The Friends of the University of Liverpool

This page was supplied by Maureen Jones, Editor of the Friends of the University Newsletter, in order that staff and students could know more about the Friends and their work.

The Friends of the University of Liverpool is a registered charity, number 516059, and has been in existence for twelve years.

The aims of the Friends can be summarised as being (a) the provision of financial support for the development of the facilities and activities of the University, and (b) the dissemination of information about the University. We have subscription income of over £15,000 per annum, and many donations and bequests. Our prudent management has given us a reserve fund of £65,000, and the presentation of the balance sheet gives the University Finance Officer great pleasure because it is always 'in the black'.

During 1995, grants of £14,061 were made, but we can state that our total of donations over twelve years is close to £150,000. We have responded to an extremely wide variety of requests for an extremely wide variety of amounts, which seem to the Committee of the Friends to be answering equally important needs. Who can say that upgrading the tennis courts at Wyncote (Friends contribution £15,000) is more necessary than a fence round the children's play area at Leahurst (Friends £500)? Or that computer software for the International Students Adviser at £2,500 is more urgent than training days for the Student Community Action programme at £400? Our financial support for the development of facilities in the University has often been the upgrading of equipment and furnishings. Sizable contributions have been made to research funds and to student activities.

Friends are kept in touch, with twice-yearly Newsletters and the Recorder. We are also interested in generating Friendship within the University, so members living locally take part in a programme of monthly events which are dependent upon the great generosity and goodwill of members of staff. We have been shown University treasures; we have been guided round refurbished buildings; we have had the pleasures of specialist lectures; we are familiar with the Art Gallery, the museums, the work of unique schools and departments. We hope to continue with a contribution of value to the life of the University because we see a small way to repay a great debt of gratitude.

Forthcoming Events

Ref 4. Tuesday 10 December 1996 at 7pm. Visit to the Medical Faculty. Meet in the Boardroom, 1st floor, Duncan Building. The Dean, Professor Bernard Wood, and the Director of Medical Studies, Professor Sam Leinster, will describe developments in the Faculty and present the New Medical Curriculum. Tour of the Clinical Skills Resource Centre, in the refurbished Royal Infirmary. Light refreshments to follow. Tickets £3.95. Car park entrance in Daulby Street, outside the Duncan Building.

Ref 5. Tuesday 18 March 1997 at 7.15pm. Dr. Mair‚ead Nic Craith, lecturer in Irish Language and Literature in the Institute of Irish Studies, will give a talk entitled 'Liverpool - the real capital of Ireland'. Light refreshments. Tickets £3.95. In Theatre Workshop, Rendall Building. Parking in Bedford Street South and Abercromby Square.

Ref 6. Wednesday 16 April 1997 at 2.30pm. Hear how Friends grants have helped the Basement Film Unit to produce video film graphics and titles with a professional finish. Also, see and hear about the changes in the Guild building with Kevin Gould, past president of the Guild of Students. Afternoon tea. Tickets £4.00. In the Gilmour Hall, Guild of Students. Car park visitor's permits will be required.

Ref 8. Wednesday 11 June 1997 at 6pm. A visit to Leahurst Veterinary Station. Details will be published in the March Newsletter.

A few examples of the many grants made by the Friends:

£15,000 to Physical Recreation for extension and re-surfacing of the Wyncote Tennis Courts. £700 to the International Students Adviser to equip the International Students lounge. £3,000 to the Institute of Popular Music to publish their researches. £1,000 to the Guild Welfare office for furnishings. £550 in support of the Student Debating Society. £3,000 to help equip the Guild Radio Society. £5,500 the Vice- Chancellor's Support Fund for Students. £550 to the Basement Film Unit to purchase hardware needed for a video magazine. £500 to the Centre for Medieval Studies to publish proceedings of their International Conference. £5,000 to the Liverpool University Boat Club for new boats and to participate in regattas. £200 to the School of Architecture to stage a symposium. £1,500 to Mechanical Engineering students for field trials of a cold-start device.

For more information about the Friends contact Sue Irvine, Friends' Office Tel: (0151) 794 2244.