The Linguist is a languages magazine for professional linguists, translators, interpreters, language professionals, language teachers, trainers, students and academics with articles on translation, interpreting, business, government, technology
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thelinguist.uberflip.com DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 The Linguist 9 IN MEMORIAM Ann Carlisle, CIOL Chief Executive From my first interview Nick was supportive, encouraging us to think bigger and never to believe something wasn't achievable. Nothing pleased him more than the journey in recent years to modernise and grow. At our last Council meeting with him in July his eyes lit up at news that we had topped 7,000 members. Hosting events with Nick, his generosity of spirit, warmth for humanity and gentle (but sometimes wicked!) humour shone through. Karen Stokes, Chair of Council I will remember Nick with great affection as a man of absolute decency and integrity. He brought wisdom and pragmatism to his role as President, and his knowledge of the organisation, insightful comments and gentle humour will be sorely missed around the Council table. Nick approached the task at hand with a light touch, and unwavering and selfless commitment to the best interests of CIOL. On a personal level, Nick's unfailing support was invaluable. Keith Moffitt, former Chair of Council Nick took his role as President very seriously, but never without a deft humorous touch, getting constructively involved in many issues, including our governance review, which he led, and the appointment of a new Chief Executive. There were several Council meetings when a few skilful words from Nick helped us get over a sticky situation, for which I was deeply grateful. Nick's elegant and engaging speeches at key moments, such as the 10th anniversary of our Royal Charter, were always perfectly suited to the occasion. Chris Pountain, Chair of IoLET Board We will honour Nick's memory best by continuing to promote, actively and imaginatively, the work of CIOL. Tim Connell, Vice-President I worked with Nick in various contexts for nearly 30 years and always appreciated his pleasant manner and calm observations, tinged with constant humour. He was valuable as Deputy Chair of IoLET; there were some difficult times when several of us would sit down quietly and talk about finding ways forward, and his steadiness, sensible views and insights were of great value. Jean Coussins, Vice-President Nick was a great leader and a great colleague, always eager to hear from everyone round the table, and always committed to putting ideas into practice if humanly possible. He could liven up any meeting with a good joke, a new insight or some unexpected information (read gossip!). I was especially grateful to him for his assistance with the challenge of campaigning for fair treatment for the Afghan interpreters. Richard Hardie, Vice-President With Tony Bell, Nick persuaded me to become a CIOL Vice-President. I took to him immediately. He had a comprehensive, deeply serious view of the place of language learning in society, and was optimistic about its future, despite the challenges. We shared a passion for promoting the importance of intercultural sensitivity in business, which illuminated his distinguished career. My clearest memory of Nick is of him beaming at me from the front row at his beloved Regent's College, after strong-arming me into giving a talk. It was very hard to say 'no' to him; he had given freely of so much of his time and energy that he carried tremendous moral authority, albeit lightly. Michael Cunningham, former member of Council Nick was very keen on cricket, particularly Hampshire; we were both seriously troubled by the county's enduring 'failure to deliver', and would sometimes try to remember ourselves as teenagers, engrossed in the play and with all our lives in front of us. Nick was a good friend, he had a great laugh and spark. Hilary Maxwell-Hyslop, former Director of Examinations Nick was warm, witty and wise, and I valued his support immensely. Four of us used to lunch from time to time. After an analysis of the state of cricket, a happy interlude would follow where the latest dramas of The Archers were thoroughly dissected. After Trust Board meetings, Nick was to be found, sleeves rolled up and elbows in the sink, doing the washing up – without fail. It did give us an opportunity to share jokes of excruciating awfulness. John Hughes, former Ambassador to Argentina; Chair of Canning House Nick Bowen and I shared a friendship of 48 years. He was someone who listened, was even-tempered and a man of great integrity. His objective was to take people with him. He was held in high esteem at Canning House, where we asked him to produce an updated version of his original (1979) history – a task he, alas, could not finish. Ann Corsellis OBE I served with Nick as a member of CIOL Council when he was Chair, and as a Vice-President when he was President. Nick had that rare combination of generosity of spirit, emotional and intellectual intelligence, and sound, principled judgement. He was accessible as a sounding board and a source of advice. Above all, he was the most agreeable and delightful colleague and friend. Dr Nicholas Bowen Award for Excellence This new prize for a student in the second year of the BA in International Business at Regent's University London was awarded for the first time in November. GOOD HUMOUR Above, clockwise from left: Nick at the IoLET Awards event in 2013; with 2016 Threlford Lecturer Dorothy Kenny; speaking at the 2016 Awards ceremony; and with CIOL Chief Executive Ann Carlisle, 2014 Threlford Lecturer Eleanor Sharpston and (r) former Chair of Council Keith Moffitt. Above, right: Nick at Regent's University Memories from friends and colleagues