The University of Bath intend for their new Chancellor to be the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward.

University management will be putting their recommendation to the University Court for approval in March. He would replace Conservative politician Lord Tugendhat, who is standing down after fifteen years in office.

This appointment is good news for anyone that respects Prince Edward and his work. The Vice-Chancellor, Dame Glynis Breakwell, said “as chancellor, his Royal Highness can make a major contribution to the life of the university.”

The next University Neighbours’ Forum will take place on Tuesday 5th February at 5:30pm.

The Forum was established by Cllr Nicholas Coombes to improve communications between the University and Students’ Union management with local residents. Issues commonly discussed include construction work on campus, events, traffic and noise.

If you want to attend, please email g.gillespie@bath.ac.uk.

Residentsmay have noticed an unusal installation at the Holburne in the last week.

The inflatable rooms form Colourscape, an experience of intense colours. In some ways it is similar to the Field of Light exhibition at the museum over Winter, except this is a more interactive experience for visitors to walk through. 

The installation is only open until Monday 27th August, with activities every day and live music at the weekend.

The University has revised its draft Masterplan for the Claverton Down campus over the period 2009-2026 and it is available to read through the university estates website.

The plan includes the predicted growth in student numbers, the accommodation and teaching requirements, and the development opportunities and constraints. Other issues such as transport, vehicle access and parking are also included. Detailed proposals for future development will continue to be submitted to the Council for planning approval in the normal manner.

The next meeting of the university neighbours forum will be on 12th June at 5:30pm.

The forum was set up to give those living near the university an opportunity to keep up to date with activity on campus and question the senior management. So far it has been very successful in facilitating dialogue and improving relations.

The Holburne Museum is in contention for the 2012 Art Fund Prize. The prize is worth £100,000 for the museum of the year.

It has been long-listed for the final ten, and the Holburne has asked that supporters recommend it at http://www.artfundprize.org.uk/2012/yoursay/.  The closing date for submissions is 22nd April, with the results due in June.

Last year our own Roman Baths were beaten into second place by the British Museum, their impressive refit unable to compete with the ‘History of the World’ project in London.

The next meeting of the Local Residents’ Forum of university neighbours is on Tuesday 7th February.

The Forum was set upto facilitate communication between Bath University and it’s neighbours on Claverton Down. It is chaired by the deputy-vice chancellor and attended by local residents, councillors, students’ union leaders and senior university staff. Matters of discussion include planned events and developnments on the Claverton campus and points of concern to local residents.

If you live locally and are interested in attending please RSVP by email to g.gillespie@bath.ac.uk.