Hello and Goodbye

28 March 2012

This month we say Hello to Professor Billie Hunter, School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies and Goodbye to Tony Lewis, Deputy Head of Security & Portering Services.

Hello to...

Professor Billie Hunter, School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies

Professor Billie Hunter who recently joined the University as Professor of Midwifery Research, a post supported by the Royal College of Midwives and with start up funding from the Welsh Government. Blas caught up with Billie to find out how she’s settling in at Cardiff and to get to know her a bit better...

Where will you be working in the University?

In the School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies in East Gate House, Newport Road.

What will you be doing in your new role?

My job focuses on building the profile of midwifery and maternity care research in Cardiff. I plan to establish a research programme aimed at enhancing emotional support and communication in maternity care.

What were you doing before you joined Cardiff?

I was Professor of Midwifery in the College of Human and Health Sciences at Swansea University.

What's the best part of your job?

It’s early days, but at the moment I’m enjoying having interesting conversations with lots of new people, both within academia and in the NHS, and looking for areas of shared interest and possible collaborations. I’m very keen that my research can really make a difference to the care of women and their babies, and it’s very rewarding when you find opportunities to do that.

If you weren't in your current role, what would you be doing?

I’ve always fancied running a flower shop!

Where is your favourite place on or around campus?

Alexandra Gardens are beautiful and a very restful place to unwind for a few minutes.

What’s your favourite TV show?

You might expect me to say ‘Call the Midwife’! but in fact it is any Nordic crime – I loved Wallander and The Killing.

Where are we most likely to find you outside of work?

I love being outdoors – so either in the garden or walking on the Gower coast path.

What one question would you like Blas readers to help you answer about the University? 

Where’s a good place to get lunch which doesn’t have long queues?!

Goodbye to....

Tony Lewis

Deputy Head of Security & Portering Services, Tony Lewis, who retired at the end of March after 13 years at the University.

Tony joined Cardiff in April 1999 after 34 years in the police service. During his time at Cardiff his role has included overseeing the security aspects of major events, dealing with issues of student behaviour, staff and student safety and much more.

“I consider myself to be very fortunate – it’s been almost like a second career for me,” said Tony.

“A lot of people may think working in security is just a job, but it’s more than that. There are so many elements to it. I’m using the skills I’ve built up over the years and I’ve been able to maintain contacts with local police.”

Tony has been involved in many high-profile events, such as Royal visits to the University and the opening of the Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK, within the School of History, Archaeology and Religion, which was attended by Yusuf Islam – better known as musician Cat Stevens.

But there is one occasion that also sticks out in his memory – when Archbishop Desmond Tutu paid a visit to Cardiff.

“I remember all the dignitaries were waiting in Main Building to welcome him, but he made a beeline for the campus patrol officer in the porter’s lodge and shook his hand before anyone else’s! I think that says a lot about him as an individual,” said Tony.

“I will definitely miss the people here the most. I’ve met staff and students from almost every division and academic school over the years, and I’ve really enjoyed that interaction with them. I have lots of happy memories from my time at Cardiff.”

Tony is looking forward to spending more time with his family, including his six-month-old grandson, gardening and enjoying holidays when he retires at the end of March.

“We’re planning a trip to New York and Washington in May,” he said.

“It’ll be great just to have plenty of time to do things, instead of cramming them into evenings and weekends.”

Listen to Tony talking about some of his career highlights in a podcast: