Newcastle University

Brit Writers' Panel selection

Dr Thom Brooks has been selected to serve as a judge for the Brit Writers' Awards Unpublished 2010.

This is a new initiative to encourage and inspire unpublished writers of all ages, backed by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown, which aims to recognise the best work in a variety of fields. Dr Brooks will be involved with judging work in the areas of history, philosophy and politics, working mainly with full-time writers.

On learning that he had been selected to assist in these awards, he said, "It is exciting to have been selected to serve on such a prestigious panel of judges.

"More importantly, I look forward to reading some highly interesting work and discussing it with judges and authors."

Full information may be found on the Brit Writers website.

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High honour for judo coach

John Hall was completely thrown when he received a surprise award for coaching judo.

Sensei John (4th Dan), who works as a security patrolman for the University's Estates Support Service, has taught the martial art to hundreds of people in the UK and abroad.

He received the prestigious title of Renshi (equivalent to a BA) from the Mayor of Morpeth, Ken Brown in recognition of his hard work.

"It's a very high honour and I was extremely proud to receive it," said John. "I have been teaching judo for about 20 years and I really enjoy it because it gives people a greater amount of confidence and more self esteem. The philiosophy aspect in particular teaches young people a good way to live their lives."