The Elizabeth Bird Resource Centre, Chancellor College, Malawi

November 2013

Many of you will know that I retired from the Open University at end of July this year. One of the first things I wanted to do with all of the extra time I had available was to visit the Chancellor College campus of the University of Malawi. This is based in the small city of Zomba in the south of Malawi and where Liz spent a few days on holiday back in 1986. At that time Liz and I had only recently become 'an item' and when she met with her close school friend Barbara, who had travelled down from the UK, she spent many hours discussing whether she really was ready to settle down with this chap called Mike who was very keen on birdwatching.
 Well clearly Liz decided to take the risk and the rest, as they say, is history.

Following her untimely death in 2010 so many friends, family and colleagues wanted to show their respect and love for Liz in a meaningful and practical way. In the end we managed to raise over £8000 in her memory and with the guidance and assistance of the Canon Collins Trust we have used those funds to provide the Elizabeth Bird Resource Centre which is intended mainly for the use of students following the Masters in Education degree at Chancellor College. (See more details here).

I wanted to see for myself how the money had been spent and how it was being used. Once more the Canon Collins Trust were able to help and they facilitated the visit. I was very pleased to be accompanied by Barbara for this trip and she was just as excited to see the Centre having taken a keen interest in the project. We were both thrilled  and delighted at what we found.  The Centre has now been located within the main Library building on the campus. This is the ideal location for it because all students will want to access books from the Library and the Masters students will now have a quiet study area where they can refer to the wide range of books purchased for the centre and use the two up to date, internet-connected, computers from the comfort of modern office-style chairs. We knew the centre would not be large but it doesn't need to be as there are about 24 students at any one time following the Masters course.

Barbara and I met with the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Dr Bob Chulu and the Head of the Education Foundation Department, Dr Richard Nyirongo. Both gentlemen were very generous with their time and gave us a very useful overview of the College and Masters degree structure. They took us to the centre where we took the photos below.

Dr Bob is on the left and Dr Richard on the right of the photos. You may also notice on the pin board at the back a series of the photo I sent the college which shows Liz when she was visiting the Open University of Sudan. She was standing next to her Sudanese colleague. That image is one that has been cropped and used elsewhere in this blog.


Both Barbara and I presented some more framed photos of Liz. In fact Barbara had found two pictures taken of Liz in Zomba back in 1986. Students should, from the background, be able to recognise the location which will help them appreciate that Liz had indeed visited Zomba in her younger days.

In addition to the funds raised for the Resource Centre, I decided that for 2013/14 I was going to personally sponsor a scholar on the Masters in Education course. I asked the Canon Collins Trust to help with selecting the lucky student and I am pleased to say that we were able to meet with her. Ms Dorothy Kabvala  had been a teacher in a Malawian technical college and who, for her Masters degree, was researching how different skill competences could be identified and assessed amongst her college students. Dorothy has been a very successful and diligent student thus far and we wish her continuing success in her studies and in her emerging career.

 Dorothy Kabvala, the Elizabeth Bird Scholar 2013-14.

I was very pleased to be able to add to their collection of text books for the Resource Centre. Following a quick email to ex-colleagues working on the Masters modules at the Open University I was able to donate a further 15 books to the shelves. Dr Bob had also mentioned that the Library committee were seriously considering designating a member of their staff to take responsibility for the resources in the centre on a part-time basis. That would be a significant development and very useful in maintaining the stock of books.

Finally the Resource Centre has official recognition of the donations given in memory of Liz - the plaque over the door mentions this. It also has the epithet 'A loving wife, mother and dedicated educationalist'.

I'm sure you can imagine how it was an emotional experience both for Barbara and myself. We managed to contain our composure but only just. It was quite hard for me to say to our new found Malawian friends how committed Liz had been in her work towards enhancing educational opportunities and the quality of teaching and learning in Africa.  I think they appreciated the insight we were able to give and they recognised that she had been, and will continue to be, a wonderful inspiration for students from school to university level. It is particularly pleasing to think that part of Liz's legacy remains in southern Africa, especially in such a pleasant setting as Chancellor College, Zomba.

The Main Library

College cloisters

Barbara and Dorothy in the college grounds

Sentenced: 6years Prison & 5years disqualification

Tuesday 6 September 2011

We have just returned home from Norwich Crown Court today. The lorry driver, Simon Bothamley, has been sentenced to 6 years imprisonment and 5 years disqualification from driving with a further requirement to retake the extended licence for HGV vehicles. In practice this means he is unlikely to secure a licence for driving lorries ever again - an outcome I will be more than satisfied with.

Judge Binning in his sentencing had to take into account the aggravating factors of Bothamley having been driving at 6mph more than the lorry's 50mph limit and the fact that he had sent two text messages from his mobile phone about an hour prior to the crash whilst he was driving the lorry at it's maximum speed. He also had to take into account the fact that Bothamley had received a conviction in May 2010 for driving the very same lorry whilst using a mobile phone. This, in addition to his Not Guilty plea, led the judge to apply the sentencing guidelines that ended in his prison sentence.

We will only ever know whether Bothamley was drafting a text at the point of the collision if he confesses. He chose not to be cross examined by the prosecution and so we are left with drawing our own conclusions as to the reason why he failed to pay sufficient attention to the road conditions which led to such a tragic event and the loss of dearest Liz.

I am satisfied with the sentence and am particularly pleased about the driving ban. It seems to me that Simon Bothamley has failed to learn from his mistakes and in my opinion should not be able to drive a lorry ever again - certainly not 12 tonne trucks.

There is a news report from the BBC East team. If you want to read more click here. There is also an Eastern Daily Press web report that features a video clip the Police have produced after the crash. You have to click on it to run the film, I personally could not bring myself to watch it.

Today marks a new point in the rest of our lives. There have been no winners in this case. For Bothamley I hope it will give him time to reflect upon his actions and provide an opportunity to perhaps learn new skills prior to his release. For me and our 3 wonderful children we must all move on and look to the future, not dwell upon the past. I think we each have the capacity to continue to lead fulfilling lives and that is what we must do. I know that is what Liz would have wanted.

With best wishes to all our friends and family who have supported us during the last year, and our thanks to the Police officers, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Prosecution barristers who acted so effectively for us.

Mike, David, Andrew and Jenny

Verdict: Guilty

26 August 2011

After a trial lasting 4 days at Norwich Crown Court the jury found the lorry driver, Simon Bothamley, guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. The jury reached their decision in less than one hour.

Bothamley's defence rested on claims of a bee/wasp having distracted his attention from the road closely followed by a sneezing fit. He chose not to be cross examined by the prosecution and therefore his account of what happened rests solely on the minimal information he supplied at interview by the Police and with his employer shortly before he resigned from the haulage company.

The prosecution barrister dissected each of these minimal statements - for most of the police questions he chose to say 'No comment' as is his right in law - and it was shown, pretty conclusively, that the bee/wasp story had no supporting evidence or credibility.

In his summing up, the prosecution compared how the car traffic managed to manouevre around the caravan obstructing the inside lane, with all other vehicles braking and slowing appropriately whereas Mr Bothamley was on cruise control set to 56mph and only applied his brake until after he had collided with three of the vehicles, of which ours was the first. Police forensics investigation of the lorry's tachograph, tyre marks , road scratches and damage to the 7 vehicles, pieced the tragic sequence of events together. We will never know for certain why Mr Bothamley failed to see what was necessary to avoid the collision but perhaps the fact that he had sent two text messages from his mobile phone an hour before the crash, whilst driving on cruise control at 56mph, is part of the sad explanation. The additional information, supplied after the verdict, that Bothamley had been convicted of driving a lorry whilst using a mobile phone just 2months before the crash also helps one to consider the real reasons for his lack of attention.

We now wait for the sentencing to take place in Norwich on Tuesday 6th September.

For more details of the court proceedings there is a report from the Eastern Daily Press, the Norwich regional newspaper. These reports are located online, click here .

Update and legal process

30 April 2011



Dear Friends of Liz,

It's been about 6 months since I last posted anything on the blog and as I have some information to share I thought it was timely to do so.

Firstly just to say that as a family we are holding together and trying to remain as positive and as forward looking as possible. I think David, Andrew and Jenny are finding it easier than me but on the whole we are all moving forward in our own ways.

Christmas was a tough time, as was Liz's birthday, but we managed without too many upsets. I usually attend the 8 o'clock service at St Leonards church where I feel I can get closer to Liz as she was such an active member of the church family. I've found being able to visit Liz's grave has been particularly helpful for me. On my Tesco excursions I often bought Liz some flowers and I like to continue with this habit.

Regarding the legal procedures against the lorry driver I can say that he has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving. He appeared at Norwich Crown Court on 28th April and he gave a plea of 'Not Guilty' to this charge. The court has now set a date of 22 nd August for the trial which could take up to 5 days. All four of us were in attendance at this brief hearing. It was our first time to see the lorry driver and we met the Prosecution barrister.

I am unable to say anything about the evidence but I will say that the Judge made it perfectly clear to the defendant that he was facing a very serious criminal charge and that our family are facing a life sentence without our loved one. I really hope the driver is able to face the consequences of his actions.

Finally I would like to say a big thank you to all those of you who have been so supportive, caring and generous over the recent months. Just knowing that everyone is behind us has been really helpful. I am also delighted to say that Liz's legacy continues in Africa because there is now a well equipped resource centre established in her memory at the University of Malawi, Chancellors College campus which supports Malawian Masters of Education students in their studies. This has been made possible through the generosity of many of you and assisted by the Canon Collins Trust. Thank you.

Please revisit this blog webpage at the end of August for a further update.

Fondest regards,

Mike

6 August -
There is a very lovely obituary written in the Times Educational Supplement today 6 August. It is featured on page 21 under the People section. Alternatively follow the link to the TES website by clicking here

11 August - My family and I wish to thank all those who managed to attend the funeral for our dear Liz yesterday. It was a very fitting and wonderful service, filled with love, words, music and prayer. Liz would have been very proud of the occasion but also humbled by the strength of tribute.
Thank you also to those of you who were unable to attend but who sent their best wishes. Your messages have always been greatly appreciated.

12 August - If you would like to read the tribute made at the funeral by Barbara Moore, a close friend of Liz's since school, the address by Jennie Cappleman, the vicar who led the service who was also a very close friend of Liz's, or the order of service, you can view the pdf files by clicking on the links below:

Tribute

Address

Order of Service

24 August 2010
I have discovered the Times Higher Educational Supplement have now also printed a different obituary for Liz. It was dated 19 August. You can access the obituary by clicking here

10 October 2010

Liz had a talent for motivating people and encouraging them to reflect upon their actions. She also really enjoyed the Thursday evening, hour long sessions where folk could sit and pray in peace perhaps with a few readings and thought provoking passages or ideas Liz had found as she went about her busy life. Out of this came a suggestion that she had for the St Leonard's church congregation to consider sharing with others a particular experience, piece of music, poetry or picture that helped them to explain how they, as individuals, had been drawn closer to God. The hour long event was held one Sunday evening in June. All those who attended commended Liz on what a pleasant experience it had been to share those thoughts with other members of the church family. And so it seemed fitting that we should hold another event where folk could share examples of how they had been helped to draw near to God and in particular give thanks to God for Liz and her role in the church family.

The event took place on Sunday 10th October 2010 and was attended by about 50 people. The hymns and poems shared that evening are all featured on a St Leonard's webpage - click here to access the full set of hymns and poems read that evening.

Sunday 11th July

It was to be a wonderful weekend away in Norfolk. On Saturday 10^th July Liz and I were heading towards Hickling Broad for some birdwatching, maybe canoeing and perhaps later onto the beach for a swim, which would have been such a perfect way to enjoy a lovely hot summers day. She had been working so hard she deserved a holiday.

Instead it was not to be. We were chatting happily about what we were going to do when suddenly it was all over for Liz, in a flash she was gone and she’d not have known a thing about it. In this we must all take great comfort.

Our loss is going to be felt by everyone who knew her for she was loved by all. A more generous, warm, caring, lively, energetic person we will rarely know.

It happened on the A47 to Great Yarmouth a long, straight and fast, stretch of road with two lanes each side of a crash barrier. There was no hard shoulder. We were approaching a turn off point and I could see a caravan had stopped on the side so cars in our lane were slowing and having to pull over into the faster right hand lane. I too started slowing down, indicated I was having to pull over, when the heavy goods vehicle slammed into our rear, shunting us forwards, spinning round and into the car in front which in turn caused a chain reaction that eventually involved six cars and the lorry. One other man had to be cut out of his car and was stretchered off – we can only pray that he fully recovers. I escaped with just a small cut to my leg.

It all occurred so suddenly there was nothing I could do to try to control our car and when we came to a stop Liz was by my side but I think she had passed away even at that point. She was carried to the roadside, first aiders and a doctor were joined quickly by the emergency services who tried all they could to resuscitate her but it was all in vain.

The full facts will eventually be revealed once all of the evidence has been collected and I cannot say any more than that.

I do hope that, if you can bear it, some of the photos below will help you to remember our dearest Liz all taken in the last year at times when she was happiest, doing the things she loved doing, with her family and friends.

Click the images for a full size version.

Sadly this has all happened during the height of the holiday season and many of you will be distressed to think that you may not be able to share with us in our grief or to say goodbye but I know that Liz would have wanted you all to continue with your plans should you not be able to join us at the funeral.

Liz and I had talked about this and we will have her buried at our Church, St Leonard’s in Heath and Reach just outside Leighton Buzzard. Please re-visit this website for further details where I will try to keep you posted about developments.

With all our love,

Mike, David, Andrew and Jenny

12 July 2010

Update 15 July 2010

I was very pleased to speak to Marc Brooks of Coalville today. Marc was one of the first people on the scene. Despite having escaped all the horrors of the crash itself he came forward as a first aider and stuck by me and supported me through the terrible trauma that unfolded on the roadside. I must say Marc's kindness and humanity has really helped me and I've been deeply touched by his concern about my welfare and that of our children. Marc you were a real hero.

I must also mention first aider Neil who helped and comforted me at the hardest time. Thank you so much your efforts are hugely appreciated.

Update 18 July 2010

At times such as this many of you will want to seek comfort in listening to your favourite pieces of music . I would like to share with you a a piece that both Liz and I loved. It is called 'Spiegel im Spiegel' by Arvo Part, a modern Estonian composer. I think it is best heard in a quiet place because the simple tune is played by a single violin and piano in a very slow and contemplative way. I've found it really consoling and helpful and perhaps you too will gain some calm and peace from it as well.

Update 20 July 2010

We would like to say a big thank you to friends, family, colleagues and a multitude of others who knew Liz in the UK and across the globe for all of the words of condolence you have sent. We are finding these of great comfort particularly as so many of you have commented upon the wonderful legacy that Liz has left behind through her kindness, positive thinking and great faith.

Update 5 August 2010

The funeral will be held on Tuesday 10 August at 2pm at St Leonard’s Church, Heath and Reach, about 1.5miles north of Leighton Buzzard. Its address is Leighton Rd, Heath & Reach, LU7 0AA

Visit http://www.stleonardsheathandreach.org.uk for more information.

The service will be followed by the burial in the graveyard next to the Church. A reception tea will follow in the Church Hall. Some people have asked about dress. We suggest traditional funeral attire.

Revd. Jennie Cappleman, the vicar of St Leonards, will lead the service. Jennie is a very close and dear friend of Liz and our family.

Please be aware there is very limited parking space so please allow enough time to find a space along the road, at the Axe & Compass Pub or in Heath and Reach Village.

By request, flowers will only be from the close family. See below for details of how to make donations.

Donations please

We ask that flowers are sent only from the family but charitable donations in memory of Liz are most welcome. You may have your own preferred charity that you like to support but, if not, please do consider giving to the Canon Collins Trust who have nominated a project based in Malawi in the memory of Liz.

Support the Education Department at the University of Malawi

Donations will support a pioneering programme in partnership with the Education Department at the University of Malawi. Canon Collins Trust is partnering the department by supporting twelve students to study for a Masters in Education Leadership, Policy and Planning, an investment without which the course would not be able to run. The result is that Malawi is able to train its own educational managers with a specific focus on Malawian challenges – rather than sending its educationalists to study abroad. The Trust is also partnering the department for a conference on inclusive education this September – a field which is relatively new for Malawi and in which it will benefit from expertise from across southern Africa.

However, the education department is desperately under-resourced and students struggle to access study items because these have to be shared with other departments. Donations will be used to buy computers and books to increase the quality of support available to students in memory of Elizabeth. We, Canon Collins Trust, may also be able to support a visit from an international expert to work with the twelve students and provide them with an international perspective on education management. Any funds above the amount required for the Education Department will be used for the Trust’s other programmes, in agreement with Michael Bird.

How to make your donation

Donations can be made by visiting the Trust's website and by filling in the secure online form. Please use the space for comments and online dedications to mention that your donation is in memory of Elizabeth Bird, to enable the trust to ensure that it is used specifically for the Malawi project.

To make an online donation please click here.

Alternatively, cheques can be made payable to Canon Collins Trust and sent to the following address: 22 The Ivories, Northampton Street, London, N1 2HY or sent to S.R.Dillamore, Funeral Directors, Regent House, 16 Old Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 2RF.

If you would like to pay by card but you want to send a paper copy of your donation form, you can request one by phoning +44 (0) 207 354 1462. Please specify in your letter if you would like to Gift Aid your donation, which means that the Trust can reclaim 25p from the government for every pound you give (and 28p until 5/4/2011).

Please mention that your donation is in memory of Elizabeth Bird, as this will enable the Trust to ensure that the funds are used specifically for the project in Malawi.

If you would like a receipt for your donation, please feel free to request one as the Trust is happy to send it either by email or by post.

Canon Collins Trust

Canon Collins Trust provides educational opportunities across ten countries in southern Africa, aiming to build skills and expertise in a wide range of areas which are essential for social development and growth – health, education, agriculture, human rights, science and technology and economics to name but a few. Our focus is on higher education as we believe that poverty reduction cannot be achieved through basic education and literacy alone – informed leadership is a vital ingredient. We have supported 2500 inspirational individuals to further their qualifications and are increasingly extending assistance to the institutions in which they study as well. Examples of individuals supported include the current Head of the Eye Unit at the Zambia Teaching Hospital, which carries out 1,000 cataract operations each year, and Country Manager of a Malawian NGO supporting 7,000 women through pregnancy annually in order to ensure that they do not pass HIV onto their babies.

In addition to our work in higher education, the Trust supports a number of community-based initiatives to improve educational access for disadvantaged groups, whether they are marginalised due to poverty, social status, disability, gender, ethnicity, race or geographical location. Among our projects are a science centre supporting 64 schools in South Africa, a scheme to enable Zimbabwean orphans to continue to access school, and a programme to reintegrate Malawian girls who have dropped out of school due to illness or pregnancy back into the education system.

Over the years the Trust’s work has been singled out for praise by respected African leaders including Nelson Mandela, Graça Machel, Mamphela Ramphele, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

“Higher education is essential to reduce poverty, ensure sustainable development and contribute to the building of peace…the work of the Trust is still much needed because it enables southern Africans themselves to transform lives.”

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Update 21 July 2010

Some of you may already know John O'Donohue's, 'Benedictus A Book of Blessings'*. It is a particular favourite of Liz's and whilst leafing it through it I came across a poem called 'For Death'. I originally reproduced the poem here but the copyright holders allowed me to reproduce it for only 3 months; that period has now passed so all I can do is urge you to seek out the book and find the poem on page 88. I have donated a copy of the book to St Leonard's Church where you will find it available for reference. Alternatively visit O'Donohue's webpage at the web address below.

For me the last verse sums up Liz's view of life. I think we all recognise that she could indeed review her life as one of huge achievement and fulfillment even though she would have been too humble to say so. Hopefully we too will feel inspired by her example. Many of you in your tributes have said how inspirational Liz has been to you and I pray that the inspiration will be an ongoing legacy in memory of our dear Liz.

Mike

*(Copyright John O'Donohue 2007)
Visit www.johnodonohue.com/