Second year Geographers visit Sheffield

In early November our second year Geography, Human Geography, and Joint Honours students visited Sheffield for two days to complete fieldwork on Urban Geography. The trip was organised by Dr Catherine Waite.

Geography students - and Prof John Horton - enjoying the sunshine in Sheffield!

Through classroom-based sessions the students had learnt lots about urban geography theory and looked examples and case studies from countries including, France, India and the USA. The overnight trip to Sheffield was an opportunity to see some of the changes that are taking place in cities in the UK. 

Sheffield is a great example of a city with accessible public transport, a wide range of types of public space, as well as being a city that has undergone redevelopment and regeneration since the end of World War II.

The Peace Gardens

On the first day in the field the students had the chance to complete guided activities that helped them explore the city centre. On the second day, the students worked in groups to complete a mini research project that allowed them to focus on the issue that they were most interested in learning more about.

Park Hill Flats

Geography students are giving older people a helping hand to keep warm this winter

Second years on the Human Geography course have collected 53 pairs of gloves to donate to charity Age UK Northamptonshire, which urgently needs warm clothes for isolated older people in the county.

Students and Prof John Horton modelling some of the gloves donated

The partnership with Age UK came about when the students began exploring research about experiences of poverty and social exclusion in the UK.

Jo Gunnett, Volunteer Coordinator for Age UK Northamptonshire, visited the group to talk about the charity’s work in local communities. Age UK Northamptonshire provides a wide range of services for people in later life, including many who live in situations of chronic poverty and isolation.

Jo also outlined opportunities for students to take part in fundraising and volunteering activities in support of the charity. In response, the Students’ Union Geography Society is planning two fundraisers – a pancake evening for society members, followed by a larger event for students in the spring.

Jo Gunnett from Age UK Northamptonshire, with Prof John Horton

Geography Society president, Gabriella Dyche, said: “When Jo from Age UK explained the situation many older people can find themselves in, it was a real eye-opener for us.

“We were determined to do something to help, and the glove collection is the first of a series of initiatives we are organising.”

For more details about Age UK, visit the website.

This story was first published here.

Classes on poverty inspire students to donate to local good causes

Second year Human Geography students have been learning about issues relating to poverty, deprivation and social exclusion in the UK. Alongside lectures on geographies of homelessness, food poverty, and mobility deprivation, students have had the chance to meet a range of guest speakers from local front-line organisations, charities and services. Guest speakers have included:

• staff and volunteers from Age UK Northamptonshire;
• the manager of Spencer Bridge Food Bank in Northampton;
• a Community Fundraiser from Northampton Hope Centre (Northamptonshire’s largest charity for homeless and vulnerably housed people).

Lots of craft materials, puzzles, games and warm clothing  for Age UK day centres in Northamptonshire

Students have also been active in collecting donations for these organisations. In a fantastic effort this term, students have so far collected:

• 70 items of toiletries and 20 cartons of UHT milk (all items urgently needed by local food banks)
• 12 scarves, and several bags full of puzzles and craft materials for day centres for isolated elderly people;
• several car boots full of food and clothing donations for local food banks.
  

 

Lots of items donated for the foodbank!

Providing some of the most-needed items for Spencer Bridge Foodbank

I have a feeling there will be another car boot full of items next week!...

Prof John Horton