Late leaver

Never famed for its ability to react rapidly, the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Prinicpals appears to be getting slower as it expands. With staff member Sean Fielding off to a new job at Exeter University his colleagues are doing the normal thing and arranging a leaving do in his honour.

Mr Fielding's final day at 29 Tavistock Square will be March 16. So when is his leaving do? 14? 15? 16 even? Er, no . . . March 31. Should he fail to make the 174-mile trek back from the West Country, possibilities include setting up a cardboard cut-out or contacting the hologram-makers formerly responsible for Lord Chilver.

More mischievous spirits among the CVCP staff ( there are a few) have taken to suggesting that there is still time to hold a leaving do for former general secretary Brian Taylor on the grounds that he only left about five years ago.