Many of us have experienced a ‘two-tone’ start to the year, coming out of the expectant end of the last year to the complications of the present year. It’s heavy lifting all round as we deal with these realities. Just right now we need to stay home where possible. Everyone is continuing to do their very best to support students and the ongoing work tasks we have to address.

A colleague invited me to write a list of things I was thankful for relating to the last lockdown and I did. On my list was: getting so much better connected with colleagues across the University; the pride in seeing how amazing everyone was responding to the difficult circumstances and supporting our student learners admirably; the fortitude of our students; the co-operation and cross-working between teams; having opportunity to spend more time at home with the family; creative thinking and flexibility being imprinted on every aspect of working life; a daily walk with the dogs; enhancing my knowledge of films and diverse games (‘Root’, ‘Pandemic’… if anyone shares these proclivities?); hosting Zoom birthday suppers; having a chance to share talks with others about developing a stronger sense of purpose in life.

I have also been thinking, as you might expect, about the current year 2021, our bicentenary year and all it means. At this pivotal point in time what we do in response to the pandemic and our bicentenary will certainly mark us out for the future. I’ll share some reflections at our next all-staff Executive Briefing. Meantime, in this reflective period may I invite you to think back and ahead to our Bicentenary as I invite everyone to make nominations to get a list together for our Watt A Legend celebration of special people in our community, past and present. Take a listen to my video blog and find out how you can nominate someone special, a past or current known or unsung hero. I look forward to seeing the nominations as we celebrate what our University is all about – its people, purpose and impact.

Take care.

Professor Richard A. Williams
Principal and Vice-Chancellor