Dr Sean Beer recently headed off to the country as guest speaker at the 72nd AGM of the Wool and Bere Regis Agricultural Discussion Club.  Clubs such as this were formed as an aid to agricultural extension during the Second World War and many, Like Wool and Bere Regis, are still thriving.  Sean’s address was entitled “A light hearted look at being an academic”.  In many ways he is a unique position to talk about this having, during his time in further and higher education, taught all age groups from 3-83 and at all levels in English education from pre-school to supervising PhDs.  Sean’s research work has also been diverse encompassing the natural sciences, sociology, economics and psychology. 

In his talk he was able to demystify many aspects of academic life and afterwards, as can be seen in the picture (Sean is second from the left), the members retired to the bar for some light refreshments. Sean has been actively involved in this type of public/industry engagement during his 23 years at Bournemouth and is a past Chairman of the Wool and Bere Regis Agricultural Discussion Club.