The Bournemouth Rock – Issue 14

Time to pay fair

OPINION Clegg sends son to state school

Jonny Byrne

P10

DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR

One in four Dorset workers is paid below the UK’s Living Wage rate according to a campaign group.

The rate, which was introduced in 2005, is calculated by the amount it would cost for a person to be able to provide a basic standard of living for themselves and their families.

Unlike the National Minimum Wage, which is currently set at £6.19 for workers aged 21 and over, the Living Wage is not compulsory for companies.

Neil Duncan-Jordan, the Acting Chair of the Living Wage for Dorset (LWD) steering group, says that 66,000 Dorset employees are paid below the current Living Wage rate of £7.45 an hour.

LWD was founded to address concerns regarding the growing number of Dorset residents who are working for very low pay. Already they have managed to persuade some employers in the county to pay the Living Wage rate.

“The economic situation is difficult, people are keeping their heads down, and they worry about job security. Rising unemployment means that workers are fearful about asking for more money, which is why we have to assist them.

“Taxpayers are effectively subsidising the companies that are

Continued on page 3

FEATURES Venezuela mourns lost leader P15

Campaigners raise awareness of the Living Wage for low paid workers in Dorset

ROBERT O’MAHONY

BBC TV reporter shares industry secrets Michael Seymour

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Roger Finn, a BBC journalist, has described the intense moment he broke news of the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster to millions of child viewers.

Visiting Bournemouth Uni, Finn,

who works on BBC South Today, had only just started presenting the flagship children’s show Newsround in 1986 when news came through about the Space Shuttle blowing up.

On January 28, 1986, Challenger blew up 73 seconds after lift off.

The shuttle that had successfully completed nine triumphant missions, was ripped apart on its tenth, killing all seven crew members. This historic disaster was

captured on camera and broadcast across the world, including on the BBC’s children’s hour.

“It was one of the most nerve wracking moments of my life, without a shadow of a doubt,” said Roger, who had only presented the show four or five times at this point.

“I was aware there were five or six million people watching.”

The news of the Challenger disaster broke only ten minutes

before the show was due to go on air, so it had to be decided quickly how the story was going to be handled.

“There was a conference between the children’s department and the news department about what happens if a huge story breaks during children’s hour,” he said.

The news department wanted to

Continued on page 9

SPORT EXCLUSIVE

Gold-medalist Wilson P26

2 news

Thursday 21 March 2013| The Rock

AUB students create charity event THURSDAY, 21 MARCH, 2013

News

Facebook slip up by Dorset councillor

5

Opinion

Positive discrimination does not work

12

Features

The culture of Twitter joke theft

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Arts and Event management student use their creativity to raise money with Firefly in aid of Make a Wish Foundation

Hailey Hammer

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

After being handed an assignment to “create a live event”, a group of six students came up with the event ‘Firefly’, all in aid of Make A Wish Foundation UK. Last Saturday passers-by in Bournemouth Square could write down a wish and hang it on a tree, or simply make a donation. The one-

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creators said those three minutes of dancing made a big difference: “The dance routine’s intention [was] to provide entertainment for people, so we don’t just stand there demanding money.

“In the three minutes of movement there is a constant impact and it brings a lot of attention to us, people can’t avoid donating. They love this kind of spontaneous entertainment.”

Another of the group’s members, Abigail Mesnard said the children were very interested in the Disney theme: “We’ve had really good

response from the public, they like that it’s interactive. Children like the characters and their faces light up when they see them, which is very important. We want them to enjoy themselves.”

The AUB course teaches the girls to set up fundraisers, but they said it takes a lot of their own initiative as well: “It’s about half and half of our ideas and what we learn. We try to differ from event management by being creative, keeping in touch with the current market and getting people interested.”

Visual effects internship on offer Sally Rose McCormack

Sport

Tubbs after more starts for Cherries

day event saw 200 wishes made as well as £297 raised for the charity.

Ellie Jones, one member of the all-female group, said they wanted the event to be special: “We wanted to do something else and be creative, really make it magical. That’s why we used Disney characters and a lot of colours and fairy tale effects on the tree.”

As an added way to draw in the crowds the group, and some extra volunteers, twice performed a dance routine, choreographed by themselves.

Natasha Rose, another of the event’s

POLINA STOYANOVA

Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth is to play host this summer to their first visual effects and animation festival.

The festival, called BFX, was created to inspire the next generation of talent and raise awareness of the industry. There will be masterclasses, screenings and a six-week competition for visual effects students on offer.

The festival is open to everyone and will be held over five days in September at both BU and AUB campuses. The Director of the international VFX HUB in Bournemouth, Peter Truckel, said that they will have a range of events and are “going to try to create something which is accessible to everyone.”

At the heart of the BFX festival is the competition, which will

attract students from around the country. The prize for the winning person in each category is an internship at a top visual effects company. Competitors will also get the chance to meet and be mentored by the likes of Frame Store, Double Negative and The Mill, something that Peter Truckel hopes will help produce some fantastic work.

There are limited spaces in the competition and teams of four to six must come up with unique pitches to one of the five briefs in time for the application deadline, on April 26. Peter Truckel offers advice on creating the right dynamic for a group: “It’s like playing top trumps.

You’ve got to make sure you have the best range of skill set.” There has been a Facebook group set up for any students on the look out for teammates, where you can highlight your talents.

Mohrag Taylor, a second-year computer animation student at BU spoke about her team’s preparation for the competition: “The creative lot are producing a lot of sketches and ideas, whilst we work on

The competition this summer hosted by BFX is free to enter improving our skills.”

It is completely free to enter, with free accommodation being provided during the competition from July 8 through August 16. Every team will have access to BU’s Media School and AUB’s facilities, giving everyone a level playing field to create their 2D or 3D sequence. It

BFX

also gives competitors the chance to meet other VFX students from outside their course, something Morhag Taylor is looking forward too: “It will be really great to meet with others and see how they take the briefs.”

If you want to enter the contest, check out the BFX website.

news 3

The Rock | Thursday 21 March 2013

Campaign group demands better pay

The LWD campaign has studied the advantages of paying employees the Living Wage and its effect on tax benefits R.O’MAHONY

Continued from page 1 paying way below the odds, and therefore the workers are having their money made up through tax credits and other benefits. If the employer were paying them the Living Wage, the state wouldn’t have to step in. We think it’s time that these companies pay decent wages,” said Neil.

The LWD campaign has organised meetings over the

summer with the intention of making Dorset workers aware of the wage and what they could potentially earn.

“The Living wage is recognized by the three leading political parties, some faith organisations and trade union groups, but ordinary workers know very little about it, so part of our effort is to raise awareness.”

KPMG, an accountancy firm, revealed in October that 430,000 people in the Southwest of England are earning less than the Living Wage.

Neil believes the new rate is not an

unreasonable increase to ask for. “£7.45 is not a huge amount of money, so it’s a modest demand and there are so many benefits for employers as well as for the individual.

“Research has shown there is better attendance from staff, better motivation, higher productivity, more loyalty and lower staff turnover so less need to train new staff; it’s a winwin situation.”

The number of companies that have adopted the wage is still low, although

many large multinational companies with UK branches have incorporated the rate into their pay structure.

“At the moment there are about 140 companies nationally that have adopted the Living Wage. Some are very well known like Barclays Bank, and others are small charities and community groups,” said Neil.

“The issue is, how do you translate national statements and agreements on a local level? For example, Lush in London pays the Living Wage, Lush in Poole doesn’t. There’s a mismatch

between the words and the actions.

“Part of the campaign that we’ll be launching in the summer is to try and name and shame larger employers, so they do the right thing.”

Although in the early stages of planning, LWD have managed to rally together many supporters of their cause, including political leaders and faith leaders, but Neil is aware that the issue is one that will take a long time to see real progress.

“We’re holding an event on June 5 at Bournemouth University’s Talbot Campus at 6.30pm. It’s part of the Festival of Learning. We have three speakers, Natalie Bennett, the Green Party leader, Paul Novak the assistant general secretary of the TUC and Dr. Graham Kings, the Bishop of Sherborne.

“We’re not going to crack this in five minutes, when we launch it’s going to be a major, long-term project. It’s going to be a real slog raising people’s awareness, so we’re in for the long game, definitely.”

The Living Wage rate has been adopted by many major companies in London, and is set over a pound higher at £8.55 an hour; however, the rest of the country is yet to adopt the scheme as widely.

Campaign groups like LWD are striving to raise understanding of the rate within their communities to try and match the capital’s pay structure.

“We have to have a very broad approach to this, it isn’t just a trade union issue, we think it’s very much a community issue,” said Neil.

“It’s necessary that the community says ‘it’s right for all of us to have a society that pays people a decent wage, for a decent days work’.”

SUBU budget figures reveal a poor year Michael Seymour

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

The student union is making budget cuts across its services and departments following a poor trading year from its commercial areas.

On top of this, costs have been predicted to rise by 13% from last year, to £997,033. “I asked the managers to take £50,000 off [the spending],” said Alan James, SUBU’s general manager. “They came back and said there is only about £25,000 of savings that we can do.”

Current worst-case forecasts are predicting a loss of around £78,000, with another £192,500 to be spent on capital expenditure, for the year 2012/2013. Alan stressed that these figures were “pessimistic”.

In contrast, ‘more likely’ figures were also produced, which had the loss at a much more pleasing £7,000. “In the big

scheme of things £7,000 is, to all intents and purposes, breaking even,” said Alan.

The need to make cuts has come from a poor year from SUBU’s commercial side, which has seen a drop in sales from last year.

“Forecasts are saying we are going to make less commercially,” he said.

In the year 2011/2012, the union made £485,128 in sales from Dylan’s bar, the Loft, the Old Fire Station club and the student shop, as well as money made from interest and SUBU events, but this year the worst-case scenario predicts only making around £418,825.

The likely income from these commercial elements was predicted at £440,000, however, sales were already down by 10% in January.

“I’m not convinced now because I’ve seen January and February [trading figures].” Alan said, as that prediction was made in mid- january. “I’m not so sure we are going to make that now.”

After years of well-managed accounts, including last year’s profit of £117,000, the union has £737,775 in reserves.

“A negative figure isn’t the end of the world. If you have got

Predictions suggest Bournemouth’s student union could make a loss of up to £78,000 R.O’MAHONY reserves of that quantity, it’s ok, as long as it is all managed,” said Alan.

Ruby Limbrick, who is Student Union Vice President for Campaigns, said: “Students habits have changed over the years and that’s why the commercial

contribution is changing.”

The drop in commercial contribution had also been put down to the new semesters, which no longer allow for three weeks of solid trading in January it previously had to rely on, which Alan said were

like a “mini freshers week” because people had just received their loans, and would have money to spend.

SUBU will declare the accounts for the year 2011/ 2012 at their annual general meeting today at 1 to 3pm in the Marconi Lecture Theatre.

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Thursday 21 March 2013| The Rock

Gay study film gets special screening Hollie Borland

Editorial Team Editor in Chief Julia Denni Editor’s Assistants Chris Fay & Alesia Robertson News Editor Tazz Gault Deputy NE Jonny Byrne Assistant NE Hailey Hammer Assistant NE Michael Seymour Opinion Editor Oliver Hill Assistant OE Sinead Lambe Features Ed Tom Beasley Assistant FE Gabriela Vlahova Sports Editor Ben Fisher Deputy SE Jack Cozens Chief Sub Maisie Buchan Assistant Chief Subs Emma Buchanan & Will Richards Head of Design N Vicki Wang Head of Design O Shanae Staple Head of Design F Fran Tatman Head of Design S Rachel Currie Photo Editor Robert O’Mahony Online Editor Robyn Montague Assistant OE Joe Nerssessian Managing Director Minee Bhise Head of PR Kelly Phelps Social Media Editor James Bayani Letters to the editor must be signed (including the course of Bournemouth University students, the working title and school for staff members, company name, or home address for individuals outside BU). Prior to the publication, letters will be verified for authencity by the editor.

Anonymous letters will not be published. The editor reserves the right to edit all letters in regard to libel law, length, taste, grammar and punctuation.

Rufus Stone explores views on homosexuality PARKVILLE PICTURES

A special screening of a film produced by a Bournemouth University researcher was held earlier this week, marking the end of study looking into homosexuality amongst the aging population.

Rufus Stone is a short film produced using funds and research from a groundbreaking project at the BU School of Health and Social Care. Directed by Josh Appignanesi, the film focuses on Rufus Stone, a young man who is ostracised from his village when his friend Abigail viciously ‘outs’ him. Later on in life, he is forced to return to the village. Trouble inevitably awaits him as he discovers that his old flame, Flip, has not left.

The characters are an amalgamation of the true-life accounts and recollections of older gay men and lesbians living in rural South West England and Wales, collated by BU researcher, Dr Kip Jones and his team.

The research project was entitled ‘Gay and Pleasant Land?’ and is described as social research into the older gay experience.

All the stories forming the foundation of the script are entirely based on Dr Jones’ research, and

he was assisted by a citizens’ Advisory Committee.

Although accounts from lesbian women were taken into account, Jones made the decision to focus the film on gay men.

“The reflections told by lesbians were more about relationships. I found that men were more about sexual relations,” says Dr Jones. “I think that was because in their day, it was illegal to have gay sex.”

The 30-minute short film aims to dismiss perceptions of ageing and homosexuality in country life. Dr Jones says he hopes it will “empower” gay men and lesbians of the older generation.

Production of the film was funded over a three-year research period. “If you get a grant for something as long as we did, it’s a real gift,” says Dr Jones. “It doesn’t happen often, so use it wisely, and disseminate it wisely.”

The film has already won two awards at the prestigious Rhode Island International Film Festival, for the Best LGBT Short film and won the Alternative Spirit grand Prize.

It has also inspired masterclasses where people will be trained to run their own awareness showcases, using the movie as a demonstration. These events are due to be held throughout April.

The Parkville Productions film is also being showcased across Britain in a number of universities.

Exhibition explores the effects of CCTV Polina Stoyanova

Letters to the editor: jdennirocks@gmail.com A visual arts exhibition examining the impact of CCTV surveillance went on display at the Life Centre in Winton, earlier this month.

‘Uncovered’ featured thoughtprovoking work from a number of artists currently studying at Arts University Bournemouth, with the aim of encouraging a discussion about a ‘Big Brother’ society.

The exhibition, which was set up by six Arts and Events Management students from AUB, also featured live poetry readings and a screening of ‘Faceless’, an acclaimed film from Austrian filmmaker Manu Luksch.

Former AUB student, Mirek Lucan was one of the artists who contributed work to the exhibit.

He said he got involved with the project out of frustration with CCTV. “I’ve been affected by CCTV many times in the past, and never in a positive way. It takes freedom away from people to express themselves naturally.

“CCTV doesn’t actually work.

‘CCTV Island’ by AUB student Mirek Lucan was one of the many exhibits on display at ‘Uncovered’ MIREK I’ve been a victim of crime, from robbery to assault, and CCTV has never helped retrieve anything.

“It’s always a case of the camera not working. So my work was a full scale attack on CCTV.” The team behind the event pulled out all the stops to put

on the exhibition, with members working over Christmas to secure a venue and recruit artists, but it was worth it. They said: “It’s been a long process and we have had our setbacks and obstacles that we had to overcome to deliver the best possible exhibition

for our audience.

“It has been a great learning experience for all of us.

“It would be great to explore the issue further as surveillance is a topic which never fades away: it only seems to get broader and broader as time goes on.”

news 5

The Rock | Thursday 21 March 2013

Bournemouth crime rates drop

Bournemouth crime rates have dropped following council initiatives to curb anti social behaviour in large student areas VOTEPRIME

Tazz Gault NEWS EDITOR

A crackdown on antisocial behaviour in student areas has contributed to a 24% decline in crime, according to Bournemouth Council.

January’s crime rates for Bournemouth have dropped by almost a quarter since January 2012.

Yearly crime rates have also seen a fall, with 8% fewer issues reported last year. 10,564 crimes

were recorded in 2011 in comparison to 9,755 in 2012.

Bournemouth Borough Council officials say that new initiatives introduced in the last year may be responsible for such a significant decrease.

One key scheme recently introduced was to tackle noise issues and anti social behaviour in highly populated student areas, including Winton, Charminster, Wallisdown and Queens Park.

Part of this initiative is the introduction of a dedicated officer for these areas.

Matthew King, who works for Bournemouth Borough Council and is the new community officer for these areas, said: “The main focus of this job is to encourage all parties to engage and help to resolve disturbances, issues and disputes within the community.

“I will be working with representatives of the University, the Safer Neighbourhood team and the community, including students.

“A lot of good work has been done by many different people over the last few years, and I am determined to enhance this to help create a better

community, where people can enjoy their lives without having to fear unacceptable noise nuisances or living standards.”

David Smith Bournemouth’s member for the night-time economy believes the council’s work on tackling issues with nightlife may have impacted crime rates. He said: “The nighttime economy does contribute to the crime rates and we have done a lot with Operation Protect in the town centre, make sure the bouncers are involved, and have the Safe Bus which helps to deal with vulnerable people.”

Costa comment councillor in hot water Joe Nerssessian

Pressure is growing on a Weymouth councillor to resign over abusive comments he made on Facebook.

Conservative councillor Peter Chapman, refused calls to step down after calling Dorchester Costa employees “bone idle bitches” who needed a “good beating” on the social media website last month.

But this week the controversy continued as a fellow Weymouth Councillor, Mike Byatt, added his voice to calls for Chapman to quit.

“These are clearly inappropriate remarks to make in the public arena, he has brought the role of a councillor into disrepute. It is now his decision to make whether he resigns,” said Byatt.

Chapman made a public apology earlier this month and has kept a

Cllr Peter Chapman is in trouble for the comments he made about waitresses low profile since then, remaining silent despite repeated attempts to contact him.

The Women’s Action Network for Dorset (WAND) had called for Chapman to resign prior to his apology, but have since withdrawn their demands, now simply calling his remarks “inflammatory”.

“It is up to Cllr Chapman’s conscience and his reaction to

the comments from people in his constituency whether he resigns or not. He has made a public apology and although he felt it was a political ploy, he should be aware of the folly of writing such inflammatory statements on a public social networking site,” said Chairman of WAND, Toni Mckee.

Assistant manager at Costa Dorchester Gemma Stephenson said:

POLITICAL SCRAPBOOK

“It’s not a nice thing for anyone to say, and definitely not something a councillor should be saying.”

The comments come a year after a Government action plan to tackle all aspects of violence against women and girls. The campaign started after figures revealed over one million women across the UK were victims of domestic abuse in 2011, more than 1000 of them in Dorset.

Web portal to prevent crime rise Dorset Police have launched a new interactive web portal to provide crime prevention advice and tips on protecting your home and property, as well securing your business and preventing rural crime.

John Green, Crime Prevention and Design Advisor, said: “The Crime Prevention Portal is easy to use and offers the public simple but effective advice.”

PC Andy Scarratt, who works on Bournemouth University campus, said: “We are encouraging students to lock their doors at all times and register their valuables. These are our two main issues.”

On a personal safety note, he said: “Make sure you go home with your friends and look after each other.”

Housed on the Dorset Police website, the Crime Prevention Portal aims to provide easy to digest crime prevention advice for the public to follow to reduce their chances of becoming victims of crime. The interactive resource gives advice on protecting your home and property, personal safety, business security, rural crime and animals and wildlife.

Bovine TB is on the rise The number of cattle slaughtered in Dorset due to Bovine Tuberculosis rose by 13% last year according to official figures.

1,192 animals were slaughtered in the area after becoming infected with the disease.

Andrew Gale is a cattle breeder based in Blandford. He said: “TB causes huge financial problems and there are reduced prices for cattle. There is extra work involved in testing as a test is needed every two months.

“I don’t think the test is that accurate and its criminal that they are shooting animals that they think have TB when they actually don’t.

“We farmers do like our cattle, I don’t like them having to be shot before their time.”

DEFRA said the test they use, commonly known as the tuberculin “skin test”, is an internationally accepted standard and the best way currently available for detecting TB in live animals. Animals reacting to the test are slaughtered and the owner is compensated.

Over the past 15 years, the number of cases of Bovine TB has increased dramatically across the country and is thought to be transferred to cattle from badgers.

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Thursday 21 March 2013|The Rock

EU turn down noise on music players Sarah Redman

The BTA have worked with DJ Eddy Temple-Morris to help raise awareness of tinnitus

R-HARVEY

The EU has introduced new regulations for personal music devices, setting the sound levels to a limit of 85 decibels.

The announcement follows the National Tinnitus Awareness week in February. Tinnitus is the medical term for permanent hearing damage, which can be caused by exposure to loud music over a period of time, and can be accompanied by hearing loss. One in ten UK citizens suffer from the condition.

Hearing charities such as the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) used the week to raise awareness about the problem. They have worked with DJ Eddy TempleMorris on a project called ‘I am one in ten’, creating a video and promoting on Twitter through the hashtag #LoudMusicCampaign.

The project involves tinnitus sufferers such as Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin.

Dale Curtis, himself a sufferer, supports the campaign: “If someone like him [Martin] is actually prepared to put himself out and really bring it to the attention of

young people, they would probably take more notice.”

Many university students will experience a noise similar to Tinnitus when leaving night clubs.

The high-pitched ringing sound is actually acting as a warning sign to your body - a warning to turn the music down.

Nic Wray from the BTA said: “I don’t think young people are aware of what tinnitus is, quite often people think of [ringing in the ears] as the sign of a good night out, and they don’t actually see it as a medical problem.”

Figures from new surveys support the association’s fears, as 40% of young people still say they would override the new default volume settings on their music devices regardless of the risks to their hearing, whilst 79% of people are unaware of the new guidelines.

Dale Curtis said about having tinnitus: “Most of the time you are not aware of it. Then I’ll have a conversation about it and all I can hear is this ringing in my ears, constantly. It’s just the same pitch all the time, it never changes, it’s just always there.”

More information and video can be found at http://www.actiononhearingloss.og.uk/

Number of SUBU officer votes reach all time high Alex Geraghty SUBU has officially announced its new team of full time officers, Murray Simpson (Student Union President), John Gusman (Vice President Education), Annie Hall (Vice President Communications) and Sophie Chaytor- Grubb (Vice President Lansdowne) will take office in June until the end of the 2013-2014 academic year.

The team collected a total of 4,665 student votes between them, each candidate having to ensure they secured more than half of the student vote to be crowned officer. This is in accordance with Preferential or Alternative Transferable Vote (ATV), a voting system that ranks candidates in order of the voter’s preference.

Murray Simpson was impressed with the quantity of votes collected this year, especially the Lansdowne candidates who generated over 2,000.

“Landsdowne has always gone with the least amount of votes so this year we are all really proud”.

Murray, who was elected vicepresident for education last year, has also worked on the Executive Committee, responsible for Activities and Accommodation.

He said that the increase in

Lansdowne votes was partially down to colleague Sophie ChaytorGrubb. “Sophie made Lansdowne students want to get involved with SUBU this year.”

John Gusman, who will work along side both Simpson and Chaytor-Grubb also has two years prior experience working with SUBU. He intends to get more students involved with various initiatives: “I want to get everyone involved with the student rep system; both academic staff and students. John’s role encompasses “defending the academic interests of students, enabling them to feel empowered about their education.”

Annie Hall, who takes on the role of Vice-president of Communications, will inform students of the decisions being implemented by SUBU. “[I intend to] provide feedback to students about the changes that are being made [and] show how students are being listened to.” Hall also wants to make sure that, “Talbot and Lansdowne students have an equal BU experience, through taking club and societies to Lansdowne.”

Current President, Louise Byrant feels she has learnt a lot during her time as President: I’ve developed a lot of skills that I hope will be helpful to me in the future, as well [as becoming more aware of] my strengths and weaknesses and how I can best use them.”

John, Sophie, Annie and Murray are the new Student Union officers for 2013/14

ALEX GERAGHTY

news 7

The Rock | Thursday 21 March 2013

High spirits as town looks for best bartender Robyn Montague A Bournemouth bartender’s league has been put together to give those passionate about the profession a chance to showcase their skills and stir up a storm in the business.

The league competes 13 times throughout the year at venues in Bournemouth and encourages people in and around the area to attend the events. There is a first, second and third award which is voted for by the competitors and then added to the overall scoreboard.

James Fowler, owner of The Larder House in Southbourne, put together the league with the hope that the profession will be taken more seriously, and that the art of bartending receive greater appreciation.

“The history of alcohol is amazing, probably the most interesting subject in the world at times. A lot of people don’t think of it like that but with the league you get taught about the spirits.

They’re not just behind the bar shaking stuff willy nilly, there’s a lot of thought going into it.”

A different brand sponsors each event and a representative attends the competition to observe and give feedback.

“Four to five years ago there were a lot more competitions,

13 Bartending competitions are held throughout the year and anyone in the Bournemouth area are free to enter trainings and get togethers. But since the recession hit the local reps and drink brands owners haven’t been so active, so we want to kick them up the bum a bit,” said James.

The rules state anyone living in the BH postcode is welcome to enter, either representing a household name or themselves.

Each cocktail must match the concept of the spirits involved in order to please the brand. So far Monkey Shoulder whiskey, Tapatio

tequila and Martell VSOP Cognac have supported the league and have praised Bournemouth’s bartenders for their impressive skills and knowledge of the craft.

Adam Haines, currently second on the leader board, works for Urban Beach Hotel in Bournemouth. “We had the global ambassador from Monkey Shoulder and after he saw us speak and do our bits he was like ‘oh you guys know your stuff’. He didn’t expect it in any way so it was really

well received,” said Adam. “There are a lot of people around here that are doing it as a professional job not just a part-time gig. It’s a ‘if we care you should care’ kind of thing.

Bournemouth’s such a big tourist place and it needs something more than Weatherspoons.”

Exclusive prizes from sponsors and brands are awarded when they take part in the event. The last competition at Aruba Bar on Bournemouth’s seafront, gave competitors the chance

ROBYN MONTAGUE

to win a Cognac trip. James believes it will open doors for younger bartenders who are hoping to get into the business.

“A lot of students take on bartending at university and it’s often seen as a part time job, which I totally understand but it’s to broadcast it as more of a profession and what you can do in terms of a career.”

The fourth round of the competition will be held at Le Chic, Bournemouth on April 8.

Charity awareness event is all right on the kite

Kiting instructors showing off their skills at Freeyourself, an event organised by students at Bournemouth University BHMEDIA.CO.UK

Laura Mills

Dorset-based charity, KiteRight, is flying high after students from Bournemouth University held an

event earlier this month with the aim of giving the cause a little lift.

‘Freeyourself’ was put together by six second-year Events Management students, and featured music, food and plenty of kiting.

The aim of the day was to raise awareness of KiteRight, a charitable

organisation that uses kite sports to empower and support people with physical or mental health issues and learning difficulties.

The charity also aims to increase access and participation in kite sports for these individuals, increasing their self worth, self

esteem, community access and participation.

Jenny Ridley, 29, is the Northern Ireland coordinator for the charity and an instructor for KiteRight.

Aged 10, Jenny had a sporting accident leaving her paralysed from the neck down. But this hasn’t

stopped her from becoming the first female kite sports instructor in the world – an achievement which she hopes will inspire others to follow her lead.

She said: “I want to inspire girls to be strong. Everyone has the right to free themselves. Every single person has the right to be fit, healthy and strong in their own way. I want to support others with physical and mental challenges to free themselves.”

Students Alina Sharavina, Jessica Goldsack, Tyler Peter, Gabriella Coppola, Keely Stamou, and Jemma Keen held the event as part of their course. Keely Stamou, one of the students involved in setting up the event, said: “We wanted our event to spread the word, to make people more aware of the charity and the benefits of kiting for disabled people both mentally and physically.

“Although our event was to increase awareness, people have been really generous with donations.”

Former BU student, Ben Jeffreys, is doing a 100 mile kitesurf from Jersey to Bournemouth to raise money for KiteRight. He said: “Kiting is a trigger that releases happiness and if something feels that good when doing it then I think it must be good for you.”

8 news

Thursday 21 March 2013 |The Rock

Bureau Boost for Julia’s House Julia Denni

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Digital marketing agency The Marketing Bureau (TBM) has chosen children’s hospice Julia’s House as its charity of the year. TMB will help them raise funds towards their 2013 target throughout the year.

The 18-year-old company based in Poole was inspired by the work of charity founder Julia Perks.

Sally Rowe, Communication Coordinator for Julia’s House said: “We are thrilled to have them on board supporting us, they have got incredible marketing experience. I am sure Julia’s House will benefit from it.”

TMB’s marketing director Dominic Yeadon, 47, said that the company chose to support children’s charities as it reflects the interest of their staff and is aligned with the corporate aims for the year.

Being TMB’s charity of the year means Julia’s House will get a year’s worth of free marketing including a new website, a new online newsletter, new logo and branding to celebrate their 10th birthday, and advice and support from the TMB marketing team throughout the year with weekly meetings.

Mr Yeadon added: “We will improve the way they communicate with their existing supporters and will help them to work towards their fundraising

target this year.”

John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation benefited from the agency’s charity scheme last year.

The charity raises funds to help young individuals who have a specific activity that they would like to do from financing a musical instrument to volunteering in an orphanage in Africa.

Pete Thornton, Charity of the chair said: “It was a great honour to be selected by them last year to be their supported charity. We really enjoyed working with them. They’ve given us so much help, it’s unbelievable.”

The charity doubled the size of their supported database and is now sending their newsletter to over 900 individuals. Mr Thornton added: “They’ve helped us establish ourselves on Twitter, and also we were on Facebook but they’ve given us a lot of advice on how to use it and how to improve the message we send out.

“We are looking for young people to apply who enjoy a challenge, selflessness, who are cheerful in adversity and determined to help them become better members of society in the future.”

TMB work with a variety of clients, from big corporations to smaller companies in a wide range of sectors from education, to charity and leisure, and supports nine different charities with free services.

Mr Yeadon is thrilled by the way the creative industry is developing in Dorset: “I think it’s the biggest concentration of digital agencies in England. We’ve got a very good university, there’s a lot of talent.”

It will cost around £3.4million to run Julia’s House in 2013 JULIA’S HOUSE

Launch of Rock’s website The Rock is launching its new website, and expanding the variety of content provided by the publication.

New sections include science, culture, film, music, environment, food and gaming. We will also have a wide variety of blogs, from knitting to cocktails and politics to beauty.

The website offers an opportunity to read and write additional content that isn’t in the newspaper, develops the publication’s online presence as well as the team’s digital knowledge of online news.

This venture creates new editorial positions such as Multimedia editor, Culture editor, Science editor and designers, allowing more people to get involved.

Added features include topical podcasts, videos, live streams, slideshows, and photojournalism.

The website will also include an events calendar to enhance student and community life. It is designed to inform readers on events happening locally and at university.

In addition, The Rock’s twitter account has now reached more than 1,000 followers.

We would like to hear from you on what we could do to improve our website and better provide information, or if you would like to get involved and apply for one of the positions available, contact our editor Robyn Montague by emailing onlineeditor@ bournemouthrock.co.uk.

SUBU campaign to improve cycling safety Sally Fish

Bournemouth has been labelled as the third worst place to cycle in Britain, according to government statistics.

The town has the third highest casualty rate for cyclists in Britain, with 137 reported injuries in 2011 alone, closely following London and Portsmouth, and has been ranked as one of the least safe places for cyclists outside of London three times in the last six years.

The figures were highlighted last week in Bournemouth’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund bid for this year.last week.

The high statistics have been blamed on the infrastructure and Bournemouth drivers, but a road safety organisation in Wallisdown said a lack of education for cyclists could be contributing to the issue.

Alison Shelton, Manager for

LV Streetwise, an education centre specialising in road safety for children, feels that the responsibility to keep cyclists safe falls on everyone.

“I think everyone on a bike should have done a basic examination to ensure that they know their highway code and the dangers of cycling. Many cyclists do not make themselves visible or wear protective clothing. Tragedies happen but they can be prevented and I think a lot of cyclists do not take the appropriate safety measures.”

While there is a call to improve drivers’ awareness of cyclists and cycle routes, more education for cyclists on how to keep safe on the road could also help to bring Bournemouth’s casualty figures down.

Bournemouth University Student Union will launch a campaign to inform students of the importance of staying safe when cycling to try to help solve the issue.

Recent attempts to improve safety for cyclists includes Bournemouth and Poole police’s campaign ‘Think Bright… Think Lights’, which

The campaign hopes more information to cyclists will reduce the number of injuries allows officers to issue a £30 fine to anybody who fails to get their bike fitted with lights after a warning.

“Probably one of the most

common things to come up at the community meetings is things like people cycling without lights and cycling on the pavements, so

ARDFERN

operation spokes has been created to target these people,” said Majid Samadi, PCSO, The Universities’ Safer Neighbourhood Team.

news 9

The Rock | Thursday 21 March 2012

South Today’s Roger Finn visits BU

BBC South Today’s Roger Finn, who broke the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster here in Britain, visited Bournemouth Uni

Continued from page 1 break the story of the disaster, but were persuaded not to.

“Newsround covered it because it was right in the middle of children’s hour and this was partly the kind of thing where you need someone who knows about broadcasting to children,” Roger said.

The programme had a particular interest in this launch as one of the crewmembers, Christa McAuliffe, was a teacher and it had previously reported on her going into space to their young audience. Roger explained: “People had lost interest in the whole space shuttle thing and the only reason the BBC recorded the launch was because

Newsround asked them to.”

Roger, who now works on BBC South Today, started out his career in journalism in Hong Kong, working for RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong), the government run station, which ran along BBC guidelines.

“I started up as a radio reporter. I had no journalistic background at all and they gave me half a day’s training,” said Roger. “They were just desperate!

“It was a great place to report.

It was so dynamic and the whole 1977 issue had just reared its head.”

In 1977, the ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption) had been pursuing police over alleged bribery. On October 28, police staged a protest against the ICAC, with some marching on their headquarters. A partial amnesty

was granted for all offences before January 1 1977. “For the first time ever people in Hong Kong had to take an interest in politics,” Roger said.

Although RTHK was run along the lines of the BBC, it differed in one major area. “RTHK was not completely independent of the government, I can think of at least one occasion when a show I did was taken off air,” said Roger. “It was critical of the government in a way that they did not like.”

The station was running a big investigation into homosexuality – which was illegal at the time – and how that could be changed.

“We became aware that a senior government official had put out a request to heads of departments to send a report as to who in your

ROBERT O’MAHONY/MICHAEL SEYMOUR

department is a known homosexual and we put that out there because we thought that was very dodgy,” he said.

Roger could not predict what will happen to his career and the journalism industry in the future “You just cannot see that far in to the distance. Will there still be a South Today in ten years time?” he asked.

“Will people still want to tune into the Television at 6:30 to get the daily round up of the news?”

Roger worked in the industry during the revolution of 24 hour rolling news. He said that and the twitter boom mean that news reporting had become almost instant.

“Quite clearly more and more people are getting their news on iPhones, off the computer, and want it instantly.

I am going to be expected to tweet

more regularly, I’ve tweeted maybe three times in my life.

“I can remember Jeremy Paxman saying there was is a real danger that journalists were going to get more and more into covering the news rather than reporting the news. We are so busy feeding all the outlets, we just have not got the time to actually what the news is,” Roger said. “But I’ve been shown how useful a tool it is, especially on a breaking news story.”

Whatever the future holds for journalism, Roger will be continuing his work on BBC South Today, which is on weekdays at 6:30pm on BBC One in the South and South West of England, and 6:05 pm on Sunday. A clip of Roger covering the Challenger disaster is available on YouTube.

Town to go the distance with marathon festival Kelly Griffiths

Bournemouth is to host six marathon races later this year MBEDA

The launch of Bournemouth’s first ever Marathon Festival will take place this October with six races over two days.

The festival will involve a number of different kinds of races from two junior races across 1.5 and 3km distances, to the more unusual ‘speed of light’ race. This event, to be held on Saturday, October 5 will take place at dusk, allowing runners to watch the sun set as lights along the route to guide them on their run.

Another new experience available

to those taking part will be the ‘supersonic’ 10km, set to feature local music from the area. There will also be a more traditional full marathon and half marathon on Sunday October 6.

Henry Parsons a student at Bournemouth University has already signed up to the race: “It’s a great opportunity to encourage my love of running, enjoying the sights of the south coast.”

The festival is being run by GSi events, which organise the Edinburgh Marathon. The Scottish event is now in its 11th year and raised £4.6million in 2012. The Dorset event will not only raise money for charities including Macmillan Cancer Support but

hopes to boost tourism in the area.

Participants from all over the UK are expected to stay in local B&Bs and hotels during the festival.

Jon Weaver, a marketing and events manager for Bournemouth Borough Council, is hopeful of the festivals impact on tourism, he said: “We are trying to encourage as many people to come to what will be a spectacular event.” The Council’s tourism department, in which Jon works, estimates an increase in tourism income of around £10,000 this year.

Entries are now open for the Bournemouth Marathon Festival on October 5 and 6 2013.

10 opinion

OPINION

Thursday 21 March 2013 | The Rock

Editorial The big industry behind foreign students

Julia Denni

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s declarations on student visa gaps, allowing tens of thousands of people to enter the UK, highlight the government’s plan to target short-term student visas and to call for stronger checks and evidence of funds.

These measures would target short-time students, studying English language for example, such as the hundreds of students attending the 47 language schools disseminated

around Bournemouth and highly contributing to the local economy.

As a foreign student, I feel like these students have not been given a voice in this debate and that their motives to enroll in short courses have been dismissed.

A large number of those students came to Britain in order to improve their English, often to pursue higher education and meet the requirements to be accepted at university, not to mention that these courses are very costly. So there may be some gaps in the way these visas are delivered as well as abuse of the system but the motives of those students should not be underestimated.

Immigration seems to be a trending topic in the current news and allegations of all sorts are going wild, making immigrants look more and more like the enemy and diverting the public’s attention from more pressing debates. But what shouldn’t be ignored is that net immigration fell by a third in the year ending June 2012. Most

immigrants are seeking a better future and the vast majority is looking to improve their lives.

International students are seeking to reach a higher level of education, which will allow them to become better members of the community, better citizens, in Britain or elsewhere.

Whether students are foreign or British-born isn’t at all what matters, what matters is that what these people bring to our society.

Most international students, excluding EU students, are paying a fee averaging between £9,500 and £12,000 for an undergraduate degree and between £4,000 and £15,000 for a postgraduate degree, feeding an £8 bwn industry across the country.

These students contribute to the future of the UK by completing degrees as well as valuable research, helping British universities to stay highly ranked in the world tables and help Britain shine culturally.

Although the foreign student numbers have fallen recently, which

could be blamed on the difficulty for them to get visas compared to other countries such as the US. Getting into a British university is a challenge for most foreign students.

Firstly because of the high costs, not only the tuition fee but also of living here.

Secondly, applications are a challenge themselves, understanding how the system works: getting your way around UCAS, understanding which visas to go for, which English proficiency test to undertake, as well as all the paperwork surrounding the big move. Finally, they have to jump the cultural bridge and getting use to life in Britain.

Studying in Britain is a hard step to take for a young person and requires maturity. So don’t make life harder for them.

We need their cash for our economy and culture to help us create better links with their countries in the future. Soft power is cheap, we need to make sure we understand its full extent.

Positive Discrimination placements an utter farce

St Patrick The Irish - they are a funny kind of folk

11

Amplify

Murdoch tablet to be used in US schools

13

Email

ohillrocks@gmail.com

Oliver Hill

OPINIONS EDITOR

‘Equal opportunities’ is a rather ambiguous phrase that has been imbedded in British society for many years now.

There are lots of things in life that are misleading. Payday loan companies, government statistics and of course, George Osborne.

I fear however that the term ‘equal opportunities’ is more misleading than all of these put together, as it stands for the exact opposite of what it implies.

You can probably tell that I’ve got a bee in my bonnet about this particular issue. Recently I have been bombarded by emails offering amazing chances to gain valuable work experience placements at top places I could only dream of working at.

Trouble is I either need to be disabled, black, Asian or other ethnic minority (please specify) to apply for such placements. This really irritates me.

What’s wrong with the best person for the job getting the job?

It shouldn’t matter where they come from or what they look like.

That, surely, is what this scheme is supposed to stand for – equal, fair and unprejudiced career prospects.

Taken at face value, these work placement programs and internships do appear to be genuinely concerned with equality, but if you look beyond the jargon you’ll find it’s actually a massive farce.

Companies across the country are rolling out these schemes almost on a daily basis, but if you are somebody who fits into the aforementioned crude measurements of ‘equal opportunities’ then beware.

Don’t be under the illusion that the exciting new placement you have been granted is the business world doing you a favour.

On the contrary – you are doing them a favour by wilfully becoming a statistic.

These schemes aren’t about ‘equal opportunities’, they are about human resource people looking at a spreadsheet, realising that they have met their target amount of Asian interns for the year 2012/13 and they now need to give some placements to people in wheelchairs or with some other physical disability.

It’s so incredibly wrong. There is also a gapping grey area in these sorts of schemes.

When I see the words ‘equal’ and ‘opportunities’ as the subject matter in an email, I know to bin it straight away because I am white, was born in the UK and luckily have all of my limbs.

In fact I should have my email account automatically delete any email containing those two words to save me the bother. That awful phase

is like the equivalent of mosquito repellent for the placement hungry mass majority that will read it.

But what about The Rock’s EditorIn-Chief, Julia Denni?

She’s white, which admittedly doesn’t help her bid for a placement but she is French, so does this make her an ethnic minority in the UK? I wonder how she would fare in a placement application process of this nature.

In theory she is an ideal candidate.

Not only is she from a minority background in this country but she also gets involved in lots of extracurricular activities related to

the line of work she wishes to go into after university.

Despite ticking all the boxes I reckon Julia’s chances of a successful application would be next to nonexistent.

Don’t assume that I’m just bitter about these great opportunities being offered to people other than myself because I’m not.

Friends and colleagues who are eligible for such internships agree with me, saying that it’s an immoral and prejudice slap in the face to the very people whom these so-called ‘equal opportunities’ placements are aimed at.

Positive discrimination gives preference to societal minorities OJH

opinion 11

The Rock | Thursday 21 March 2013

Ireland is the land of Saints, Scholars and binge drinking Chris Fay

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Few days raise as many conflicting opinions for me as St Patrick’s Day. On March 17 of every year parades are formed on the streets of Ireland, and across the globe, particularly in the USA where 4 out of every 3 Americans are apparently Irish.

Accompanying these parades are hours of drunken celebration, with very few understanding exactly what they are celebrating.

To many, it is international high blood alcohol level day. When in primary school in the Republic of Ireland, we are taught about the myth and legend of St Patrick, how he was made a slave by Vikings, brought Christianity to Ireland (thanks for that one, Paddy), drove the snakes from the Emerald Isle and forever branded us with the shamrock as the symbol of our national identity.

Nowhere in the storybooks is there mention of how St Paddy became so incredibly inebriated that he needed his stomach pumped.

It is a peculiar and rare thing to find that the day used by many to celebrate their cultural identity and heritage is a pageant of re-enforcing cultural and racial stereotypes.

The drunken Irishman is a comedic staple from the Simpsons to Family Guy, and generally speaking is taken in good spirit, but why do we feel the need however to fulfil this profile and tick every degrading box on the check list of anti-Hiberno profiling?

A joke at your own expense can be a humbling and modest thing,

St Patrick’s Day is celebrated not only in Ireland but also in Britain, America, Canada, Argentina, New Zealand and Australia

BART FEIRD

and is one of the less well known traits of the Irish people; listen to any Dara O’Briain show or episode of Father Ted to see we in fact revel in the comedy that our culture produces.

Is there really a need however to entertain the images developed of the Irish people in a time where we were considered less than human?

It seems strange to me that the image developed in the 1700’s of a

drunken, violent and backwards race would not be looked on as another dark and regretful racist mistake.

Rather it is happily broadcast and enjoyed. It was developed to justify the colonisation and genocide of a nation and a people. I am not against drinking, or celebrations or the simple fact that alcohol and parties are intrinsically linked. It’s the use of binge drinking as a cultural act and that it is essentially the only

thing most can think of when Ireland or St Patricks day is mentioned.

This is indeed a sad state of affairs, one which I personally can’t see a solution to.

Other cultural and ethnic groups are still living with the stigmas and prejudices that have been developed to marginalise their people and traditions. Quite a number of them are significantly more damaging and insulting than those used against the

Irish, others having been subjected to attempted genocide in the past 100 years.

Perhaps the responsibility of removing these archaic ideas lies primarily on the Irish, and that it’s up to us to do away with the hatred of the past through common understanding of other groups which share similar burdens like the Polish, Bulgarians or Muslims, and to lead by example.

Beckham is not yet two years old, and already a quick Google leads to a seemingly endless sea of blogs and online tabloid articles examining her hair length, every single outfit that she has ever worn and how happy she looks on a day-to-day basis.

Are we actually comfortable with this? It definitely makes me feel uneasy.

For starters, children of celebrities did not make the choice to be in the spotlight. They are not tax-payer funded royalty.

This means that the ‘but it’s in the public interest’ argument doesn’t wash. In the process of placing famous babies on a pedestal propped up by really high expectations and

comparisons to their parents, at some point it becomes very easy to view them as an extension of their parents’ empire, as opposed to human beings in their own right.

Amongst all the interest in Harper’s fashion sense, there don’t seem to be many articles praising her for what a bright little girl she appears to be, and no-one seems to care about whether or not she is good at talking.

The message is already clear: noone cares about your mind, you just need to look pretty.

With children becoming increasingly aware of what’s going on in their surroundings, they pick up on concepts and attitudes

that they might not necessarily understand. If you want some examples of this, check out the ‘Kids react to…’ videos on Youtube.

The interviewed children often articulate ideas that they cannot completely explain.

Children are very quickly picking up on the importance of constantly looking good, and are growing up with this as a totally normal and accepted idea.

The media isn’t completely to blame though.

We read this stuff. We click on the social media links, and gasp at the price tag of a celebrity child’s dress.

The more we read, the more will get printed and the more

little lives will be harassed for our entertainment. In light of this though, what would be really good is if we all made a conscious effort to destroy the attitude.

It would it be fantastic if no-one gave over-sexualised, appearance based stories the time of day, but wouldn’t it be even greater to undo a smidgen of damage that’s already been done?

So next time you come into contact with a young child, ask them if they’d like you to read them a story, help them bake a cake or compliment their latest squiggled artwork masterpiece – don’t exclaim how pretty their dress is or how cool their trainers are.

Children more than just a pretty face

Katie Gillingham

The problem of children growing up too fast has been discussed for decades, but with online media becoming an ever-expanding enterprise there are many more facets to be added to the discussion.

The language used and the subject matter of articles written about children is often completely inappropriate, and isn’t a positive way to shape modern society’s view of childhood. Harper Seven

12 opinion

Thursday 21 March 2013 | The Rock

Clegg’s children to get the comprehensive treatment Nick Clegg has announced that he will send his eldest son, Antonio, to the same state comprehensive school that Tony Blair’s children attended

Tom Beasley

FEATURES EDITOR

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, after weeks of deliberation, is to send his eldest son, Antonio, to a state comprehensive school.

The school in question is the London Oratory in Fulham – a Catholic, high-achieving, pristine educational establishment that practically screams out for a bit of cash from parents’ pockets. If Antonio Clegg is to go to a school like this, why on earth couldn’t he have gone private?

Most parents in higher income brackets, and indeed some in

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

lower ones, actively consider sending their children to private school. As a general rule, these schools ask for fees because they’re a class above what the state’s free schools have to offer.

Nick Clegg earns enough money to offer his son the best education possible, so there’s absolutely no reason why he shouldn’t.

The argument of course is that politicians sending their children to be educated privately suggests that they do not feel the state system is good enough for them.

As the deputy leader of the government, it would be near political suicide for Clegg to make this judgement. But there’s no reason for that to be the case.

As a product of the state school

system, I can only sing its praises.

However, from a purely educational standpoint, private school is a great option. If money isn’t an issue, the child’s optimum education should be prioritised and so, theoretically, Antonio Clegg should go to a private school. Of course, though, when you have a reputation like his dad, you have to take any minor good PR when you can.

Frankly, if Nick Clegg had decided to go private with his son’s education, his reputation would have only been a few rungs above Simon Cowell or the man from the Go Compare adverts. But I would have respected him for it. It would have been the one time in recent memory that Nick Clegg had shown any discernible signal of a spine.

To speak out against critics and in favour of his son’s education would have been a great statement.

To declare his opposition to the state education system engineered, altered and academised by the Tory government would have solidified the Liberal Democrats as a true, separate voice in government. But unfortunately, this was Nick Clegg, so he rolled over like a dog at Crufts.

That’s not to say that Antonio Clegg’s education has ultimately been compromised by his father’s political manoeuvring. The London Oratory is a private school in all but funding method and maintains the highest level of educational quality. Crucially though, the fame of the Cleggs seems to be the main reason Antonio is at the school. It’s

a Catholic establishment and Clegg is an atheist. His wife, Miriam, is indeed a Catholic though, so it can be assumed that she was responsible for a lot of the legwork.

The London Oratory is notoriously difficult to get into, regardless of how ingrained the Catholic faith is into the families involved.

Competition for places is frantic and, as a result of the high quality of many of the schools in the area, it is not uncommon for pupils unable to get into these more competitive establishments to be forced into lengthy daily commutes.

Perhaps it would be better if those that could afford to send their children to private establishments did so. Then the London Oratory would be open to kids who need it.

with fashion, makeup and general appearance and their career seems to take a backseat.

It is ridiculous to think that women care more about their looks than having a career, especially considering the economic climate.

Should women not be focusing on excelling in their careers and attempting to achieve the best they possibly can?

There is a public obsession with celebrity culture, particularly with looks and fashion.

A certain pressure is put on celebrities, especially actresses and singers to look slim and seemingly perfect.

Many teenagers and women aspire to look like a celebrity role model.

The false perception of having a perfect body is strongly portrayed throughout the media.

However, many women do not realise that actresses and singers have the resources to have surgery and some even have severe eating disorders.

The survey has not portrayed young women positively and illustrates them as being obsessed with vanity.

One in four revealed they would rather look like Frankie Sandford from The Saturdays than be as successful as businesswoman Karren Brady.

Celebrities are shown in the media as having the perfect lifestyle and looks when in reality the truth is

far from that; they simply have the means which enables them to do so.

A spokeswoman for hair care company John Frieda, which conducted the study, said: “Young women today are more concerned with their looks and friendships in an era when social networking means more pictures are shared online and rising house prices have made buying a first home impossible.”

The top priorities for single women are going out with friends, looking good, getting a boyfriend and staying thin.

Whilst, they are obsessing about their appearance and focusing on buying clothes, getting haircuts and staying slim, they are neglecting

their career and overall future.

However, they have not thought this through as looks will run out one day and they will be left in a low place on the career ladder.

Saving for the future is essential and pretending it’s not happening will not help.

Women should be able to have fun and be careless. But should it be at the expense of their career and future financial situation?

According to reports by the BBC, there is a graduate pay gap with women earning thousands of pounds less than men.

Now more than ever, should women not be trying to focus on climbing the career ladder or furthering their education?

Women put looks ahead of careers Abigail Brown

Single British women aged 18-25 recently participated in a survey in which they had to rank different aspects of their lives.

The results concluded that 41% were more concerned with their appearance rather than how their career was going. Furthermore, one in five women admitted that having the ‘perfect’ hair was more important than getting promoted or receiving a pay rise.

The research highlighted the fact that women are more preoccupied

opinion 13

The Rock | Thursday 21 March 2013

Sofa scoffing set to kill the dinner table

Murdoch tablet unveiled

Sinead Lambe

ONLINE EDITOR

ASSISTANT OPINIONS EDITOR

Ever since I can remember I have always shared dinner with my family at the dining table without the television on.

A recent survey carried out on behalf of Red Tractor Beef and Lamb showed that six out of ten meals are eaten in front of the television.

What happened to traditional family dinners and sitting down together to see what antics had happened in everyone’s days?

The research also indicated that one third of us don’t even make conversation when we are sitting in front of the television!

This first upsets me and second really angers me. How can you find out what your children did at school if you all sit munching in front of the big screen?

Most of what is on television is garbage anyway. Regardless of the fact children should interact

What happened “ to traditional family dinners and sitting down together?

”

with their parents, they definitely should not be watching television while eating.

What next? Playing computer games while brushing teeth? I must admit, it really hits a nerve with me.

It seems the art of conversation is dead. I guess the longer working day and the rise of media obsession with soaps means that people have less time to spend together.

Accommodation no longer lends itself to having space for dining room tables and I guess society no longer values sharing meals together.

I appreciate after a long day at work parents may not want to fuss around the table, but nevertheless I do believe it is imperative to communicate at mealtimes.

It means the family can discuss issues and things that affect them and also provide emotional support for each other.

Conversation makes you more of a unit, but then again maybe that is just the way I’ve been brought up.

I value the conversations that I have with my parents and I just think it is very sad that some young children will grow up in a family where they are told to be quiet Matilda style while the TV is on.

Robyn Montague

Short of being taught a lesson in privacy and the press, Rupert Murdoch has now turned his attention to teaching. His education group Amplify has recently unveiled a tablet specifically designed for schools.

It wasn’t the discovery that Murdoch had ties to education that shocked me most, but more the absurdity behind the idea. They want to create a technology-led educational future by digitalising traditional textbooks.

Call me old fashioned but sitting in a class writing by hand is something that everyone should experience, not as a learning necessity but a health necessity.

Children are bombarded with technology on a daily basis and aside from the occasional lesson planned on a computer, school acts as a positive break from the drain of digital devices.

News Corp’s education unit was aided by firms such as Apple and Pearson in tackling the project, and has been dubbed ‘daft’

by Professor Stephen Heppell, a digital education expert at Bournemouth University He argues the idea to lock priority software with education is something that is highly sought after but impossible to do. As

much as I’d like to believe this is the case, Murdoch has a history of working his way into no-go areas.

The country complains about childhood obesity and social networking nuts and yet they insist on throwing pricey obstacles at kids, making exercise an effort.

Selling tablets to schools without the distraction is like selling them McDonald’s happy meals without the fat.

The Essa Academy in Bolton has already forked out to provide all pupils and teachers with iPads.

Spend a lot to live a little. In defence, the school says it has saved £65,000 on photocopying a year, but to me this doesn’t justify the jump.

Although saving paper is a huge priority, there are alternative ways to be efficient that don’t put children’s wellbeing at risk.

The company has appealed to mums and dads by teasing their paranoid parental instincts and saying it’s a great way to see your children progress online.

This translates as an easier and more acceptable method of stalking them rather than Facebook and Twitter. Here’s a wacky idea, talk to your kids! Human interaction is fast becoming an alien concept and I can already see the film WALL-E becoming more fact than fiction.

Unless people start downloading some common sense we are all going to be physically switched off and find social interaction an impossibility without a screen to distort the real picture.

Amplify’s tablet (inset) has a preloaded digital curriculum ROEBOT

Abstinence renders MPs futile Adam Trimby COLUMNIST

There is nothing worse than a person without an opinion.

Even hippies have something to shout about between the hemp sandal making and vegan food

festivals. Everybody knows at least one “I don’t know” guy, and it’s fine to a certain extent, but when this person is your elected MP, annoying doesn’t quite cut it.

Website the Public Whip has been recording the amount of “aye and no” voters in the House of Commons since 1997 and the results are staggering.

Over the years there have been

MPs can abstain if they do not wish to vote at all UK PARLIAMENT

many numbers of abstaining MPs from a whole range of parties and levels within politics.

Even some cabinet ministers, including Lib Dem Vince Cable, have been shown to abstain from voting on more than one occasion.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, a Conservative minister for North-East Somerset, has suggested that it’s quite easy to go into the wrong lobby and so some, albeit rarely, vote both yes and no because of a mistake.

Firstly, any MP who can’t tell which lobby he or she have entered shouldn’t be a Member of Parliament or seriously needs an eye test.

David Blunkett doesn’t appear on the list so let’s put the poor excuses to one side for a minute.

Obviously there are some policies that only affect certain areas. The public forestry division was one of these and only affected trust areas within England.

This makes sense for the MPs of Scotland and Wales to abstain from voting if they so choose, but that’s about the extent of it.

Most recently, the same sex marriage bill generated five MPs who voted in both lobbies. How can

you not have an opinion on that?

Granted there are many who have different opinions on this subject, and I am not condemning any MP that has an alternative view to me.

What doesn’t feel right is that these people are sitting on the fence when really they should be fighting a corner, whichever it may be.

So something’s got to change, and a good way to tackle the problem would be to have an electronic voting system. No way of getting confused with just a yes or no answer on a screen is there, Mr ReesMogg?

This would also reduce the time it takes to count the votes, which has been described by many MPs to be a massive waste of time.

Unfortunately, the opportunity to abstain from voting is an easy way out of a difficult decision sometimes and many will not take kindly to the new system.

All we can do is wait for the next general election and filter out the indecisive shoulder-shruggers in the hope of getting an MP with something even remotely like a backbone.

Well, a boy can dream!

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The Rock | Thursday 21 March 2013

FEATURES

Mourning Chavez

After Hugo Chavez’s death at the end of a 13 year reign as Venezuelan leader, the country is left without its charismatic figurehead. Hailed as the central pillar of Latin American socialism, the man will be remembered fondly by many. But who will replace him in the iconic role of ‘Commandante’?

Gabriela Vlahova

ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR

Lawson

Interview with Britain’s rising rock stars

16

Cinema

One Moordown outlet brings film to Dorset

24

Email

tbeasleyrocks@gmail.com

The hearse moved slowly for over seven hours from the Military Hospital to the Military Academy. Hundreds of thousands of Chavez’s followers filled the streets of the Venezuelan capital Caracas to say an emotional goodbye to the charismatic leader of the Bolivar revolution.

The funeral took place on March 8, laying rest to one of South America’s most recognisable political figures.

National mourning lasted for a whole week, during which all schools and universities were closed.

Adherents of the former president insisted that Chavez be laid in the National Pantheon, next to the remains of the heroes from the hard-fought War of Independence of Latin America.

In Venezuela elections will be held on April 14 and it is very likely that the battle will be between Nicolas Maduro and Henrique Capriles Radonski.

The opposition parties in Venezuela have already decided unanimously to support the centrist Capriles.

Three months before his death, Chavez announced that he wanted Nicolas Maduro to take over his position if he did not manage to beat his cancer.

Maduro made a memorable announcement right before the death of his idol, blaming the political enemies of Venezuela for Chavez’s illness.

He also reported that two American air force officials were expelled from the Latin-American country because they were spying and plotting to destabilise Chavez and Venezuela.

Chavez’s man has had an impressive career, reaching the top of the political elite. A former bus driver, he met Chavez in prison in

1994 after the unsuccessful attempt for coup d’état of the Commandante.

Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, led Chavez’s defence in court.

In 2006, Maduro was appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela. In 2012, he became Chavez’s right-hand man, receiving the pivotal governmental position of Vice President.

He is temporarily taking the lead in governing the country, until the elections are held.

Pursuing ‘Chavism’ without Chavez is a very discouraging task, which now lies heavily on Maduro.

Many political analysts, however, believe that he can handle it and make the best out of the chance he has been given - he is a man of the people and already has the support of the army.

“Despite his lack of charisma in comparison to Chavez, Maduro is in many ways a very, very popular figure in Venezuela and one who would naturally win elections, were it not for meddling from the United States,” states geopolitical analyst Eric Draitser.

Such intervention is already evident. The main opponent of Maduro, Henrique Capriles Radonski, was also the biggest competitor of Chavez in the previous presidential elections.

“He, coincidently enough, was in Miami and New York within the last 48 to 72 hours.

Obviously, they are going to be gearing up for a battle royale,” says author and historian Gerald Horne.

According to journalist Don de Bar, Maduro needs more than Chavez’s

given moment is going to end up leading Venezuela…in fact, the people are leading it.”

At the previous elections, Capriles openly stated his determination to change the foreign policy of Venezuela entirely by strengthening the ties with the USA.

Disorganised “opposition and some small faction of military will be talking to Washington and New York on a daily basis

”

Evidently, as of October 2012 in the Latin-American country there has been a strong opposition to the Chavism and the social democracy it promotes in the face of Henrique Capriles and his pro-US ideology.

The elections on April 14 will show whether Chavez’s ideology can survive its mastermind’s death.

All signs point towards an electoral victory for Chavism, although it is facing hard times, as the opposition has strong support from the USA, suggests Dr. Francisco Dominguez, head of the Centre for Brazilian and Latin American Studies at Middlesex University and Secretary of the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign.

However, voter behaviour is class-based and so analysts predict that the opposition may rely on subversive methods to grab power from adherents of Chavism.

These objectives have put the notion of maintaining national stability very high on the list of priorities for the Venezuelan people during the crucial pre-election stage of the country’s development.

Pepe Escobar, investigative journalist and author, expects “a lot of disturbances inside Venezuela because the disorganised opposition and some small factions of military will be talking to Washington and New York on a daily basis,” and raises the question that is potentially crucial for the country’s future: “What about our next coup?”

James Petras, professor of Sociology at Binghamton University in New York, however believes the US’s capability of destabilising Venezuela has been overestimated.

“I think the security forces in Venezuela remain loyal to the constitutional process.

“I think they represent a stabilising force in the country, being deeply influenced by Chavez’s social and political agenda.”

Venezuelan Bournemouth University student Andrea Almiñana said: “Whoever wins, this will be a transitional new government. People need to change their mindset before they are able to embrace the change itself.”

charisma to fulfill the legacy of the Commandante and maintain the sense of democracy instilled in the nation during the Chavism.

“If those people continue to mobilise themselves and continue to protect what they are interested in seeing happen…then whoever represents that best at a Hugo Chavez was seen as a pioneer of Socialism in Latin-America UKBERRI.NET

16 features

Thursday 21 March 2013 | The Rock

Lawson are one of the UK’s most popular new bands, with all of their singles to date reaching the top 20 and their sets becoming a fixture at music festivals CHUFF MEDIA

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The Rock | Thursday 21 March 2013

Standing in the light Since supporting The Wanted on tour in 2011, Lawson have become one of the UK’s most popular rock bands. They have had four top 20 singles already and, as their first album, Chapman Square, hits shops, Chloe Oliver chats to the people behind the hype Lawson have come a long way from their YouTube days in 2009. With huge chart successes ‘When She Was Mine’, ‘Taking Over Me’ and ‘Standing in the Dark’ all hitting the top ten, the band are setting their ambitious sights on the coveted top spot with their highly anticipated debut album.

Currently on their sold-out headline UK tour, which saw the boys stop off at Bournemouth’s very own O2 Academy, it seems their music career is ready to skyrocket.

Last year saw Lawson produce their new album, ‘Chapman Square’, in Los Angeles, but now the band are back for their UK Spring tour, which sold out in ten minutes despite the fact that, at the time, they hadn’t even released their first official single as a band.

Andy, the lead singer, chatted excitedly about the band’s show in Bournemouth. He said: “It’s the first time we’ve ever played a headline show in Bournemouth so we’re really excited.”

And what did Bournemouth’s audience get from the band’s set? “I think our show actually surprised a few people on how ‘rock’ it was.

Plenty of guitar solos!”

The band is embracing the opportunity to tour the UK with their new album and explain how it is their favourite thing to do.

Being on tour for months at a time, the band find that they end up in a routine to work around their hectic concert schedule.

“We normally keep the daytimes pretty chilled and have a nice lie-in.

Then we’ll get to venue for around 3pm, do sound checks and usually meet the fans outside who get there ridiculously early! And then we go and eat and start getting ready for the show.”

Andy talks about how, although they are on tour, their families are never too far from the band’s mind and they try to work time around their schedule to see them. “We have our parents come along to most gigs so we spend a bit of time with them before going on stage.”

Not exactly tour novices, Lawson’s fanbase saw a rapid expansion in 2011 as they toured the UK as the support act for chart-topping boyband The Wanted, as part of the band’s Behind Bars tour. The Lawson boys played 16 dates across the country to venue’s heaving with excited fans.

A number of online sources have recently claimed that their previous tour mates are collaborating with the band, but Andy assured me there

were no such exciting plans for a star-studded boyband team-up in their near future.

“We’re mates with the lads and signed to the same label, but I don’t think you’d be able to fit us all on one stage!”

Playing at so many venues up and down the UK, it would be easy not to feel loyalty to anywhere, but

Our show actually “surprised a few people on how ‘rock’ it was. Plenty of guitar solos

”

the boys love the special feeling that they get when playing in all of their respective hometowns.

“We played Liverpool on our last tour and I got goosebumps the minute we walked out on stage. I’d been to see so many shows at that

venue as a kid, so it was amazing to be onstage myself.”

Talking about the current tour, the band are adamant this has been their biggest and most incredible live venture yet.

“It’s been amazing to see so many people at the shows. It can get a bit emotional to see how far we have come as a band.”

Lawson’s debut album was released last year and the band’s hard work on the album is obvious from how confident they are of the album’s quality. “We’re proud of every single song.”

The band’s success is especially commendable considering their songs had been written and honed for a number of years before the album’s eventual release.

Constant festival performances meant that the songs soon got a massive sentimental value for the band members. “The majority of the album was written before we even

had a record deal so the songs have been with us for a long time. They’re like our babies.”

Andy adds that some of their popular hits get an absolutely mind-

The majority of the “album was written before we even had a record deal so the songs have been with us for a long time. They’re like our babies

”

blowing reception when they are performed live.

“Standing In The Dark is always going to be very special and it’s amazing when the audience sings it back to us word for word.”

Alongside releasing their debut

album, touring with The Wanted and headlining their own UK tour, the busy band has also been nominated for one of the main prizes at the Nickelodeon awards.

Mentioned in the same breath as fellow Best UK Band nominees One Direction, Lawson are clearly making waves within the lucrative demographic of teen listeners.

Ever modest, the new boys on the block feel that the mega fanbase of other bands leave them with little hope of a win.

“Yeah, it’s great. I don’t think we’ve got a chance in hell of winning though! But hey, always nice to be invited to the party.”

June 2013 will see Lawson play yet another top festival show as they appear at the immensely popular Isle of Wight Festival, just across the water from Bournemouth.

After their impressive track record last year of T in the Park, V and Hard Rock Calling, the band discussed how they always love the atmosphere of performing to energetic festival crowds at some of the UK’s major events.

“We love festivals – even just going to them as punters. Isle Of Wight was one that we missed last year so we’re excited to go over there and play.”

And what exactly can festival goers expect from the band now that they’re an established and prolific touring outfit?

“We’ll do songs off Chapman Square plus a couple of new tracks as well, I imagine.”

Despite Lawson’s hectic and eclectic work schedule and constant strive to get their music heard, the band find that, ironically, it is music that allows them to switch off from the stresses and strains of being part of the whirlwind of chaos that is the music industry.

“We listen to music all of the time, and when we’re not listening we’re writing new songs.

“We’ve been listening to a lot of country music of late. There’s a new American artist we’ve been listening to called Hunter Hayes who is absolutely awesome.”

Few bands have such a packed live schedule and so it’s not a surprise to hear what their plans are for the upcoming year.

“More touring! We’ve got quite a lot of international plans in the diary – South East Asia, America as well as tackling the festival circuit yet again in the UK over another busy summer of shows.

“As long as we’re playing shows, then we’re always very happy.”

18 features

Thursday 21 March 2013 | The Rock

The right to complain Terms and conditions are regularly ignored. Pages of information in legal speak can seem a daunting read, but it’s worth it. In the face of the constant tactics and tricks that companies try to get away with, a few minutes of reading could save a lot of money Alys Penfold

Paying for services and products is at the centre of our lives nowadays, and with online shopping available from supermarkets right through to your favourite high street shop, it’s easy to get caught up in the repetitive process.

Many of us lay our trust in the companies we are dealing with, but what do we do when it all goes wrong? From the starting point of your inquiry, right through to the completed job, you have to pay attention to every detail..

In our increasingly busy lives, many of us don’t have time to trawl through the terms and conditions, and with reports that iTunes’ are as long as Hamlet, and it would take you 76 working days to read all the privacy policies you encounter every year, you cannot blame society for just blindly pressing that ‘agree’ button.

Unfortunately, some loopholes are tied up in those terms and conditions, and if something goes wrong, the reply is often a reference to that very document. The relationship between a consumer and the company lies here.

Research conducted in 2011 by investment specialist Skandia revealed that only 7% of Britons read online terms and conditions when signing up for services.

However, 21% of people asked said that they had ended up losing out because they did not read the small print. One in twenty even lost money by not being able to cancel a booking.

Consumers need to be aware of their rights, and if there does happen to be a glitch when using a service or buying a product, you can be fully aware of where you stand and what to do next.

Consumer Direct, part of Citizen’s Advice Bureau, are available to help if something does go wrong. You can visit their website, which offers advice on everything from travel to cowboy builders, or perhaps just your rights if you purchase a faulty product.

They are a beneficial service, and are worth a call if you are stuck in the mud.

Of course, the best way to try and deal with something before taking it further is making use of the company’s customer services.

You may be picturing the rude shop assistant, who turns your

visit into something out of Pretty Woman, or the pizza delivery guy who mutters under his breath when you fail to offer a tip, or the call centre jobsworth who can only stick to a script.

As consumers, we expect the highest possible customer service when we come across a problem because, let’s face it, it does happen.

I’m a waitress and used to the “we’ve been waiting for 40 minutes”, and “my food is cold”, but I always deal with it until the customer is satisfied. I expect the same from every employee and company in the public service sector.

Here you get the good, the bad, and the ugly. Some companies are extremely efficient in dealing with

customer service. Two thirds end up with a competitor, but the final third loses its trust, and abandons the sinking ship completely.

Don’t be afraid to complain. It’s in your rights to know what has gone wrong, and what is going to happen next. Unfortunately the world does revolve around money, and some businesses won’t stop at anything

to hold onto your cash, so the better educated you are, the more you can face up to them.

It seems that along with the tripledip recession, the quality of customer service has too gone with it. I have never repeated so many times in the last couple of years, “these people have no idea how to run a business”.

It’s almost saddening how it seems

we can no longer put our trust in the companies we once relied on, but with more choice, comes more competition. You would think that customer service would be a priority.

Until businesses can properly provide what the consumer wants, and consumers are well informed about the tricks that businesses pull, the game won’t stop.

Don’t be afraid to “complain.

It’s in your rights to know what has gone wrong, and what is going to happen next

”

complaints and will do their best to ease your experience.

However, the breakdown comes when there is a lack of communication, and even the possibility of miscommunication, from what you are telling one person to pass onto another.

Log every name, the time and dates that you call, any reference numbers that you are given, and what you have been told on the phone. It may be a tedious process, but will pay off in the long-term if the company choose to deny a statement or call made.

If it does get ugly, it’s worth mentioning your contacts.

Companies fear a bad reputation, and by lightly threatening them with your links on Facebook and Twitter, as well as every review website that ever existed.

I will always remember what I was told at a customer care workshop for the company I work for: “People who have a good experience will tell an average of 4-6 other people, but people who have a bad experience will tell 10+ others”.

Some compensation may be given, and hopefully an apology too.

European Business Review reveals this in black and white facts and figures. £15.3billion is the cost of bad customer service to the UK economy, and nearly three quarters of consumers have terminated working relationships due to cases of poor

Many don’t read terms and conditions, allowing companies to trick consumers

JUSTĖ DARAČIŪTĖ

The Rock | Thursday 21 March 2013

Keeping your pet safe Get a microchip This will be compulsory in 2016, but until then it’s your responsibility. For a small price, microchipping is a sure-fire way to prove that the pet is yours.

Vary walking times A good way to avoid anyone creeping up when you are taking pets out of a car, or even trying to take them when walking, is to vary walking times and change routes so you can’t be tracked easily.

No unattended pets Whether it’s in the garden, or tied up outside a shop, make sure your pet is always being supervised. If you are walking your dog and you suddenly remember that you’re low on milk, drop your dog off first and then go to the shop.

Keep your pets close If you let your dog run around an open space then make sure that they are close to you, and in your sights, in case anyone was to grab your dog and run.

Prepare photos To avoid that photo of your pet wearing a Christmas hat, make sure that you take professional, clear photos of your cat, dog, bird, horse, so that they are clearly identifiable, and make sure to note any defining features, such a white spot on their nose, or a scar on their back.

features 19

Tight leash

Pet kidnapping, especially of dogs, is becoming a big problem in the UK. As a new initiative to raise awareness begins, Helen Winter talks to victims of theft and the faces behind the new campaign “It’s not theft, it’s kidnap. It’s a family member.”

Gary Smith had a lucky escape from pet theft when two men tried to steal his dog, Blue Boy, from him during a walk.

“It was one of the first or second times I had actually taken him out for a walk.

“I saw this old battered Escort estate go past with two guys in it.

One of them got out and said: “How much for your dog?” and I told him that the dog wasn’t for sale.

“Now had that been my wife, or my daughter walking the dog, it would have been taken. So to this day, my daughter doesn’t take the dog out, and my wife doesn’t take the dog out either.”

Pet thefts in the UK have increased by 17% in the past year. Now, the Pet Theft Awareness organisation has decided to step up to help stamp out these crimes.

Nik Oakley is the spokesperson from Doglost, which is at the forefront of this new campaign.

“We are looking at things like preventative measures, and also offering advice on what to do if your pet has been stolen.”

It had been suggested that with the new regulations on metal theft, thieves are swapping copper for pets.

Unfortunately, this is an easy way to make money.

This can be made either by breeding or returning the dog for a potentially lucrative reward.

When it comes to having something stolen from you that you are so emotionally connected with, the price for a reunion can be high.

In the past, a woman famously re-mortgaged her house to offer a £10,000 reward for her German short-haired pointer, Angel, although there is still no news on that particular dog’s whereabouts.

At the moment, the most targeted breeds are working dogs, and those associated with prominent celebrity culture, such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Chihuahuas.

There have also been claims that since the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge rehomed a Cockerspaniel, this breed has become coveted and therefore particularly vulnerable to the growing issue of professional pet thieves.

A problem facing pet theft campaigners, and other organisations under that umbrella, is that unless there has been an obvious break in, it is never clear whether a dog has been stolen or wandered off

of its own accord. Dogs can simply leave their owners without warning rather than being taken by someone with intent.

This means that their arguments can often not be supported by hard facts or statistical evidence.

“There are incidents known as ‘theft by finding’”, Ms Oakley explains, “which means a dog may have got lost, and someone has subsequently taken it home, adopted it as their pet, or used it for breeding.

“This is also a crime, but it’s not always clear to us, or the owners, that this is what has happened.”

The Pet Theft Awareness organisation’s main line of communication is campaigning through its website, displaying case studies and success stories, as well as how to get involved with the ongoing campaign.

Aside from printing a poster to help spread the word, the Pet Theft

Awareness workers’ main aim is to change the way in which the law works when it comes to these types of thefts.

An online petition has been signed by more than 3,000 people on the organisation’s website calling for tougher laws for those involved in pet theft.

The petition requests for the courts to review the current sanctions that are in place for such crimes, and wants pets to be treated as more than just objects.

Gary Smith agrees wholeheartedly with this sentiment and is a big supporter of the campaign, including Pet Theft Awareness Week as its flagship event.

“I’m an adult now, and these dogs are like my children.

“Some members of the public will laugh or scoff at the idea of such a strong emotional connection, but it’s how all dog owners feel.”

FASHION MUSIC CULTURE LIFESTYLE ISSUE 3 IS OUT NOW www.pebblezine.com

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The Rock | Thursday 21 March 2013

The soul of someone else’s wit Twitter is the natural home of the comedy one-liner. Comedians regularly post short topical jokes, reaching wide audiences. However, the nature of Twitter makes it easy for gags to be plagiarised, as Stephen Grant found out when a Hugo Chavez joke went viral

Twitter is an important tool used by stand-up comedians to test material before it is seen by audiences at their shows, so joke theft can be devastating

Tom Beasley

FEATURES EDITOR

Famously “brevity is the soul of wit”, and this is never truer than in the case of Twitter.

The micro-blogging site’s 140 character format provides a brief, creative format for both comedians and the average user to post pithy comments. Every major news story is greeted by an influx of speedy joke writing, from puns to more general jokes.

The passing of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez was no exception. After the “Hu-gone” and “Wake Me Up Before Hugogo” wordplay was finished, noted punsmith Stephen Grant posted the slightly more original: “In honour of the passing of Hugo Chavez, I have had his initials inscribed onto my bathroom taps”.

Within minutes, dozens of users had reposted the joke verbatim without crediting it to Grant in any way.

Others reworded the gag slightly, but the posts were clearly inspired entirely by the continued dissemination of Grant’s original witty tweet.

In a detailed Storify post, the comic expressed his distaste at those who repost comics’ jokes without attribution.

“All I do ask for is the credit I’m not famous and Twitter is a brilliant way of letting the wider world know I can write something original and funny. That ability feeds and houses my family so the least I ask is that people know that

I was responsible for the idea.”

Gag thievery is not a new phenomenon on Twitter. Back in 2010, Keith Chegwin was accused of posting without permission gags from comics such as Milton Jones, Lee Mack and Jimmy Carr.

Cheggers attempted to defend himself when Mock The Week star Ed Byrne called him out on the matter by claiming that the jokes were either his own or so old that it was pointless crediting the old, dead stand-ups who wrote them.

As Byrne was keen to point out, many of the quips Chegwin was so recklessly ripping off formed parts

I’m not famous and “Twitter is a brilliant way of letting the wider world know I can write something original and funny

”

of the routines of current working circuit comics.

Thus, by distributing the jokes without attribution, it was suggested that Chegwin was actively devaluing the work of other comedians, rather than simply telling jokes he’d heard back in the old days.

It’s one thing to steal jokes from working comics who are established and successful, but it’s something else entirely to lift the work of amateurs trying to climb the slippery and treacherous ladder to eventual comedy success.

Young comics regularly post joke ideas and fragments on Twitter in the hope of getting a few retweets

ANDY COLWELL

and making their name as a comedy the internet to make their name. versions on stage. All of this hard tweeter. The importance of Twitter As Stephen Grant found, work is immediately undermind in helping young stand-ups to sometimes even fellow comics are when those looking for an easy establish themselves should not be guilty of joke theft and it is not couple of retweets simply copy and understated and, as such, joke theft rare for Twitter’s army of pun/ paste the honed material as their can be absolutely devastating for joke aggregators to republish jokes own work. their burgeoning careers. without even providing a minor Joke writing is indeed an art form A good one-liner can take far credit to the author. and so the intellectual property longer to write, shape and hone than The immediacy of Twitter rights for it should be respected you might imagine and this seems allows for gags to spread in like any other kind of art. It’s to be part of what people don’t a matter of minutes, pretty unlikely that understand when they happily copy which is an invaluable someone would and paste jokes as their own, without tool for up and post The Avengers giving credit. It isn’t like hearing coming comics to get on YouTube and your friend tell a joke in the pub and their names known pretend that they then telling someone else. amongst the general were reponsible This is like taking a Harry Potter public. for it. book, pasting it into LiveJournal and It’s equally It may claiming that it’s your own work of invaluable be easy literature. The fact it’s a joke instead though to pass of a famous work of literature that the a Twitter doesn’t make the plagiarism less people who joke off as damaging in any way. wrote the gags your own, This is something with which 80s are ultimately but it’s probably comic Emo Philips is all too familiar. provided with the better to press the Jokes that he wrote years ago are credit for penning them. retweet button regularly sent as part of email chains, Twitter is the perfect instead. credited to a variety of comedians, medium for gags to be including John Cleese and Peter Kay. tried, tested and Philips is regularly hailed by honed so that others in the profession as the stand-ups greatest gag writer in the world and can use has been known to reference the fact the he is often subject to joke thievery perfect during his stage shows.

“My jokes are in my head and I have a duplicate copy of my jokes in a lot of British comics’ heads, where they are safe”.

Fortunately, Philips had already made a name for himself before the Internet started stealing his intricately constructed humour.

Others, though, aren’t so lucky and the Internet is a melting pot of pun plagiarism that is having a detrimental effect on comics using Milton Jones one-liners are often plagiarised online KARLA GOWLETT

22 features

Thursday 21 March 2013 | The Rock

Photographer of the Fortnight Sam Wilson

I was 18 when I got my first DLSR camera. After experimenting with various basic techniques, I then decided to take a two-year college degree to attain more about the technical aspects of the medium and to hone my own skills.

I learned so much within these two years and found that my style and aesthetic resembled one of a

commercial photographer.

This then took me to the town of Bournemouth, where I started on the Commercial Photography degree at the Arts University College Bournemouth.

Being a photographer who immerses himself within the commercial context of the medium, fashion is definitely a path that really interests me. Once a

theme or narrative has been envisioned I will instantly start to engage my thoughts with a style, mood and aesthetic, thinking about the garments and how it will work with my ideas.

I enjoy the pre-production stages, sourcing models; locations and most importantly the clothing, imagining how the project will appear and watching it

all come together.

I am very particular when it comes to executing my work; I have a hankering for minimalistic and tidy imagery with little to no clutter, and crisp portrayals that always hold that commercial aesthetic.

Although I do appreciate the exploration of fine art photography, my style fits more within the commercial

world. The works of Guy Bourdin and Philip-Lorca diCorcia have always inspired me in the work that I do.

My overall aspirations are to keep shooting my own fashion projects and to expand my creative network in order to give me the contacts I need to produce commercial work for clients and magazines.

One that I treasure I’ve spent the past two summers working for Café Mambo in Ibiza, who also own a charter boat company named ‘Mamboats’. This was a shot for their brochure last year, showing one of the boats next to the magnificent Es Vedra rock (one of the most magnetic places on earth).

I love the music, the lifestyle and all the many amazing friends I have met each summer.

This photograph reminds me of how lucky I have been to work out in Ibiza and the people I have met along the way.

An early photograph This photograph was taken in my first year of college. I remember it so well because it was the same day that I got my first Bowens lighting kit.

I was so excited to go out and play with it that I rang my friend straight away and we went out and started making pictures.

This photograph is very important to me in the way that it was the start of my adventure with using lighting on location. After this shoot I would go out every week with friends, family and sometimes local bands and practice my lighting and photography.

The Rock | Thursday 21 March 2013

features 23 My favourite   photograph This is from an editorial that I shot for Berlin based fashion magazine Kaltblut.

A lot of prep went into this shoot and I feel it is one of my most successful fashion shoots to date.

I guess this shoot is still very important to me, but you are only as good as your last shoot.

Therefore I need to keep striving to produce constantly strong and interesting work.

24 features

Thursday 21 March 2013 | The Rock

Bournemouth cinema helps to turn silver screen into gold Moordown’s Harbour Cinema is one of Dorset’s few outlets championing the cause of independent film-making. After a £2million refurbishment package, the screens are now flickering back into life, bringing the wonder of the movies back to Bournemouth in style, starting with a screening of one of the biggest blockbusters of recent years

A refurbishment package costing £2million has been spent on turning the Harbour Cinema in Moordown into a haven for modern, innovative film-making MYAH GUILD

Myah Guild

The new Harbour Cinema in Bournemouth boasts 1500 leather seats, an HD screen and an authentic art-deco style that would inspire admiration in vintage fans and architects alike.

There’s just one issue - not many people know it’s there.

Situated at the back of a church in the Bournemouth district of Moordown, the restored cinema has been set up in the auditorium of Bournemouth Community Church’s Life Centre.

The centre is a striking building first opened in the mid-thirties and now open to entertain the people of Dorset once again.

Greg Rawlings, Operations and Events Manager at the Life Centre, highlighted the building’s unique appearance and classic feel - as the redesign maintains the traditional image of the venue.

“Keeping the original features was always part of the plan because the building has such a strong character,” he says.

The building was designed as the Moderne by Edward G de Wilde Holding and was opened in October 1935. The first film shown

at the venue was ‘Music in the Air’ starring Oscar-nominated actress Gloria Swanson.

As well as the cinema itself, the venue was accompanied in its heyday by an ice cream parlour, complete with chrome furniture and stylish curves and columns.

The £2million renovation has kept old features, including the circular ‘porthole’ windows and distinctive curved walls.

The church’s determination to keep the building’s style, despite the

Keeping the original “features was always part of the plan because the building has such a strong character

”

high costs of the renovation, was a key part of the reconstruction.

“We could have had wooden railings coming up the stairs, but then that’s the decision, we said where we can afford it, we want to keep the character, and that’s what people notice.

“People have said it has the look of a cruise-liner ship because of the curved staircase, the pillars and the porthole shaped windows,” said Mr Rawlings as he discussed with reverence the cinema’s unique

appearance. It is this that sets the place apart from the multiplex venues that form Bournemouth’s cinema scene.

The reopening has seen hugely positive reactions from local residents, with some recalling memories from the way the cinema originally was in its first incarnation.

Former customer John Penhale said: “The talent shows they held were a lot of fun. Hopefully, the Moderne will survive in some form or another that reminds us of its former glory.”

Laurie Marsh, remembers the Moderne as a source of enjoyment during economic and social hardship during the post-war period.

“I used to go to the Saturday morning matinee as a kid. Things were tough in those days and we used to set out early to collect waste paper and old rags to sell so we could pay the entrance fee.

“We needed to make sure that we got enough money together to see Johnny Mack Brown or The Lone Ranger do their stuff.”

The cinema was closed in 1963, showing its last film ‘The Wrong Arm of the Law’ starring Peter Sellers in the same year.

It went on to be used as a bingo hall before it was completely closed in 2008.

Before then, it hosted concerts by popular music groups such as

Freddie and the Dreamers and Gerry and the Pacemakers in the 1960s.

Cinemas were popular in the Winton and Moordown area - The Ritz and The Continental were also popular venues, with The Ritz, originally a silent picture house, showing Benny Hill’s ‘Whodunnit’

There were teenagers “in the same auditorium as 60 and 70 year olds, which gives a nice family, community feel

”

as its last film as an homage to the comic, who was evacuated from Southampton to Winton during World War Two. The renewed interest in the Moderne cinema is another example of the resurgence of all things vintage which has been exceptional in the past few years with dramas like Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife becoming huge hits with modern audiences.

In times of economic hardship and saturation from American media, it seems that audiences are keen to enjoy a taste of this country’s past.

This burst of nostalgia has worked to the centre’s advantage according to Rawlings. “It’s because of the look

and feel of the building - it’s got a lot of history in it.”

The renovated cinema’s first screening was Peter Jackson’s three hour epic ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey ‘on February 20, playing to a hugely varied audience, spanning the age ranges.

This choice shows that, as well as independent cinema being a focus, the establishment will not shy away from the big releases.

Rawlings went on to say that this audience variance continues the community theme that the church wishes to create with this cinema.

“The sorts of people who came to The Hobbit were nicely varied too - there were teenagers in the same auditorium as 60 and 70 year olds which gives a nice family, community feel, which isn’t so much about nowadays,” he said.

So with its seats being filled for the first time in 50 years by the young and old alike, and the vintage resurgence working in its favour, the Moderne cinema’s latest incarnation looks like it has a good chance of enduring for many years to come as one of Dorset’s premier entertainment venues.

Alongside the Odeon chain that is Bournemouth’s major movie venue, the Harbour Cinema could do a great job of championing films as not just a bit of fun, but as an experience for the whole family.

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SPORT

The Rock | Thursday 21 March 2013

Ben Fisher

SPORTS EDITOR

Peter Wilson Exclusive

26

Netball

Women secure cup win

28

Tubbs

Striker naturally frustrated

31

Email

benfisherrocks@gmail.com

The climax of the Six Nations exposed England’s shortcomings as Wales won the competition in Cardiff, stealing England’s march on scooping the grand-slam.

The sheer scale of victory was a frightening one for the English side, as Stuart Lancaster’s side was thrown into the bull-ring by their near neighbours across the Severn Bridge, with unfamiliar results.

All of the pre-match preparations were ripped to shreds as Wales romped to their biggest victory over England since 1905, when even then the margin was 25 points.

Wales humiliated England on their very own patch leaving the English with little more than a recollection of images of Wales’ star men Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny celebrating on the Millenium Stadium pitch to show for it.

England were bullish going into the clash, verging on arrogant when head coach Lancaster insisted that victory over the Welsh would prove that they can topple anybody in the Rugby World Cup, but without

The Millenium Stadium proved to be a daunting ampitheatre for the English troops TOM PHILLIPS saying what would happen if that wasn’t the case. The failure was painful, grown men bellowed at television screens as the English side were merely outclassed.

Now the English are left with a task to prove that they can do just what Lancaster suggested. Whether England can still rule the world in two years time, it is tough to say, but on the back of such collapse in front of a watching and ever-hopeful nation, it’s another blow.

England’s route to near success of course must not be forgotten and the side, did only after all lose one game.

But it is yet another competition where the English have fallen at the final hurdle, again.

Jack Cozens

Michael Seymour

The sight of an English national side choking when all looks well is far too familiar a story.

Possessing talent is one thing, but having the confidence to perform in trying circumstances is another and the humiliation that the side suffered on Saturday undoubtedly exposed shortcomings for the current squad in performing under pressure, something that they will need to build on if they are to challenge for the World Cup in 2015.

England relied heavily on the kicking of Owen Farrell and Toby Flood, which ultimately cost them against Wales, with Farrell returning from injury. The side scored just five tries in their fixtures, as opposed to Wales who scored in all of their fixtures.

Although Wales started the championship poorly and many wrote them off early on, they came back strong in the later stages of the Six Nations, and thoroughly deserved their victory.

DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR

National contest gives Bournemouth a cheer James Brooks

An international cheerleading competition is set to bring more than 18,000 people to Bournemouth later this year.

The Future Cheer and Dance Internationals, held at Bournemouth’s International Centre in July, will attract competitors from around the globe and contribute over £5million to Bournemouth’s tourism industry.

Ian Crow, Director of Future Cheer said: “We’re very pleased to bring this event to Bournemouth, we see it as an ideal location for everyone in the competition, particularly because of how family orientated the event is.”

“Last year the competition attracted 16,000 people to Bournemouth, but early indications suggest it could increase to more than 18,000 this year,” Mr Crow said.

The event will attract teams from as far as Sweden and the USA, who

Cheerleading will come to Bournemouth to the International Centre during the summer will be competing for the chance to qualify for the World International tournament which take place in Florida early next year.

Despite the international nature of the competition, teams from around Dorset will also compete, hoping to benefit from the home crowd.

“We love being the home team, it’s

brilliant,” said Gemma Ward, head coach of Dorset Dragons, who are based in Poole.

The Dragons became national senior all-girl champions at last year’s event, and are hoping to extend their success when they enter three teams comprising of over 60 kids at the competition this

BROOKS

July. But both Crow and Ward hope events such as the internationals this summer will help distance cheerleading from the stereotypes that often follow it.

“It is a sport, not cowgirls or half time entertainment, comparisons like that couldn’t be further from the truth.”

26 sport

Thursday 21 March 2013| The Rock

Wilson on target London Olympic’s Gold-medalist double-trap shooter Peter Wilson spoke to Ben Fisher about doing televison, scooping more medals and getting spotted on the London Tube

Wilson won Team GB’s first Gold for shooting in 12 years WILSON

Peter Wilson is speaking the evening after something called an Ivy breakfast where he and other members of the agency he now belongs to, including ‘Razor Ruddock’, Rugby hard-man Martin Offiah and Sky Sports presenter Charlotte Jackson - discussed business. How things have changed.

Wilson grew up on a farm in Dorset with his parents and studied at the Arts University College Bournemouth, but since scooping a Gold medal at last year’s games, the 26 year-old has discovered a whole new world.

He said: “I would say I still spend a lot of time in Dorset. But then again I’m standing here talking to you, stood outside a five-star hotel with meetings all day and for the next couple, too.

“I loved it there [AUCB]. My dad said to me that I studied alcohol and partying whilst I was there - but since the Olympics I don’t think I’ve been sober for four months!” laughed the double-trap shooter.

The hustle and bustle of London and the swanky beaches of Dubai now though are home to Wilson more often than not. He said: “It is so different to what I’m used to. It’s quite exciting and luckily a lot of friends and family are in London – it’s a mega hub isn’t it. I love it but it’s miles apart from the farm back in Sherborne, Dorset. I spend a lot of time out in Dubai, probably two to three months with my coach Al Maktoum, or Sheikh Al Maktoum as I should probably say. He’s an incredibly talented man and has

transferred information to me in layman’s terms and turned me into an Olympic champion.”

After breathing in, he said: “I’ve not really recovered to be honest, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride and everyone has said to me you need a bit of time to take it in. I mean, to receive the MBE was just mega.

I can’t believe it – it’s just been a crazy six months, I have won an Olympic medal, been on ‘Superstars’ - which was amazing and I’m doing documentaries for television.

The double-trap shooter recently confirmed his intent to travel to Rio de Janeiro and compete in the next Olympics, rather than sit back on his instant success in London last time out. He said: “I’m going to go to the Rio games but I can’t just rock up there; I would love to build on what I have already achieved.”

“

I’m going to go to the Rio games but I can’t just rock up there

”

Rather than harp on about his magic touch in London last year, Wilson picks up on his experiences on television, away from sport as something he wants to talk about.

Superstars, a programme deemed by many as hit or miss, hit the target for the shooter. Asked whether doing TV is something of interest, Wilson is in no doubt. Sharply, he said: “I would, I was fascinated by it and

there was hell of a buzz when I was on ‘Superstars’ - going live is really exciting. I’m really excited by the idea.

“Winning Gold was the most amazing feeling ever and to replicate that, I feel that the closest thing to that so far has been live TV, whether it’s Superstars or a small documentary for the BBC, where I have done snippets of live television.

I presented the ‘whatsonstage’ awards and delivered a speech at the 02 arena, which gives you an idea what it’s like. I know I would relish the challenge.

Wilson who only began competing in 2006 was junior champion in Europe within six months. Add to that, that he only took up shooting by accident after dislocating his shoulder, forcing him away from his favoured sports at the time - cricket and squash.

He added: “I grew up on a farm and never took it up until I had an accident, so I suppose it’s fair to say it was an accident.”

Wilson received a year’s funding from his parents, all of which pushed him towards the London games and that coveted Gold-medal. “Shooting isn’t the cheapest sport so it’s never going to be easy given the recession we are in at the moment. I will never forget their help and I’ll never be able to thank them for it. It’s paid off now though I suppose.”

Wilson is appreciative of where he has come from. He used to do night-shifts and relentless barwork in order to fund his dream, so to label the break following the

sport 27

The Rock | Thursday 21 March 2013

Games as a surprise is probably an understatement.

He said: “I’ve had seven months off – I’ve never had seven days off, it’s just insane. Normally I train between five and six days per week and you have to, and I am always looking outside the box. I’m shooting at 98% consistency at my best but recently I’ve been in talks with a statistician on how I can eek out an extra one or two per cent from my game. It’s a crazy outlook for four years’ work.”

“

I’ve had seven months off – I’ve never had seven days off, it’s just insane

”

Wilson was rewarded for his efforts on the Olympic stage, not just with a Gold medal but also an MBE from the monarchy. Still in shock, he admitted: “It’s quite hard to get my head around it, I mean, meeting Prince Charles. It’s just absolutely amazing and I do feel humbled by it and I think one day, the penny will drop about what I have achieved.

At the moment though, I’m just on this huge wave of emotion, which is incredible. The ceremony itself was amazing and it ran very well indeed.”

Prior to the finals at last year’s games, Wilson had promised to retain his emotions in front of crowds and the watching millions on television, but his celebrations were

quite the opposite when he dropped to his knees in tears after realising his success following a brief blip.

He said: “You think you can keep it all together. It’s not as easy as that.

In London, I missed targets and you think you’re about to fall apart. After, to keep it all together on the day and win like I did was special, but I never want to do it that way again.

“For Rio, mentally I don’t want to apply any pressure to myself. I’ll do my best to win Gold. We’ll wait and see.”

In regard to the Olympic legacy, he commented: “Both the Olympics and the Paralympics have encouraged an uptake in all sports across the board.

My sport though, shooting, is just one part of the Olympic puzzle.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a legacy of the event as some people have said to me. I love this sport but see where it takes me. I’ll take every four years as it comes. I’m still enjoying this moment and the aftermath is still on going, once that calms down maybe it will all be a bit clearer.”

Wilson doesn’t have a master plan or timetable mapped out where he can just rack up Olympic medals for the rest of his life. He enjoys music too, especially drum and bass, R’n’B and classical music.

The shooter, who is dyslexic, recalls staying on in school breaks and lunchtimes for extra lessons and further help – but Wilson doesn’t want to be treated any differently now following his major Team GB triumph. Asked whether he has changed, he said: “I hope not too much. I like who I am. I didn’t want

to be anyone else.”

Despite his wishes, Wilson admits that being spotted in the city where this whirlwind trip was kick-started, is quite bizarre. Baffled, he said: “In London on the tube when everyone is focused on themselves, reading the paper or on the way to work, and then you get recognised suddenly, people say ‘oh my god it’s’ – that’s pretty mad. I shoot clay pigeons.

“I think if I won twenty world championships then nobody would

know who I am.

Even say 100 or 50 championships but winning Gold at an Olympics, in London – there’s a difference. It’s almost like you become part of this elite group, it can change you.”

Follow @wilpex on Twitter.

Above: Role reversal as Wilson smiles alongside Prince Harry Left: Wilson is pictured as a cowboy as a youngster Bottom: The shooter is sandwiched inbetween fellow competitors in GB colours

28 sport

VARSITY

Thursday 21 March 2013 | The Rock

Cup win for netballers Jess Long

The Bournemouth University Netball 1sts have done the double after battling to a hard-earned cup victory against Bath University.

The girls travelled to the final in Bristol with high hopes after they destroyed Plymouth the week before to take the league with a game to spare.

Joined by a large group of enthusiastic supporters, the girls took the court with a sense of purpose and went out strong from the start. They were matched shot for shot by Bath in the first quarter, with neither team being able to take a lead, meaning the score was nine all at the whistle. For the second

quarter Bournemouth’s aim was to come out at half time ahead. The defensive partnership of Emma Mosley and Megan Pleva dominated the Bath attack allowing the shooters to convert many of Bath centres into Bournemouth goals, giving BU a vital lead at half time.

Sticking to the story of the girl’s season, the third quarter was their strongest as Laura Purssell and Francesca Munns controlled play down the court and captain Louise Cole picked off many important interceptions.The girls took a slim lead into the last quarter and went in with the mind-set that the game was tied.

Shooting superstars Sarah Riddoch and Elizabeth Ferguson continued to slot away goals and kept Bournemouth’s lead at the start of the quarter. Bath were not down yet though and started a late comeback, scoring numerous

goals on the bounce, clawing back at BU’s lead. But when the whistle went at the end Bournemouth had done enough and took the Western Conference Cup with a score of 31-25.

There were touching scenes as the rest of the squad and the girls who came to support stormed the court to congratulate the team. At the end of the game, Captain Louise Cole said; “It is hard to put into words how amazing this season has been. To lead such a talented and supportive squad has been an honour and everyone on the squad has worked so hard throughout the year.”

With a large number of the first team graduating this year, winning the double was the perfect way to end their career in Bournemouth colours. The remaining squad therefore face a big step up next year, as they will be playing in Division One.

Bleaken flies in the pool

BIG RESULT Martin Bleaken (third from right) set two personal bests in the 50 and 100 fly during the BUCS championships BALL

Men’s Basketball won their league in dramatic style, beating Southampton Solent 75-73 away to clinch their league title

Adam Spencer-Hicken

BU Scholar Swimmer Martin Bleaken secured two personal bests as he achieved outstanding fifth place finishes in both the 50 and 100 fly events at the recent BUCS long course swimming championships.

The second year Swimmer was the star performer amongst the team which saw brilliant performances across the board for BU. With much expectation to do well at the championships, pressure was put on Bleaken’s shoulders and he expressed his delight at the performances.

“I was really happy, PB’s in both the 50 and 100 fly when it’s still just the middle of the season, to get them at this stage is really good.

The two fifth place finishes were

much better than last year and were about where I was aiming for.”

A fifth place finish in the final of such a huge national competition is no mean feat and shows the massive strides he has made since last year, but Bleaken revealed how he came so close to doing even better.

“In the 50 fly I was just half a second off a medal and the three boys on the podium were the same in both events. The winner went to the London Olympics and the other two were from Loughborough University, so to be so close to them three was really good.”

With these two new lifetime bests achieved, the BU Scholar is now ranked 15th in Britain in the Fly discipline and has proved himself as one of the University’s outstanding sporting performers.

But Bleaken is still expecting more of an improvement for the rest of the season.

“I’ve now qualified for the World Championship trials in June and I definitely think I can bring the time

in 100 down, maybe as much as a second and that could get me to a semi final in the trials. In terms of the 50, if I could get my time under 25 seconds that could potentially get me to a final.”

It seems there is still much to aim for in the coming months for Bleaken as he tries to continue to shed time off his personal bests to compete with the very best and he explained the hard work that is needed to achieve this. “With the fly I compete in lots of events and the training, both in the pool and the gym are tough, they focus specifically on sprinting and power.”

So it’s definitely watch this space with the scholar swimmer as the season rolls on but he wasn’t the only success at the BUCS championships with much of the team performing exceptionally well for BU as he explains.

“We’re very much a young, up and coming squad but the team all did really well with most achieving PBs so it was all very positive.”

Coach Profile Keith Chambers Who is he?

Head Coach for BU Men’s and Women’s squash teams, Keith also coaches at the West Hants club in Bournemouth and manages Dorset County’s juniors.

As a player “[I] started playing when I was 30, which is quite late, but previously ran and played football. [I] reached national standard but snapped my Achilles.”

On his Men “I am really proud to be coach for the Men’s team and they have proved this year that they really should be in the division above.

I’d like to see the team win their league, which I know they are capable of.”

On his Women “The ladies have done well, they had not played much before they joined the team, this is the first year we have had a Women’s team. They have trained hard, improved, and won their last match of the season – which shows that if you try hard and commit to something then you will succeed.”

On the prospect of squash in 2020 Olympics “Squash will, I hope, be included in the Olympics due to the fact that it is played in over 150 countries. It’s cheap to play, and so many it is played in over 150 countries. It’s cheap to play, and so many third world countries have squash courts. It has everything – technique fitness, tactics, and you need all 3 to be at the top.”

On the future of squash at BU “As for next year, nearly all [of the team] are going on placement or leaving, but I will have to see who comes to BU next year. I have been trying to get people to come to a social on Sundays 2.30 - 4.15 at the West Hants club. As with any sport the standard gets better if more people play more often.”

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The Rock | Thursday 21 March 2013

Kenny after fourth games

track, as concrete would have been a bit more gripping and it would have been a good place to train for the sprint - but it rained too much. We were told we were going to have to go up to Manchester as the forecast was too dodgy here. The track has been busy this year. People are coming to try it.”

Kenny, who has won 24 medals, insists that the legacy is perhaps more important than adding to his already huge silverware cabinet: “I get paid to win medals but the idea behind it is to get people to do sport themselves. It’s about the bigger picture. I’m supposed to encourage people, to get people out. British Cycling say about one million people have got into sport on the back of the Olympics. I think it should be included in peoples

“

Once the race begins and the gun goes – it is every man for himself

Darren Kenny is contemplating a fourth Paralympic Games appearance in Rio de Janeiro in three years time KENNY

Ben Fisher SPORTS EDITOR Darren Kenny has seen it all, done it all, got the t-shirt, the DVD and the Blu-Ray disc when it comes to Paralympic success.

Kenny, who holds all the records in his discipline, is now contemplating what would be his fourth Paralympic games appearance after what was, by his expectations at least, a disappointing time in London last summer.

He said: “I’ve just started again really after some rest time, I’m at a re-planning stage. I’m still working on that side of things [preparation] and in London, I didn’t get what I wanted for a number of reasons. It’s the luck of the draw really and I spent most of the year injured or without a bike. I started training on July 1 having spent the previous winter injured from a crash on the bike. It wasn’t ideal.”

Comparing his second-best status in last year’s games with past successes, he reflected: “I think, like anything I went to Beijing in 2008 and everything went right where I had a good block of ‘uninjuredness’, if that’s the word. Luck fell for me. In the road race I had fantastic support from the team, which could be up to six people strong, but we had just two. It was a very small team.

My coach probably had more faith

in me than I did.

“Then I came to London but not too many more things could have gone wrong. Gary Brickley is a great coach and we did everything right and I was hoping the bike would reward me in pursuit.”

Following a frustrating year, Kenny, now 43, insists he is looking to the future, albeit not through rosetinted glasses.

“It’s a long time away. At my age, I’m not getting any younger.

I’m really positive though because last year with limited preparation I still managed to get a first and I still managed to break world records in two events.

“I think I will [go to Rio] if I can get it right - it should be doable. I

take it a year at a time. I’m looking at Rio but ultimately I have to be realistic as well. In Beijing, my old team-mate Mark Bristow got two medals at the age of 46. It’s doable.”

Kenny who lives in Verwood, admires the area and uses it to his cycling benefit too.

“I can cycle straight into the Ringwood Forest or into the New Forest. I do like riding in the forest – I’m really lucky from that point of view. Now I have the new cycle track at Bournemouth too which is the best outdoor track I have seen, over at Slades Farm.

“I didn’t get the chance to use it in 2012, though. We did have a block booking and we were going to come down to Bournemouth, and the

”

lives. The physical side of it and the mental side of things. I have met some great people.”

A true sportsman, Kenny has enjoyed the social side of the sport, although he is adamant that once at the barrier, everything changes.

“I’m pretty good friends with people I ride against but once the race begins and the gun goes – it is every man for himself,” he insisted.

Kenny who suffers from intracranial injury and partial spinal lesions is honest and open. He even finds it difficult to bracket himself in the same category as some of his competitors given the state of his disability compared with others.

“First of all you think, why me? In the Olympic village though, I look at myself and I think I’m a bit of a sham compared to the setbacks some of the people have to over come. Juan Mendez just passed out driving his motorbike, lost his arm, things like that make you wonder. But he can handle a bike better than I can. He’s quite an inspiration and is doing loads of stuff back in Madrid, getting people involved in the sport.

“I had a turning point where I just thought I have to keep healthy and that’s 14 or 15 years further down

the line now. I can’t really remember what it’s like to not be like this. You don’t have a choice really – it just becomes normal. On a bike I am at my most comfortable.”

Kenny is both positive and optimistic, but most important of all he is realistic. Perhaps even more inviting is his intriguing morality and wit that has seen him label himself as a ‘sham’.

With confidence, he said: “I haven’t got to worry about it [his disability] because cycling is my sport. If it was archery or running, it would be a bit more of a problem.

It’s fortunate for me. There is nothing better than being in Italy, up in the mountains, in sizzling 28 degree heat. I don’t think about it on a dayto-day basis.”

Kenny is a true professional, an inspiration to so many young athletes and cyclists. A previous icon and legend, Lance Armstrong, is somebody that he has only ever met at the barrier, way back in the early 2000’s and Kenny described the exposure of his doping as a positive.

“It’s sad that it has happened and it’s sad when it is your sport. It makes everyone question what you do and what you have done. The flip side is that he took part in a sport that takes it very seriously. And the fact that they weren’t afraid to topple the untouchables nature as it were, proved that.

“Cheating at the end of the day will take place wherever there is money involved – in anything, in every walk of life. It’s time that something was done and that happened where now question marks hang over everything you have done. It’s a small price to pay to make things cleaner isn’t it.”

Kenny has won Gold in both Greece and China but closer to home, the sportsman is overjoyed to have links to both Bournemouth and Brighton Universities.

“I’m honoured to have a doctorate from the University (of Bournemouth) and I’m also heavily associated with the University of Brighton. My coach, Gary, lectures there so he uses me as something of a guinea pig. It’s nice to see the lifestyle of the students - to see what facilities they have.

“It’s not like when I was at school where you had three Bunsen burners between a whole class. ”

Kenny, who described himself as a ‘sham’ has won 24 medals, including at Athens in 2004 and at the World Championships in Italy, in 2009 (above right) KENNY

30 sport Ash Hover takes a look at the latest sporting champ and chump

A strange winner, you’ll agree.

But other than a cracking Leon Osman strike and a late deflected Nikita Jelavic goal, Seamus Coleman pretty much won the game for Everton as they beat Manchester City at the weekend.

The result effectively ended the title challenge, if it wasn’t already over beforehand. Miraculously, his football career actually derived from that of the Gaelic type. David Moyes signed Coleman for just £150,000, and since being named man of the match in his club debut for the blues against Tottenham in 2009, Coleman has been an integral part of the club that manager David Moyes continues to build at Everton. Internationally, having won the FIFA Under 21 International Player of the Year on two occasions, Coleman could be one of the brightest talents to come out of the Republic of Ireland. He gets an extra winning point for his fantastic name too. Seamus - what a corker.

WINNER

Thursday 21 March 2013| The Rock

A world of sport Football friendlies Italy face Brazil in a friendly international match tonight as both sides warm up for this year’s 2013 Confederations Cup, in which both are drawn in the same group. Brazil take to the pitch for the first time since their 2-1 loss to England, where Italy come off the back of a score draw with Holland.

U21 warm-ups

Hot off a seven-game winning streak, Stuart Pearce’s boys face Romania as they continue their warm-up for the European Championships held in Israel this summer.

Wales beat sorry England Michael Seymour

LOSER It’s an all Ireland affair this week, as their rugby captain, widely regarded as one of the best centres to have ever played the game, is this week’s sporting loser. But for the sake of my safety, please don’t tell him.

Ireland have suffered a poor Six Nations showing this year and with everyone believing Brian O’Driscoll is to hang up his boots, he didn’t exactly go out with a bang. The captain was sent to the sin bin in the opening half of his possibly career closing game, and in the end his side went down to a superior Italian squad. O’Driscoll himself hasn’t announced any retirement plans, so lets hope the highest scoring centre of all time does a Paul Scholes and clings onto his legendary status a little longer. Loser badges are in the post to the entire England team too after throwing away both the Grand Slam and the Six Nations title in the space of just 80 minutes.

Ash Hover examines what’s happening this week across the globe including England U21’s European Championship warm-up

England travelled to the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, for the title-deciding match with a margin to lose by of seven points, in order to bring the trophy back to Twickenham.

However, Wales turned up with a defiant mentality, and outclassed England across the pitch to win by 27 points - Wales 30-3 England.

The match lived up to the hype surrounding it, with a hugely electric atmosphere; the roof was shut on the stadium, adding to the cacophony of sound, and the first half was end-to-end as both teams fought to get their hands on the trophy.

Wales dominated the scrums from the start, which led to early penalties which Leigh Halfpenny kicked with ease. Owen Farrell managed to bring points back for England from a penalty but went on to miss the next, setting the tone

for the rest of the match.

At the break, Wales were 9-3 ahead, meaning the title was still heading back to London, but not the grand slam or triple crown.

It was all change in the second half, as Wales dominated heavily.

Wales were scoring penalties and drop goals, while Farrell was missing them. On 56 minutes, Wales managed to infiltrate the English defence, the ball getting out to Cuthbert who drove to the line.

Halfpenny missed the conversion.

Ten minutes later Cuthbert put away his second try, this time Halfpenny converted.

Wales dominated the second half, and outplayed England in all areas of the pitch being deserved winners of their second consecutive title.

In the other matches, Italy rounded off a surprising tournament by outplaying Ireland and winning 22-15. The final game saw Scotland travel to Paris, the French finally arriving to win 23-16. It was however not enough to prevent the French from finishing at the foot of the table, confirming an embarrassing tournament for the French.

Cricket

Pakistan’s tour of South Africa continues today with the fourth One Day International. The Proteas whitewashed Pakistan in the test series so Misbah-ulHaq’s side will be looking for some revenge.

England’s tour of New Zealand also continues today with the third test of the series. A superb return to form for pace bowler Stuart Broad could prove the difference for the visitors.

Raikkonen steals show down under Jack Cozens

DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR

Kimi Raikkonen won the opening Grand Prix of the 2013 Formula One season in a gripping Australian Grand Prix.

The Finn, who qualified 7th in a delayed final session, chose an alternative tyre strategy that saw him visit the pits one less time than his rivals to clinch victory by ten seconds from the Ferrari of Fernando Alonso.

Raikkonen’s progress slipped past the radar at first, the 2007 World Champion quietly picking his way up the order whilst ensuring his tyres were in shape to complete each stint. He nevertheless had the pace to back up the position, setting the fastest lap of the race on the penultimate tour.

Alonso appeared to pick up where he left off from last season, the Spaniard breezing past Hamilton on lap one before tactically under-cutting Sebastian Vettel to steal into second place.

Pole-sitter Vettel, who had been tipped by many to dominate the event, finished the race in third position.

The German might have done better had he been able to pass compatriot Adrian Sutil. The Force India driver impressed on his return to the sport and led the race for several laps, after adopting a similar strategy to Raikkonen. Despite his final set of tyres graining heavily, he was still able to take 7th place, just ahead of his team-mate Paul di Resta.

Britain’s Lewis Hamilton showed flashes of speed on his debut for Mercedes and will have been reasonably satisfied to have finished in fifth, having battled with the frontrunners in the early stages.

He fared significantly better than his former team Mclaren, their struggles emphasised by Jenson Button saying he was pleased to salvage two points in ninth place.

No rookies were able to score any points, with Estaban Gutierrez the highest placed of all of them in 13th. Jules Bianchi impressed for Marussia, finishing one lap down on Raikkonen and comfortably beating both Caterhams.

sport 31

The Rock | Thursday 21 March 2013

Tubbs out to impress

A word from

Richard Hughes

Crunch time Matt Tubbs is keen to rack up more mileage on the pitch after making just four starts in League One this campaign MICK CUNNINGHAM

Ben Fisher SPORTS EDITOR Bournemouth striker Matt Tubbs said he’d be telling fibs if he claimed he didn’t feel frustrated by this season on a personal level.

The former Crawley Town striker had a prolific record in League Two, where he notched 49 goals in 65 appearances in a two-year spell, but since joining the Cherries, Tubbs has struggled for game time and goals in League One. The striker has made just four starts this season and admits he often speaks to manager Eddie Howe about his role at the club.

“We speak on a regular basis and I feel as if I’m still part of his plans, you know, I’ve made 27 appearances this season, with the majority off the bench but the fact is I’m coming on and getting chances which is good to know.”

Tubbs has had to deal with the arrival of former Bristol City

striker Brett Pitman in January, whilst Lewis Grabban, Wes Fogden, Josh McQuoid and Steve Fletcher can all offer stiff competition for places up-front.

Tubbs said: “I think competition is very healthy, makes you train as best as you can and chances are few and far between and very hard to come by and when you get them, you have to take them. All I can do is try my best every day in training and try and be in the gaffer’s mind.”

Tubbs has fired five goals in this campaign but the striker insists he doesn’t set any targets.

“I don’t set myself a target. If I was to at the beginning of the season, say getting ten goals, I’m on five at the moment and my chances of reaching that are pretty slim now so it would be a failed task. My targets are to play as much as I can and create as many chances as I can,” said the exSalisbury City man.

Despite the Cherries’ high-flying position, on a personal level, the striker has struggled for starts.

“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t frustrating because it has been. You

come to a club like Bournemouth and you want to play every week but since the gaffer has come in, he’s done a great job so I can’t criticise that and I’m not the sort of player to go and knock on his door and ask, why aren’t you playing me?”

Tubbs, though, isn’t in his first spell with AFC Bournemouth, having previously played for the club five years ago on loan from Salisbury, but the striker only managed to find the net once.

This time around has been arguably just as frustrating. Talking about his second bite of the cherry, he said: “It didn’t help that I came, scored on my debut then had a double hernia operation which ruled me out for the season. I need to just keep trying to be in the forefront of the gaffers mind.”

Slapped with the super-sub tag by many fans who have witnessed Tubbs come off the bench to grab goal on occasions this season, the striker insists that’s a label that doesn’t bother him.

“I don’t mind it because if I’m on the bench I want to come on

score. Some people do think that the super-sub will always come on and score so there is that added pressure.

Ideally I’d like to be starting more games than I have been.”

Tubbs is adamant the Cherries can still make the automatic promotion places and said: “It is literally a game-by-game approach where every game is a cup final for us now and we have to go out there and get three points. If we drop points by drawing games than that is going to hinder our run-in, we must go out there and get those points every single game and come Tranmere away on the last day of the season, it could be very interesting.”

Ex-England international David James recently left the club as part of a financial restructuring at the club and Tubbs said that he would miss his presence and experience.

“In training and games, he was amazing even for his age. We’ll miss him because he has that aura about him and he brings charisma and great fun to the dressing room.

David was good as well as terms of his ability, at the age of 42.”

Ex-England stopper departs Joe Nerssessian

Former international goalkeeper David James departed the Goldsands Stadium last week after his contract was terminated by the club, two months after his last game.

James, 42, who joined the club in September 2012 on a one year deal, hasn’t played for the Cherries since January’s 3-1 loss to Walsall.

His departure coincides with that of official photographer Mick Cunningham and youth coach Ross

Embleton as the club makes financial cutbacks.

A source close to the club has revealed that James’ departure is due to a contractual agreement stipulating that after 20 appearances the goalkeeper would be due a one year extension to his current deal.

It’s believed the club decided to leave James out for the rest of the season prior to his 19th appearance of the campaign, against Walsall.

Club officials confirmed it was in their financial interests to release the ‘keeper rather than extend his high paying contract.

James, who has played for eight clubs, is the current record holder for the highest number of clean sheets in the Premier League.

James has left the Cherries after less than six months CUNNINGHAM

It’s that time of the season when the pressure is on and each game becomes pivotal to your hopes of achieving what you set out to at the start of the campaign.

All of a sudden you can see the finish line and you start to look at the permutations of your team’s results and the ones of those around you.

In training, the manager will work on one or two things and try to keep everyone bright and alert, but there’s just as much focus on recovery and making sure you’re ready to play on Saturday.

For some players it’s better for them to do little during the week, while others want to do more.

Personally, I like to train on a regular basis and if we train three or four times a week, then I would like to take part in each session.

Around March and April you hear players start talking about being tired mentally. That’s because it’s hard to keep your focus for nine months, and life can also become a bit tedious 30 games or so into the season. Travelling up and down the country, spending hours in hotel rooms and constantly worrying about your preparation can be boring - but it certainly takes its toll.

Over the course of my career, I’ve been in a lot of different situations at this stage of the season. At Portsmouth we went from looking to pull off the great escape to winning the FA Cup in the space of just a few years, and now I’m hoping to have a successful end to season with Bournemouth.

But whether you’re battling relegation or playing for trophies, that goal becomes the be all and end all for you and your teammates. To get to where you want to be at the end of the season requires the same things essentially, you need to play good football, show a good work ethic and team spirit to get results.

This is the most exciting part of the season and I am just one player looking to be celebrating on the final day. I hope I will be because moments like those are the reasons we play for.

32 sport

Thursday 21 March 2013 | The Rock

Cherries defender hails team resolve

I don’t believe it!

Booze incentives at the Riverside Middlesbrough have released a new item of clothing in their merchandise collection this week - a beer coat.

The Riverside club are offering a free pint at home matches for all season ticket holders.

Middlesbrough’s Evening Gazette reported: “Adult and over-65 season card holders for 2013/14 will be entitled to a free drink at every game.

“The club have been keen to reward season card holders for their continued support and hope fans feel the gesture goes some way to making them feel appreciated.”

That however will come as little consolation given their current league position of 9th.

Perhaps if they win supporters should be entitled to the free pint.

How about seven if they lose?

tweet -twoo AFC Bournemouth defender Simon Francis has heaped praised on the current dressing room as the best he’s witnessed STEVE COOK

Ben Fisher SPORTS EDITOR Simon Francis thanked ex-Cherries boss Lee Bradbury for bringing him to the Goldsands Stadium before saying that the current squad possesses the best team spirit he has witnessed.

The Cherries went on a miserable run of five defeats on the bounce but Francis feels that is now very much in the past: “I think we’ve got ability in the team.

A lot of sides have had blips this season and hopefully that was ours out of the way and now we can look onwards and upwards.

“The team spirit has been brilliant all season, the atmosphere is really good and I’d actually say it’s the best bunch of lads and team spirit I’ve played with in my career. Even when we’ve lost games, we come in and have a laugh and the gaffer keeps us in good spirits which is great and that’s our job as well.”

As a right-back Francis has been part of a defence that conceded ten goals in five games on their

five match winless streak and the defender believes clean sheets are vital to their promotion push.

“It’s going to be massive. This season is the tightest I’ve ever seen.

Clean sheets are going to be massive and I think we’ve got the ability and firepower up top to score more goals,” said Francis.

“The gaffer finds it perhaps more important than maybe the strikers, as a former defender himself. For me as a defender, the back four and the keeper, that’s our main aim, we know if we can chip in with goals, then great but the attacking players are providing goals for us.”

Francis has been selected in every game possible this season, with injury the only thing stopping him from playing. He said: “I think at my age, consistency and playing regularly is the key really and I’m at an age now where I want to be happy and comfortable where I am and I believe this is the club.”

At the age of 28, Francis is something of an experienced head in a very youthful Bournemouth side and he is happy to help out the younger members of the side, possible: “[I’d] probably get the mickey taken out of me if I went to put my arm around them and give

them a bit of advice. We have a really youthful bunch of lads here and I don’t mind if I’m the oldest in the team for a couple of games, I don’t mind if I can help out.”

Asked whether an unsettled back four has proved difficult to deal with, the right-back said: “It has been tough. People from the outside might look in and think the reason we’ve lost five games in a row, is because we lost Tommy [Elphick] and Miles [Addison] and we’ve had to do some reshuffling.

“I think it does make a difference when you bring new players in, but then with the run we went on, we were changing the team then too so I think it’s just one of those things.

I think if we can keep a consistent back four, whatever that is for two or three games in a row, I’m sure that will help us.”

Despite the Cherries’ blip, the defender is confident the side can be in the mix at the top.

“I think we can aim for the automatics and then settle for the play-offs - that will still be a bonus. I think the five games we did lose will be a massive dent to the points tally come the end of the season but we are definitely still looking at the toptwo. I think the top two could still be

caught, but we’ve got to do our bit.

“I think you’ve got to be confident in this game and I think with the league as it is, Sheffield United and Doncaster will still lose games.”

Francis joined permanently after a successful loan-spell with the club, after making 34 appearances for Charlton Athletic in a two-year spell. Challenging for promotion in his first full season with the club, the former Southend fullback said: “It’s one of the reasons I joined. I’ve seen a couple of managers come and go which is a little disappointing for the club and me, because I was fairly close with Lee Bradbury, who brought me to the club and I’d still like to thank him for bringing me down here, but things are looking bright and off the pitch now.”

Turn to page 31 to hear from Matt Tubbs on his wish for more starts

I would like to thank everyone at #afcb for making my stay so enjoyable, splendid! I wish them all the best for the rest of the season! @jamosfoundation

Enjoyed the last 8 weeks good rugby, good banter, great fun covering the 6 nations.

Brilliant performance yesterday,special day. @jiffyrugby

I’m gutted I had to pull out of england squad, but it was the right decision for my intricate pre-planned programme @rioferdy5