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INKYTEXT 307
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Issue No 307 Monday 9th August 1999
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Editorial correspondence should be sent to InkyText@lancaster.ac.uk
Subscription requests to Inkytext-distribution-request@lists.lancaster.ac.uk
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AGENDA
1. News: Keith Jones.
2. Guest Contribution: 'Of cabbages and queens' by Alan Wood
3. Restaurant Paul Bocuse: Auberge du Pont de Collonges
4. Readers' Letters: Monica Lee, TEP Environment Fund, Cyclists.
5. Small Ads: Accommodation, House, Web design, Car, Bike
1. NEWS
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KEITH JONES STARS ON PAGE 5 of today's Times in a fetching colour
'mood' photograph. It highlights his article in The Journal of Coastal
Conservation on the measurement of pathogens in sea water. (It seems
these decline with temperature and ultraviolet light during the day and
the measures one gets in the mornings may be more accurate.)
2. 'OF CABBAGES AND QUEENS...': GUEST CONTRIBUTION BY ALAN WOOD
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[NOTE: Dr Wood, a Siberian Studies and former head of our own Russian
Studies department, is University Dean. (Ed.)]
Inkytext's editor recently raised the question of the appropriateness
of retaining God Save the Queen as the pre-finale of Lancaster's
degree-awarding ritual. He might have gone further and questioned the
appropriateness of the triumphal initial fanfare provided by bandsmen
of the local constabulary. He might also have tried to be rather less
disparaging [??? (Ed.)] about one member of staff who 'ostentatiously'
remains seated during the performance of the 'national'(?) anthem.
Maybe it was me he had in mind as one who refuses to leap
ostentatiously to attention anywhere at the opening bar of a tune, the
lyrics to which are - for a convinced atheist, republican and
internationalist - offensively theistic, monarchical and degradingly
feudal in their connotations. I wonder, indeed, what on earth a god,
Elizabeth Windsor or the custodians of 'her' peace have to do with the
joyful celebration of academic achievement (classified or not) in a
distinguished multicultural, apolitical, secular institution and
community of scholars, which is, before all, what Lancaster University
is.
I recently attended the degree ceremony at London University's School
of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), this time in my role as proud
parent of one of its graduands. A number of things struck me about the
occasion. First, the contrast between the stern, militarily precise
instructions about presence, procedure and protocol with which my wife
and I had been previously provided (at a cost of £10 a head, including
that of our newly- and academically-capped daughter), and the dignified
informality and relaxed ambience of the actual proceedings.
Yes, there were the procession, the mace-bearer, the colourfully
be-gowned academic staff (including Professor David Arnold, lately of
Lancaster's History Department) and the usual big-wigs, headed by the
biggest-wig, Lord Howe of Aberavon, SOAS's Visitor, who awarded the
degrees and stoically pumped the palms of about two-hundred ethnically
and linguistically variegated new bachelors of arts, science and laws.
Second, the introit was provided, not by the blaring of para-military
trompeteurs, but by the gentle, rhythmic bonging of a Javanese
percussion ensemble, which was suitably soporific in its effects. This
helped us to be lulled into a sufficiently semi-comatose state to watch
as Howe grasped and gripped the proffered hands (not all the hands: six
young Muslim women parading across the platform in full chador demurely
- or ostentatiously? - declined to be squeezed by the fist of an
unrelated male).
After the formalities, a musical interlude was provided by a quartet
of undergraduates playing their own medley of Balkan, Turkish and
Arabian airs; then a Senegalese kora recital, the theme of which was
peace, not victory; and after that, two very brief speeches, the first
by the Visitor, former deputy Prime Minister, Chancellor of the
Exchequer and Foreign Secretary, Geoffrey Howe. Listening to him ( pace
Dennis Healey) did not feel like being 'savaged by a dead sheep'.
Ponderous, certainly, but also lacking the sometimes scabrous
indelicacies concocted by other public speakers at university functions
elsewhere, Howe's oration properly drew attention to SOAS's national
and international reputation as a centre of egregious cosmopolitan
learning. His turn was followed by a sharp, pithy encomium to the
graduands, their parents and partners, and, significantly, to their
teachers, delivered by SOAS's Director, Sir Tim Lankester. His
carefully chosen but barbed references to the erosion of academic
staff's pay scales and to the AUT's current campaign to improve them,
drew an instant and spontaneous round of cheers and prolonged plaudits
from the audience.
Finally, instead of the usual collective chorus of cabbages rampant,
obsequiously imprecating a figment of the human mind to guarantee the
security and lengthen the longevity of an unelected head of state, a
merry small band of Jewish klezmer tootlers, fiddlers and strummers
tootled, fiddled and twirled their way ahead of the exiting platform
party. Everyone clapped in something like rhythm, and followed them out
for the generous libations of champagne and Chardonnay.
When Mrs Ogilvy retires from her present role as Lancaster's
Chancellor, might it not be time to rethink and maybe abandon 'the
royal banner,… the pomp and circumstance of glorious' graduation and
replace it with something equally decorous but more demotic?
I remain sedent.
3. RESTAURANT PAUL BOCUSE: AUBERGE DU PONT DE COLLONGES
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"THE ULTIMATE OBLIGATORY PLACE OF PILGRIMAGE for every self-respecting
gourmet.' Hmmm. That's what the Michelin says. Frankly there are scores
of places where one can dine memorably for 50 quid a head and spend the
difference on a holiday. Lunch at the Mirabelle or the Gavroche, I
suggest, the Waterside Inn, Le Manoir au Quatre Saisons, the Ritz in
Paris, the Grand Vefour.... Nope. She is adamant. Besides, she teaches
with a film about it. Twenty five years of marriage demands nothing
less.
THE EUROSTAR is laden with French teenagers returning home and
comparing love-bites. It crawls down to Folkestone, but silently, then
speeds up on the other side. You only really appreciate the speed when
you outstrip effortlessly all the motorway traffic.
THE TRIP FROM GARE DU NORD TO MONTPARNASSE took 16 minutes - not bad at
all for 13 stops (you count on average 2 mins per stop in Paris as
opposed to three mins in London).
PARIS ON JULY 31 IS STICKY and emptying fast and we have lost an hour
so it is 6.00 pm by the time we check in. Time to change to my shorts
(unlike Prof Macdonald I only wear mine south of Calais). And bare feet
with sandals despite Mme's scepticism. Then time for an apero before
dinner and a wander round the restaus du quartier off the Avenue du
Maine. (Au Feu Follet; moi: hareng aux pommes, entrecote, mousse au
chocolat; Mme: chevres chauds in salade, duo de sole et de saumon en
feuillete, salade des fruits. 90 FF each plus a 68 FF bottle of wine).
DIMANCHE 1er AOUT: Blissful morning for walking - everyone in bed and
sun not yet intolerable. Those of us who like strolling in Paris know
this is the best time. Get tomorrow's TGV tickets from Montparnasse
station - no queues. Then wander downhill along the Rue de Rennes and
to the St Germain. Get a paper. Two coffees in the Cafe Flore (more
Parisian than the Deux Magots next door) - 44 FF, but at least you get
an obligatory glass of water with it unasked. M goes to 11 o'clock mass
in St Germain des Pres.
SUNDAY LUNCH avoiding the sunlight now, and leaving it late. Just a
salade pour elle and a croque-monsieur for me. Then a wander into the
Marais to find the Musee Picasso which neither of us has visited. (Only
25 FF on Sundays and under 18s are always free.) Awesome experience,
the more so since as well as his own collection (what a hoarder) they
have a Picasso Collectionneur exhibition on of stuff he bought over his
lifetime. Tireless experimenter and recycler, but no one who sees the
early stuff ever says he can't draw.
STAY OVER TWO HOURS and emerge dazed into the sunlight. Discover to
M's astonishment just how much of a gay and lesbian quarter the Marais
has become, but manage to find a tame tea! Phone Simon Barlow and
arrange to meet him and Nathalie for an apero in the Select
Montparnasse. They are off to see Nathalie's parents.
OK: YOU WANT A FREE TIP? The place you want for budget eating is the
Restaurant du Paradis, rue du Maine. Or indeed its rival over the
street, the Nouveau Cafe. Touristy, cramped, OK, but perfectly
'correct' and a predominantly local clientele. We ate, wait for it,
salade mixte and hareng aux pommes, then escalope milanaise and a steak
and chips, creme caramel and tarte aux pommes. We got a free sangria by
way of aperitif and a half glass of cheap brandy with the bill... which
came to 42 FF each, plus a 78 FF bottle of Cotes du Rhone. Cheaper than
Simply French or lunch at Burlingtons.
UP AT 9.00 AND OFF TO LYON. M has never been on a TGV before, and I
haven't been on a double-deck. Upstairs to enjoy the view. The Gare de
Lyon is packed, mainly it seems with people getting our train, the
11.00 to Lyon. We fight our way along the quai. Gleaming new carriages
each with 195 seats, 18 of them, correction: 14 plus two first class
and two buffet cars. Still 1400 people swept effortlessly across the
534 kms to Lyon in 2 hours 4 minutes. All air-conditioned and
phenomenal leg room. And the bar is wonderful. Smooth even at 155 mph.
ARRIVE LYON 13.04 TO THE MINUTE. Staying at the Holiday Inn. Deposit
bags and out for late lunch (croque-monsieur again). Train round tothe
Gare Perrache and explore the pedestrian area. Wander. Cooling dirnks
in the place des Cordelliers. Amazing number of restaurants - all
astonishing good value... I start to flinch. Saw a superb gastronomic
repast advertised at 295. Not a chance, says M...
FEELING TIRED anxious to build up an appetite for tomorrow. Dine at a
wee pizza place near the hotel... I just have a Salade Lyonnaise
(complete with poached egg on top, M has a seafood pizza. Carafe of red
and 1 coffee: total 115 FF. Notice across the road one of the three
bistrots Bocuse has opened: L'Est, Le Nord. Le Sud.
TUESDAY: TWENTY-FIFTH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. Exchange cards and awed
reminiscence about water under the bridge. Excellent buffet breakfast
but already thinking of the meal. Get a day travel card for Lyon's
excellent metro (much more relaxed than the Paris affair) and buses
(and just 24 FF). Morning exploring Vieux Lyon with its 'traboules'
(what in Edinburgh they would call 'closes') and the Cathedrale, which
puzzlingly faces away from the city into the hillside. Afternoon the
gallery is shut (often the case on Tuesdays) and we suss out how ad
where we catch the 43 bus to Collonges.
CHANGE FOR DINNER despite the weather. Still travelling on our
runabout tickets make our way to the Place des Terreaux and thence to
the Pecherie 43 bus stop for Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or. It's the last bus
of the day and bypasses it this side of the Saone, but M tells the
driver where we are bound and he promises to show us the way. It occurs
to me that taxi would be more stylish. But then why waste a runabout
ticket?
THE BUS DROPS US AT THE PONT DE COLLONGES a modern road bridge about
25 minutes ride into the plush northern riverside suburbs. We cross
it... and see the temple to the patron in the distance. We approach it
via the garden gate rather than the car park. A handsome young waiter
is waiting to greet us and show us up over the commemorative plaques in
the patio to the entrance ... where three more dinner-jacketed MDs are
waiting to welcome us.
THE ROOM WE'RE IN IS DEDICATED TO FERNAND POINT, the great chef from
earlier in the century whom Paul Bocuse considers his master. Photos of
them both everywhere. Unique fresh floral arrangements on each table,
thickest linen, a napkin a metre square. I approve. We settle down and
accept our menus and wine list. Order Kirs and have it made before us.
Savour the menu, though we know it already. We're not having the summer
menu with the two fish courses and the pigeon, nor the cut down lunch
menu. Just the works, the 'signature' dishes.
GREAT DIFFICULTY WITH THE WINE LIST, a sort of 'War and Peace' of an
affair. M gets annoyed as I get absorbed in page after page of
legendary bottles, often with nothing under 500 quid on the page. Mild
panic because I can't find the approachable ones... then find them on
the Beaujolais page. (Cheapest is 105 francs.) I order the Chiroubles
at 190 so as not to appear a cheapskate, and seek the sommelier's advice
on the choice of a half-bottle of white.
WE ORDER. While waiting we are served an amuse-gueule which is described
as a cocktail de crevettes... This amazed me. It was in a sort of egg
cup shaped dish with a gelee and caviar on top, and multi-coloured. No
idea what was in it but not Morecambe Bay shrimps as I understand them.
Bloody good.
THE UNDERPLATES WERE CHANGED with each dish, and there is a series of
Bocuse themes - amusing ones wth playful bunnies for the meat, dolphins
for the fish. Intriguingly the table is set for each course with the
fork pointing downwards... Our first courses arrive: the foie gras in
gelee de porto for M., and for me the legendary Soupe Aux Truffes VGE,
created for President Giscard D'Estaing at the Elysees to thank him for
the award of the Legion d'honneur. Warning: it's hot. Not just the
souffle capping it but the soup. Tasty though and more foie gras. Can't
say I rate the black truffles.
THE FISH COURSE is Turbot Roti or Gratin de queues d'ecrevisse
Newbourg. We both went for the latter and pretty unforgettable it is.
The wine I'd ordered (a Meursault) is AMAZING. Nothing on our own table
of course... things are served off a little side table when we need
them.
A WELCOME PAUSE came with Granite De Beaujolais - an astonishing
sorbet served in a silver tastevin and made of Cassis and Beaujolais.
It was about this time I thought there was maybe some alcohol in the
main courses and fretted about not starting our Chiroubles.
THE LAMB WAS CARVED before our eyes and proudly announced by the chef
who brought it. It was perfect of course, as were its accompaniments,
and by now I was enjoying the life style.
THE CHEESEBOARD was brought in for the next table... we eyed it in
disbelief. Only about 2 metres x 1 and not more than 15 varieties but
in perfect nick. I took the regional specialities. Urgently tried 2
glasses of Chiroubles but now doubt if I can finish it.
IT WAS WHILE THEY WERE BRINGING IN THE DESSERTS that they kept us
amused with the best of them: Bocuse's legendary creme brulee. It is
obligatory. It is quite simply sumptuous. Meanwhile I watched in a daze
as the tables for dessert accumulated... at least six of them.Couldn't
help wondering at the waste... but no doubt that is how the new chefs
learn. Strawberries, wild strawberries, chocolate and rum confections,
babas, majestic patisseries -combine them yourself. Could only manage
three small pieces and recommend the President Maurice Bernachon.
MEANWHILE A TWO-TIER SILVER SALVER containing a dozen or more
individually crafted chocolates and tuiles had arrived to accompany the
coffee... but I gave up after one. My major regret is not asking for a
doggie bag for these. No liqueurs (though I had noticed there were
bargains here) and I couldn't finish our wine. M got chatting with our
waiter and told him it was our anniversary.Yes he took the photo and
thank goodness it was too late for the candles. At least we got a
souvenir menu. Suitably anaethetised I paid. These cards don't hurt at
the time.
CHRISTOPHE THE WAITER accompanied us to our taxi. I was half asleep. M
was ravie. The taxi driver wished us happy anniversary. Fare was about
16 quid but I paid him 18. This 5 day trip cost us about 700 quid. The
meal alone was... errm... 2085 FF. That sum would get us both, for
example, 4 lunches in the terribly good bistrots that Bocuse has opened
in Lyon, plus a superb meal in the almost-as-good Restaurant Pic. Still
- 25 years of marriage so best try not to grumble.
4. READERS LETTERS
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Hello there - many thanks indeed for the best wishes. One minor
correction - I left Management Learning and moved to Behaviour in
Organisations a year ago (and then became ill before I had actually
moved in - but that is another story) so I am officially and
emotionally a member of B in O.
I am very sorry to be going and have not yet decided what I shall do
with myself. Having been given less than 20 minutes to live, in a very
deep coma for several days, and then having to regain functions we
normally take for granted such as seeing things, speaking, reading,
writing, using a computer and even using a telephone, I am more
convinced than ever of the flexibility of the brain and the wisdom of
just letting it make its own decisions and get on with its own thoughts
- seems to work much better than when I'm trying to tell it what to do!
I have a flock of Hebridean sheep, so perhaps I shall also spend more
time with them, engaged in a mutual enjoyment of the countryside (they
converse at about my level) - which is easy to say on a nice sunny day
like this. I do, however, hope to haunt the corridors on occasions, and
to keep in touch with University life via the pages of this wonderful
journal.
May I take this opportunity to thank all those who have sent their
best wishes during my illness, and send my appreciation to everyone I
have come into contact with at Lancaster... I shall miss you.
With best wishes,
Monica Lee.
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Re: use of the TEP money. Of the 100,000 allocated for the Campus
Environment Fund,authority has been given to draw on 51500 in the
near future. The 12500 for the Playground [matched by the same sum
from LUSU] will hopefully produce the desired Playground by October.
The scheme for landscaping the Fylde/Sports centre square is currently
out to tender,but again the 23500 from the TEPs fund,matched by
23500 from Estates resources will hopefully produce the desired
results this autumn. The 1000 for the Bowland mural has also been
released. 15000 has been released for use by the Landscape Working
Group for this summer/early autumn.I expect further sums to be released
on request as soon as some more of the schemes have been further worked
up [e.g for improvements to Alex Sq] The details can be found at
www.lancs.ac,uk/users/committees/lpg/TEP.htm ,where the report of the
Environment Group is. Hope this sheds some light.
Peter Elliott
Chair TEPS Environment Fund Committee.
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You may wish to draw the attention of your readers to the following
University Prospsectus:
http://www.cynicalbastards.com/ubs/index.html
Stuart Black.
Lecturer in Environmental Sedimentology,
University of Reading,
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And they appear to have fixed the priory clock specially - at least,
I'm pretty sure it wasn't chiming the hours before the visit, but it
was yesterday evening when I wandered past. Or am I just hallucinating?
Stephen Burke
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How pleasing it was to hear in the news that cyclists on footways can
now be spot-fined. I agree with your previous correspondents that
segregation of cyclists and pedestrians is sensible. Why then have
Dynamo campaigned against such segregation on the (hopefully never to
be) Millennium Bridge and its approach from Carlisle Bridge? I would
actually support them in asking for more than a dozen cycle stands at
the new Bus Station.
I was amazed when the Greens approved this minimal provision in
Planning Committee. ( I would also support those who think 5 sq.m. is a
small area in which to accommodate the queue for a double decker).
As a vacation student at LU, may I comment on catering? Why does the
Cartmel outlet not display a priced menu? Is it something to do with
the Trade Descriptions Act? When I was told a dish was braised steak
with onions, I was a bit miffed when the steak turned out to be six
20mm cubes. Does anyone but unwary visitors eat there?
Is there any truth in the rumour that one of the birds from the
Morrison's roundabout is to be placed on Eric Morecambe's statued
head, plus a blob of white paint on his shoulder and the placard
"That'll teach you to slap my cheeks. Ernie"? This is not a challenge
to the Rugby Club.
Michael Jackson
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5. SMALL ADS
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FLAT CAMPUS TO LET :A spacious and clean flat with 3 bedrooms, an
extra room that could be a study bedroom, a large living room with
newly refurbished furniture, a separate kitchen, a separate kitchen and
bathroom is available from 1/8/99 to 31/8/99. Rent 300 only Will
greatly appreciate any quick response. Thankyou.
h.sambili@lancaster.ac.uk
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MICHAEL AUTY is available in August and September for low-cost
web-site design. An example of his work can be found on
<www/lums.lancs.ac.uk/mba>. References will be provided on request.
Contact him on 01524-61847 or e-mail garfield@axford.co.uk. Thank you.
-------------
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION FOR 1999-2000
Three spacious, well furnished study bedrooms are available from
August 1999 in a large house close to Lancaster Railway Station and the
town centre. Suitable for postgraduates and undergraduates; non-smokers
only. Each room has its own cooker and fridge; shared microwave and
shared bathroom (with bath and shower) for the three rooms. Central
heating. Use of washing machine and drier. 39 pounds or 43pounds
(largest room) per week including bills. Tel: Lancaster 37288 or 842605
----------------
FOR SALE - TWO BEDROOM END TOWN HOUSE in Greaves/Scotforth area close
to bus routes and local amenities. Complete with fitted kitchen and
bathroom. Carpeted Throughout. All light fittings included. Window
Blinds. Brick Built BBQ. Alarm. Gas central heating. Garden to rear.
Car Parking bay. Available immediately. 48950. Contact: work hours
extn 94296 evenings 01524 65941.
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NEW MEMBER OF STAFF seeks two-bedroomed, furnished (or
part-furnished) house or flat in central Lancaster to rent for six
months. Around 280-330 pounds per month, from mid/late August. If you
can help, please contact nicola.veysey@sunderland.ac.uk. Thanks.
------------
VOLVO CAR FOR SALE (1000 pounds). p.ha@lancaster.ac.uk
--------
FOR SALE : RALEIGH MOUNTAIN BIKE. Good condition 40 pounds. Tel :
593845 or 381383
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QUITE ENOUGH