a pre-match drink and meal - none of which allowed children under the age of 18 onto the premises...and the other point was that Murrayfield isn't central it is 4km from Edinburgh's city centre. Considering this is a family event I think the RFL should have a re-think as to where next year's Magic Weekend is hosted, as it seems that most fans were dissapointed with this year's venue and are dubious as to whether they would attend the event at Murrayfield again.

Enough griping and on with the scores on the doors...

Saturday 2nd May 2009

Salford City Reds 16 Harlequins RL 24
Referee: G Hewer
Attendance: 29,627

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 16 Bradford Bulls 32
Referee: Ian Smith
Attendance: 29,627

Wigan Warriors 38 St Helens 18
Referee: Steve Ganson
Attendance: 29,627

Sunday 3rd May 2009

Catalans Dragons 16 Leeds Rhinos 36
Referee: Thierry Alibert
Attendance: 30,122

Huddersfield Giants 40 Celtic Crusaders 16
Referee: Ben Thaler
Attendance: 30,122

Hull FC 24 Castleford Tigers 16
Referee: Phil Bentham
Attendance: 30,122

Warrington Wolves 28 Hull Kingston Rovers 36
Referee: Richard Silverwood
Attendance: 30,122

Saints China Shop Ruffled by the Bulls...

2009-04-24T14:13:00.005+01:00

Bradford Bulls sneaked a win over St Helens tonight at Knowsley Road. Saints led 26-10 at half time but a determined Bradford side held their defence to win the game 30-34. For full match report Click Here.

Match Summary:

Full Time Score:
Saints 30 Bradford Bulls 34

Teams:
Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 2. Ade Gardner, 19. Chris Dean, 11. Lee Gilmour, 5. Francis Meli; 6. Leon Pryce, 7. Sean Long; 10. James Graham, 9. Keiron Cunningham, 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Chris Flannery, 17. Paul Clough.
Subs: 14. James Roby, 21. Gary Wheeler, 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu, 28. Matty Ashurst.

Bradford:
20. Dave Halley; 2. Rikki Sheriffe, 11. Steve Menzies, 1. Michael Platt, 5. Semi Tadulala; 3. Paul Sykes, 6. Ben Jeffries; 10. Andy Lynch, 9. Terry Newton, 17. Nick Scruton, 26. David Solomona, 8. Sam Burgess, 13. Jamie Langley.
Subs: 15. Matt Cook, 16. Michael Worrincy, 19. Craig Kopczak, 24. Julien Rinaldi.

Saints:
Tries: Gardner, Meli (2), Pryce, Wheeler, Long
Goals: Long (3 from 6)

Bradford:
Tries: Tadulala (2), Kopczak, Burgess, Worrincy (2)
Goals: Sykes (4 from 5)

Referee: Richard Silverwood

Attendance: 11,039

Double Easter win for Saints...

2009-04-13T19:46:00.003+01:00

Showing no signs of weakness after a hectic match schedule, Saints comfortably beat Hull FC at home today in the second game over the Easter Holiday period. For full match report Click Here.

Match Summary:
Full Time Score:
St Helens 44 Hull FC 22

Saints:
Tries: Puletua, Gilmour, Wilkin, Wellens, Pryce, Eastmond (2), Dean, Gardner
Goals: Long (3), Eastmond (1)

Hull:
Tries: G. Horne (2), Manu, Calderwood,
Goals: Tickle (3)

Teams:
Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Matt Gidley, 19. Chris Dean, 5. Francis Meli; 6. Leon Pryce, 7. Sean Long; 10. James Graham, 9. Keiron Cunningham (c), 16. Tony Puletua, 11. Lee Gilmour, 12. Jon Wilkin, 17. Paul Clough.
Subs: 14. James Roby, 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 18. Kyle Eastmond, 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu.

Hull FC:
14. Richard Whiting; 2. Mark Calderwood, 15. Danny Washbrook, 4. Kirk Yeaman, 17. Graeme Horne; 6. Richard Horne, 7. Chris Thorman; 8. Ewan Dowes, 20. Danny Houghton, 18. Jamie Thackray, 16. Willie Manu, 12. Danny Tickle, 11. Lee Radford (c).
Subs: 9. Shaun Berrigan, 19. Paul King, 23. Tommy Lee, 25. Dominic Maloney.

Referee: Thierry Alibert

Attendance: 13,684

Saints are the ‘Derby’ Winners…

2009-04-09T23:41:00.005+01:00

This year’s traditional local Easter derby game was played on ‘Maundy Thursday’ instead of ‘Good Friday’ at the newly named DW Stadium (JJB Stadium), home of Wigan Warriors.

A true grit game and evenly matched at times which showed in the half time score of 6-6; but Saints were the game winners, which gave them top position in the league table! For full match report Click Here.

Match Summary:

Full Time Score:
Wigan 12 St Helens 19

Wigan:
Tries: Ainscough (2)
Goals: Roberts (2)

Saints:
Tries: Cunningham, Gidley, Pryce
Goals: Wellens (1), Eastmond (2)
Drop: Eastmond

Teams:
Wigan:
21. Cameron Phelps; 2. Amos Roberts, 22. Martin Gleeson, 4. George Carmont, 28. Shaun Ainscough; 25. Sam Tomkins, 7. Thomas Leuluai; 8. Stuart Fielden, 9. Mark Riddell, 15. Andy Coley, 11. Gareth Hock, 12. Phil Bailey, 13. Sean O'Loughlin.
Subs: 10. Iafeta Paleaaesina, 16. Harrison Hansen, 17. Michael McIlorum, 19. Paul Prescott.

Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Matt Gidley, 11. Lee Gilmour, 5. Francis Meli; 12. Jon Wilkin, 6. Leon Pryce; 10. James Graham, 9. Keiron Cunningham, 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 16. Tony Puletua, 28. Matty Ashurst, 17. Paul Clough.
Subs: 14. James Roby, 18. Kyle Eastmond, 20. Gareth Frodsham, 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu.

Referee: Ben Thaler

Attendance: 22,232

Saints through to next round...

2009-04-05T14:36:00.005+01:00

Saints defeated Leeds Rhinos 22-18 at Headingly Carnegie Stadium in today’s Challenge Cup Clash. For full match report Click Here.

Match Summary:

Full Time Score:
Leeds 18 Saints 22

Leeds
Tries: Buchannan, Webb, Senior
Goals: Sinfield (3)

Saints
Tries: Gardner, Roby, Wellens, Gidley
Goals: Wellens (4)

Teams:

Leeds:
1. Brent Webb; 2. Scott Donald, 20. Ashley Gibson, 4. Keith Senior, 5. Ryan Hall; 6. Danny McGuire, 7. Rob Burrow; 8. Kylie Leuluai, 14. Matt Diskin, 10. Jamie Peacock, 11. Jamie Jones-Buchannan, 18. Carl Ablett, 13. Kevin Sinfield (c).
Subs:9. Danny Buderus, 12. Ali Lauitiiti, 17. Ian Kirke, 19. Luke Burgess,.

Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Matt Gidley, 11. Lee Gilmour, 5. Francis Meli; 12. Jon Wilkin, 6. Leon Pryce; 10. James Graham, 9. Keiron Cunningham (c), 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 16. Tony Puletua, 13. Chris Flannery, 17. Paul Clough
Subs: 8. Jason Cayless, 14. James Roby, 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu, 28. Matty Ashurst.

Referee: Phil Bentham

Attendance: 17,689

Saints win at Belle Vue as Wakefield mourn ragic death of Leon Walker...

2009-03-27T22:46:00.004Z

Rugby League unite to honour Leon Walker (1988-2009)...
Belle Vue paid a deeply moving tribute to Walker's memory before tonight's match against St Helens...
"A television interview with his parents was shown on a big screen before kick-off, reducing many in the crowd to tears, while family members, team-mates and both sets of players formed a guard of honour on the pitch before a minute's silence was impeccably observed." Source: Engage Super League

This was never going to be an easy game to play...Saints were too strong for the Wildcats and won the game. For full match report Click Here.

Match Summary...

Full Time Score:
Wakefield 18 St Helens 42

Wakefield:
Tries: Snitch, Murphy, Atkins
Goals: Brough (3)

Saints:
Tries: Graham, Wheeler, Gidley, Pryce (3), Puletua, Gardner
Goals: Wheeler (3), Gidley (2)

Teams:
Wakefield:
1. Matthew Blaymire; 2. Damien Blanch, 19. Sean Gleeson, 4. Ryan Atkins, 27. Aaron Murphy; 13 Scott Grix, 7. Danny Brough; 12. Oliver Wilkes, 20. Tevita Leo-Latu, 29. Jay Pitts, 11. Steve Snitch, 24. Dale Ferguson, 8. Jason Demetriou,
Subs: 10. Danny Sculthorpe, 14. Sam Obst, 17. Kevin Henderson, 28. Kyle Bibb.

Saints:
30. Jonny Lomax; 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Matt Gidley, 11. Lee Gilmour, 5. Francis Meli; 21. Gary Wheeler, 6. Leon Pryce; 10. James Graham, 9. Keiron Cunningham, 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Chris Flannery, 17. Paul Clough.
Subs: 8. Jason Cayless, 16. Tony Puletua, 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu, 28. Matty Ashurst.

Referee: Thierry Alibert (France)

Attendance: 6,038

'When Two Tribes go to War': Saints see off the Rhinos...

2009-03-20T22:23:00.000Z

Tonight's game against Leeds Rhinos was played with passion and determination. Saints battled their way to a deserved win but but Leeds Rhinos clung on to pole position with the last kick of an epic match at Knowsley Road. Click here for full match report.

Match Summary...

Full Time Score:
St Helens 26 Leeds 18

Saints:
Tries: Gidley (2), Roby, Pryce, Wheeler
Goals: Long (3)

Leeds:
Tries: Senior (2), Hall
Goals: Sinfield (3)

Teams:
Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Matt Gidley, 11. Lee Gilmour, 21. Gary Wheeler ; 6. Leon Pryce, 7. Sean Long; 10. James Graham, 9. Keiron Cunningham, 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Chris Flannery, 17. Paul Clough.
Subs: 8. Jason Cayless, 14. James Roby, 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu, 28. Matty Ashurst.

Leeds:
1. Brent Webb; 2. Scott Donald, 3. Lee Smith, 4. Keith Senior, 5. Ryan Hall; 6. Danny McGuire, 7. Rob Burrow; 8 Kylie Leuluai, 14. Matt Diskin, 10. Jamie Peacock, 18. Carl Ablett, 11. Jamie Jones-Buchanan, 13. Kevin Sinfield.
Subs: 16. Ryan Bailey, 19. Luke Burgess, 20. Ashley Gibson, 22. Danny Allan.

Referee: Phil Bentham (Warrington)

Attendance: 13,966

Saints remain 3rd after win against Salford...

2009-03-13T23:05:00.004Z

Saints welcomed Salford City Reds back to Knowsley Road for their first Super League game there this season. With three key players out of the game Saints won by 38 points to 12 taking the two points to place them third in the table. Click Here to see full match report.

Match Summary...

Full Time Score:
St Helens 38 Salford 12

Saints:
Tries: Wilkin (2), Pryce, Flannery, Gardner, Graham, Cunningham
Goals: Long (5)

Salford:
Tries: Fitzpatrick, Thorley
Goals Ratchford (2):

Teams:
Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Matt Gidley, 13. Chris Flannery, 21. Gary Wheeler; 6. Leon Pryce, 7. Sean Long; 10. James Graham, 9. Keiron Cunningham, (c), 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 12. Jon Wilkin, 24. Andrew Dixon, 17. Paul Clough.
Subs : 8. Jason Cayless, 14. James Roby, 28. Matty Ashurst, 31. Jake Emmitt.

Salford:
1. Karl Fitzpatrick ; 3. Mark Henry, 15. Stuart Littler, 14. Jordan Turner, 19. Stefan Ratchford; 6. Jeremy Smith, 17. Robbie Paul; 8. Ray Cashmere, 9. Malcolm Alker (c), 10. Craig Stapleton, 20. Luke Adamson, 12. Rob Parker, 13. Luke Swain.
Subs: 16. Phil Leuluai, 21. Andrew Thornley, 22. Stephen Nash, 23. Adam Sidlow.

Referee: Richard Silverwood (Dewsbury)

Attendance: 9,723

Saints beat Celtic...

2009-03-07T23:48:00.005Z

Saints fans travelled to Brewery Field in Bridgend, Wales to face newcomers to Super League the Celtic Crusaders. Defending well in this low scoring game and in terrible weather conditions Saints secured a victory winning 4 points to nil. For full match report Click Here.

Match Summary...

Full Time Score:
Celtic 0 St Helens 4

Celtic:
Tries:
Goals:

Saints:
Tries: Armstrong
Goals:

Teams:
Celtic:
13. Marshall Chalk; 18. Mark Lennon, 3. Josh Hannay, 4. Mark Dalle Cort, 5. Anthony Blackwood; 6. Damien Quinn, 14. Matt Smith; 8. Ryan O'Hara, 9. Lincoln Withers, 10. Mark Bryant, 21. Chris Beasley, 12. Darren Mapp (c), 15. Peter Lupton.
Subs: 11. Adam Peek, 16. Ben Flower, 17. Jordan James, 23. Neil Budworth.

Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Matt Gidley, 11. Lee Gilmour, 29. Tom Armstrong; 6. Leon Pryce, 7. Sean Long; 10. James Graham, 9. Keiron Cunningham (c), 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 12. Jon Wilkin, 24. Andrew Dixon, 16. Tony Puletua.
Subs: 8. Jason Cayless, 14. James Roby, 17. Paul Clough, 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu.

Referee: Phil Bentham (Warrington)

Attendance: 6,351

Saints edged off the perch by The Robins...

2009-02-27T23:36:00.017Z

With five minutes remaining The Robins bobbed over a penalty to take the game from Saints winning 19-20. Both teams made errors throughout the game, and both teams played some exciting rugby, but it was Saints slack defence that led to them conceding a penalty and losing the game. Not a dissapointing score...but a wake up call for St Helens. For full match report Click Here.

Match Summary...

Full Time Score:
Saints 19 Hull KR 20

Saints:
Tries: Puletua, Wheeler, Wellens
Goals: Long (3)
Drop: Long

Hull KR:
Tries: Galea, Fox, Webster
Goals: Dobson (4)

Teams:
Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Matt Gidley, 11. Lee Gilmour, 29. Tom Armstrong; 14. James Roby, 7. Sean Long; 10. James Graham, 9. Keiron Cunningham, 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 12. Jon Wilkin, 16. Tony Puletua, 17. Paul Clough.
Subs: 20. Gareth Frodsham, 21. Gary Wheeler, 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu, 24. Andrew Dixon.

Hull KR:
1. Shaun Briscoe; 2. Peter Fox, 4. Jake Webster, 19. Kris Welham, 28. Ben Cockayne; 21. Chaz I’Anson, 7. Michael Dobson; 8. Nick Fozzard, 15. Daniel Fitzhenry, 17. Makali Aizue, 3. Chev Walker, 12. Ben Galea, 13. Scott Murrell.
Subs: 9. Ben Fisher, 11. Clint Newton, 16. Jason Netherton, 24. Rhys Lovegrove.

Referee: Ian Smith (Oldham)

Attendance: 11,830

Saints Overpower The Giants...

2009-02-22T22:33:00.011Z

Saints secured two points this afternoon at the Galpharm Stadium beating Huddersfield Giants 23-6. Long had another bad kicking day, but nevertheless scored his 1,000 goal for St Helens. For full match report Click Here.

Match Summary

Final Score
Huddersfield 6 St Helens 23

Huddersfield:
Tries: Whaturia
Goals: Hodgson (1)

Saints:
Tries: Wellens, Gardner, Gilmour, Puletua, Wheeler
Goals: Long (1)
Drop: Long

Teams:
Huddersfield:
1. Brett Hodgson; 2. Martin Aspinwall, 19. Michael Lawrence, 4. Paul Whaturia, 5. David Hodgson; 3. Kevin Brown, 7. Luke Robinson; 16. Keith Mason, 20. Scott Moore, 10. Darrell Griffin, 12. Andy Raleigh, 13. Stephen Wild, 14. Simon Finnigan.
Subs: 11. Jamahl Lolesi, 15. Paul Jackson, 17. Michael Korkidas, 24. Shaun Lunt.

Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Matt Gidley, 11. Lee Gilmour, 29. Tom Armstrong; 6. Leon Pryce, 7. Sean Long; 16. Tony Puletua, 9. Keiron Cunningham, 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Chris Flannery, 17. Paul Clough.
Subs: 14. James Roby, 20. Gareth Frodsham, 21. Gary Wheeler, 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu.

Referee: Thierry Alibert (France)

Attendance: 11,338

Saints keep the Wolves form the door...

2009-02-13T23:52:00.015Z

The Boys are Back in Town!!!

Friday the 13th wasn't an unlucky day for Saints first game of the Super League XIV Season, they staged a superb fightback to defeat Warrington 26-14 at Knowsley Road.

Warrington had a 14-0 advantage early in the second half and it looked like Saints would struggle to come back...but they 'upped the anti' after Gilmour's 30 yard dash resulted in a successful try putting St Helens on the scoreboard. From then on it was business as usual for Super Saints with 4 tries in 21 minutes. For full match report Click Here.

Match Summary...

Final Score:
St Helens 26 Warrington 14

Saints:
Tries: Gilmour, Gardner, Gidley (2), Graham, Armstrong
Goals: Long (1 from 6)

Warrington:
Tries: Higham, Rauhihi
Goals: Hicks (3 from 3)

Teams:
Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Matt Gidley, 11. Lee Gilmour, 29. Tom Armstrong; 6. Leon Pryce, 7. Sean Long; 10. James Graham, 9. Keiron Cunningham (c), 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Chris Flannery, 16. Tony Puletua.
Subs: 8. Jason Cayless, 14. James Roby, 17. Paul Clough, 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu.

Warrington:
19. Chris Riley; 23. Chris Hicks, 2. Paul Johnson, 4. Matt King, 5. Kevin Penny; 6. Lee Briers, 7. Michael Monaghan, 8. Adrian Morley (c), 14. Mickey Higham, 16. Garreth Carvel, 11. Louis Anderson, 12. Ben Westwood, 21. Matty Blythe.
Subs: 10. Paul Rauhihi, 15. Paul Wood, 24. Ben Harrison, 25. Chris Bridge.

Referee: Ian Smith (Oldham)

Attendance: 17,009

RAE puts IRIS in the top two in the UK

2009-01-14T18:37:00.000Z

News: 18th December 2008
The UK Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) outcomes, announced today, show that 75% of the research activities of the Informatics Research Institute are at international level, with 25% at the world leading level.

Based on a research measure that takes account of the number of staff submitted, Research Fortnight ranks IRIS activities in the top 2 submissions made to the Library and Information Management panel.

Over 29 staff were included in the submission compared with 20 in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise, showing significant growth in research activity.

This confirms the Informatics Institute as one of the leading multidisciplinary research institutes that brings together expertise in social, technological and computational aspects of information systems.

Source: Information Research Institute (IRIS)

Final Stop: Hong Kong...

2009-01-11T21:35:00.031Z

Sunday, January 11th...

Left Guangzhou mid morning and with business deals in the bag, our final destination before heading home was Hong Kong. Travelling by 'fast train' we arrived at the Peninsula Hotel 2 hours later...time to relax and enjoy the sights...

Peninsula Hotel, Hong Kong...

The Hotel

In the Suite

Rooftop Sun Terrace and Views of Victoria Harbour

Hong Kong Island and Skyline from the Ferry

Views from Victoria Peak

Guangzhou...

2009-01-06T22:00:00.020Z

Tuesday January 6th...

We arrived in Guangzhou mid afternoon, feeling rested after 12 hours sleep on our train journey. Here several business meetings with Cast Iron and Aluminium companies and civil engineers are arranged over the next five days with tourist attractions fitted inbetween whenever possible...here's some photos of five days activities...

Asia International Hotel, Guangzhou

Lobby, view from hotel room, room giggles...

The Garden Hotel, Guangzhou - The Lobby

Evenings in Guangzhou...

Shanti Town Market: This place was worth a visit and items were very inexpensive here, but was a bit dodgy!

Favourite Turkish Restaurant and Shisha Bar

Beijing Road

Traditional Chinese Restaurant...Go where the locals go!

Days Out: Tourist Attractions...

Chimelong Paradise Theme Park

Chimelong International Circus

A Slow Train to Guangzhou...

2009-01-06T18:49:00.002Z

Monday January 5th...

Business done...we leave Tianjin this afternoon and head to Guangzhou (Canton) via sleeper train, a 26 hour journey lies ahead. But first we had time to take a walk and take in the sights around the hotel and to stock up with food for the train journey, as our trusted companion Michael informed us that food on th train was not very good...

Tianjin

The train journey...Tianjin - Guangzhou

Next Stop...Tianjin

2009-01-05T14:25:00.007Z

Sunday January 4th 2009...

Early this morning we hired the two taxi drivers who spent the day with us yesterday to drive us from Beijing to Tianjin. Arriving at the Hyatt Regency, Tianjin at 11am just gave us time for a quick shower, beverage and change before being met and picked up by Lee and George for our first business meeting, which turned out to be a 13 hour day!

First stop was the Cast Iron Factory and Warehouse in the Hebei District and then on to the Foundry which was a good three hour drive to a remote part of 'somewhere in China'. Following our visits and travelling back to Tianjin our hosts took us for a delicious traditional Chinese banquet.

Here are some photos of the Hotel and Tianjin and the area outside the Factory/Warehouse location and the working conditions at the Cast Iron Foundry...

Hyatt Regency, Tianjin

Cast Iron Factory/Warehouse Location, Hebei District

The Cast Iron Foundry

Off to China: First stop Beijing

2009-01-04T21:14:00.000Z

I left the UK bound for China via Amsterdam on 1st January 2009 arriving in Beijing the folowing day...After settling into the Grand Hyatt Beijing Hotel and a short rest, and meeting up with Michael our Chinese friend and colleague, the six of us went off out to visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square attractions.

The following day, January 3rd, we all went to visit The Great Wall (Badaling) and The National Stadium

Here is the first batch of photos from our visit...

The Grand Hyatt Beijing

The Forbidden City

Tiananmen Square

Evening in Beijing

The Great Wall of China

The National Stadium

Reflections on 2008...Welcoming in 2009

2009-01-01T01:25:00.006Z

Another year over...2008 was a mixed year of good and bad (as is usual).

Countries Visited...
I was fortunate enough to travel to quite a few fabulous cities/towns in foreign parts this year: Marrakech - Morocco; Montpellier - France; Paris - France; Barcelona - Spain; Abu Dhabi - UAE; Dubai - UAE; Warsaw - Poland; all of which are beautiful in their own way and many of which hold special memories to me...visiting Slovenia and South Africa was put on hold.

Academic Achievements...
This year was a quiet year for me where publications were concerned and I had only one Journal publication which I spoke of earlier in the year in my blog. But thankfully this lapse in writing enabled me to concentrate on and complete my PhD thesis which I submitted on December 1st - I just need my date to defend my thesis, then I can hopefully add this to my academic achievements in 2009. This was 'fitted around' my postgraduate and undergraduate teaching commitments which were quite challenging this year because of the additional new January intake which meant Summer teaching in addition to the normal academic year...more of the same is expected next year.

My Love of Rugby...
Rugby League is my passion and hobby and St Helens had another fantastic and successful year. As for my home town Leigh - well they didn't have a bad season really...they now have a new 10,000 seat stadium at Leigh Sports Village (within a 10 minute walking distance from my home). Leigh Sports Village (an £83M project) is the largest investment in public sports, recreational and educational facilities in the Wigan Borough for many years and will hopefully transform Leigh into one of the finest hubs of activity in the North West putting Leigh 'back on the map'. Leigh Centurions christened their new stadium in a friendly game against Salford City Reds on Sunday December 28th 2008. Lets hope it's a lucky stadium for the 'Leythers'!

Personal Health...
I was diagnosed with Arthritis in my right hip and on seeing the specialist he said "It will get worse, then it will get bad and then we'll pop in a new hip" - this getting older lark has a lot to answer for!

Saying Goodbye...
Unfortunately when you get older you have to say goodbye to friends and family members who pass away and this year was no exception...you'll always be in my thoughts from time to time and you'll be sadly missed.

On Reflection...
Overall on reflection it was in the main a good year - affairs of the heart - well let's just say they had their ups and downs (more downs than ups!)...still hoping!

My New Year's Resolution...
I don't normally make them because I find I never keep them - so this is more a promise to myself and not a resolution...
Trust no one - that way you'll never be disappointed, disillusioned or hurt...
I'm a little too kind and trusting and I think maybe that's a trait I need to change.

Seeing in 2009...
After letting in the new year with my two sons, family and friends, January 1st 2009 will begin by travelling to China (Beijing-Tianjin-Guangzhou-Hong Kong)...and I mean to continue travelling to as many foreign locations as possible throughout the year...as the saying goes 'you only live once and life is for living' and I certainly intend to live my life to the full in 2009!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE - HOPING IT'S A GOOD ONE FOR YOU ALL!

Saints Falter at the Final Hurdle...

2008-10-04T23:54:00.018+01:00

Saints lost out to Leeds in the Grand Final at Old Trafford tonight. Leeds retained the Super League Grand Final Trophy beating St Helens 24 - 16. Click Here for full match report.

Saints:
Tries: Graham, Gidley, Gardner
Goals: Long (2)

Leeds:
Tries: Smith, Hall, McGuire (2)
Goals: Sinfield (4)

Attendance: 68,810

TEAMS
Saints:
Paul Wellens; Ade Gardner; Matt Gidley; Willie Talau; Francis Meli; Leon Pryce; Sean Long; James Graham; Keiron Cunningham; Bryn Hargreaves; Lee Gilmour; Jon Wilkin; Chris Flannery.
Subs: Nick Fozzard; James Roby; Paul Clough; Maurie Fa’asavalu

Leeds:
Lee Smith; Ryan Hall; Carl Ablett; Keith Senior; Scott Donald; Danny McGuire; Rob Burrow; Kylie Leuluai; Matt Diskin; Jamie Peacock; Jamie Jones-Buchanan; Gareth Ellis; Kevin Sinfield.
Subs: Ali Lauitiiti; Ryan Bailey; Nick Scruton; Ian Kirke

But Saints fans shouldn't be too down hearted and should be looking at what their team have achieved this season:

Carnegie Challenge Cup Winners Click Here for report
Lance Todd Trophy Winner: Paul Wellans (second year in succession)
League Leaders Trophy: For the fourth year in succession Click Here for report
Rugby League Writers' Association's Player of the Year: James Graham...Click Here for report
Man of Steel: James Graham...the seventh St Helens player to be crowned Man of Steel in the last nine years. Click Here for report.
Carnegie Community Player of the Year Award: Mike Bennett Click Here for report.
Record Breakers: The longest winning run by a Super League club in the summer era.
St Helens Club proclaimed the greatest in the history of the game. Click Here for report.

Great Season..Great Achievement...Great Team...

SEE YOU NEXT SEASON!

Stunning Saints Sail Through To Old Trafford...

2008-09-19T23:24:00.004+01:00

In a spectacular performance St Helens far outshone Leeds Rhinos in tonight's Semi Final Play Off at Knowsley Road to secure a place in their third Grand Final in sucession at Old Trafford on October 4th.
For full match report click here.

Final Score: St Helens 38 Leeds 10

Saints:
Tries: Gardner, Gidley, Meli, Roby (2), Wilkin (2)
Goals: Long (5)

Leeds:
Tries: McGuire, Ellis
Goals: Burrow (1)

Attendance: 11,407

Saints News...

2008-09-13T18:50:00.002+01:00

Let's have a quick loojk at what's been going on during a well deserved week's rest from play...

8th September: Another Award for Saints...
James Graham was named the Rugby League Writers' Association's Player of the Year for 2008. For full report Click Here.

12th September: Saints RL Academy beat Wigan 44-36 to get through to the Grand Final. Click here for match report.

Saints clinch top spot fourth time in a row...

2008-09-05T23:30:00.002+01:00

Saints went into battle with Wigan Warriors tonight. A below par Saints side recovered from a 12-0 deficit to bring the final score to a 16-16 draw in the final regular season game at Knowsley Road, ensuring St Helens the top spot for the fourth successive year, retaining the League Leaders Trophy which was presented to captain Keiron Cunningham at the end of a nail biting match. Click here for the full match report.

Saints
Tries: Gidley (2), Gardner
Goals: Long (2)

Wigan
Tries: Carmont, Tomkins
Goals: Richards (4)

Attendance: 14,113

Carnegie Challenge Cup Final 2008: Super Saints make it three in a row!

2008-08-31T21:41:00.058+01:00

What a weekend...
Friday 29th August...
We travelled to London early morning, checked in to The Cumberland Hotel early afternoon and relaxed in one of our rooms with a few 'bevvies' and had a few giggles trying on wigs (don't ask...but there is a story behind that!!!) before heading out for show time at West End's Prince of Wales Theatre to see Mama Mia - an excellent evening. We then 'trecked' back the 1.7 miles to the hotel for supper and a night cap...seemed like a good idea at the time...but I had to shed my 4.5 inch heels for the last half mile!

Saturday 30th August...
All woke early with the usual anxious yet excited feeling to a cloudless blue sky...a good hearty breakfast was had by all to ensure the soaking up of a full day's alcohol intake. The guys dressed as their version of 'Hawaiin Dancers' and the gals as 'Cowgirls', we caught the tube shared by a myriad of fans from St Helens, Hull FC, Hull KR, Warrington, Wigan, Widnes and Harlequins all sharing thoughts and views on how the game will go with a few outbursts of the various supporters 'songs'...all fans were in good spirit and a common respect was shared(something you don't see at football matches!!!)

12:30pm and red hot sunshine greeted us at Wembley. We join the mixture of colourfully hue clad fans along 'Wembley Way' having a few bevvies on route whilst soaking up the athmosphere and the sun...
1:30pm After being interviewed by the BBC we entered the stadium, placed our bets and joined in the entertainment singing loud and proud...
2:30pm we're ready to rumble...the game starts.
Hull FC were the last team to beat Saints in the Challenge Cup...can they do it again?

The Match...
1st Half...
1st minute - Paul Sculthorpe is taken off injured with a dislocated shoulder injury
7th minute - Matt Gidley goes over the whitewash for Saints first try, Sean Long fails to convert
18th minute - Francis Meli does a 70 metre solo dash and scores Saints second try, this time Sean Long converts
28th minute - Willie Talau goes over in the corner, but the try was disallowed... Ganson ruled a forward pass
40th minute - Half Time: Saints 10 Hull FC 0

2nd Half...
44th minute - Kirk Yeaman intercepts and does a 75 metre dash to score Hull's first try, Danny Tickle converts to make it 10-6
52nd minute - Sean Long touches down over the line, but the try is disallowed by video ref Ashley Klein ruling an illegal crossing on the build up to the try
63rd minute - Kirk Yeaman scores Hull's second try, Danny Tickle converts taking the score to Saints 10 Hull FC 12..game on!!!
65th minute - Saints retaliate with a classy second try from Francis Meli, Sean Long adds to the points - Saints 16 Hull FC 12
71st minute - Jon Wilkin goes under the posts for Saints fourth try, easily converted by Sean Long taking the score to Saints 22 Hull FC 12
74th minute - Gareth Raynor scores in the corner, once again raising hopes for Hull, Danny Tickle misses the conversion - Saints 22 Hull FC 16
76th minute - Once again Saints step up their pace when needed resulting in a try from Leon Pryce with Sean Long sealing the conversion
80th minute - there's a usual threatening of 'handbags at dawn' on the pitch (well it wouldn't be rugby without one!) when Jamie Thackray comes in with a swinging arm on Sean Long...Ganson takes control, awards Saints a penalty and the final hooter sounds.

Final Score...
St Helens 28 Hull FC 16...It was survival of the fittest and Saints take home the Challenge Cup silverware for the third time in a row; with the Lance Todd Trophy going to Paul Wellans - the first player to win the trophy in successive years - what an achievement - what a team!!!

For full match report, links to Saints quotes, Hull quotes, Photos and 'as it happened' report Click Here
To see highlights of the game Click Here
To see St Helens reaction Click Here
To see Hull's reaction Click Here

Teams:
St Helens
Wellens, Gardner, Gidley, Talau, Meli, Pryce, Long, Hargreaves, Cunningham, Graham, Wilkin, Flannery, Sculthorpe
Subs: Gilmour, Roby, Clough, Fa'asavalu

Tries: Gidley, Meli (2), Wilkin, Pryce
Goals: Long (4)

Hull FC:
Byrne, Sing, G. Horne, Yeaman, Raynor, Washbrook, Lee, Dowes, Berrigan, Cusack, Manu, Tickle, Radford
Subs: R. Horne, Carvell, Briscoe, Thackray

Tries: Yeaman (2), Raynor
Goals: Tickle (2)

Attendance: 82,821

Photo Album...

Official Photos courtesy of Saints, The Guardian, BBC Sport

Sunday 31st August...
Unbelievable change of weather today...rain, more rain and thunder storms...
Breakfast...packed up...left for home at lunchtime...
Hopefully see you next year Wembley...Oh St Helens Rugby Come Thrill Us Again!

Saints still top...

2008-08-25T09:51:00.010+01:00

2007 World Club Champions, League Winners and Challenge Cup Winners St Helens are still top of the Super League table following away wins over Harlequins (Click Here for match report) and Huddersfield (Click Here for match report) over the past two weeks...

Match Summary 17th August: Harlequins 32 Saints 16

Harlequins
Tries: Purdham, Hill, Rinaldi
Goals: Purdham (2)

Saints
Tries: Clough, Talau (2), Graham, Cayless, Gardner
Goals: Eastmond (3), Gidley (1)

Attendance: 3629

Match Summary 24th August: Huddersfield 22 Saints 40

Huddersfield
Tries: Jones, Whatuira (2), Kirmond
Goals: Thorman (3)

Saints
Tries: Cunningham, Talau, Eastmond (2), Flannery, McGilvray
Goals: Long (3), Eastmond (5)

Attendance: 6150

Thanks for the Memories...

2008-08-17T20:20:00.016+01:00

Today saw the last Leigh Centurions (originally named Leigh Rugby League Club) home league game at Hilton Park against Whitehaven. The ground has been the club's home for the past 61 years and will move to Leigh Sports Village for the Co-operative National League One 2009 season.

Whilst watching the game my brother (a life long Leigh supporter) and myself (a Leigh and St Helens supporter) reminised. He remembered his first experience as a Leigh spectator at Hilton Park with my father in 1961; I couldn't recall what year I first went to watch Leigh RLFC at home, but do recall when Leigh reached the Challenge Cup final in 1971 and defeated Leeds 24-7 at Wembley - I think every person in Leigh travelled to watch that historic game. Following that we have followed Leigh through their success, failure and hardship, and we say, as many have done this past week or so...
"Thanks For the Great Memories at Hilton Park!...We're looking forward to supporting you at the new ground in 2009."

FINAL SCORE: Leigh 32 - Whitehaven 8

Attendance: 3,522

Déjà vu as Saints beat Wire in the dying seconds...

2008-08-09T23:08:00.016+01:00

Saints edged a win in last 10 seconds in tonight's thriller against Warrington Wolves...In terrible weather conditions and on a waterlogged pitch St Helens showed why they are top of the league. Saints looked to have lost the game to Warrington who would have had their first win at Knowsley Road's GPW Stadium in 14 years, but Sean Long's drop goal sealed the deal and ensured a Saints win.
This was indeed a classic game and for me the best of the season so far. Final score Saints 17 Warrington 16. For full match report click here.

Saints
Tries: Cunningham, Gardner, Gilmour
Goals: Long (2)
Drop Goal: Long

Warrington
Tries: King, Riley (2)
Goals: Hicks (2)

Attendance: 10,258

Engage Super League Table - click image to enlarge...

Dubai Delights Photos V...

2008-08-07T01:10:00.014+01:00

Spa, Library and Games Room...

Evening...

Dubai Delights IV...

2008-08-07T00:43:00.010+01:00

Deluxe Suite: 1 Bedroom
Area: 170 sq. mts
Lower level: Large lounge, dining table, private bar, guest washroom, study area
Upper level - Dressing room, bedroom, luxury bathroom with jacuzzi, dressing room

LOWER LEVEL

UPPER LEVEL

Dubai Delights III...

2008-08-06T23:31:00.027+01:00

3 Bedroom Suite...the dream became a reality...
Area: 670 sq. mts.
Lower level: 3 living areas, dining area, kitchen and separate butler entrance, study area and library, private bar, guest restroom, bedroom with twin beds and attached luxury bathroom and dressing room
Upper level: 2 master bedrooms and adjoining luxury bathrooms and dressing rooms...

LOWER LEVEL
Suite Entrance...

Twin Bedroom...

Living areas, dining area, bar...

Kitchen and Guest Restroom...

UPPER LEVEL
Study and Library...

Master Bedroom 1...

Master Bedroom 2...

Dubai Delights Photos II...

2008-08-06T23:22:00.005+01:00

SkiDubai

Dubai Delights Photos I...

2008-08-06T21:11:00.030+01:00

Dubai Delights...

2008-08-05T21:13:00.009+01:00

I have just returned from a week's vacation in Dubai. It is three years since I was last there and I still think its a breathtaking and exciting destination to visit. It is certainly a city of fascinating contrasts...old versus new; ambition versus cautious planning; evolution versus history.
The Palm and Dubai Marina are in the final stages of completion; Palm 2, the World and the Burj Dubai Tower are under construction; SkiDubai and the Mall of Emirates are complete and Dubailand (a Disneyland style theme park) and Emaar's Fountains (based on the Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas)on the Burj Dubai Lake are projects in the pipeline. It will be interesting to return in five to ten years time to see these completed fledgling developments and to observe a crane-free blue skyline...but I have a feeling I'll be back there sooner rather than later.

Burj Al Arab
This hotel claims to be the world's most luxurious hotel and I am in total agreement...it's a 'must do'. My initial stay here three years ago was for one night and I always vowed to go back there, as a one night stay is certainly not enough to take in all the splendour of this seven star hotel. So what did I do there?
I experienced its extravagance, observed its spectacular design, admired its stylish interiors, slumbered in decadent comfort, dined in opulence whilst feasting on exquisite cuisine, met in its pristine venues, immersed myself in tranquillity, indulged in alluring treatments, revitalised my being, drove the ultimate sports machine, travelled majestically, cruised in style and relished personal excursions...it certainly was an experience of pure delight...judge for yourselves from the photos that follow.

Saints are on the road to Wembley again...

2008-07-26T22:27:00.005+01:00

St Helens beat Leeds Rhinos 26-16 at the Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield this afternoon to claim a place in the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final at Wembley on Saturday, August 30th. They will play the winners of tomorrows semi-final between Hull and Wakefield. Click here for full match report.

Saints:
Tries: Flannery, Pryce, Wilkin, Hargreaves
Goals: Long (5)

Leeds:
Tries: Lauitiiti, Donald
Goals: Sinfield (2)

Attendance: 19,842

Mighty Warriors lose battle against Saints...

2008-07-19T00:46:00.008+01:00

Wigan Warriors fell in battle against St Helens at the JJB stadium on Friday night. Down to 12 men after Michael McIlorum was sent off for a high tackle on Ade Gardner in the opening few minutes and being denied a couple of tries by the video referee didn't help a struggling Warriors side. Saints led comfortably at half time 22-6 and in their usual 'easy as you go' style, they secured a 12-46 win. For a full match report click here.

Wigan:
Tries: Leuluai, Higham
Goals: Phelps (2)

Saints:
Tries: Gilmour, Cunningham, Roby, Gardner (2), Wilkin, Gidley, Long
Goals: Long (6), Gidley (1)

Attendance:19,958

Simply Super! Cas…done and dusted…

2008-07-11T23:28:00.006+01:00

Saints were in sparkling form as they walloped Castleford Tigers tonight at Knowsley Road. The league leaders ran in 12 tries to demolish Castleford. Final score: St Helens 68 Castleford Tigers 12. Click here for full match report.

Saints:
Tries: Gidley, Long, Gilmour, Gardner, Clough, Flannery, Wilkin, Meli (2), Roby, Sculthorpe (2)
Goals: Long (8), Sculthorpe (2)

Castleford:
Tries: Dixon, Shenton
Goals: Dixon (2 from 2)

Attendance: 8,430

It’s a thumbs up for the new Saints stadium…

2008-07-11T23:16:00.002+01:00

'Artist’s impression of the new stadium planned for St Helens RFL'

With the whole project costing £25 million, the new 18,000 capacity stadium is expected to be completed February 2011. St Helens have been at their current Knowsley Road home for 116 years – it will be turned into a housing development. It’s a great boost for the club, the fans and the town of St Helens. Click here for full details.

Crime Prevention for Emerging Enterprises Events...

2008-07-11T00:00:00.005+01:00

I have delivered two talks this week on Computer Security:

Monday July 7th:
Venue: Haighton Manor, Preston, Lancashire
Group: Women's Business Network Lancashire (WBNL)

Thursday July 10th:
Venue: Equator Arts Cafe, UCLan campus, Preston, Lancashire
Group: IntoEnterprise

Two enjoyable events where progress was made regarding the data collection needed for final analysis...thanks to everyone involved in preparing the events...thanks for inviting me to speak...and a particular thanks for the great hospitality of both venues...

Crime Prevention for Emerging Enterprises (SDF Project)...

2008-07-10T23:36:00.005+01:00

I have recently become part of the research team on the Crime Prevention for Emerging Enterprises project to complete the second and third phases of the project:

The second phase will concentrate on tackling the barriers to employment experienced by offenders. Some of these barriers have been identified during the first phase, with one significant problem already being identified, and that is the discrimination against ex-offenders by employers.

The major task in the second phase is to engage with employers, and in particular their HR/Personnel professionals to encourage them to consider the employment of ex-offenders under their company Diversity policy.

The third phase will disseminate the findings.

Project Summary
New small businesses are vital to regeneration. However many new businesses fail because they become the victims of crime, theft, vandalism, internal fraud etc... Emerging enterprises are particularly vulnerable to crime because 1) entrepreneurs have so many other things to do, to know and to worry about, 2) they lack the resources to recover from significant loss, 3) they depend on trusting collaboration with partners, families and employees. This project is working with entrepreneurs and advisers in New Entrepreneur Scholarships, Carlisle MBC and the Blackpool Tourism Support Bureau to investigate barriers to putting protection in place and to develop training materials on crime prevention that are appropriate to the needs of emerging enterprises. These materials will then be disseminated more widely through other agencies such as VAT inspectors and Business Link, developing their capacity and the capacity of HE staff for effective knowledge exchange with the smallest enterprises.

Saints beat Harlequins to go top...

2008-07-10T22:54:00.011+01:00

Last Saturday (July 5th) saw Saints pushing for top spot at Twickenham Stoop against the Quins following a shock victory for Wigan against top of the league leaders Leeds Rhinos the previous night...and 'Super Saints' did it in style beating London Harlequins 54-0. For full match report Click Here.

Harlequins RL:
Tries:
Goals:

Saints:
Tries: Talau, Roby (2), Pryce, Clough, Gardner, Wilkin, Eastmond, Meli, Graham
Goals: Long (6), Sculthorpe (1)

Attendance:4,276

(Photos courtesy of saintsrflc.com)

Mighty Saints Too Strong For Giants...

2008-06-29T20:29:00.009+01:00

Nine tries see Saints triumph over Huddersfield Giants today. Winning 46-16 at Knowsley Road six from seven of the England squad played again today helping to secure a creditable triumph...Click Here for full match report.

Saints:
Tries: Cunningham, Meli, Fa’asavalu (2), Gardner, Talau (2), Long, Roby
Goals: Long (4), Sculthorpe (1)

Huddersfield:
Tries: Hemmingway, Kirmond, Jones
Goals: Hemmingway (2)

Attendance: 8,597

(Photos courtesy of saintsrlfc.com and skysports.com)

England Crumple France...

2008-06-29T19:30:00.013+01:00

Friday 27th June 2008...

England convincingly beat an inferior France side 56-8 at the Ernest Wallon Stadium, Toulouse. For full match report click here.

France:
Tries: Wynne
Goals: Bosc 2

England:
Tries: Pryce, Gleeson 3, Fa'asavalu, Fox, Senior, McGuire, Wilkin, Wellens
Goals: Sinfield 5, Burrow 3

Attendance: 8,326

Photo from: http://www.saintsrlfc.com/

Clash of the Titans: Saints see Rhinos off...

2008-06-21T13:39:00.005+01:00

Saints closed the gap on Leeds at the top of the Super League table to two points at Headingly last night. In a spectacular 'face off' Saints thundered past the Rhinos to pull off a 26-12 convincing win. For full match report Click Here.

Leeds:
Tries: Sinfield, Donald
Goals: Sinfield (2)

Saints:
Tries: Fa’asavalu, Hargreaves, Meli (2), Pryce
Goals: Long (3)

Attendance:
17,303

The rival teams will next meet on Saturday July 26th for Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-final...bring it on!

(Photos courtesy of saintsrlfc.com)

Digital Culture Workshop...

2008-06-20T00:39:00.011+01:00

Digital Culture: New Forms of Living and Organizing?
16-17 June, 2008
Informatics Research Institute, University of Salford, U.K.
In association with Smart City Futures

I attended the Digital Culture Workshop earlier this week, I wasn't presenting so I could sit back and enjoy the interesting talks and debates. It was great catching up again with so many colleagues and friends, and making new acquaintances. Bravo Ben for organising such a great event - I fully enjoyed it...looking forward to next year's!

Saints...Bulls Eye!

2008-06-19T23:47:00.012+01:00

Friday 13th was a lucky day for Saints who beat Bradford Bulls 58 - 20 to stay second in the Engage Super League Table. For full report Click Here.

Saints:
Tries: Fa’asavalu, Wilkin (2), Tyrer, Graham, Hargreaves (3), Roby, Pryce
Goals: Long (9)

Bradford:
Tries: Tadulala, Sykes, Harris, Halley
Goals: Sykes (2)

Attendance: 9,009

(Photos courtesy of saintsrlfcpics.com)

Saints thrash the Robins again...

2008-06-07T08:49:00.010+01:00

Last night saw Saints home clash with the Robins ending in another victory. Meeting again for the second time in a week, Saints led 30-0 at half time, extending their lead further in the second half to a 52-10 win over the Hull KR side. Click here for match report.
Saints
Tries: Gardner (3), Gidley (2), Fa’asavalu, Pryce, Talau, Wellens
Goals: Long (7), Wellens (1)

Hull KR
Tries: Vella, Briscoe
Goals: Cooke (1)

Attendance: 8,404

Saints through to the semi-finals...

2008-06-01T18:57:00.011+01:00

Saints beat Hull KR today at Craven Park in a thrilling game. St Helens put the 'Robins' to nest to win a place in the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-finals. It was an exciting first half with the score 12 all at the half time break and an equally thrilling close fought second half that eventually led Saints to a win. Click here to see the full match report.

Hull KR:
Tries: Cooke, Fitzhenry, Webster
Goals: Cooke (3)

Saints:
Tries: Talau, Fa’asavalu, Long, Gardner
Goals: Long (4)

Attendance: 8,304

Saints will either play Leeds, Hull FC or Wakefield in next month's semi finals.

Article Published in SOIJ...

2008-05-26T14:32:00.011+01:00

Strategic Outsourcing An International Journal, Volume 1 Number 1 has been published. I was lucky enough to have my paper accepted and included in this first issue.

A special thanks to the Editor Dr. Marco Busi, CEO and Head of Research, Carisma RCT Ltd., Inverness, Scotland, UK and Academic Advisor Dr. Kevin C. DeSouza, Information School, University of Washington, USA for their invaluable support and guidance.

Title: Offshoring: secure or open to the praying mantis?

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate and gain knowledge into the reasons why a UK-based wholesaling company outsourced its information technology and call centre services, and what security measures were put in place to protect the sensitive information they hold in and transmit via their information system to prevent misuse of sensitive information, and to highlight any challenges the company faced connected with offshore outsourcing.
Design/methodology/approach – The research in this paper is exploratory and draws on prior research following a company's journey of outsourcing its network security and contact/call centre services to two offshore Indian companies, and subsequently discusses the issues surrounding maintaining the security and control of the systems.
Findings – The paper shows that offshore outsourcing of security management and contact/call centre services can be managed and organised successfully.
Research limitations/implications – The one case study limits the findings – they may not be generalisable.
Originality/value – For researchers and academia, the paper adds to the literature on outsourcing and call centre work and may be of interest to companies who are considering offshore outsourcing.

Citation: Burns, B. (2008). Offshoring: secure or open to the praying mantis?. Strategic Outsourcing An International Journal, 1(1), 77-86

Super Saints still second…

2008-05-26T00:19:00.010+01:00

Saints faced Hull FC at the KC Stadium last night resulting in a win and reclaiming second place in the Super League table...They led 10-4 at half time and went on to win the game 16-8. For full match report Click Here.

Hull FC
Tries: Yeaman; Raynor

Saints
Tries: Wilkin; Tyrer; Pryce
Goals: Long 2

Attendance: 14,653

Antony reaps the rewards at Amberswood FC Annual Presentation evening…

2008-05-26T00:00:00.002+01:00

Antony has scooped several trophies at the end of 07/08 season presentation evening:

Top Goal Scorer
Top Assists
Most Appearances (Joint)

He still holds the records for most goals scored in a season and most goals scored ever…want to know more then Click Here to visit their site.

Antony Whitton Player Details...
Signed for Amberswood in October 2006
Scored his first goal for the club against Balcarres away 2006
Favourite Club: Bolton Wanderers

Manager's comment:
He is a physical and strong attacking player with a good intelligence, also has good control and technical ability and a fierce shot. Amberswood FC answer to Mark Hughes.

Millennium Magic II...

2008-05-07T00:40:00.005+01:00

Photos from the Millennium Magic Weekend...

Millennium Magic 2008...

2008-05-06T23:38:00.015+01:00

Millennium Magic Weekend – Millennium Stadium Cardiff
What a great weekend we spent in Cardiff for the Super League XIII Millenium Magic event to watch the sport we love...Six games in two days:

WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday 3rd May
Huddersfield Giants v Warrington Wolves - 3pm
Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats - 5pm
Bradford Bulls v Leeds - 7pm

Sunday 4th May
Catalans Dragons v Harlequins RL - 2.30pm
Hull FC v Hull K R - 4.30pm
St Helens v Wigan - 6.30pm

FINAL SCORES:
Saturday 3rd May
Huddersfield (22) 34
Warrington (6) 36
Attendance: 12,000
For match report click here

Castleford (6) 16
Wakefield (24) 54
Attendance: 15,000
For match report click here

Bradford (10) 26
Leeds (6) 40
Attendance: 18,000
For match report click here

Sunday 4th May
Catalans Dragons (6) 18
Harlequins RL (10) 16
Attendance: 15,000
For match report click here

Hull (10) 17
Hull K R (10) 22
Attendance: 22,000
For match report click here

St Helens (35) 57
Wigan (0) 16
Attendance: 28,500
For match report click here

Total Combined Weekend Attendance: 63,144

WHAT A WEEKEND...TRULY MAGIC!

Saints lose battle against the Champions Leeds...

2008-03-28T22:32:00.004Z

Saints lost tonight at home to Leeds Rhinos. Both teams battled for 80 minutes to serve up a hard fought game. Saints played and defended well in testing conditions dominating the game at times but Leeds were equally as good and in the end took the two points giving them a 6 point lead over Saints...Final score Saints 10 Leeds 14. Click here for full match report.

Saints
Tries: Wellans
Goals: Long 3

Leeds
Tries: Lauitiiti; Burgess
Goals: Sinfield 3

Attendance
11,188

Giants scoop the win...

2008-03-25T22:58:00.004Z

Saints are defeated for the third time this season at the Galpharm Stadium on Easter Monday (April 23rd). Saints looked as if they were running away to victory but Huddersfield Giants fought back from a 14-0 deficit to win 28-26. For full match report click here.

Huddersfield
Tries: Griffin (2); Lolesi; Whatuira; Jensen
Goals: Tharman 4

Saints
Tries: Wellans; Flannery; Pryce; Roby
Goals: Long 5

Attendance
7,131

A 'Good Friday' for Super Saints...

2008-03-21T23:00:00.004Z

Super Saints sent Wigan Warriors packing in this afternoon's traditional Good Friday derby...

The afternoon started with a one minute silence in remembrance of Eric Ashton MBE, a former Wigan player and St Helens Life President who died yesterday after a long battle against cancer.

In front of a full house, Saints and Wigan braved every weather element with Saints dominating the derby clash. Saints were 22 nil up at half time and they ran in a total of nine tries to seal the win, placing them third in the Super League...Final score Saints 46 Wigan 10. For full match report click here.

Saints
Tries: Talau; Gidley; Graham; Wellans; Long; Meli (2); Pryce; Eastmond
Goals: Long 4; Eastmond 1

Wigan
Tries: Mcllorum; Carmont
Goals: O'Loughlin 1

Attendance
17,500

Catalans Dragons Slay Saints...

2008-03-20T16:24:00.004Z

St Helens were defeated in France by Catalans at the weekend...Saints started well but the Dragons proved too strong for Saints, full time score: Catalans Dragons 24 St Helens 10. For full match report Click here

Catalan
Tries: Pelo (2); Casty; Chan
Goals: Bosc 4

Saints
Tries: Graham; Meli
Goals: Smith 1

Attendance
7,828

Smith clinches win for Saints in thriller against Hull...

2008-03-07T22:42:00.007Z

What a thrilling spectacle at Knowsley Road tonight...Hull led 12 points to nil in the first eight minutes, but Saints with their usual flair fought back to bring the half time score in their favour to 22-14. After the restart, Hull hit back at Saints with two quick tries and a third on the 69th minute from Yeaman taking the score to 22-28. Saints responded with a try from Roby and conversion from Smith forcing a 28 all draw. Hull looked to have won the game when a drop goal from Dykes put them back in the lead. Again Saints fought back and looked to have clinched the game with a try from Gidley, but he was held up, and it was Matty Smith who became the hero of the game by planting a penalty goal firmly between the posts in the final seconds of the game to see Saints win. Final score Saints 30 Hull 29. For full match report Click Here.

Saints
Tries: Gardner; Smith; Talau; Eastmond; Roby
Goals: Smith 5

Hull
Tries: Dykes; Houghton; Hall; Washbrook; Yeaman
Goals: Tickle 4
Drop Goal: Dykes

Attendance
10,209

Wildcats chased off by Saints...

2008-03-02T18:36:00.006Z

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats led 30-18 after 55 minutes but were denied a win when Saints secured a win with a hat-trick of tries in the final 16 minutes moving them to within two points of leaders Leeds Rhinos. Final Score St Helens 34 Wakefield 30. For full match report Click Here.

Saints
Tries: Pryce, Wellans (2), Graham; Gardner (2)
Goals: Long 5

Wakefield
Tries: Watene; Obst; Farres, Rooney, Gleeson
Goals: Brough 5

Attendance
10,777

UPDATE...KAN photo selected for Schmap...

2008-03-01T00:17:00.002Z

KAN photo selected...
:: Schmap Chicago Fourth Edition: Photo Inclusion

Hi know and network: women in IT,

I am delighted to let you know that your submitted photo
has been selected for inclusion in the newly released
fourth edition of our Schmap Chicago Guide:

Grand Ballroom At Navy Pier
http://www.schmap.com/chicago/entertainment_concerts/p=321649/i=321649_3.jpg

Thanks so much for letting us include your photo - please
enjoy the guide!

Best regards,

Emma Williams,
Managing Editor, Schmap Guides

Leeds are the new World Champions...

2008-02-29T22:08:00.023Z

Leeds Rhinos 11 Melbourne Storm 4
The 'face off' between Leeds Rhinos and Melbourne Storm in the Carnegie World Club Challenge tonight saw Leeds Rhinos take over from St Helens as World Champions in front of a 33,204 crowd at Elland Road. For full report Click Here.

Saints Took Bulls By The Horns...

2008-02-22T23:43:00.003Z

Super Saints took the Bulls by the horns tonight to clinch an away victory at Odsal - Final Score Bradford Bulls 16 St Helens 22. For full match report Click Here.

Bradford
Tries: Evans; Sykes (2)
Goals: Deacon (2)

Saints
Tries: Graham; Gardner; Gilmour; Cunningham
Goals: Long 3

Attendance
10,756

KAN photo shortlisted for Schmap...

2008-02-18T22:50:00.005Z

It may be 7 months since the BlogHer Conference '07 - A World Of Difference at the Navy Pier Chicago, USA, but the memories (well the photos at least) may live on a little longer...
Visiting Chicago and taking photos at the BlogHer Conference had its benefits after all...the project may have ended but know and network (and it's photos) are still in demand!!! One of the photos uploaded to the KAN project flickr account has been selected and short-listed for inclusion in the fourth edition of the Schmap Chicago Guide, to be published at the end of this month...click here for details - David Bailey...eat your heart out!

Saints keep hungry Wolves at bay...

2008-02-15T22:34:00.003Z

Saints were trailing 8-14 at half time. Gardner and Tyrer rapidly responded in the first 10 minutes of the second half with a 'three try blitz' plus a penalty edging Saints ahead to 22-14. Meli went over the line in the last minute and a conversion from Tyrer ended the conquest bringing the final score to 30-22. Click here for full match report.

Saints
Tries: Roby, Gardner (2), Clough, Tyrer, Meli
Goals: Tyrer (3)

Warrington
Tries: Hicks, Martin Gleeson, Briers, Johnson, Penny
Goals: Briers (1)

Attendance: 13,396

Hull KR beat Saints in Super League VIII opener...

2008-02-10T17:07:00.000Z

Hull KR led 16-6 at half time. Saints strongly fought back to level the game at 22 all, Hull KR were awarded a penalty with six minutes of the game remaining giving them a two point lead and as the hooter sounded Saints player Gidley grounded the ball over the line but it was disallowed after the referee went back 50 yards to check a suspected knock on which was confirmed by the linesman. Final Score Hull KR 24 Saints 22. Click here for full match report.

Hull KR
Tries: Jake Webster, Fitzhenry, Newton Briscoe
Goals: Murrell (3), Webster (1)

Saints
Tries: Cunningham, Flannery, Clough, Tyrer
Goals: Tyrer (3)

Attendance: 8,713

Engage Super League XIII is launched...

2008-02-02T16:47:00.000Z

The 2008 Engage Super League season starts today with a clash between Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR at Headingly Stadium with a 6pm kick-off...while Saints played Wakefield Wildcats in a Paul Sculthorpe testimonial game earlier this afternoon - final score 38-22 - for full match report click here

Article Publication...

2008-02-01T13:34:00.002Z

Myself and colleague Ben Light are delighted to announce our latest publication Users as Developers:A Field Study of Call Centre Knowledge Work in:
End-User Computing: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications (4 Volumes) - a premier reference source for information science and technology research.
Edited By: Steve Clarke
ISBN: 978-1-59904-945-8
For further details click here

This work was previously published in Journal of Organizational and End User Computing, Vol. 19, Issue 4, edited by M. A. Mahmood, pp. 42-56

New training courses from womenintechnology...

2008-01-26T23:55:00.000Z

To welcome the start of 2008, womenintechnology.co.uk is running a series of five new training courses during January and February.

One such session, entitled New Year, New You, will focus on developing a successful personal brand.

Led by Salma Shah of SN Training, it will take place on Friday January 25th and will focus on a range of issues, including how to influence others and developing a personal brand plan.

There will also be a course in Achieving as a Woman in Technology on Friday February 29th.

This time led by Suzanne Doyle-Morris of Doyle Morris Coaching, the event will look at identifying strategies for career enhancement and becoming truly comfortable with self-promotion and increased professional visibility, among other things.

The remaining three courses are Working Smarter, Not Harder: Achieving Optimum Work-Life Balance, Be the Strategic Networker and A Guide to Self-Perception: How to Better Understand Yourself and Others.

People interested in finding out more about a particular course should email Mandy Lovell

Flexible working "crucial" to attract women into SET...

2008-01-26T23:44:00.000Z

Flexible working practices are crucial to industries in the north-east if they are to overcome a skills shortage and attract more women into the field of science, engineering and technology (SET), it has been claimed.

According to Jive, a partnership led by the UK Resource Centre (UKRC) for Women In SET, guidance for young women must be improved and issues of work-life balance addressed in order to tackle the under-representation of women in the area, the Journal reports.

Jive, whose work was taken over by the UKRC in December, has provided support to many women across the country.

Director of the UKRC and lead partner in the Jive project Annette Williams, stated: "Businesses need to open their doors to women by having in place policies and practices which actively encourage women - and girls - to take up jobs in the SET sectors, or come back into those industries after a career break."

Founded in September 2004, the UKRC provides advice, services and policy consultation concerning the under-representation of women in SET.

To visit its website, click here.

UBS to run event for women in technology...

2008-01-26T23:38:00.000Z

International financial firm UBS has announced that it is running a new three-day event for professional women, such as technologists, with the London School of Economics(LSE).

The event is being targeted specifically at women looking to return to the workplace in a bid to boost diversity and will run from March 12th to 14th 2008, with the deadline for applications on February 15th.

UBS is a sponsor of womenintechnology and piloted its UBS Career Comeback fellowship programme in March 2007, aimed at professional women who wanted to transition back into the workforce after a career break of between 18 months and seven years.

The course will include business updates from leading professors in a range of fields, including technology, professional one-on-one coaching, the development of a personal action plan and an overview of current work/family issues.

Professional women in IT with a minimum of five years experience and a graduate degree who would like help to re-enter the workforce should apply for the free of charge selective programme.

UK to offer fast-track development programme...

2008-01-26T23:29:00.000Z

The Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecoms has unveiled a new fast-track development programme designed to help IT professionals more effectively meet the challenges of globalisation.

E-Skills UK claims that the new masters level programme is "unique" and has been created by universities and employers to match the needs of the IT profession, with participating employers working alongside universities to deliver it.

Karen Price, e-skills UK CEO, suggests that professionals need to be able to progress rapidly into demanding roles, without the kinds of IT jobs that would help them to gradually build their skills and experience. The new course can help them to bridge the gap in their IT careers.

Companies that have helped to co-design the programme include Accenture, the BBC, Cisco, the UK government, IBM, LogicaCMG, Microsoft, Oracle, Sainsbury's and Vodafone. The organisations involved in creating the course employ 25 per cent of all IT and telecoms professionals in the UK.

Bill Thomas, executive vice president of EDS in EMEA, commented: "This programme will bring that expertise together with content that really meets employer needs, helping new recruits to progress quickly to the high value, customer-focused roles that underpin business success."

Backed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), universities delivering the programme include Manchester Business School, Cranfield University, Lancaster University, UCL and the Open University.

Advertising alone 'no longer attracts top graduate talent'...

2008-01-26T23:27:00.000Z

Advertising alone no longer attracts the best graduate talent in the way it used to, an expert has stated.

According to Simon Reichwald, Managing Director of Bright Futures and Graduate Success, whereas 15 years ago media such as the Times and the Guardian were the main advertising tools available to recruiters, these days relationship building is most effective.

He stated that the majority of the best graduates know who they wish to apply for before they begin the process of seeking employment.

"This awareness has been achieved as the 'best' companies have created a powerful profile well in advance of the time students start actively job hunting," he added.

Formerly known as the Student Industrial Society, Bright Futures was set up in 1975 by a group of Cambridge University students.

It coaches undergraduates the skills they require to get a job, as well as those needed to excel in their chosen career.

To find out more, click here.

New bid announced to encourage women into technology...

2008-01-26T23:13:00.000Z

A new initiative has been announced by Newcastle University Business School to encourage women into the fields of science, innovation and technology.

Launched at an Inspiring Women event on December 10th, the North East of England Role Model Platform for Innovative Women also aims to raise the profile of women currently in the sector.

The scheme was launched in response to the findings of research conducted by Professor Pooran Wynarczyk of Newcastle University Business School's Small Enterprise Research Unit.

It was discovered through the study that women in science technology and innovation have to overcome professional and personal barriers, such as sexism, work-life balance issues and a lack of role models in order to progress in the industry.

Commenting on the scheme, Professor Wynarczyk stated: "The purpose of the initiative is to identify inspirational women within sectors that are primarily male dominated.

"By highlighting these women's success stories and having them on-hand for advice, guidance and mentoring, we hope to encourage more women into the industry."

The scheme is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, an independent body that provides money for research and training in social and economic issues.

To find out more, click here.

Council IT team wins BCS Awards...

2008-01-26T23:06:00.000Z

Leeds City Council's corporate ICT services team enjoyed success recently at the British Computer Society (BCS) Awards 2007.

During a ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, the team picked up the accolade of Sector Organisation of the Year for its contribution to the development of new public services.

Over the course of the last year it was responsible for the development and implementation of a number of new services, including an e-payments system, a new geographical information system and a new website.

Dylan Roberts, Head of the council's ICT service and a finalist in the category of IT Leader of the Year, stated: "This medal is about the success of all the people in the service who are the embodiment of professionalism, innovation and dedication."

The BCS Awards are one of the most important events in IT calendar and recognise the contribution made by the profession to the UK economy.

To find out more about them, click here.

Microsoft announces scheme to boost IT skills...

2008-01-26T23:00:00.000Z

Technology giant Microsoft has announced it is to invest further in IT skills training in Europe over the course of 2008.

It intends to boost e-inclusion funding, stating it is committed to providing an extra €6.1 million (£4.41 million) to support more than 100 non-governmental organisations with skills training activities.

Additionally, the firm will deploy content and technology access opportunities to over 2,000 community technology centres across the continent.

This funding will add to the €36.8 million (£26.63 million) already pledged by Microsoft as part of the Unlimited Potential Community Technology Skills Programme over the last four years.

Jan Muehlfeit, Chairman of Microsoft Europe, stated: "We believe that any IT company bears a significant responsibility to help improve e-inclusion across Europe. In today's digital society, no IT skills means no job."

The e-inclusion project supports the view that everyone should have the opportunity to take part in and benefit from the so-called "information society".

To discover more about e-Inclusion, click here.

BCS: IT graduates should get financial support...

2008-01-26T22:56:00.000Z

The British Computer Society (BCS) is encouraging the government to continue to provide financial support for graduates taking IT courses in order to lessen the skills shortage in the sector.

Under the proposed arrangement, those currently pursuing a computing and IT conversion qualification, as well as those who already have such a degree, would be eligible for money.

According to a recent report by the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies, if current trends continue, there will be 70,000 unfilled IT positions each year across Europe.

"It is absolutely crucial that the supply of IT practitioners continues to try to meet demand as best it can in the current challenging market place," stated Mike Rodd, BCS Head of Learned Society and External Relations.

Founded in 1957, the BCS is a body for those in the IT industry and has a worldwide membership of over 60,000 members.

To find out more about BCS, click here.

CRESC Workshop - Gender, Service Work and the Cultural Economy

2008-01-23T21:34:00.000Z

CRESC Workshop - Gender, Service Work and the Cultural Economy

21-22 February 2008, Manchester Business School

The aim of this workshop is to explore the social and cultural issues within the economic changes that have given rise to service work, which is increasingly becoming one of the largest sources of employment generation. Given the feminization of employment, women workers comprise a large proportion of the service sector, thus making an important contribution to the global cultural economy.

The restructuring of the labour market and the labour process has seen moves to transfer some aspects of service sector work to less developed countries as firms search for cheaper and more flexible ways to accumulate capital. Much of the front-line work is carried out by women since their social and emotional skills are often designated as gender attributes. In this context, gender becomes embedded in the restructuring of global service production and is mobilized as an economic resource for companies.

It is our intention to bring together people from related, but not necessarily overlapping, research areas and speakers are carrying out significant work in varying combinations of gender, service work and the cultural economy.

Plenary Speakers : Ursula Huws (London Metropolitan University), Diane Perrons (London School of Economics and Political Science), Phil Taylor (University of Strathclyde)

Booking fee (incl. lunch): Full £45, Concessions £20. We have also reserved some accommodation in the Manchester Business School Hotel at £50 B&B per night.

For more information about registration and the programme please contact Bussie at CRESC@Manchester.ac.uk , tel: +44 (0)161 275 8985 www.cresc.ac.uk

CRESC Workshop Programme see: http://www.cresc.ac.uk/events/gender/index.html

IT events and training courses for women working in technology...

2008-01-16T22:57:00.000Z

Networking Events and Training Courses in IT and Technology
The IT events and training courses listed below include a mix of events organised by ‘womenintechnology’ and other organisations of interest and relevance to women working in technology.

IT & Technology Events Listings
Click on the links below for information about each event and event contact detail.

Tuesday 22nd January 2008
Accenture – SAP Professionals Recruitment Evening
London

Friday 25th January 2008
A womenintechnology training day – New Year, New You – Developing a Successful Personal Brand
womenintechnology offices – London

Tuesday 29th January 2008
LinuxChix miniconf – a day of talks by and for women interested in Linux and Free Software
Melbourne, Australia

Friday 1st February 2008
A womenintechnology training day – Working Smarter, Not Harder: Achieving Optimum Work/Life Balance
womenintechnology offices – London

Friday 8th February 2008
A womenintechnology training day – Be the Strategic Networker
womenintechnology offices – London

Friday 8th February 2008
SCALE 6X Women in Open Source
Los Angeles, California, USA

Monday 11th – Wednesday 13th February 2008
Computing Women Congress 2008
New Zealand

Sunday 20th and Monday 21st February 2008
5th Annual Prowess International Conference – Fit For The Future
Peterborough

Friday 22nd February 2008
A womenintechnology training day – A Guide to Self-Perception: How to Better Understand Yourself and Others
womenintechnology offices – London

Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th February 2008
TechLeaders: Power and Influence
California, USA

Wednesday 27th January 2008
The Gender Agenda
Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Thursday 28th February 2008
YP Network: Wine Tasting @ the wine Library
London

Friday 29th February 2008
A womenintechnology training day – Achieving as a Woman in Technology
womenintechnology offices – London

7th – 9th March 2008 and 25th – 27th April 2008
MEETS: Mid-Career Enterprise Education for Technology and Science
Cambridge

Wednesday 12th March 2008
UKRC Annual Conference: The Mass Media and SET – Developing New Partnerships
London

womenintechnology organises regular networking events which range from formal debates with guest speakers and interactive audience discussion to informal drinks evenings where people can get together in a non-work environment. Event topics are mostly career orientated.

SET firms target female students in India...

2008-01-16T00:16:00.000Z

Firms in the fields of science, engineering and technology (SET) in India are targeting female students in a bid to broaden their talent pool, the Wall Street Journal reports.

For example, as part of its Women in Technology Initiative, IBM India holds five-day Exite camps in schools to encourage girls to consider careers in the industry.

Since it was launched seven years ago, over 7,000 female students have taken part in the initiative.

Another programme designed to broaden the skills base of SET workers is run by Infosys Technologies and provides selected male and female students with intensive training in basic software development concepts, as well as a chance to be part of a team that develops a software application.

Commenting on the scheme, an Infosys spokesperson stated: "Students have demonstrated their creative abilities in areas such as astrology, sports scores tracking, tracking public projects over internet and so on."

Recently, technology giant Microsoft announced it is to increase its funding to boost IT training in Europe over the course of 2008, stating it will provide an additional £4.41 million to support more than 100 non-governmental organisations in skills development.

Microsoft chooses Yorkshire for pilot scheme...

2008-01-16T00:10:00.000Z

Technology giant Microsoft has selected the south Yorkshire town of Barnsley as the base for a pioneering scheme that will support a number of high-tech firms, the Yorkshire Post reports.

Funded by Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund, the Digital Media Centre was officially opened in November.

Companies that choose to set up in the £10.5 million development will receive help and advice from Microsoft experts and the scheme is part of a broader move to help south Yorkshire diversify beyond its industrial roots.

Simon Hughes, Director of Small and Medium-Size Business at Microsoft, stated: "We believe that technology breaks down barriers and allows many businesses to punch well above their weight.

"This centre in Barnsley, encouraging innovation and technological invention, will allow Yorkshire to grab its share of the opportunity that the worldwide knowledge economy represents."

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is a software, services and solutions firm with offices around the world.

IT wages 'rising fast' in the north of England...

2008-01-16T00:00:00.000Z

IT wages are increasing more quickly in the north of England than they are in London, although workers in the capital are still paid considerably more than their northern counterparts, according to new research.

Figures produced by e-skills UK indicate that pay rates in the north are rising 29.7 per cent faster than for workers based in London.

The average salary for IT professionals in northern areas is now said to be £33,333, compared to the south-eastern annual pay packet of £44,200.

Commenting on the findings, Jon Butterfield, Managing Director of ReThink Recruitment, stated: "Skills shortages are an important factor driving wage rises for IT professionals in the north, where rapid growth of high-tech industries is far outstripping supply of skills."

Recently, Duncan Aitchison, a partner at outsourcing advisory specialist TPI, stated in Computing magazine that a lack of skilled IT workers in the west was leading increasing numbers of firms to consider offshoring to meet their needs.

Woman talks of her experience entering SET role...

2008-01-15T23:54:00.000Z

An award-winning female chemical engineer has spoken of her experience entering the traditionally male-dominated science, engineering and technology (SET) industry.

Jane Atkinson, the assistant vice president and general manager of SembCorp Utilities, told north-east newspaper the Journal that when she began her first job with British Steel she had been one of only six women among 4,500 staff.

Although the situation is changing, there are still barriers for women entering the industry, according to Ms Atkinson.

She stated: "I've had a few problems - men not knowing how to talk to you, often out of shyness. It's getting over that; it's educating industry that women can add value to your company."

Ms Atkinson picked up a Confederation of British Industry Real Business First Women Award last year in recognition of her pioneering work in an industry still seen as dominated by men.

The awards celebrate women who are considered to be trailblazers and pioneers in business and whose achievements are helping to remove barriers for other females.

Facebook used to help new graduates settle into jobs...

2008-01-15T23:51:00.000Z

The last group of graduate recruits to enter telecommunications firm T-Mobile used social networking site Facebook to help settle into their roles.

According to Penny Davis, Head of HR at the company, the technology assisted the new recruits in making the transition into the world of work, PersonnelToday.com reports.

"We set up a group on Facebook in May for the 2007 intake so that they could network informally with each other and the T-Mobile recruitment team before their September start date, enabling them to get to know each other and air concerns in a friendly, supportive environment," she stated.

Ms Davis went on to say that, as a technology firm, social networking "sits well" with T-Mobile's image as a forward-thinking employer.

T-Mobile is the UK network of T-Mobile International, a branch of Deutsche Telekom.

To find out more about it, click here.

IET announces Top Young Women Engineers...

2008-01-15T23:42:00.000Z

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has revealed the winners of its Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards.

Among the most prestigious accolades of their kind within the engineering profession, the awards highlight the success and talent present among females in the industry.

The winner of the main prize of IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year was 26-year-old Alice Delahunty, an electrical engineering programme coordinator with power firm E.ON.

In addition to her professional role, Ms Delahunty also helps to support engineering students at Loughborough University.

Also proving successful during the ceremony was Mamta Singhal, who picked up the Women's Engineering Society prize.

Ms Singhal began her career as a development engineer for toy manufacture Hasbro and is now studying and teaching.

With over 150,000 members in 127 countries across the world, the IET is a professional society for the engineering and technology community.

To find out more, click here.

Small firms advised to invest in IT security...

2008-01-15T23:39:00.000Z

Small companies should ensure they invest in sufficient IT security, an expert has advised.

According to Michael Phillips, Product Director of Broadband Choices, internet crime is rising at such a level that many security experts are failing to keep pace.

Indeed, in some cases it can be up to three months before online security experts fully understand the new methods of cyber criminals, he added.

Mr Phillips stated: "The government should be taking a lead on this. They are the biggest advertiser in the UK and they educate on all sorts of other ways that people can protect themselves in society and the government should take a lead in telling people how to protect their PC."

According to Paul Henry, vice president of technology evangelism at security solutions provider Secure Computing, 2007 was the year that hi-tech crime became firmly established, the BBC reported.

MentorSET seeks new mentors...

2008-01-15T23:36:00.000Z

MentorSET, a mentoring scheme aimed at helping women working in the fields of science, engineering and technology (SET), is currently recruiting new mentors.

The initiative, which was set up in 2002, aims to provide support for women with SET backgrounds, as well as to assist them with their career progression and their work-life balance.

It has now created approximately 280 mentoring pairs in the UK, spread across many different careers.

For those keen to become a mentor and share their experience, the time requirement is small. Apart from the occasional face-to-face meeting, the majority of the communication can be conducted via email or telephone.

Mentors should have good listening skills, as well being encouraging, empathetic and impartial.

They benefit themselves by improving their management skills, gaining access to wider networks and professional circles and helping others as they would have liked to have been helped.

Although an unpaid role, mentors' travel expenses are met by the scheme.

To find out more about becoming involved, email Yasmin Robson.

Demand for IT workers 'highest since 2001'...

2008-01-15T23:32:00.000Z

The demand for IT and communications workers in the UK is at its highest level since 2001, it has been suggested.

According to a report produced by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), this rise in demand has been spurred by increased corporate investment in IT.

Accompanying this rise in demand for staff has been an increase in salaries, with the average weekly pay package having risen by £100 per week compared to 2001.

Additionally, advertised salaries for permanent IT staff were said to have increased to an average of £40,300 last quarter, while contract workers' positions were advertised at an average of £67,100.

Figures released earlier this month by e-skills UK indicated that IT wages are increasing more rapidly in the north of England than in London, with pay rates in northern areas rising 29.7 per cent faster.

Home from James Blunt 'All The Lost Souls' Concert...

2008-01-13T00:46:00.003Z

This is the second time I have been to see James Blunt in concert at Manchester Apollo, and once again he didn't disappoint...'All the Lost Souls' is his second album, released September 17, 2007...

Lost Souls Tour 2008...
January UK Tour 2008
Wed 9th Jan 2008 - Academy, Glasgow
Thu 10th Jan 2008 - Corn Exchange, Edinburgh
Fri 11th Jan 2008 - Apollo, Manchester
Sat 12th Jan 2008 - Apollo, Manchester
Mon 14th Jan 2008 - Hammersmith Apollo, London
Tue 15th Jan 2008 - Hammersmith Apollo, London
Thu 17th Jan 2008 - BIC, Bournemouth
Fri 18th Jan 2008 - Pavillions, Plymouth
Sat 19th Jan 2008 - Concert Hall, Nottingham
Mon 21st Jan 2008 - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
Tue 22nd Jan 2008 - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
Wed 23rd Jan 2008 - Rivermead Centre, Reading
Mon 28th Jan 2008 - Waterfront, Belfast
Tue 29th Jan 2008 - RDS, Dublin, Ireland

February USA/Canada Tour 2008
Mon 4th Feb 2008 - Moore Theater, Seattle, WA
Wed 6th Feb 2008 - The Warfield, San Francisco, CA
Thu 7th Feb 2008 - The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA
Fri 8th Feb 2008 - The Pearl, Las Vegas, NV
Tue 12th Feb 2008 - Ogden Theater, Denver, CO
Fri 22nd Feb 2008 - Vic Theater, Chicago, IL
Sat 23rd Feb 2008 - Michigan Theater, Amn Arbor, MI
Mon 25th Feb 2008 - Sony Center, Toronto, ONT
Tue 26th Feb 2008 - St. Denis, Montreal, QUE
Wed 27th Feb 2008 - The Orpheum, Boston, MA
Fri 29th Feb 2008 - Beacon Theater, New York, NY
Sat 1st Mar 2008 - Keswick Theater, Philadelphia, PA
Tue 4th Mar 2008 - The Tabermacle, Atlanta, GA

March European Tour 2008
Sun 9th Mar 2008 - Hallenstadiom, Zurich, Switzerland
Mon 10th Mar 2008 - Zenith, Paris, France
Tue 11th Mar 2008 - Zenith, Paris, France
Wed 12th Mar 2008 - Zenith, Mantes, France
Fri 14th Mar 2008 - Zenith, Strasbourg, France
Sat 15th Mar 2008 - Zenith, Lille, France
Sun 16th Mar 2008 - Forest National, Brussels, Belgium
Mon 17th Mar 2008 - Ahoy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Wed 19th Mar 2008 - Cologne Arena, Cologne, Germany
Thu 20th Mar 2008 - Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany
Sat 22nd Mar 2008 - KB Hall, Copenhagen, Denmark
Sun 23rd Mar 2008 - Hovet, Stockholm, Sweden
Tue 25th Mar 2008 - Spektrum, Oslo, Norway
Thu 27th Mar 2008 - Colour Lime Arena, Hamburg, Germany
Sun 30th Mar 2008 - Porsche Arena, Stuttgart, Germany
Mon 31st Mar 2008 - Olympiahalle, Munich, Germany
Wed 2nd Apr 2008 - Alcatraz, Milan, Italy
Thu 3rd Apr 2008 - Arena Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Quote of the Day...

2008-01-11T23:28:00.000Z

"Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers"
Alfred Lord Tennyson

Goodbye 2007...Hello 2008...

2008-01-07T21:52:00.000Z

Well it's now back to normal after the Christmas and New Year celebrations. I still have few days vacation left until my new part time contract begins at the University of Salford, mid January. Lets hope 2008 is a successful, happy and prosperous year for all my family, friends and colleagues.

ICIS Conference 2007...

2007-12-15T20:57:00.000Z

At last I have managed to take breath and got time to update my activities. Got home on December 13th from attending the International Conference on Information System (ICIS) Montreal, Canada where I presented my paper 'Constructing Professional Identity Online: Web 2.0 – The New Vogue' at The Korea Society of Management Information Systems (KrAIS) Pre-ICIS Workshop on Information Systems Research and Practice in the era of Web 2.0 (http://www.kmis.or.kr/english_1/KraisEvent.asp). It was great to meet up with old friends and colleagues and to increase my international network of acquaintances...looking forward to seeing you all again soon!

Quote of the Day...

2007-12-01T22:41:00.000Z

"I can, therefore I am"
Simone Weil

Enterprising women in the West Midlands business support and online learning site

2007-11-19T22:06:00.000Z

Enterprising women in the West Midlands can get all the business advice and training support they need at the touch of a button thanks to a new website (Part funded by the Regional Development Agency Advantage West Midlands and the European Social Fund as part of the Regional Women’s Enterprise Unit pilot programme).

An informative site, http://www.westmidlandswoman.co.uk, is now online thanks to the Women’s Business Development Agency (WBDA) – and it promises to be the most comprehensive women’s business support and online learning site in the UK.

As well as virtual networking opportunities and a one-to-one online mentor, it includes more than 60 hours of business training, fact sheets, tips, templates, and a glossary of 125 business and financial terms.

Feel free to check out the website http://www.westmidlandswoman.co.uk, take a look at the learning modules & comment in the forums – let us know what you think – and register for our Newsletter so you can keep up to date with our specialist women’s enterprise support activities.