Founder of Clem Burke Drumming Project presents findings to Irish audience 07/09/10

A lecturer from the University of Chichester has been invited to Dublin to talk about the results of a drumming project he helped to develop.

Dr Marcus Smith, principal lecturer in exercise physiology, is one of the co-founders of the Clem Burke Drumming Project, a research project involving the Blondie drummer that looks at the physical demands of a rock drummer.

He has worked with Dr Steve Draper from the University of Gloucestershire on the project, and they have both been invited to address the Biorhythm Live event at the Science Gallery in Dublin on 9 September, part of their summer season.

Dr Smith said: “The Biorhythm Live event offers the Clem Burke Drumming Project a fantastic opportunity to share our research findings on the physical demands of the rock and pop drummer with the general public. Our presentation will raise the question of whether the modern day rock and pop drummer should be considered an athlete as well as an artist.

“To provide an insight into the physical demands of drumming, talented Irish drummer Jeremy Hickey, otherwise known as R.S.A.G. (Rarely Seen Above Ground), will perform an incremental drumming test to exhaustion. During the test, we will show in real-time his heart rate response and oxygen cost of performing such activities.

“We’re always looking for new collaborations, so we’re delighted to hear from other people who would be interested in working with us in the future.”

Dr Draper added: “It is a privilege to speak at such a prestigious and exciting event as Biorhythm Live. In addition to presenting previous data and demonstrating the methods we use for physiological assessment of drummers, we will also give an exclusive insight into more recent findings and future directions for our research.”

More information on the project can be found by visiting http://www.clemburkedrummingproject.com/.

The University of Chichester has strengthened its community links in Bognor Regis in a unique partnership with Predators Football Club.

Predators FC has more than 250 male and female players registered, playing in a range of adult and youth teams. Up to now, the club has not had a permanent home and teams played their games at numerous pitches across the Bognor Regis area.

However, thanks to a partnership with the University of Chichester, Predators FC will now be able to use the sports pitches and pavilion building as their playing/training base, while providing an improved facility for University students.

Paul Harris, Predators FC chairman, was joined by Dr Sarah Gilroy, Executive Dean at the University of Chichester, on 3 September at a special training session to meet some of the young footballers who will benefit from the use of the pavilion and the pitches.

Mr Harris said: “We have always strived to create a strong community feel in the club, but that has been difficult because our teams have played in different location. The only way we felt the community spirit could be improved was by having our own home, and thanks to the University, we now have one.

“The pavilion has needed a lot of maintenance carried out, including repairs to its roof. The pitches have also required some work as it has been some years since they were regularly used. All of the volunteers at the club have mucked in to help out, as there was a lot of clearing out to do in the building. We would not have achieved it without the support of South Coast Skips who offered their services for free, supplying the skips to take away the rubbish, and now we are nearly in a position where we can truly call this our home.

“We are delighted to have reached an agreement with the University, which has the potential to last for the next 10 years. We are a big club in the local area, and we are proud to be associated with the institution.”

Dr Gilroy said: “By working closely with the officials at Predators FC, I’m pleased we have come to an arrangement where under-used University land has been put to good use, giving a large football club in the local area a new home.

“We are keen to continue strengthening our relationships with the Bognor Regis community, and through this partnership with Predators FC, there are hundreds of new people using the University and learning more about what we want to achieve in the town.”

At the official opening, the club was also presented with its FA Charter Standard Community Club award by Keveena Mosen, County Development Officer with the Sussex FA. The club reached the required standard in the summer, but there is now a facility in which the plaque has been placed for all members and visitors to see.

New basketball coach has high hopes for University team 02/09/10

The men’s basketball club at the University of Chichester has strengthened its coaching line-up ahead of the new season by appointing former Worthing Thunder Head Coach Gary Smith.
The University of Chichester Thunder narrowly missed out on promotion in their debut season in Division 4 South West of the National League. With Gary’s experience of winning two Division 1 titles with Worthing Thunder, it is hoped this will give the University squad the push it needs to move into higher divisions.

Talking about his appointment, Gary said: “I’m excited to be coaching the University of Chichester Thunder, and looking forward to strengthening our links with Worthing Thunder and our partners in the Sussex community as well as developing new links.

“The priority is to get promoted to Division 3 and see where this will take us.”

Despite missing out on promotion, the University of Chichester Thunder won 13 out of its 16 matches during last season. University student Bud Johnston was also awarded the English Basketball Division 4 Player of the Season accolade, which led to his selection for the English University Men’s Squad in the British University Games. Therefore, Gary has a strong base in which to build from.

Sid Fletcher, Sports Development Manager for the University of Chichester Students’ Union, said: “I am delighted that Gary is joining our coaching set-up to work alongside Emmanuel Davies and Dan Hills. Gary’s extensive experience of winning titles in Division 1 with Worthing Thunder will be a huge asset as we look to gain promotion this season and continue to develop our programme.

“It is an exciting time for basketball here at the University. Off the court, we are continuing to develop our partnership with BBL club Worthing Thunder and the wider community. Aside from on the court success, the programme here is focused on developing and enhancing basketball players, providing National League experience to some of the young talented players in Sussex, and extending the opportunities available in Higher Education.”