The International Centre, HarrogateSat 8 May 2010, 14:30 |
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| From | To | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30 | 12:45 | Arrival and robing |  |
| 10:30 | 13:30 | Photography | |
| 13:00 | 14:00 | Auditorium doors open. Graduates and guests to be seated by 14.00. | |
| 14:00 | 14:30 | Pre-ceremony musical programme | |
| 14:30 | 16:00 | Ceremony takes place | |
| 16:00 | 16:45 | Photography resumes | |
| 16:00 | 16:45 | All robes to be returned | |
back to topContacts
Please note, all information about this ceremony will be sent via e-mail. If we do not hold an e-mail address on file for you this mailing will be posted. Any enquiries about the ceremony arrangements should be made to: Learner Support Section, The Open University in Yorkshire, 2 Trevelyan Square, Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6ED
Telephone: 0113 234 1225
Address
Harrogate International Centre
Kings Road
Harrogate
HG1 5LA
Telephone number
01423 500 500
Website
http://www.harrogateinternationalcentre.co.uk
On the day contacts
Any urgent messages on the day may be passed on to David Forrest via the International Centre switchboard on 01423 500500.
back to topThe location
Harrogate
The town of Harrogate developed as an important inland spa following the discovery of its first medicinal well in 1571. Over the centuries, the town flourished as visitors sought the benefits of the 100 different medicinal springs that were subsequently developed. The inter-war years, however, saw a rapid decline in the number of spa visitors and Harrogate turned to other aspects of tourism to maintain its popularity. Harrogate later became firmly established as England's floral town.
The International Centre
The Harrogate International Centre provides a spacious and modern setting for The Open University's degree ceremonies in Yorkshire. The Centre was opened in 1981 and comprises a modern auditorium, exhibition halls, offices and a hotel.
Overnight stay
To see what hotels and attractions Harrogate has to offer visit the Harrogate Borough Council web site for more details:
http://www.harrogate.gov.uk/tourism
back to topGetting there
By car
Harrogate is equidistant from London and Edinburgh (200 miles) and the East/West coasts (60 miles). Harrogate has excellent road and motorway links (M1, A1(M), and M62).
Parking
If you are travelling by car, you should allow plenty of time for parking. There is a "Pay and Display" car park (220 spaces) next to the venue. As car parking at the International Centre is limited, priority will be given to those attending who have disabilities. Remaining parking spaces will be on a "first come - first served" basis. If you need to know about the cost of parking, please contact the International Centre.
Alternative car parks are available in the town centre, near to the International Centre:
Jubilee Car Park
Union Street
Harrogate
HG1 5DJ
440 spaces
Victoria Car Park
East Parade
Harrogate
HG1 5LQ
786 spaces
West Park Car Park
Tower Street
Harrogate
HG1 1HS
331 spaces
By train
There are frequent local and intercity trains serving Harrogate. Fast trains from London take 2 hours 30 minutes and those from Edinburgh 2 hours 20 minutes. The railway station is located near to the Centre.
By bus or coach
The International Centre is in the centre of Harrogate and local buses are plentiful. Please visit the National Express website for details of coach travel to and from Harrogate.
http://www.nationalexpress.com
back to topOn the day
Arrival and registration
There are two entrances to the International Centre: the main entrance on King's Road gives immediate pedestrian access to the foyer; pedestrian access to the foyer from the International Centre car park is by lift. On arrival, you need to collect your entry tickets from the Registration desk, you can then go directly to collect your robes from the Queen's Suite and to be photographed, if you wish. There will be approximately four hundred graduates to be robed and photographed, so please aim to arrive between 10:15 and 12:45 to allow adequate time for robing, photography and finding your seats.
Robing
Graduate robing and photography will take place in the Queen's Suite. Robes will be available from 10:15 and must be returned by 16:45 at the latest.
Details of gowns can be found under Helpful info.
The ceremony
The doors to the auditorium will be opened at 13:00. It will not be possible for graduates or guests to take their seats in the auditorium before that time. We ask that everyone aims to be seated by 14:00 when the programme of music begins.
Pronunciation
If your name has an unusual pronunciation that you would like to clarify for your on-stage presentation, please telephone Learner Support on 0113 234 1225 as soon as possible to ensure that the Graduate Presenter pronounces your name correctly.
Photography
The photographers will be available from 10:00 until 16:45 (scrolls are provided).
Details of the service provided by Ede and Ravenscroft Photography Ltd can be found under Helpful info.
back to topFacilities
Refreshments
There are several outlets where you can buy coffee and light snacks in the upper foyer area.
There are also many restaurants, cafés, wine bars and pubs nearby.
Access
Any graduate or guest who has mobility difficulties is asked to contact Learner Support at the Regional Centre's Ceremony Office in advance of the ceremony.
In particular, there is a short flight of steps on each side of the platform where graduates are presented, of which graduates are asked to take note.
There is no on-stage access for wheelchairs at the Conference Centre. Off- stage presentations take place for graduates who are wheelchair users. If you have any questions about the access to the stage, please contact the Learner Support team at the Yorkshire Regional Centre.
All areas of the auditorium are equipped with induction loop equipment.
Toilets
There are adequate toilet facilities throughout the International Centre (including toilets for the disabled).
Cloakroom
Cloakroom facilities will be available.
First aid
The Red Cross has kindly agreed to provide first aid cover. The First Aid Room is in the main foyer and is sign-posted.
Emergency evacuation
In case of an emergency, either the fire alarm will sound or a public announcement made. Clear instructions will be given on evacuation of the building if necessary and you should follow any instructions calmly but as quickly as you can.
Children
The ceremony is a family occasion and children are welcome. However, if you are bringing young children who may not be able to sit quietly through the entire ceremony, please ensure that your guests choose seats near one of the entrances to the auditorium and are prepared to leave with them should they become restless.
If you do have to leave the auditorium because your children have become restless, closed circuit television cameras will transmit the proceedings, which can be viewed outside the auditorium, in the upper foyer.
Children under five years of age may sit on the knee of a guest, but children of five and over must have a separate ticket and seat.
Creche
A limited number of crèche places will be available for young guests up to the age of six years. These are available on a first come first served basis and must be pre booked prior to attendance at the ceremony. If you wish to use the crèche facility, you should contact the Regional Centre by 1st May 2010 at the latest. There will be a charge for each child attending the crèche.