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EXEPOSÉ THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987
Freshers’ Issue 2014 • Issue 626 • Twitter: @Exepose • www.facebook.com/Exepose • Free
The next generation
Freshers’ Issue 2014 Freshers’ Issue: Exeter’s clubs, sport, societies and more
Throughout
Features: Blair’s ‘spin doctor’ Alastair Campbell talks alcoholism and mental health
Page 8
Photo: Edwin Yeung
Music: What continent is the UK in? “England.” We speak to Vanessa from The Saturdays
Page 15
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Email: editors@exepose.com Call: (01392) 723513 Editors Print: Harrison Jones & Gemma Joyce Online: Callum Burroughs & Meg Lawrence Deputy Editors Callum McLean & Vanessa Tracey depeds@exepose.com News Editors Print: Hannah Butler & Emily Leahy Online: Rachel Gelormini & Laura-Jane Tiley news@exepose.com Comment Editors Print: Callum McLean & Vanessa Tracey Online: Rachel Brown & Matt Wilcock comment@exepose.com Features Editors Print: Rory Morgan & Emma Thomas Online: Kayley Gilbert & Fran Lowe features@exepose.com Lifestyle Editors Print: Eamonn Crowe & Jack Wardlaw Online: Alice Belton & Harriette Casey lifestyle@exepose.com Music Editors Print: Kate Burgess & Tristan Gatward Online: Pavel Kondov & Lewis Norman music@exepose.com Screen Editors Print: Josh Mines & Ciaran Willis Online: Will Cafferkay & Emma Sudderick screen@exepose.com Books Editors Print: Natalie Clark & Chloe Glassonbury Online: Sophie Harrison & Christy Ku books@exepose.com Arts Editors Print: Sarah Gough & Bethany Stuart Online: Laura Christopher & Stephie Wilson arts@exepose.com Games & Tech Editors Print: Josh Creek & Adam Smith Online: Rosie Howard & Harry Shepherd games@exepose.com Sport Editors Print: James Beeson & Sophy Coombes-Roberts Online: Alex Bonner & Freddie Turner sports@exepose.com Photography Edwin Yeung photography@exepose.com Copy Editors Sabrina Aziz, Isobel Burston & Flora Carr
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NEWS
NEWS 1-5
COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 8-10 12-13 6-7
News
MUSIC 14-15
SCREEN 17-18
ARTS 23-24
GAMES & TECH 26-27
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SPORT 29-32
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Hannah Butler & Emily Leahy news@exepose.com
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In brief
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University news from beyond Exeter
Cheapest student location revealed
Chairman under investigation
New diabetes treatments found
FutureLearn... the referendum?
LEICESTER is the most inexpensive place to study for first year undergraduates, according to research by HSBC. The findings – based on 20 UK towns and cities with the largest student populations take into account costs such as halls rent, food and other weekly essentials. UCL and Imperial topped the list as the most expensive universities for first years, with average living costs of £315.12 a week. By contrast, weekly costs for first years at the University of Leicester averaged £196.47.
WILLIAM Taylor, Chairman of Plymouth University’s governors, is under investigation following claims of sexual harassment. A number of female staff have made complaints about his ‘discriminatory’ and ‘inappropriate’ behaviour. Mr Taylor denies the allegations but says he is prepared to stand aside during the enquiry. The revelations come following a feud between Mr Taylor and Vice Chancellor Wendy Purcell. Additionally, Barbara Bond MBE quit as the University’s Pro-Chancellor, later claiming she was forced out. Mrs Bond said she had concerns about “questionable governance practise” and criticised Mr Taylor’s “manner when dealing with female members of staff and students.” At time of going to print the investigation was still ongoing.
SCIENTISTS at the Universities of Manchester and Auckland have published evidence that type-1 and type-2 diabetes result from the same mechanism the formation of toxic clumps of the hormone amylin. The findings mean treatments could be developed to stop the formation of these clumps, slowing or even reversing the effects of diabetes. Professor Garth Cooper, of the University of Manchester, led the study along with a research team based in New Zealand. The group can now begin developing potential medicines, with the hope that these will be ready for clinical trial in both type-1 and type2 patients within the next two years.
THE UNIVERSITY of Edinburgh is offering a six week course on Scotland’s independence referendum on 18 September. ‘Towards Scottish Independence? Understanding the Referendum’ – running on The Open University’s FutureLearn platform – is available for anyone, and will explore key reasons for the referendum, as well as what ‘yes’ and ‘no’ would spell for Scotland. Those enrolled will also be able to watch online debates and presentations, and take part in opinion polls. Professor Charlie Jeffery, one of the political academics leading the course, said: “We will place learners at the heart of the referendum question by examining arguments for and against independence.”
ACCORDING to a BBC report, more than 3,000 students slept in university bedrooms containing asbestos last year in Wales. Cardiff, Aberystwyth and the University of Wales Trinity St David all confirmed they have rooms containing the material. They claimed that because the material was considered low risk, they did not tell students it was there. If inhaled, asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems, and the British Lung Foundation has called the Universities’ actions “reckless”. Cardiff University has the highest number of bedrooms with asbestos. A spokesperson for the institution said: “The University will now review its policy with a view to making this information available to students in advance.”
AN NUS survey has found 59 per cent of students have to work to fund their studies. A survey of 2,128 students found that 45 per cent have a part-time job, of which a third work part-time during term time. An additional 13 per cent hold down a full-time job, either during term time, over the holidays or both. Students cited socialising, saving for the future, and avoiding being in debt as their main motivations for working. Student dependence on loans has also increased, with 67 per cent citing these loans as their primary source of income, in comparison to 60 per cent last year.
CAROLE MCCARTNEY has told The Times that she was reprimanded for tweets questioning Home Secretary Theresa May’s policies. She was told that she couldn’t post political tweets in case someone thought they represented the view of Leeds University. During a lengthly email exchange, McCartney argued it was impossible to be politically neutral since she is “a legal academic, writing about May.” The University eventually backed down, instructing her to remove their name from her profile. In 2010, Leeds removed a code from its website warning that it was unacceptable to criticise the University online after it received criticism. Restrictive policies remain in place at other institutions.
Anti-rape nail varnish designed
A COLOUR-changing nail polish is the latest innovation being designed to protect women from drug-assisted sexual assault. Developed by US undergraduates, Undercover Colors reacts with drugs including Rohypnol, Xanax and GHB – meaning a woman can detect if her drink has been spiked by stirring it with her finger. The design has however proven controversial, with critics branding this simply another way of placing responsibility on women. Rebecca Nagle, co-director of FORCE: Upsetting Rape Culture, argued: “The problem isn’t that women don’t know when there are roofies in their drink; the problem is people putting roofies in their drink in the first place.”
Asbestos in Welsh student bedrooms
Stories contributed by: Emily Leahy and Hannah Butler, News Editors
How much do students work?
Weather
Exeposé
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Twitter politics at Leeds University
Exeter’s outlook for the Freshers’ Week
Tues 16th Weds 17th Thurs 18th Fri 19th
High Low
18°C
12°C
19°C
13°C
18°C
10°C
16°C
11°C
Sat 20th
19°C
14°C
Data accurate at time of print
EXEPOSÉ
Meet the Success for RAG at Freshers by numbers Sabbs annual conference Rory Morgan Features Editor
Rachael Gillies Guild President
Representing students at the highest level and chairing the Students’ Guild Board of Trustees, Rachael has pledged a puppy room during revision times and a loyalty card scheme for society members. Rachael was an SSLC rep for three years.
Ben Street VP Education
Emma Thomas Features Editor
EXETER RAG Society have been bestowed the prestigious ‘Best Event’ award at The Find Invest Grow (FIG) National Fundraising Awards 2014. On Monday 25 August, RAG travelled up to York for the nation-wide event after having received nominations in two categories: ‘Best Event’ and ‘Most Improved Fundraising Group.’ The society were awarded the highly sought-after ‘Best Event’ award for “Into the Rabbit Hole,” an exhibition of student photography displayed in Exeter’s Underground Passages. During an evening of surreal art, visitors were guided through the tunnels to not only view, but also interact with university students’ artwork. This year, the ceremony was held at a weekend-long RAG conference, featuring eight awards that were established by the FIG to “celebrate the phenomenal feats of the student fundraising movement”. The awards also featured a number of guest speakers
and fundraising workshops. Matt Bate, VP Activities, commented: “RAG has had a hugely successful year, achieving the highest ever fundraising total by raising more than £120,000 for charity.” He continued: “My congratulations go to the event organisers, the RAG committee and every RAG member for their well-deserved accolade.” Harry Williams, RAG President, described it as “an absolute honour” to receive the award. He added: “Alex and I would like to make it clear that all credit for the organising of this event naturally goes to Milly Hindle. The event was quite remarkable to visit and was certainly a new experience in Exeter.” Milly Hindle, former RAG Event Of�icer and an organiser of ‘Into the Rabbit Hole,’ said: “Into the Rabbit Hole was the most creative event I have done and therefore probably my favourite! I’m thrilled that it’s been recognised nationally and I hope it inspires RAG to keep on pushing the boundaries to create more innovative events this year.”
>>RAG representatives at the FIG awards. Photo: Hannah Langford-Thomas
A second hand book shop and an increase in study spaces are just some of the promises in Ben’s manifesto. Graduating in Ancient History last year, he is a former member of Semi-Toned.
FXU splits from Guild
Matt Bate VP Activities
Biosciences graduate Matt has committed to an increase in society funding by £10,000 and the opening of new practice spaces for dance- and dramarelated society activities.
Ethnic minority 8.2%
Unknown / refused 9%
Non-ethnic minority 82.8%
Disability 7.2%
No disability 92.8%
Non-state school 35% State school 65%
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Eamonn Crowe Lifestyle Editor
FIGURES released by the University show that 65 per cent of the new Exeter intake will hail from state-run schools, with 17 per cent of Freshers having been educated at boarding schools. Statistics for 2014 show that 82.8 per cent of Freshers will be from a non-ethnic minority background, with only 8.2 per cent of new students belonging to ethnic minority groups. A relatively small percentage of students fall under the ethnic categories of unstated or unidenti�ied, with just 0.4 per cent of students opting to not cite their ethnicity and a further 8.6 per cent of student ethnicities being listed as ‘unknown’. Disabled students also remain in the minority at Exeter. Figures show that less than ten per cent of Freshers will be disabled, with only 7.2 per cent of students declaring themselves as part of the disabled community. *Data as of 22 August 2014 Current �igures may alter before the start of term due to applicants withdrawing or deferring. Data refers only to expected undergraduate entrants on Exeter campuses.
Guild leaves Israel boycott up to students
Kate Hawins VP Welfare and Diversity
Kate has promised to increase Wellbeing Centre funding and to continue the work of previous Sabbs in ensuring there is accommodation below £100. She also plans to run a mental health awareness campaign.
NEWS
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Hannah Butler News Editor FALMOUTH & Exeter Students’ Union (FXU) has split from The University of Exeter Students’ Guild. FXU, which supports both Falmouth University students and Cornwall-based Exeter University students, will now run independently from Exeter’s Students’ Guild. It is hoped that the move will more clearly de�ine the support available to University of Exeter students studying in Penryn and Truro, who can now receive more targeted and effective services. While Cornwall-based students will remain associate members of the Students’ Guild, with access to Guild societies and events, FXU will now be
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their primary channel for representation from the University. Students studying in Exeter itself will continue to be represented by the Students’ Guild. Despite forming a clear distinction between the two Students’ Unions, Guild President Rachael Gillies predicts that the move will provide valuable new opportunities for collaboration between the Guild and the FXU. “The clari�ication of the responsibilities of both will ensure that University of Exeter students studying on Cornwall campuses have clear and effective means for making sure their voices are heard,” Gillies said. “The Students’ Guild and FXU will continue to work closely together and I look forward to an exciting new period of collaboration,” she added.
FXU is the only students’ union in the country to represent students from two different universities
Gemma Joyce Editor THE Students’ Guild have decided not to implement an NUS motion supporting a boycott of companies linked to the Israeli military. The Sabbatical Of�icers did not rule out future action in tandem with the national movement, but felt they could not take a stance until they had received the input of Exeter students. NUS’ National Executive Committee voted in favour of the controversial motion early last month, with 23 votes for, 18 against and one abstention. Boycotted companies include G4S and Hewlett Packard, with the motion aiming to encourage autonomous member student unions to partake. However, the Guild will take no action on the motion unless a policy is suggested by a student and can pass through the ‘Student Ideas’ process. Any student can use the page on the Guild website to present an idea. If it gathers enough student support, a new policy can be put into action. An NUS spokesperson said: “NUS has reaf�irmed our commitment to
raising awareness of and combating all forms of racism... in response to recent events in Israel and Palestine.” The National Executive Committee also reiterated NUS’ support for a two state solution, commenting: “We are committed to creating an atmosphere in which robust debates can take place without creating a climate of fear or intimidation.”
The Students’ Guild would not implement a boycott without student-led policy Rachael Gillies, Guild President Rachael Gillies, Guild President, said: “We fully recognise the deep sensitivity that surrounds this topic and the strong feelings that many of our students will have on the issue.” As a membership-led organisation, the Students’ Guild would not seek to implement a boycott without student-led policy generated through the Student Ideas process.” You can have your say at www.exeterguild.org/change/ideas.
EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS • EXPERIENCE NEW CULTURES • ENHANCE YOUR EMPLOYABILITY • FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
where will a
degree at Exeter take
Study Abroad...
Did you know that most of Exeter’s degree programmes offer an option to study abroad? To find out more, come along and see us during Freshers’ Week in the Forum on friday 19 September or in the Great Hall at our Study Abroad fair on Wednesday 15 October.
www.exeter.ac.uk/international/abroad/
EXEPOSÉ
Tonga team head to Exeter for 2015 Rugby World Cup www.exepose.com
NEWS
Cloud Print for students Emily Leahy News Editor THE UNIVERSITY is introducing a new service to enable students to print from mobile devices. Cloud Print will be accessible from any email address, allowing students to print from any University printer. The aim is to decrease pressure on university managed PC clusters and increase student satisfaction regarding printing resources. The new service entails two simple processes; either sending your docu-
Rachel Gelormini Online News Editor THE UNIVERSITY of Exeter will be a base for the Tonga Rugby Team during the Rugby World Cup in 2015. The 41 bases which will host 20 international teams were announced by the Organising Committee for England Rugby 2015 at the end of August. Locations were chosen for containing indoor and outdoor training facilities, a swimming pool, gym and hotel, and will be used by the teams leading up to and during the six-week competition. Woodbury Park and Bicton College will also serve as bases for Georgia and Romania. Bases were chosen as part of a
lengthy selection process, including site visits and consultation with the competing Rugby World Cup teams. Debbie Jevans, England Rugby 2015 CEO, said: “As the Organising
I am delighted that the teams participating at England 2015 will have access to exceptional facilities Bernard Lapasset, IRB Chairman
Committee for Rugby World Cup 2015 we are committed to ensuring that all participating teams have the optimum training environments available to
them throughout the tournament.” “Rugby is at the heart of all our planning and we have worked closely with the teams to ensure that they have access to the best facilities and a team base that meets their individual needs.” IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset also said: “Rugby World Cup 2015 will be an event that has players and fans at heart, and I am delighted that the teams participating at England 2015 will have access to exceptional facilities.” He added: “It is the attention to detail on and off the �ield that will elevate this event to new levels.” The tournament will take place at various venues in England and Wales between 18 September and 31 October, including Sandy Park Stadium in Exeter.
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ment to an email address or uploading it onto a webpage. On the University website students will then be able to schedule their work to be printed on any Xerox printer on campus, using their ID card. Guidelines are available on the University website.
Photo: Edwin Yeung
Research uncovers Alzheimer’s mechanism Sarah Gough Arts Editor A TEAM led by researchers at The University of Exeter Medical School has uncovered some of the strongest evidence yet that epigenetic changes in the brain affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Two studies – one led by academics at The University of Exeter - investigated chemical markers on the DNA in the post-mortem brains of approximately 1,200 people who had died with dementia. Epigenetic changes affect the behaviour and activity of genes. They are a regular and natural occurrence but can also be in�luenced by age, the
environment and lifestyle. Epigenetic changes are potentially reversible and may therefore provide targets for the development of new therapies. Dr Clare Walton, Research Communications Manager at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Only through vital research like this can we begin to untangle the causes and make progress towards a cure. Alzheimer’s Society is committed to funding £100 million of research over the next ten years to beat dementia.” 26 million people worldwide are currently affected by Alzheimer’s Disease, though that number is expected to grow signi�icantly in the coming years. 800,000 people currently suffer from Alzheimer’s in the UK.
Employability rep Printworks sells for £40 million elections to be held
Photo: Edwin Yeung
Vanessa Tracey Deputy Editor
Callum McLean Deputy Editor
A NEW set of positions within the Student Staff Liaison Committees have been announced, with elections opening for existing members this month. The SSLCs, whose elected student representatives liaise between their course mates and the department staff, will now include Employability Reps. As part of an incentive to allow students to improve their career skills within various subjects, the reps will help organise careers events, carry forward student opinions around employability and feed back between their departments and the Guild. A new Employability Of�icer will also be allocated to co-ordinate the new reps across departments, and in general to “hold the University and the Guild accountable with regard to their
focus on Employability and Careers development”. “The introduction of Employability Reps is a great step forward for embedding this important issue at subject level,” comments Matt Bate, VP Activities. “The employability needs of students vary widely across academic areas and this development will ensure that the Students’ Guild provides the
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Nominations for the 2014 elections open on 22 September (15 September for Business School reps)
best support possible in every �ield.” The new reps will also share responsibilities with the rest of the SSLC and stand in as deputies, providing more support to student-academic liaisons in general.
EXETER’S largest private student accommodation has been sold to the BlackRock UK Property Fund for £40 million. Printworks contains 492 studio and multi bedroom apartments which have reached 100% occupancy since its opening in 2013. The block was sold by Moor�ield Real Estate Fund II who purchased and developed the former printing site in 2011. Charles Ferguson Davie, Chief Investment Of�icer of Moor�ield, said: “We had expected to hold the investment for longer but the off market approach from BlackRock resulted in an early realisation of our business plan”. Studio apartment prices in the Printworks start from £162 a week, the most expensive rooms costing £206 a week. The block contains full time on-site management and a com-
munal area with a 50 inch screen television. Paul Tebbit, Director of the BlackRock UK Property Fund commented “This prime asset has a strong letting track record and is the dominant scheme in the local market. In the last 12 months we have signi�icantly added to our student accommodation portfolio, purchasing over £100m of student accommodation investments,
and we believe that acquiring this best-in-class scheme will enhance returns for our clients.” Private student accommodation has proved a lucrative market in Exeter with Portland House opening this year, a £17 million pound project by Vita Students. UNITE also has three blocks of accommodation in separate locations in the city.
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NEWS 1-5
COMMENT
COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 8-10 12-13 6-7
MUSIC 15-16
COMMENT EXEPOSÉ
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A fresh start
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ARTS 24-25
or editors@exepose.com) or get in touch on social media for more info. You can also come along to our various events this week (see below) but make sure you become a member at the Activities Fair on Saturday, for just a �iver. Membership means you receive our ‘content calls’ for the entire year, can write for any/every section and come to proo�ing each fortnight for a sneak preview of the paper and free Domino’s. We run elections for members at the end of second term to elect a new committee of editors for each section. Exeposé has changed a little since last year, based on a load of students slagging us off (and occasionally being nice) in a survey of our readership that we conducted last term. On the back of that, we’ve redesigned our back page, pull quotes and bylines, changed the focus of page two and added to our previous design tweaks. This all coincides with a complete overhaul of our already hugely successful website, exepose.com, which runs in tandem with the paper. You’ll �ind QR codes throughout the paper linking to it. An email brie�ing of our best content will soon be a regular �ixture in our members’ inboxes, while nonmembers can sign up via the QR code on page two or by visiting our website. We’ve been developing our own app over the summer, which will shortly be available to download for free. We’re also excited to be supporting Amnesty International and Exeter Food Bank this year, so keep a look out for our fundraising events. For now, make sure you have fun this week: we’re not advocating coining the term YOFO, but you are only fresh once - so enjoy!
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EDITORS DEPUTY EDITORS
SPORT 30-32
FRESHERS’ ISSUE 2014 |
EXEPOSÉ
Harrison Jones & Gemma Joyce Callum McLean & Vanessa Tracey LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE Exeposé Comment
A rare interview with your student nightline’s mascot and wannabe Radio 1 host, Victor the Voice Bear Victor the Voice Bear
YOU’LL probably see Victor around campus during Freshers’. He’s a bear who walks around with a peculiarly human gait, wearing a Voice t-shirt. We get a hapless fresher to �ind out more about him and the mysterious student listening service he represents. Hi Victor, how long have you been stalking the campus forests? I’ve been around Exeter for about six years now, and I don’t plan on leaving! Thanks for talking to me, it’s so great to �inally have my voice heard. I’m normally the one listening. You have no idea how lonely-
Yeah, yeah, cut to the chase. So what have you been doing all that time to keep yourself busy? I often wonder what Pudsey gets up to outside of Children in Need season. I do see Pudsey round the local every now and then. Otherwise I like to try out different classes and visit other societies’ socials - you might see me around this Freshers’ Week - come and say hi, I don’t bite! Usually, I try to stay busy, so if I’m not around campus, I’ll probably be volunteering with Voice.
Get involved with Exeposé at our Freshers’ events:
Monday, 3-4pm: ‘Meet the Media,’ M & D Room Tuesday, 1-2pm: ‘Meet the Editors,’ M & D Room Wednesday, 12-1pm: Sports Team lunch/Meet & Greet Wednesday, 6.30pm onwards: Arts & Chats, Forum Entrance Thursday, 1-4pm: Informal ‘Meet the Editors,’ Exeposé Office Friday, from 7:30pm: Screen White T-Shirt Pub Crawl, The Ram Saturday, all day: Activities Fair, Forum (by the stairs)
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Cartoon: Emily McIndoe
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EDITORIAL
SO it begins: Freshers’ Week 2014 is upon us. To all you newbies: congratulations on getting into Exeter and welcome to your independent student newspaper; free, produced by and for students and (supposedly) combining fun with serious journalism. This edition of Exeposé (our pretentious name actually gets pronounced ‘X-pose-ay’) is very different to normal. Packed full of Freshers content, there is less investigative news stories, reviews, match reports and daily student experiences, with more light hearted advice about uni to help you get used to your new home. While this edition comes with a stack of paperwork and t-shirts that you probably shouldn’t chuck straight in the bin, ordinarily the paper will just be available in the Exeposé bins around campus every other Monday. Amidst the inevitable boozing, skiving and general antics, you’ll notice that there’s more to uni life than (occasionally) doing your degree. Mixed in with work you can �ind endless society ‘stuff’ to do: fantastically varied, from the sporty to the academic, political, quirky and frankly dead boring, there’s pretty much a society for everyone. Being a student paper, we obviously revolve quite heavily around journalism, but there’s much more to it than that. Notably free stuff like press passes to events, CV fodder, pizza and a damn good read are amongst the bene�its; but importantly there’s also a varied and massive body of students to befriend, whether through proo�ing, socials, joining our new football team or becoming a regular writer or editor. So if that appeals, feel free to ping us an email (*section*@exepose.com
SCREEN 18-19
I think I’ve heard about Voice, is that the choir? Nope! No singing ability is needed to be part of Voice and we don’t sing down the phone to people either, however nicely they ask!
I’d give Annie Mac a run for her money Ohh, you’re the radio station? No (although I’d de�initely give Annie Mac a run for her money). Actually, Voice is your university nightline, a listening service run by students. Our lines are open every evening 8pm to 8am, and you can call us on 01392 724000 and talk con�identially to one of our trained volunteers. We want students to know that you’re never alone and that there’s always someone there to listen to any problems you have, however small or stupid you might think it sounds. If it is important to you, it is important to us. Also, it’s not just problems that students want to speak about; Voice is also a quick way to get information about Exeter, the University or other services and places available. You can call to get a taxi or pizza delivery number, or just to chat with
someone. Whether you’re just bored and can’t sleep or walking back alone and want someone to keep you company – unlike your friends, Voice will always pick up at 4am.
Nice one, I don’t do a very convincing monologue, so that’s handy for walks back up Pennsylvania Road. But what if I want to put a face to a voice? Actually, this year we’re really excited to start offering drop in sessions, where you can come and talk to a volunteer face to face. It’s the �irst time Exeter has offered this service, though it’s pretty popular in other university nightlines across the UK. They should be up and running towards the end of September - watch this space. Cool, I quite like the sound of doing it myself – I reckon I’ve got a pretty comforting manner. Err, yes, I’ve noticed… Well, Voice is always looking for new volunteers. Whether you want to listen to calls or just help us with publicity, we’d be happy to have you! For more info visit exeterguild.org/ voice or �ind Voice on Facebook. Follow Victor on Twitter @VictorVoiceBear
EXEPOSÉ
Freshers’ won’t be life changing Isobel Knight CONGRATULATIONS/commiserations on your place at the University of Exeter. Welcome to the land of hills, Cheesy Tuesdays and all-year-round �lip �lops. I’m going to let you in on a big secret: Freshers’ Week isn’t going to be life changing. My loving parents had driven me down to Exeter with everything but a cheese grater and plasters. Once Dad �inished having a little cry, they kissed me goodbye and went on their way. I quickly set about making my room ‘mine,’ making sure to leave my bedroom door open – which is what The Telegraph had recommended I do. Here’s what I would recommend: 1) Do things during the day I’m a lazy idiot. I spent my Freshers’ Week in a drunken stupor and didn’t do anything other than compete with my �latmates for winner of the ‘Worst Hangover Award’. I regret this massively – there is so much to do, and more importantly so many free things to grab! My �latmate Holly actually ventured outside the �lat during the day and got cake – the opportunities are endless.
2) Don’t get too drunk Seriously. You don’t really know who you’re living with, and even worse, you don’t even really know where you live. Alcohol is a pretty big deal during Freshers’ – but don’t let that intimidate you if it’s not your thing. One of my best nights was when we decided to stay in and watch the Bake Off instead. 3) Go to the doctors’ If you’ve done something silly – get tested. The Sexual Health Clinic is on Sidwell Street, and, trust me, it’s not the end of the world. Please get registered at the GP on campus as soon as possible. You’ll end up there with Freshers’ �lu/conjunctivitis/mumps and it makes life so much easier if they already have your details in the system.
4) Smile! Don’t worry if you don’t feel like Freshers’ lived up to expectations. It didn’t for me; I was tired, cold, malnourished, hungover and grumpy. So take a breath, ignore your friends from home and their ‘OMG BEST TIME EVER’ tweets. You’re here, you’ve made it – so please, just smile.
Let’s get quizzical COMMENT
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Choose your own Freshers’ adventure with Exeposé Comment
START
One of your new flatmates gets through half a beer before sobbing about their love life and retreating to the bathroom floor. What to do?: A) Station yourself dutifully with hand patting back, insist that Charlie really was a fat loser and exchange nicknames for your genitals. B) Every man for himself. Round up the remaining faithful for a chorus of ‘I Gotta Feelin’ before marching out. You’re already half naked.
Your parents have just said goodbye and you’re finally left to your own devices. Do you: A) Sit in your room, cry with your head in your hands and open up The Norton Anthology of Critical Theory. B) Pour out 15 shots of Jäger, drink ten yourself and invite your flatmates into the kitchen to play the ultimate game of ‘Never have I ever.’
It’s your first ever time in the Forum. Do you: A) Instantly sign up for a library tour and get shown around three floors by an over-enthusiastic student. B) Go to the Market Place, wonder why any student would buy ‘Traditional Handmade Sweets’ for three quid, then buy them anyway.
In your first ever seminar: A) You’ve spent your entire summer doing all the reading for this term. You say something mildly intelligent only to get intimidated by everyone else. B) You arrive late and flustered after underestimating Forum Hill. You sit down, yawn and almost die of boredom. After all, first year doesn’t count. That’s the last seminar you ever go to. You resolve to make up for it with extra-curricular smarts.
You have your first uni BBFL. Do you: A) Grab your bumbags and map out a colour-coded schematic of the day’s activities. If you have to eat your BakeSoc samples at the same time as punching strangers in a jiujitsu taster, that’s how it has to be. B) Gear up for wingman/woman duties, don your finest and prepare for a night on the town: chic refreshments and refined entertainment.
The Lemmy is a rite of passage - on your first ever night at the Lemon Grove establishment, you: A) Stay until Robbie Williams’ ‘Angels’, get pushed around all night, vom in the loo and then vow never ever to go again. B) Jump on the first member of the other sex and lock lips between VKs. Wake up the following morning with only your socks on and no recollection of the night or how you ended up in Old Lafrowda. Hoping to never see your partner again, you then find out they are in your every seminar, study group and society, and also your second cousin three times removed.
Next one’s a night in for sure. For your first dinner: A) You flambé a quail’s egg in caviar bon bons with a saffron reduction. Your flat love it but your culinary magic backfires and that gap-yah next door, who’s already managed to join RAG, guilt trips you into doing a gargantuan bake sale for a disaster relief effort. B) Your trust fund shouldn’t be wasted on trifles like basic sustenance. You steal your flatmates’ cheese to begin a strict toastie-only diet. They won’t like it.
You’ve survived the entire week and find yourself at the Activities Fair: A) You swan around the Forum schmoozing every person you see who’s stood behind a desk. You know exactly which societies you want to join and which would look best on your Curriculum Vitae. B) You are a firm ‘YES’-man and get easily wangled into sparing your cash. Ski trip in Val Thorenz? YOLO! £246 to join the gym? You’ve heard that’s a great place to meet people! In the end, you are just too busy spending every Wednesday in Timepiece to fit anything else in.
Your flatmates start to get all touchy feely and you suspect they are sleeping together. Do you: A) Vow not to live with them next year. Meet as many potential new housemates as possible. B) Not really care. Sharing is caring, after all, and sexual tension is bad for your core strength. Plus, you’ve already slept with one of them and half of your block. Photos: Edwin Yeung
What kind of student will you be? Exeposé Comment accepts no responsibility for self-fulfilling prophecies YAY! You actually went to University to get a degree! Well done you. You will never miss a lecture or seminar in three years and your entire department will be calling you by your nickname. When you leave you’ll be snapped up by every grad scheme that exists and become a CEO at 27. After all, £50,000 worth of debt really is something to consider…
You just can’t help being a Big Name On Campus after having joined every society possible and wangled your way into committee-only socials. Everyone recognises you in the Forum and you’ve already written your manifesto for Guild President. Your popularity crescendos when you win ‘BNOC of the Year’ on The Tab, a nomination some can only dream of.
You’ve spent all your student loan within the first week. You end up homeless for five days, before Mummy and Daddy bail you out and you pen a memoir in Exetera about the experience. You didn’t even think overdrafts had a limit! Your diet consists of tinned tuna and Tesco’s Basics Super-Noodles…together. Desperate for cash, you’ll get a job on campus and then never ever leave.
DOWN IT FRESHER! You’ve been carb cycling and hitting the gym for weeks just to make it onto the Rugby 1s when you realise you’ve contracted chlamydia. Thank God you’re such a L.A.D. who can down pints faster than Usain Bolt on amphetamines. You intend to rampage this first year with as many notches on your bed post as you can possibly get. Hashtag Bant.
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Rory Morgan & Emma Thomas features@exepose.com
Mental illness: ‘the last taboo’ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @ExeposeFeatures
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Last summer Alastair Campbell spoke to Exeter students about the stigma surrounding mental health; Gemma Joyce, Editor, followed him up with questions surrounding the issue Bio
Campbell began his career writing for the journalistic counterpart to the Penthouse magazine. After becoming a political correspondent for Today Campbell was admitted to hospital in 1986 amid growing concerns for his mental state. What followed was a long rebuild of his career that eventually resulted in him becoming Tony Blair’s official spokesman. After the 1997 General Election victory, Campbell was made Director of Communications and helped handle the now infamous Iraq Dossier in February 2003. Shortly after, he resigned during the Hutten Inquiry in August of the same year.
Did you know?
1 in 4
will experience a mental health illness in the U.K The most common illnesses in Britain are depression and anxiety; but many people experience a mixture of symptoms. Often sufferers only realise the sheer number of people they know who suffer from similar illnesses when they speak out for help.
87%
of sufferers experience stigma or discrimination. This often includes judgement in the workplace, with many people finding job applications withdrawn when they disclose said illnesses.
TAKING to the stage for his talk during last term’s ‘Grand Challenges’ Week, Alastair Campbell invited the audience to join him in a discussion on changing attitudes towards what he sees as the last great taboo: mental health. Mr Campbell is one of a number of high pro�ile ambassadors of the ‘Time to Change’ campaign that aims to help end mental health discrimination. Here is what he had to say. Recently a young woman was offered a job at Emirates Airlines but it was withdrawn after she declared a history of depression. What do you think of employers who would reject a candidate on such grounds? It is just plain wrong. I don’t like to comment on speci�ic cases without knowing the full background but in no way should a history of depression be a reason to refuse someone work. Has your history of depression had any effect on your own career in a similar way? And do you fear for the prospects of young people who declare such problems in applications? I have been lucky in the employers I have had. But I do understand the reluctance of some to be open because stigma and taboo are real and they lead to discrimi-
nation. But it is only when we are all open that we will break all that down.
Should it be lawfully required to declare any mental health problems experienced in the past on job applications? Only if it was equally unlawful to discriminate against someone on the grounds of past illnesses.
We must get to a place where people feel it is as normal to talk about their mental health as their physical health The university environment can trigger all kinds of mental health problems for students, yet the subject seems to remain a taboo. What can be done to change this? The most important thing is openess. We must get to a place where people feel it is as normal to talk about their mental health as their physical health. Our
own Well-
being Centre has recently come under �ire for unreasonable waiting times, with some students waiting up to three months for treatment, implying the services provided are overstretched. Do you think more should be invested in care for these students? Yes and it should be seen as an investment. Proper support now will save resources later in terms of the costs of the consequences of alcohol abuse. Do you think university “drinking culture” is moreintense since you were an undergraduate? Do you think it can have dangerous consequences for individuals and their futures? I think it is worse. I was a very heavy drinker but I think I was in a minority. I am not sure that would be the case today. In My Name Is..., Chrissie, who drops out of university, talks about how she felt alienated by the drinkcentred activities other students took part in. Do you think universities should do more to engage students who aren’t interested in the partying side of student life? Absolutely. I don’t know any other country in the world that has the culture we do regarding student life and particularly what I consider to be the targeting of students by the alcohol industry when young people leave home. I honestly don’t want to be a killjoy but we now live in a culture where you never have to explain why
Image: The Independent
you drink but you always have to explain why you don’t. Universities need to do more. But so does the government and I was disappointed that, having indicated they were bringing forward a serious strategy to deal with alcohol abuse, David Cameron backed down under pressure from the right wing of his party and the industry.
We now live in a culture where you never have to explain why you drink, but you always have to explain why you don’t Recent Exeposé front pages such as ‘A Culture of Thinness’ have aimed to break down the taboo nature of mental health issues at our university. Do you think the media can do more to help in general to change people’s attitudes? Yes they can certainly do more. As I said at the talk there has been some improvement in media coverage of these issues but there is still a huge amount of misunderstanding about mental illness and the media has a hugely important role to play. This is not just about papers and radio and TV. Some of the best portrayals of mental illness have been in soaps. That is a good thing for breaking down the stigma and taboo.
Anyone who feels affected by any of the issues mentioned above and would like to speak to someone can contact the Wellbeing Centre at 01392 724381 or can call Voice, run by students for students, on 01392 724000. Voice volunteers are available to speak between 8pm and 8am during term time. If you’d like to be involved in campaigning for greater mental health awareness, there are plenty of opportunities on campus. Mind your Head society works to spread the word about positive mental wellbeing, while Mental Health Awareness Week bring related issues to the forefront of student conversation.
A sporting chance? EXEPOSÉ
www.exepose.com
FEATURES
9
As a football-�illed summer comes to a close, Flora Carr, Copy Editor, re�lects on the disappointingly subjugated role of women in sports and whether there is hope for the future
AS the autumn chill begins to nip impatiently at our heels, it’s the perfect time to reminisce over summer. Dig out the family album - or maybe just your Instagram account - and pore over the poolside shots, the #no�ilterneeded views, the sunglasses sel�ies. But I’m not thinking about the sunshine; I’m thinking about sport. For those who know me, this may seem laughable. I spend most of my BodySoc sessions lying on the �loor. But summer 2014 was nothing if not a summer of sport. From the World Cup and the Premier League to the Commonwealth Games, sport �illed both our newspapers and newsfeeds. I have a hundred sportsrelated memories from this summer; yet not one of them includes women. Summer 2012, my thoughts leap to Jessica Ennis, to Ellie Simmonds. Not this time. Sexism in sports is back - and I wonder now if it ever left. Before 2012, you’d be forgiven in thinking that there weren’t any women in sport at all. We all remember the furore the all-male shortlist for the 2011 BBC Sports Personality of the Year caused. Little good it did - one sports reporter on the Radio 4 programme Today even dismissed the media attention as a ‘hoo-ha’. This forced broadcaster Clare Balding - a guest on the same show - to retort: “Please don’t trivialise it. It was not a hoo-ha. It was a matter for genuine debate and entirely re�lective of the lack of media coverage of women’s sport”. But then came the London 2012 Olympics. It was Jessica Ennis who was the face of the Games with gigantic billboards of the ‘Golden Girl’ dotted across the country. It was Victoria Pendleton who scored all the television adverts; it was rowers Helen Glover and Heather Stanning who won us Team GB’s �irst gold medals. Finally, sportswomen were being recognised. With its tag-line of ‘inspire a generation’, there were hopes that London 2012 would inspire not just more kids to take up sport, but more women. But did it succeed? An inquiry, carried out by the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee in July, has found that women of all backgrounds are still less likely to take part in sports activities. The report suggested that sexist attitudes, boring lessons at school and “gratuitous derogatory remarks” made by media commentators were putting women and girls off sport. When the line-up for the Commonwealth Games BBC commentators was announced - Clare Balding, Hazel
Irvine, Gabby Logan and Gary LinekerThe Mirror described it as an attempt on the BBC’s part to ‘avoid accusations of sexism’; never mind the fact that Logan has almost two decades of experience in sports presenting, or that Balding is ranked 6th in The Guardian’s ’50 Most In�luential Women in Sport’ and scored easily the best and most hilarious interview during the Olympics with Bert, father of Chad le Clos. As for the ‘derogatory remarks’ that the government report touched on, you need only Google Alex Ferguson or Richard Scudamore’s names to realise that sexism in sports in still alive and kicking in 2014. In March 2013, during one of Ferguson’s weekly press conferences, the club’s media manager Karen Shotbolt wished the room a ‘Happy International Women’s Day.’ Sir Alex quipped: ‘She’s dragged herself out of the kitchen.’ Meanwhile, in May, Scudamore, the chief executive of the Premier League, came under scrutiny after a series of sexist emails he’d sent emerged. However, despite David Cameron himself deploring
We all remember the furore the all-male shortlists for the 2011 BBC Sports Personality of the Year caused the emails, Scudamore has faced no repercussions for his actions; which of course has nothing to do with his monopoly over a sporting spectacle worth roughly £7 billion. Nor did it have anything to do with the fact that the panel for the internal inquiry on Scudamore’s emails included Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck, a friend and shooting partner of Scudamore’s. Obviously not. At last year’s Wimbledon, broadcaster John Inverdale found himself in hot water after stating that Marion Bartoli was ‘never going to be much of a looker.’ The comment is revealing; so often women in sport are not only dismissed, but also sexualised. Just think about the number of sexist articles dedicated to Maria Sharipova’s toned physique, or the amount of Twitter trolling Rebecca Adlington received about her looks. In recent years, the All-England Club have even admitted that “good looks are a factor” when deciding which courts to place female tennis players on.
Women’s football is one of the UK’s leading participation sports, with 1.4 million women and girls playing the game regularly; and yet when you overhear someone mention Arsenal winning the 2014 FA Cup, your thoughts automatically spring to the men’s Arsenal team, despite the same women’s team also winning the cup. Only 7 per cent of sports media coverage is devoted to women’s sport and just 0.4 per cent of commercial investment goes to women in sport. Although comments like Ferguson’s incense many, there still remains the hope that sexism in sport might be phased out. Surely our generation can’t hold such outdated views? Here at Exeposé, we even have a female Sport Editor. But when I ask my male friends about female sports, they become depressingly sheepish. They’re all for equality, they say, it’s just that female sports aren’t as, well… exciting. One friend reasons that women’s bodies just aren’t cut out for internationallevel sports. At this point my eyebrows have travelled so far up my forehead I fear they’ll never come down. Not as exciting? Not ‘cut-out’? Sorry, but if ever I caught wind of a match between Andy Murray and one of the Williams sisters, I’d already be half-way through ‘The Star Spangled Banner.’ Still, the sexist element of sport today even extends to universities. One female hockey player at King’s College described to me how men’s varsity events receive huge attention, whilst the women’s remain on the periphery of the sporting calendar: ‘The men’s rugby was at a stadium whereas the women’s hockey was placed in a midweek slot,’ she said. A female rower at Bristol had a similar story: ‘The only winning team this year at Varsity rowing was a women’s team… (yet) women’s (competitions are) much less of a big deal.’ And don’t get me started on ‘initiations.’ The rule that male rugby players can’t speak to women? What’s the assumption - that every female in the vicinity is conspiring to seduce the players, thereby throwing them off their game? Please. We live in the 21st Century, and sportswomen are doing fantastic work; whether that’s for their university, their club or even their country. Surely it’s time we gave them a sporting chance of getting the credit they – �inally - deserve? 2014 began with sexism in sport- let’s not end it that way.
Image: The Mirror
Images Top left: The Guardian, Independent, turntherightcorner.com, The Mirror, HDWallpaper, Next Blog, Getty, Simon Chapman, racingexposure.com
9/11 in the USA’s ‘backyard’ 10
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To mark the passing of the 13th anniversary of 9/11, Rory Morgan, Features Editor, sheds some light on a South American tragedy which shares the same date
THE terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York began the ongoing ‘War on Terror’ and a hunt for a man that ended just over ten years later. You only have to say ‘9/11’ to evoke personal memories of turning on the television to a news broadcast of New York burning. Travelling around South America this summer I learnt, however, that this date also marks an equally horri�ic event that did not result in a conceptual war but a far more tangible dictatorship that lasted for over 20 years.
of events that had occurred almost 40 years ago. Being fairly ignorant of the country I had arrived in, with no ex-
This was a protest urging the government to take action pectations other than great wine and seafood, a simple tourist visit to the presidential palace square proved to
Image: trincheradelaimagen.cl
On 11 September 1973, a military coup took power in Chile’s capital and thousands of unsuspecting Chileans were shepherded into the country’s national football stadium, which was turned into a prison camp. In these camps the thousands of detainees were massacared, tortured and unjustly detained. Finding out about this travesty felt even more potent whilst experiencing South America during the 2014 World Cup. This was a continent that lived and breathed football, and Chile was no exception. The idea that a place of such passion and enjoyment could be perverted into a place of torture and death seemed almost too ironically poignant. This day, and the years that followed until the return to democracy in 1990, resulted in the deaths of over 3,000 people and the human rights violation of more than 40,000. Navigating my way around the quiet streets of Chile’s capital, Santiago, I was immediately struck with the realisation that this was a country still dealing with the direct consequences
ately felt guilty about my ignorance of the atrocities that had gone on in this warm and culturally rich country. It therefore was natural for me to pay a visit to the Museum of Memory and Human Rights the next day. Walking along the outside of the large concrete structure I observed the large metal letters exclaiming various human rights and wondered how many people I had passed on the street that day who had had all of these stripped from them. It was here that I heard the beautiful �inal speech of the over-
chatty cab driver, who - due to terrible traf�ic - was able to spend 25 minutes stating why he preferred the dictatorship to democracy. The writing on the wall was clear when we introduced ourselves as English and he, uncharacteristically for most of South America, professed his love for Margaret Thatcher. What then proceeded was a long impenetrable lecture on how issues of crime, addiction and promiscuity were not around under Pinochet. My friend was quick to make the point that these vices were probably prefer-
Image: JeanClaude Coutausse
Image: rnw.nl
be an enlightening experience. I had been in the city for less than two hours and already I was faced with picketers outside the government building. I turned to my friend to ask what all the commotion was about, but before she could answer I noticed the numerous faces on the cardboard signs coupled with various Spanish words relating to ‘justice’ and ‘missing’. This was a protest urging the government to take af�irmative action in �inding what had happened to each of the vast number of individuals who had gone missing under the dictatorship. Protests like this are of course not uncommon in places that have undergone similar turmoil - what was striking about this was the age of the protestors. 30 pensioners lined the square directly in front of the government, and made their presence impossible to ignore. This country is still shackled with the horrors of a dictatorship that many in the West have forgotten about. My �irst day in the capital had �illed me with questions. I immedi-
thing about the Museum of Memory and Human Rights is its complete failure to even mildly mention the role of the CIA in helping to create this horri�ic dictatorship. The CIA has recently admitted its prior knowledge of the military’s plan to overthrow the left-wing government in 1973. This seems to make perfect sense as the coup occurred during the heart of the volatile cold war and it is highly doubtful the U.S would want a tinge of red in what Secretary of State John Kerry recently described as
thrown President Salvador Allende that was transmitted just before the Military Junta took power. In his last words the President reinforces the importance of standing up to fascism and declares his belief that his “sacri�ice will not be in vain” and prosperity
Finding out about this travesty felt even more potent whilst experiencing South America during the 2014 World Cup will reign once more some day. After this moving speech, the President is believed to have killed himself. Chile has come a long way in the last decade. It is fast becoming one of the economic powerhouses of South America, yet the tinge of sadness still lingers. One individual who surprised us with the nature of his sadness was a
able to the consistent unexplainable and mysterious disappearances that occurred en masse for two decades. The uncomfortable ten minutes of silence that followed her response gave us a good indication of the levels of sympathy he had toward such cases. Though slightly exasperating, this was an incident that was invaluable in understanding the mentality of the large percentage of the population who voted yes to an extension of the dictatorship. For some, the idea of clean streets in return for a handover of political self-determination was a price they were prepared to pay. Thankfully, however, this group of people failed to dominate public opinion. So why are so few in the West aware of even the vague details of this dictatorship? True, horri�ic events happen all over the world and it has been some time since this regime ended, along with the fact that this occurred on the other side of the world. Still, some signi�icance must be found in the United States’ characteristically detrimental role. The most alarming
his country’s ‘back yard.’ 40 years on and many diverse individuals are still working tirelessly to expose America’s full involvement, with many �inding evidence of funding, arming and insti-
This was a country still dealing the direct consequences of events that had occurred almost 40 years ago gation. Of course, none of this should in any way devalue the events of 11 September 2001. But maybe next time you bow your head in silence as a mark of respect for the many innocent who perished on that date, spare a thought for those who stood in a Chilean football stadium, ordinarily a space of great joy and delight, and suffered a similarly sickening fate.
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Tweets of the week These people have clearly been having enriching and productive summers... Tweet us @ExeposeLStyle Sam Jackson @smjksn Just received my second ice bucket nomination oops Sarah Smith @smmmithy Well I have completely fucked up my dinner: chicken’s undercooked, noodles are overcooked and I have used way way too much sauce. Eamonn Crowe @EamonnLC Looking through all the pics and videos on my laptop was definitely an afternoon well spent Lauren Hill @laurenlouhill Wish Student Finance would stop making me beg for my loan and get on with it Jack Wardlaw @jackwardlaw94 I’ve officially heard the most middle class sentence in history. Woman to her child: “Octavia, do you like the white gilet or the olive?” Gemma Joyce @GLJoyce Buzzing for the Student Media Summit tomorrow! #studentmedia2014 Rory Morgan @rorylm 5 minutes in rio and we are scared our 3 story bunk beds might kill us! #firstworldproblems Harrison Jones @HarrisonJones7 So this will be the 6th week in a row living out of a suitcase Ciaran Willis @ciaranwillis1 Back home after a 14 hour drive from France with the family. Which was only relatively traumatic. So it could have been worse. Josh Mines @MinesyJosh Probably the most effeminate praise ever for a movie, but the costume design in captain america is fucking incredible Sarah Gough @sarahgoughy Don’t hate on Taylor Swift, she’s twerking in a tutu and I respect her for that
Sleep all day and party all night
Milly Hindle and Jack Wardlaw, Lifestyle Editor, share all the crucial info on the best pubs, clubs and restaurants for a fantastic Freshers’ Week FRESHERS’ Fear. The fear of sitting alone in your room during the �irst week of uni while everyone else seems to be going out every night and having an amazing time. We all get it. When you arrive on your �irst day with all your stuff and are suddenly thrown together with a group of random strangers, it can be hard to imagine yourself having a good time during Freshers’ Week, especially if you’re not such a fan of drinking bucket loads of alcohol and playing ‘Never Have I Ever.’ NEVER FEAR! This is where Exeposé Lifestyle steps in; we’ve got everything you could need to know about having fun in Freshers’ Week, whether you live for going out or just prefer exploring some of Exeter’s many hidden treasures. First up, the Freshers’ staple: nightclubs.
TIMEPIECE: At its best on a Wednesday or a Friday, Timepiece offers you the three-tiered clubbing experience, starting with the mellow Old Timers bar on the bottom �loor and transcending to the sardine-can squash of ‘top-top’. Beware the rugby hulks, lacrosse ladies and every other AU club under the sun on a Wednesday night, and you’ll be �ine, especially with a legendary TP burger to round off the night. ARENA: Arena is the very core of mainstream heaven - be it a Cheesey
Tuesday or Monday’s Dirty Sexy People, you can be sure to bop away to some classic chart toppers. Highlights include the photo booth at the top of the stairs and interesting encounters with a squirty cream can by the DJ Booth (you have been warned…). It’s generally a nice crowd who end up here, despite the slightly questionable smell of the carpets. THE LEMMY (LEMON GROVE): Very similar to Arena in its pop music playlists, The Lemmy is the ultimate on-campus night out. Guaranteed to be full each Saturday night, it’s the perfect place to mingle with fellow fresh and the shortest walk from halls that you’ll ever do. Our insider’s tip to beat the infamous Lemmy queue - at least for those without an Ents Cards is to start queueing when doors open at 9pm, get a stamp, then continue pre-drinks to your hearts content, before walking straight onto the D-�loor when you’re ready. CAVERN: If the previous description of Arena has left you feeling a bleak horror for the health of Exeter’s music scene, then Cavern is your remedy. If the thought of hearing the Macarena for the hundredth time makes your stomach churn, head here on a Tuesday or a Saturday for the ‘edgiest’ night in Exeter. As the name suggests, Cavern has a more underground vibe compared to the rest of Exeter, and the decent dance�loor in a (kind of) separate room to the well-seated bar area
means that you can choose your own balance between chilled drinks and a full on night out. It’s de�initely one to tick off the bucket list. If clubbing isn’t quite your thing, Exeter also has some great pubs to check out.
MONKEY SUIT: Despite the unusual name, Monkey Suit is a great place to go for some music, some atmosphere and some killer cocktails. It’s good on pretty much every night, but going during the week tends to mean the queues for the bar aren’t too bad. (It’s also a good place to go to kill time while you wait for the queue for Arena to go down if you didn’t manage to get tickets for Cheesey Tuesdays) FIREHOUSE: The jewel in Exeter’s crown. It is allegedly the pub on which J.K. Rowling based the Three Broomsticks and when you see the three stories and tiny staircases you’ll see why. Whenever you go, it’ll be busy and you’ll have to wait for a table unless you want to stand all night, but if you can get one then make the most of it. Order one of their legendary square pizzas, get a pitcher of toffee �lavoured cider and thank us later. THE RAM: Your on-campus pub, The Ram is famous for its curly fries and chicken bite basket meals that will satisfy your carb cravings! With its modern interior and big screens
to watch the footy on, this is a great place to relax at the weekends and escape the essay stress. However, prepare to see literally everyone you know if you head over on a Monday night for RAG’s weekly pub quiz, or showcase your (awful) singing talents at Rameoke on a Friday. Exeter also has some great local restaurants that everyone should try.
BILL’S: Breakfast, lunch or dinner, Bill’s is great for any time of day. It has a wide selection on its menu so there will be something to satisfy even the most picky eaters. It’s a great place to bring parents if they come to visit, or else can be great for bonding with new �latmates if you’re struggling to cook for yourself and want a meal that doesn’t consist of baked beans and toast. The prices are reasonable for such a nice restaurant, so Bill’s makes a good option for every student budget. HARRYS: There is only one reason why you should go to Harry’s: the infamous Harry’s Heart Attack dessert. A giant mountain of mashmallow, chocolate, ice cream and all manner of other gastronomic sinfulness that should be for two, but many take on the challenge of eating it entirely by themselves. Some would say brave, some would say foolish, but it’s de�initely one to try at some point.
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Best of the post-lash pig outs
Eamonn Crowe, Lifestyle Editor, lists the best food options after a night out - trust us, you’ll need them
1) The Arena Burger Van
2) Timepiece Burger
3) Pizza
4) ECU Cuisine
5) A Dutty Kebab
AFTER a night of several Jaeger-bombs and getting low on the dance-�loor, the only acceptable end to a night at Arena is to gorge on a drunken delicacy from the burger van outside. The greasy grub is reasonably priced and the staff are lovely (although prepare to feel slightly ashamed of your dietary habits when you’re on �irst name terms with them). The chips are cooked to perfection and lathered in salt and vinegar at your request, but you will have to concentrate long enough to add your own sauces. However, Exeter’s party people beware, as once you have the holy grail of Exeter’s night-life in your hands, (cheesy chips) every passer-by becomes that one friend who says they don’t want anything and then eats half of what you ordered – bastards.
HAVING sweated out a stone in weight cutting shapes on ‘top top,’ a glorious Timepiece Burger is an essential (and justi�ied) way to end your evening. A bite of this beefy dream will put you back three to �ive pounds, depending on whether you want bacon, cheese and one or two burgers in between your bap - surprise, vodka isn’t the only thing that can be doubled! The TP Burger has achieved legendary status and is a rite of passage for all of Exeter’s club-goers. Rumour has it that they only taste so good because everyone consuming one is absolutely twatted, but if you stick to the tradition of being so drunk that you can barely taste the onions, you’ll never know the truth – oh well, some things are better left unknown.
IF you’re a fresher, the word pizza might not mean that much to you yet. It’s just something you order once in a while when your mum can’t be bothered to cook. But prepare freshfolk, because pizza is about to become your world (there’s no point �ighting it). After every night out, there will be a unanimous cry of ‘let’s order a Domino’s!’ and the rest is history. Somewhere in the back of your mind is a voice who warns you against it and smugly points out that now you’re �ifteen pounds poorer, you’re carrying an obese food baby and there’s a cardboard box on your table that won’t �it into the damn recycling bin! But fear not fresher, because despite all of this, you were able to savour barbecue sauce, spicy pepperoni and stuffed crusts... my god was that stomach ache worth it.
EVERY Saturday students descend on the Lemmy for a night of VK’s, cheesy pop music and... jam sandwiches? Did you ever think you’d see the day when accepting a jam sandwich from a stranger would become an amazing idea? You have now. Yes, when you stumble out of the Lemmy doors at 2am, you will be greeted by the evercheerful Evangelical Christian Union, who will accost you with a smile and a stellar sandwich. They even crack out delicious biscuits and, let’s be honest, what student can say no? I bet you never thought sandwiches could be great drunken food, but they can.These are truly the unsung heroes of Exeter University because our Saturday nights at the Lemon Grove simply would not be the same without some jam and Jerusalem.
A GREASY kebab is quintessential post-lash food and thanks to Exeter’s various kebab shops, there are several opportunities for you to get your grease-�ix after a night out in town. There is nothing better when drunk than biting into a lump of questionable meat with the aim of soaking up all the alcohol you’ve just consumed. The great thing about dutty kebabs is that they can be tailored to your individual boozy needs. In fact, kebab shops are a bit like Subway for people who are too drunk to actually make it to Subway. You can add chilli sauce or mayo to your mound of meat and then decide just how much salad you want to be piled on top, so that it’s kind of healthy (you’re fooling no one). As long as you’re willing to overlook the fact that for every kebab you eat, you shorten your life by about �ive years, then go for one. You have been warned. A dutty kebab is exactly that - pretty damn dutty! Shame on you, drunkard, and your nasty eating habits.
IT was after a night of dancing our asses off in Freshers’ Week that we ended up in EX4, because at this point we knew Exeter’s nightlife like Kanye knows tasteful. The tone was set for the rest of the night… The strip club above it wasn’t the problem, it was the guy I met there. He seemed fairly nice, but it was very dark and I wasn’t exactly in the most sensible frame of mind, so when he eventually asked me back to his I said yes. We squeezed onto his single bed and made awkward small talk. Apparently he was also on my course, but at the time this didn’t set off any alarm bells. Eventually he pulled the classic “are you warm in here? I am, do you mind if I take my shirt off?” It was an unbelievably crap line, but apparently it worked because I said that I didn’t, and he went into the bathroom while I got undressed. He came back out, and stood there in just his tighty-whities. Erotic. I wasn’t exactly a nun at this point, but I still wasn’t that experienced, and I think he could tell. He suggested that we tried something to ease into doing the deed. He claimed to have used food before in bed and said it was fun. Once again, my instinct was to say yes. He came back from the kitchen clutching a small jar - the only thing he had in his cupboard that was spreadable peanut butter. Now, I’m all for the stuff - on
toast it’s quite nice. But listen kids: whatever it is, it is not an aphrodisiac. It was cold and slimy and when he smeared it on, he started licking it up like a goat as I just lay there awkwardly. I was starting to get used to the sensation, until I heard him start chewing - it was crunchy peanut butter. It was bad enough already, but it all got too much when he tried spreading it on a rather personal area, shall I say. I jumped up and muttered something about an early start as I tried to get dressed and stumble out of the door. The next day I woke up and went to shower, but while I was in there I realised that I’d not been as thorough when removing the stuff as I’d hoped. Some was still stuck in my ‘foliage.’ Have you ever tried to get peanut butter
out of your hair? It hurt like a word that shouldn’t be printed, but I had to stand there in the shower for at least half an hour scrubbing away to get rid of it. My misery was set to worsen the next week. As I walked into my �irst seminar of university, hoping to meet other like-minded and studious friends, who do you think was table from sat across the me? Yep, it was t h e peanut cruncher, or as he later became known to my friends, Reese (for obvious reasons). I had to sit across from him twice a week for three months, all the time dreading that one day he would bring in a peanut butter sandwich.
first time for everything Keep fit and fresh A An anonymous student shares her worst Freshers’ sexperience Bethany Stuart, Arts Editor, ponders how to stay feeling healthy after the indulgences of Freshers’ Week
ALL of the fun of Freshers’ can begin to take its toll on our bodies, the routine mixture of alcohol and late night cheesy chips contributing to that most cruel of reality checks – the dreaded ‘Freshers’ 15’. More important than an additional few inches around the waist, this lifestyle can lead to some serious lethargy and an even greater reluctance to get up for those 9ams. Luckily, Exeter’s amazing range of sports clubs and facilities make it easy to rectify this idleness. The Athletic Union has 49 different sports clubs to choose from; with everything from Rugby Union to Ultimate Frisbee, you can improve your skills or discover something completely new.
The mixture of alcohol and cheesy chips contributes to the dreaded ‘Freshers’ 15 The Fitness Centre was only built last year and provides opportunities to work out on the best machines, with or without tailored personal training and – if you don’t fancy going solo – offers a range of classes at a
reasonable cost; with standard membership starting at just £23. If you’re based on St Luke’s Campus, you’ll be within walking distance of another recently renovated sports centre, including a 23m indoor pool. If the idea of working out in a
You don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy staying �it and healthy at Exeter sweaty gym �ills with you dread, there are less intimidating alternatives including dance and �itness societies, all of which can be found on the Guild website, that meet in venues across campus. Laura Payten, BodySoc President, points out: “Too often we search for the ‘perfect’ body when really we should be enjoying ourselves and staying happy.” Laura continues: “exercise has been named as a really important part of your everyday lifestyle that can help you combat fatigue, depression and even boost your social life,” highlighting that you don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy staying �it and healthy during your time at Exeter University.
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Interview
Monday 15 September Luke Sital-Singh Colston Hall, Bristol Monday 22 September Frank Turner The Lemon Grove Tuesday 23 September FAMY and Goodbye Chanel The Lousianna, Bristol Tuesday 23 September The Saturdays Plymouth Pavilions Sunday 28 September The Jungle Brothers South Devon Arts Centre Monday 29 September SBTRKT O2 Academy, Bristol Friday 3 October Tom Vek Princess Pavilion, Falmouth Saturday 4 October Allah-Las Start the Bus, Bristol Sunday 5 October Andrew Jackson Jihad The Cavern Monday 6 October Tycho The Trinity Centre, Bristol Thursday 9 October Nick Mulvey Exeter Pheonix Friday 10 October Eton Messy Exeter Pheonix
Spotlight
Tell me why I don’t like Saturdays
Tristan Gatward, Music Editor, pushes Vanessa White of The Saturdays to the brink of her intellectual capacity ahead of their Greatest Hits tour �inale in Plymouth next month AS someone stuck in the backwash of 70s psychedelia, my playlist to prepare for an interview with The Saturdays seemed less welcome than the Roman occupation of Judea. So as I set off to catch them before ending their tour at Plymouth Pavilions it seemed the only similarity between myself and Vanessa White of The Saturdays was a vague connection to my hometown in Somerset. You were born in Yeovil, have you channelled this into your music at all? Yes, massively. So does anyone in the band actually play an instrument? Yes, err, all of us sing obviously. Una plays the guitar and so does Mollie. Sometimes...
Goat @ The Trinity Centre, Bristol “Goatman made me pull my shirt off and start quoting Predator 2: ‘Voodoo magic. Fucking voodoo magic, man!’” - TheQuietus
How do you all go about the songwriting process? We all love to get involved actually, it’s one of my favourite things to do. But we kind of �ind it dif�icult if, you know, we go in as a �ive. There’d just be too many ideas. You had your Greatest Hits out in August, what would you say your favourite song on the album is? We’re about to release the eighteenth single from that so there are
lots there. But my personal favourite would be either ‘Issues’ or ‘Higher.’ ‘Higher’ just reminds me of such an amazing time, you know, it was just so exciting with the video, going to L.A., and at that time we weren’t a very big band, so that was cool.
Greatest Hits can mean an end of a career, or at least the end of creativity, is this the case here? No! Everyone assumes that, it’s really funny. Maybe we’ll have at least two Greatest Hits out. There are other ideas in the pipeline and it’s de�initely not the end. You’re playing Plymouth which is pretty near us, but would you ever consider the trip to Exeter? That would be fun actually. Do you know what? This is the last show, we actually �inish our tour in Plymouth so we’ll de�initely be hanging around there, we’ll have a party there for sure. I’m really excited about it actually, we’ve never �inished in Plymouth before so it’ll give us the chance maybe to do some exploring.
Exploring… in Plymouth. All the many �ields that Plymouth has. Exactly! There you go. (A small silence as I realise that she doesn’t realise I didn’t mean vibrant areas by ‘�ields,’ but actual ‘�ields’... literal
�ields. She’ll �ind out soon enough.)
One of your most famous songs is actually a Depeche Mode cover. Is this a good representation of your own music taste? I actually like all kinds of music. I’m still a massive fan of pop, you know, I’ll always love pop music, but I also like a bit of R&B, dance, you know, my iTunes is literally so different, I like listening to pretty much everything.
Oh my God please don’t do this to me, I will literally just die. Ahh, I’m scared! You’ve also collaborated with people like Sean Paul and Flo Rida. It was incredible actually working with them. Sean was amazing, he was just the nicest person and the most professional person I think we’ve ever met. He showed up to rehearsals like half an hour early.
So if you could choose any act dead or alive to collaborate with, who would it be? Without a doubt you know it’s got to be Michael Jackson, I think that’d be everyone’s answer.
In your ‘What Goes On Tour’ video, you mock yourself for your lack of general knowledge. Can we see just how bad it really is? Oh my God please don’t do this to me, I will literally just die. I’m telling you now I literally won’t know any of them – I don’t think I even did Geography at school. Ah I’m scared! Who wrote Pride and Prejudice? Oh God, I really don’t know.
In what year did World War II end? Oh no, I actually have no idea! And what continent is the UK in? England. It’s Europe. Really? I thought it was England.
The Saturdays are as suitable ambassadors for their genre as Bing Crosby is a byword for jazz. Luckily there is more to pop than auto-perfected harmonics: check tUnE-yArDs, Gold Panda, Cosmo, Micachu, Rustie, Mount Kimbie... All this being said, The Saturdays are great at what they do. On 7 October they’re coming to the South West, and while I’m going to miss it - and revel in doing so - maybe you don’t want to.
Introducing: Exeter’s music scene
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NEWS 1-5
COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-13 8-10 6-7
MUSIC 14-15
SCREEN 17-18
BOOKS 20-21
ARTS 23-24
GAMES & TECH 26-27
SPORT 29-32
FRESHERS’ ISSUE 2014 |
EXEPOSÉ
Exeposé Music brings you the best of Exeter’s venues, club nights and music societies
Tristan Gatward Music Editor Exeposé Music introduces you to two of the biggest club nights to look out for in Exeter next year: Our House and Holditdown, alongside the venues they’ll take over next term. WHAT is the main genre you try to attract at Our House? As the name suggests our origins are rooted in house music. When the night was conceived, house was growing in popularity and we wanted to capture this trend. However, the sets at our nights cover and crossover all genres from disco to garage to techno. What is your favourite of Exeter’s venues? Exeter Cavern. Our home venue and one that has played host to a lot of memorable nights.
Editors’ Pick
What was your highlight of last year? There were almost too many to choose from; from hosting Number One artist Second City at Cavern, to bringing Krystal Klear down to celebrate our second birthday to booking PBR Streetgang for our Hijacked after-party. However, for us, getting Bodhi down in January really cemented our name on the Exeter scene. What have we got to look forward to next term? The Our House AutumnWinterSeries14 is bringing even bigger and better acts to Exeter to mark the start of the term; we are branching out to Phoenix to play host alongside Holditdown to the Exeter Freshers’ DJ Showcase, which will celebrate the best DJ talent from a variety of student club nights in the Exeter underground music scene. We’re also hosting Blueprint - in association with Holditdown, we’re taking over Phoenix and Cavern and �illing them with Zinc, Billon and Origins Sound. Pick one track to sum up Freshers An older track but we don’t want to reveal anything just yet, and one that describes what is felt during Freshers week … Hot�lush Recordings’ release Scuba - ‘Adrenalin.’
A Capella Society Frankie Gough
What’s playing during Freshers’: ‘Juicebox’ The Strokes
EVEN with Cellardoor shut down, Hatstand remains our club night haunt. This year all the glitter and rainbow paint (bear with us) will exclusively occur in our favourite, Exeter’s Cavern; the first ones this term being Saturday 20 September and Friday 5 October. What’s so great about Hatstand is their promise of ‘no head nodding anoraks, just good vibes and ludicrous hats.’ Perhaps the only night when mixing with the locals isn’t atrocious; the student-local rivalry is forgotten in a slow explosion of decent house music, colours and giant lampshades.
Like some cold cheesy chips on the Timepiece benches, salted by tears birthed from a week of liver abuse and non-stop enthusiasm, Juicebox all too quickly reminds us that “For a while it was nice, but it’s time to say bye.” – Ed Scott, Semi-Toned
WITH over 150 members and eight different groups, we are one of the fastest-growing societies on campus. Our groups range from awardwinning contemporary groups like all-male Semi-Toned and all-female Sweet Nothings, to the classical Madrigals and larger unauditioned groups like Take Note - there’s something for everyone. Look out for our Freshers’ events, including taster sessions and our legendary annual pub crawl with Exeter University Singers: Friday 19 Sept 7:30pm in The Ram. Also look out for the Boat Party in Term Three – definitely the highlight of the A Cappella year!
EXETER PHOENIX
JUST off Gandy Street, Exeter Phoenix is a self-labelled ‘multi-artform venue’. As well as being home to several art galleries and studios, a radio station and a bar, it also hosts an auditorium where �ilm, theatre and live music take place. Although perhaps not as intimate or atmospheric as some of Exeter’s other venues, it has seen some decent names such as Wild Beasts, alt-J, Villagers, Cate Le Bon and The Joy Formidable, to name but a few. Highlights from their upcoming gigs include South West local Ruarri Joseph (27 November) and a collaborative return to the venue from The Pictish Trail and Sweet Baboo (8 December). Phoenix is de�initely worth a visit when it’s hosting club nights too, making a refreshing change from the usual haunts with multiple rooms and outdoor areas that aren’t just sections of cornered off pavement (no names *cough* Arena). One to de�initely put into the diary this term is Holditdown’s night featuring Eton Messy on 10 October. EMMA BERRILL
THE LEMON GROVE WHAT the Lemmy offers is something rather different from our metropolitan counterparts around the country. Instead of presenting up-and-coming bands heralded by Pitchfork and NME, the Lemmy gives students a chance to indulge in overwhelming nostalgia for those golden years of pre-pubescent discos. But hold on: far more than its weekly sign-off with Westlife’s ‘You Raise Me Up,’ the Lemmy provides the opportunity to see those bands so close to our childhood repertoire that we are tricked into thinking our eight-year-old selves would never forgive us for missing. This September we have Shift K3Y, ‘Foam Party with special guest Edith Bowman’ and Duke Dumont to hold our breaths for. A morbid thought. Whether enjoyed in the throes of naïve joy or ironically, we all end up there more often than is healthy and such it will remain. With Frank Turner, The Ri�les and Band of Skulls appearing this term we can only hope things are on the up - last year was worse. KATE BURGESS, MUSIC EDITOR
Campus Bands Harry Voge
Beats and Bass Society George Payne
What’s playing during Freshers’: ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ The Beatles
What’s playing during Freshers’: ‘Can’t Do Without You Caribou
So it’s a bit of a cheesy choice, but ultimately Freshers’ Week is all about meeting new people and making the friends who are going to help you get through the mad hazy rollercoaster that is university!
IF you’re looking to meet some new people and maybe even start a band, get yourself involved with Campus Bands! We put on regular gigs throughout the year and love all genres of music; so whether you’re looking for folks to jam with, or want to meet people who love live music then come along to one of our socials. During Freshers’ you can head on over to the Music Room, Sidwell St. for our Open Jam. The event to look out for, however, is Battle of the Bands, when the University’s best acts play weekly at Timepiece for the grand title. Have a great Freshers’ and we hope to see you around!
ANY Exeter student should be introduced to the delight that is Beats and Bass society. Formed in 2005, it has come to dominate Exeter’s thriving dance music scene. It offers club nights that celebrate the many genres and sub-genres of ‘dance music’. Whether you are an intrepid DJ, fearless producer, vinyl collecter or festival-goer, this is your home from home in Exeter. Beats and Bass has an array of events throughout September, starting with the DJ workshop on 17 September at the Lemmy and the Disco Drop-In Session the following day in the Ram Beer Garden. The jewel in the crown of these, however, is helping to host Our House presents ‘Blueprint’ at Phoenix and Cavern.
Tristan Gatward Music Editor What is the main genre at Holditdown? We don't attract a particular genre amd put on a wide array of shows. Right now, we love our house nights.
What is your favourite venue in Exeter? We love Exeter Phoenix and the Lemmy too for those big nights! What was your highlight of last year? We loved our Blowout nights, and Hannah Wants was great fun too.
What have we got to look forward to next term? Where do we start! We have shows feat. Shift K3Y, Duke Dumont, Eton Messy, and Zinc just to kick things off, but also looking forward to the DJ Freshers showcase on 19 September at the Phoenix. Pick one track to sum up Freshers. I wouldn't be so presumptuous! But it should be about good times, new friends and fresh opportunities. I'll go with ‘Flo Jam’ by Dusky!
Heavy Metal Society Emily Marsay
TO ALL of the metalheads out there apprehending the nights of sameold lash that lie ahead... remember: your future doesn't have to be one big past! Swap Arena Thursdays for Walkabout Thursdays this month to meet some likeminded rockers. Trade Lemmy Saturdays for the top �loor of the Journey's End pub, which transforms into a Heavy Metal Society haven. You can always escape to Cavern, which will play host to Battle of the Bands (22 and 29 September) or even compete to perform in the biggest metal event this term: the Halloween Zombie Ball.
Or, if none take your liking... Emma Thomas, Features Editor
WE also have many other musical societies to get involved with… Whatever your, ahem, ‘jam’, with societies ranging from World Music, Chamber Orchestra to K-Pop, Exeter caters to the most eclectic of tastes. For both musicians and fans, you can partake in anything from church bell ringing to Disney appreciation. For a comprehensive list of all music societies visit the Guild website.
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SCREEN
NEWS 1-5
COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 8-10 12-13 6-7
SCREEN FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @ExeposeScreen
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BOOKS 21-22
ARTS 24-25
GAMES & TECH
27-28
SPORT 30-32
FRESHERS’ ISSUE 2014 |
EXEPOSÉ
SCREEN EDITORS
Josh Mines & Ciaran Willis screen@exepose.com LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE Exeposé Screen
Newsreel Emmys for Breaking Bad Breaking Bad scooped five awards at the annual primetime television awards held in Los Angeles, including the highest accolade of Best Drama Series. Bryan Cranston was heralded with a fourth Emmy award, beating off tough competition from Matthew McConnaughey. Sherlock also won a hat-trick of awards, with both Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman picking up prizes in the Best Mini-Series category. Meanwhile, Modern Family won an impressive fifth consecutive Emmy for Best Comedy Series.
Coming of age
The Passing of Legends This summer saw the sad passing of several screen legends. Robin Williams, the comic and star of films ranging from Aladdin to Good Will Hunting caused a media storm in the wake of his tragic death. Two icons of a different era also passed away. Lauren Bacall, the husky-voiced starlet of To Have and Have Not and the hardboiled classic The Big Sleep, was a notorious screen beauty from the golden age of cinema. Whilst the actor and director Richard Attenborough was someone who bridged different eras - starring in classic films like Brighton Rock in the 50s and becoming a firm modern favourite starring as John Hammond in Jurassic Park.
Lucy uses its brain power Lucy, Luc Besson’s new sci-fi flick, has topped the box office charts, earning £3m in its first weekend at the box office and taking over at the top spot from The Inbetweeners 2. The film sees Scarlett Johansson, as Lucy, gain the ability to use the entirety of her brain’s power after she’s affected by a mysterious new drug, and cause a lot of damage while she does it.
Ciaran Willis, Screen Editor, casts his weary eyes over the coming of age genre
man.” As in The Spectacular Now and The Perks of Being a Wall�lower, we see the heady, formatively de�ining and
So he arrives at university and meets his zany new roommate, almost immediately, two beautiful girls arrive at his door. For the English Society’s tea on the lawn social, you ask? Well, no. They want to go hiking. So they eat
pot brownies, they hike in the mountains, and they watch the sunset. I can’t guarantee that this will be your experience of Freshers’ Week. Frankly, you’re more likely to �ind your �latmate has been sick in your sink, and that in Exeter it rains a lot. Part of the appeal of the coming of age �ilm is the nostalgia – the yearning for an overly romanticized past; but a past where small events were seismic and life was new, exciting and fun. But, like in most �ilms, we are experiencing life vicariously, through the medium. Whether that’s a Michael Bay orgy of manicured violence or a simple romantic story – the wish to experience what we can’t or haven’t is all the same. Of course, coming of age stories often revolve around love. As Trip Fontaine says in The Virgin Suicides: “She was the still point of the turning world,
Odeon
Vue
Exeter Picturehouse
Exeter Phoenix
IF you’re feeling a tad homesick, or want a larger chain cinema which is likely to show the latest releases multiple times a day then Odeon is your best bet. It’s the most central of Exeter’s cinemas, located �ive minutes from John Lewis in the city centre. You know what you’re getting with an Odeon, and with its central location and surfeit of mainstream �ilms it’s a safe bet.
AS with Odeon, if you’re keen on seeing the latest releases and want to be in a bigger, standard cinema then Vue does just what it always does in any other city. It’s slightly further out of town, opposite a rather forlorn looking bus depot, but is slightly swankier than the Odeon. There is also a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream counter and the seats are dead comfy. Plus they do ice-blasts - probably.
ONE of Exeter’s quirkiest and most endearing locations. Though it only has two screens, they show a good combination of artier new releases, indie �ilms and classics. The friendly atmosphere, ticket deals and old-style cinema snacks make the Picturehouse a unique experience. Opt for sofa seats for no extra cost, there’s a great bar and they accept Orange Wednesday codes. Score.
PERHAPS not known for its �ilm showings, the Phoenix theatre actually screens a variety of �ilms every Wednesday and at selected other times. It shows some less mainstream movies, as well as the best recent �licks. And not only is it the hub of the city’s culture, but it also has a cracking bar. The building itself is also easy on the eye, and de�initely worth the long trek into town.
TWO of this summer’s standout �ilms take the form of coming of age dramas and they couldn’t have been more different. While the Inbetweeners were swanning around down under, chasing sheilas in the ‘Mobile Virgin Conversion Unit,’ Richard Linklater’s Boyhood was tugging heartstrings with its nostalgic and emotionally resonant portrayal of growing up. It is a genre that has always fascinated me and it’s a genre I always fall back on – when hungover, drunk, under-the-weather, or on a Thursday. Boyhood, despite its occasionally saccharine tone, is a good place to start looking because it encompasses 12 years in the life of one kid, and we literally watch one boy grow up. The beauty of Boyhood is in its realism. It manages to turn those seemingly banal, innocuous moments – that camping trip with your dad, that argu-
ment with your family – into meaningful ones. It shows us magic in the mundane, and how life often comes down to fragmentary moments. But though one milestone after another is ostensibly ticked off, there is a beauty in the transience. Interestingly, the �ilm ends with Mason (Ellar Coltrane) – the main character – leaving for college. A moment obviously holding great symbolic importance.
A genre I always fall back on when hungover, drunk or on a Thursday
It shows us magic in the mundane. And how life often comes down to fragmentary moments
perennially anxious experience of �irst love. Of course, alternatively, there are The Inbetweeners and their not-sochivalrous quest for, well, “clunge”. Watching Boyhood - watching those moments skate by - we see how fast everything moves. As Ferris Bueller says: “If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” So take a look around. And when you’re writing your own coming of age story, make it a good one.
So, where can I catch a movie in this town? Emma Sudderick, Online Screen Editor, gives you a guided tour of the best places to get your �ilm �ix
ENTERING the world of studentdom doesn’t mean you have to exile the latest �ilms from your cinematic memory bank. Exeter has several cinemas, some better known than others, each one catering for different tastes. We thought it was only right to give you a brief overview of the best places to go. Welcome to Exeter’s cinemas! Remember to join Exeposé Screen and Campus Cinema for our joint Freshers’ pub crawl on Friday.
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Hannah Butler, News Editor, watches everybody’s favourite “bus wankers” head off backpacking in Australia The Inbetweeners 2 Cast: Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison, Joe Thomas Director: Damon Beesley, Iain Morris 2014, 96 minutes
LET’S face it – the Inbetweeners are always going to be funny. Since the boys �irst stormed Rudge Park Comprehensive back in 2008 we’ve come to expect and adore Jay’s bullshit, Neil’s idiocy, Simon’s tantrums and Will’s pretentiousness. These characteristics are de�initely all still there in The Inbetweeners 2, this summer’s sequel to the 2011 blockbuster – but still, I felt like we could’ve been given something more. The gags seem fewer and further between this time around, as the boys descend on Australia to surprise Jay on his gap year. This isn’t to say there aren’t some gems - the “gap yah” stereotypes are spot on, but there’s only so long we
can chuckle at bellends in dreadlocks. Neil’s desperate chasing after a mirage is hysterical, but likewise, it just seems to go on for that little bit too long. The �ilm frantically tries to recreate the laugh-a-minute genius of the �irst installment, but what humour there is here never really reaches the levels of the boys dancing to ‘We No Speak Americano.’ Crude jokes and more than a touch of slapstick are enough to keep the laughs rolling, but I couldn’t help feeling that loyalty to the boys also played a part in coaxing the giggles and groans. That effortless, comforting feeling of watching your peers screw up and do things you wouldn’t do in your worst nightmares is still there, and there are some touching moments, both metaphorically and indeed physically (in one of Will’s most spectacularly cringe-tastic scenes to date). For me, though, The Inbetweeners 2 deals the fatal blow when it shatters the happy ending of �ilm one. We’re
quick to �ind out that the dancing wasn’t the only thing the boys left behind in a deserted Malia nightclub. For
Crude jokes and more than a touch of slapstick are enough to keep the laughs rolling me, this was just a bit too upsetting. I didn’t want to see Lucy turn into a psychopath, or Jane stamp on Jay’s heart. Then again, maybe this was a necessary evil. Maybe it’s right for the boys to end as they started – together, rather than paired off with girls met during “two weeks of sun, sea, sex, sand, booze, sex, minge, fanny and tits.” The lads are undoubtedly still Inbetweeners at the end of the �ilm, and that only seems right.
Is the new Doctor a complete ‘omnishambles’?
Flora Carr, Copy Editor, catches former swearmaster-general Peter Capaldi in his �irst show as the timelord
tory of Doctor Who. But, of course, that “shush” was really meant for us, the audience. Sit down, shut up and listen, the new face tells us. I’m here now. Delivered straight from the jaws of an angry T-Rex, Peter Capaldi’s
Doctor has well and truly landed. At 56, Capaldi is closer in age to the Doctor’s earlier reincarnations such as William Hartnell and John Pertwee, so it was only �itting that the opening episode itself was a veritable old-school feast with traditional behind-the-sofa scares. There were even throwback injokes, with Capaldi making a dig at Tom Baker’s iconic scarf. Set in Victorian London, there’s plenty of gallivanting around cobbled streets on horseback, whilst a half-faced
IF you’re a fan of �ilms and can’t face the trek to town then Campus Cinema is the place to go. Located in the M&D room in Devonshire House, the cinema boasts a professional screen and shows all kinds of �ilms from recent blockbusters to cult classics. The cinema is run by the Campus Cinema Society, headed up by their President, Carmen Paddock, who enthuses “What makes Campus
Cinema special is its incredibly welcoming, fun environment. Our pub nights, quizzes and socials are fabulous ways to make new friends.” Professional-grade facilities, recent releases and special events are amongst the reasons to visit, but the real draw is affordability. While a trip to Odeon or Vue might leave you despairing at your dwindling bank balance you can enjoy an evening
COVERED in dinosaur spittle, the door to the Tardis creaks open and a new face appears. “Shush!” it says, to an unsuspecting Sontaran. Not the most dynamic opening line in the his-
Delivered straight from the Jaws of an angry T-Rex, Peter Capaldi’s Doctor has well and truly landed
cyborg does a creepy turn as the villain. In fact, the T-Rex turns out to be a rather minor character, self-combusting within 10 minutes. How did it self-combust? Well, as the Doctor would say: “That’s not the question” (do I sense a new catchphrase?). Because it’s not the plot that merits the focus here. It’s Capaldi. Plot-wise, the episode is �ine, but it’s standard Whovian high-jinks. I far preferred the time mix-up for the introduction of Matt Smith’s ‘rag-
We also have our own cinema Gemma Joyce, Editor, reviews a cinema just minutes from your halls
of entertainment on campus (with popcorn and a drink) for just over a �iver. Tickets to a movie will set you back just £3.50, and if you’re a real fan then becoming a member for £15.00 will get you discounted entry and you’ll be able to join fellow movie buffs on socials with the society. Join the Campus Cinema for regular screenings on Tuesdays and Sundays, and check out their listings on the right.
gedy-man’ Doctor. But if Matt Smith represented the fairytale, whimsical side of Stephen Moffat’s writing, Capaldi represents the darker side - the mystery. Here, �inally, is a Doctor to match Moffat’s scariest invention, the Weeping Angels. I doubt even they could out-stare Capaldi’s magni�icently bushy-eyebrowed glare. Moffat also uses the new Doctor’s age to create an interesting dynamic
“Shush” everybody, because Capaldi - and his eyebrows - are set to take us down a darker, uncertain path between the Doctor and Jenna Cole-
man’s Clara, who struggles to come to terms with the transition. Between “I’m not your boyfriend” and “I’m not a huggy person”, Capaldi’s Doctor makes it abundantly clear to Clara that the �lirtatious banter that she and Smith’s Doctor shared is long gone - to be replaced by something deeper. The relationship they establish reminds me of the dynamic between the father and daughter in So�ia Coppola’s Somewhere; a brilliant, vulnerable existentialist and a wise-cracking, innocent old-soul. So, to conclude, “shush” everybody, because Capaldi - and his eyebrows - are set to take us down a darker, uncertain path. I can’t wait. You can watch Peter Capaldi take on the lengendary role in the new series
Campus Cinema Upcoming showings
Tuesday 16 September: X-Men: Days of Future Past Thursday 18 September: Mean Girls Sunday 21 September: Frozen Sing-a-long
Tuesday 23 September: 22 Jump Street Sunday 28 September: Godzilla Tuesday 30 September: Only Lovers Left Alive
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BOOKS LOOKING for an alternative to a favourite novel? Why not try our suggestions for similar reads? Old School - Tobias Wolff Why not try Wonder Boys - Michael Chabon Professor Grady Tripp is suffering an extreme case of writer’s block and cannot finish the follow up to his highly acclaimed novel. His wife has left him, his mistress is pregnant, and his editor is breathing down his neck. Follow this pot smoking professor, along with some colourful students, as Tripp battles to find a purpose, and finish his 2,000 page novel Wonder Boys. A Meaningful Life - L.J. Davis Why not try Stoner - John Williams Stoner quickly became the mustread novel of 2013, after an unexpected revival. Originally published in the sixties, the once forgotten novel finally gained the recognition it deserved. William Stoner begins his study of agriculture at the age of nineteen at the University of Missouri, later becoming a teacher. Stoner follows the quiet life of an ordinary man, rarely remembered by his colleagues or students after his death. Williams explores Stoner with an emotional intimacy - his dysfunctional marriage, affair and struggles with parenthood are exquisitely rendered.
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Natalie Clark, Books Editor, caught up with Tore Renberg at the end of his UK book tour TORE RENBERG is a multi-award winning author, Norwegian TV personality and literary critic, who has been a successful writer since 1995. His novel See You Tomorrow is an extremely addictive page turner, following three groups of disparate characters caught up in a mad mix of crime, isolation, love, and debt. Filled with unpredictable twists and turns, its subject matter is challenging and extremely powerful. It will stay with you long after you have turned the last page. Despite his work having already been translated into 19 different languages, this is the �irst time Tore’s work will be published in English, allowing him to compete on a grander literary scale. In spite of the inevitable anxiety that is sure to come with this, Renberg is undeterred, and rather excited. “I must say that after one week in the UK touring the country with See You Tomorrow, I am impressed. You
It´s the readers who are going to decide, which is as it should be have got some dedicated publishers, and you have got great booksellers who clearly know the worth of foreign �iction. They seem to be engaging in it with sincerity.” The place of international literature in the English market is arguably undervalued by mainstream audiences. “It is no secret that if you are going to make it on the international market you have got to get your books translated into English. So it is of great importance to the evolution of world literature that British - and US - publishers have got their eyes on what´s going on outside of their own country.” The translation process of his latest novel, however, was by no means an easy task. “[It’s] a collective novel with 11 main characters, changing perspective throughout. It’s got over 100 chapters, it’s 600 pages long and it’s got a fast pace to it. I was very curious as to how
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Norway’s best kept literary secret
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this would turn out. It is also full of quite quirky, snappy dialogue.” Luckily Renberg was able to work closely with award-winning translator Séan Kinsella. “[He] is very picky about the language, he works hard and he’s got great literary sensibility. We were in touch all the way through
Publishers need to have their eye on what’s going outside their own country the process, great man, Séan.” Tore’s quiet excitement for See You Tomorrow is incredibly heart warming. “We’re working hard, both Arcadia, Faber Factory Plus and me, and we have belief in this book. But it´s the readers who are going to decide, which is as it should be. Literature is written for them. I’m just here to do my best.” Having already received literary acclaim in Norway, Renberg is con�ident of the appeal for a British audience. The novel contains a great deal of recognisable culture, particularly the musical tastes of the characters, the good and the bad, the classics and the clichés. “I cannot understand my own life without music or the enormous impression it has made, almost daily, in my life. For me this has been immensely inspiring since I was a kid, and if I were to
I saw them, they became hyper-real. The more details I know, the better mention artists who get me going I’d literally be going on for ages: Life without Morrissey? Noooooo. Without Dolly Parton, Nick Cave, Kate Bush? Ah, I just couldn’t take it.” Music thus became a powerful tool for Renberg in the writing of this novel. Each individual character’s musical tastes evolved into one of their de�ining aspects. “When writing, this became something of an obsession. I noticed that I was able to come close to them through my
discovery of their musical taste. I saw them, they became hyper-real, which is of great importance to a realistic writer of my kind, in the Balzacian tradition that I write. The more details I know, the better. “Jan Inge, the petty criminal leader with his country and western music, Rudi, the ADHD-stricken criminal with his classic metal, Chessi, the pregnant criminal with her power ballads, Tiril, the angry emo-kid with her Evanescence... Just great fun.” The characters in the novel suffer immensely and make “a mess of their lives,” something which Tore believes is incredibly important for readers to relate to, and feel empathy towards. “I believe that if there’s to be any chance of me writing a book with good characters who come across as real people that the reader can relate to, or even wonder at, this has to be the case. You know what actors often say: I go to the stage to defend my c h a r a c t e r. This is how I think. I write the book defending my characters.” Whilst this is a hauntingly dark novel, following
characters experiencing intense emotional turmoil, it is also funny. The comedic aspects add to Tore’s lively prose and break up this tragic exploration of the underbelly of Norwegian society. “They tell funny jokes, they come alive, they do funny things, and tragic things, like me and you. And I suppose it´s essential to my way of looking at life. We wouldn´t survive without our
I write the book defending my characters laughter.” The Man Who Loved Yngve, another of Renberg’s novels, was turned into a major �ilm. Could a �ilm adaptation be on the cards for this one, too? “Not any [plans] that I can speak of, haha... But let´s put it this way: it wouldn´t be entirely surprising if something happened down this road.” Tore signs off with the following advice to students: “Stay clean, as Lemmy of Motörhead would put it. Work hard. Read, read, read. Write, write, write. Be humble, be proud.” The sequel is published in Norway next month, and is available in the UK next year. It´s called Attack From All Sides.
Photo credit: Jimmy Ellingsen
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BOOKS
Any Last Words? For our Freshers’ Issue, we asked for literary quotes offering advice or comfort to new students...
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go...” - Dr Seuss, Oh the Places You’ll Go SABRINA AZIZ “Live! Live the wonderful life that is in you! Let nothing be lost upon you. Be always searching for new sensations. Be afraid of nothing.” - Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray CHRISTY KU “You’re a wizard Harry.” - JK Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone RORY HENDERSON “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” - Ralph Waldo Emerson FRAN LOWE “Behaviour that is admired is the path towards power among people everywhere.” - Beowulf JACK WARDLAW “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” - F.Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby SARAH GOUGH “Peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tower high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach.” - Tolkien, The Return of the King JOSH CREEK “I have no joys in tears after dinnertime. There will always be a new dawn tomorrow.“ - Homer, The Odyssey HANNAH BUTLER “I will never be respected so long as I am allowing my personal affairs to be jeopardised by my drunken foolish behaviour.” - Tucker Max, Sloppy Seconds HARRISON JONES
EXEPOSÉ
Discovering The Bell Jar NEWS 1-5
COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-13 8-10 6-7
MUSIC 15-16
SCREEN 18-19
BOOKS 21-22
ARTS 24-25
GAMES & TECH
27-28
SPORT 30-32
FRESHERS’ ISSUE 2014 |
Hannah Butler, News Editor, considers Plath’s presentation of mental health SCANNING the second-hand book stand at my local supermarket, I was surprised to see a title I’d been meaning to lay my hands on for a while. After reading the blurb and �inding out Sylvia Plath’s novel followed the story of a 19-year-old journalist wannabe just like myself, I decided The Bell Jar would probably be worth the 50p donation – and I wasn’t wrong.
It suceeds in balancing human sensitivity with literary brilliance Esther Greenwood is a talented young college student from Massachusetts, who’s landed a summer job working for a magazine in New York. However, returning home with various summer plans which don’t go as hoped, she soon begins to struggle to keep her grasp on life. As her world
appears to cave in around her ears, we realise Esther is sinking into a breakdown. The Bell Jar turned out to be completely unlike anything I’d previously read. Mental illness has been a much-discussed topic this summer, but Plath’s narrator conveys it in a way I’ve never seen done before - and the result is both vivid and chilling. Esther’s conversational tone remains unbroken as she begins to lose control, so we struggle to realise what is actually happening. Her seemingly calm, rational manner makes it easy to trust her narration, so it comes as even more of a shock when we are confronted with the reality of her condition. In a matter-of-fact tone, she treats suicide attempts as a kind of conundrum, as if solving a Sudoku puzzle: “Then I hunted around for a place to attach the rope. The trouble was, our house had the wrong kind of ceilings.”
We are repeatedly comforted with �lashes of normality: “We browned hotdogs on the public grills at the beach,” and promptly punished for this complacency: “Then, when nobody was looking, I buried it in the sand.” The Bell Jar seems to play with our perceptions of mental health. We know Esther is ill, and yet her frank, honest tone means we trust her in spite of ourselves. She certainly seems more trustworthy than some of those she encounters. We’re undoubtedly on Esther’s side throughout, but it’s an uncomfortable alliance - and remains so until the novel’s close.
Harry Potter Society Grab your wands and celebrate the work of JK Rowling, The University’s most famous alumna. The society have been an immediate success with their exciting socials, a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, and the legendary Yule Ball. This year is proving to be even more exciting, with Quidditch, creative writing competitions, �ilm screenings and even a musical! Their meet and greet picnic is on 16 September from 12.30-3pm in the Grounds between Queens and Washington Singer. The Quidditch Taster is on 17 September, from 1-2.30pm on the Rubber Crumb Pitch at Streatham Sports Park. Literature Society “For people who just love books” known best for their book themed socials and trips, this is a great place to meet like-minded people and chat about whatever books you love. From theatre trips to cocktail nights to free pizza nights, you can em-
bark on your literary adventure here. Join them in Forum Seminar Room 12 for Tea and Cakes on 15 September from 2-4pm. Exeposé Books If you’re interested in writing and publishing then join Exeposé and write for us! You can review the latest books, write features, and comment on the latest books news. Come and meet the editors on 16 September, 1-2pm in the M&D Room in Devonshire House or on 18 September from 1-4pm in the Exeposé of�ice. Razz Magazine Society The University’s only glossy arts and lifestyle magazine! Razz are looking for regular correspondents and columnists both for their online and printmedia pulications. Join Razz and English Society at Mama Stones on 17 September from 8pm-1am to enjoy an evening of live music and �ind out more about these societies!
HERE are just some of the literary societies on campus, so whether you’re desperate to �ind people within a particular fandom, hone your writing skills or simply love books, these are the societies for you. Exeter Creative Writing Society ECWS offers weekly themed sessions throughout the year, providing a community of writers with a friendly environm e n t to share work, give feedback and p r o v i d e members with tools to be as creative as possible. The aim is to develop the talent of their members - with a goal to publish on several platforms. As well as blogging, they also have plans to complete NaNoWriMo and create an anothology of the society’s best work. Their taster session is on 17 September from 7.30-9pm in LT1 in the Queens Building. Writers of any skill level are welcome.
The Bell Jar is available from Faber and Faber for £6.99
The Bell Jar seems to play with our perceptions of mental health
Society spotlight
Natalie Clark Books Editor
frustrated by her story’s open ending. However, Plath leaves us with hope for Esther, without undermining her condition, and in this way succeeds in balancing human sensitivity with literary brilliance.
Willing Esther to escape this illness completely, I was initially
Poetry At Exeposé Books we love to showcase the creativity of our talented students. Check out other creative writing on our website, or send your work to books@exepose.com! Orange You’ll find me at the bottom of your stocking - still or fermenting in your bag. My companions: fuzz and a biro lid – the one you never found. My pores, like yours are sagging. Our insides increasingly sour. Don’t threaten me with that ‘Zester’ that claws at my skin and leaves me humiliated, like she did to you. The last time you enjoyed me last christmas? A particularly sweet segment of mine, i’ll admit. You shared me between you but then - once again left me SOPHIE DUMONT
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ARTS
ARTS
NEWS 1-5
COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-13 8-10 6-7
Art
Detached and Timeless @ RAMM Until 2 November Paul Vivian @ Exeter Phoenix 15 September- 8 November
Comedy
Take the Mic @ Exeter Phoenix 17 September
Theatre
The Situation Room @ BikeShed Theatre 16-20 September Romeo & Juliet @ Northcott Theatre 23-27 September
Book now
Katherine Ryan @ Exeter Phoenix 6 November
Message from the editors Fellow arts lovers! We’re really excited to start a new term and look forward to welcoming back the regulars and meeting the newbies. We’re always interested to hear about anything you’ve seen or anything you want to write about so whether you’re looking to build upon an already impressive portfolio or try something completely new and different, drop us an email at arts@ exepose.com. Sarah & Bethany
SCREEN 17-18
BOOKS 20-21
ARTS 23-24
GAMES & TECH 27-28
SPORT 29-32
FRESHERS’ ISSUE 2014 |
EXEPOSÉ
ARTS EDITORS
Sarah Gough & Bethany Stuart arts@exepose.com
Fringe with a ginge: Arts Editors on tour in Edinburgh
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Arts Diary
MUSIC 14-15
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Sarah Gough (the ginge) and Bethany Stuart, Arts Editors, reveal their standout moments from a trip to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival
CREATING the festival pullout from last issue reminded us two culture vultures just how awesome the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is, so we took our own advice and headed up to bonny Scotland for three days of cold weather, comedy and unconvincing drag queens. With so many great acts from Exeter up in Edinburgh we went to show our support and ended up in a questionably decorated Romanesque basement to watch the Exeter Revue show Sketchy at Best. Contrary to its name, the show had some genuine moments of comic genius; a Winnie the Pooh rehab sketch particularly stood out for its brilliant acting and intelligent writing, playing with familiar household names and managing to do something wholly original with them. Student groups made up some of the best performances we saw. ‘Three Mugs of Tea’, a group from LIPA, performed a highly entertaining Brechtian satire of the Scottish Referendum with characters from the Jungle Book. The Oxford Imps were especially impressive, providing the audience with highenergy improv games and performing
an on-the-spot �ive act Shakespearean play based on our recommendations - complete with Renaissance style language and a miserable town crier. ‘Improv: The Musical’ was another standout student act, again creating and performing based on the audience’s suggestions - only this time with the added layer of having to fabricate songs, harmonies and dance. We had the pleasure of seeing You Cruise, You Lose, a musical which incorporated themes from Titanic and Ghost, with the result being a kind of nautical Brokeback Mountain. What’s great about the Fringe is that it’s easy to do on a budget - we stayed in a hostel with messages including “we survived three nights” (amongst other unmentionable things) scribbled on the walls. Luckily for us frugal students, the Free Fringe takes place across many venues and allows you to judge performances by donation, so you never waste money on a rubbish act. Acts involved in the Free Fringe come at both ends of the entertainment spectrum. On our �irst night we stumbled across Birthday Girls with their show Party
Vibes - a female trio with so much sass and so much stamina that you wanted to befriend them immediately, or at least join them on a night out. Full-blown cho-
Cold weather, comedy and unconvincing drag queens reographed dance routines bookended each fast-paced and quick-witted sketch, ranging from the silly to the satirical with a smell-obsessed, space-invading creep, a parody of boob obsessed Game of Thrones and our personal favourite, ‘The Great British Shit Off’. Of course Mary Berry judging show-stopping shits is the best thing ever - why did no-one think of this before?! On a high from the Birthday Girls hilarity, we were brought back to the reality of the Free Fringe far too brutally; at one comedy s h o wc a s e we were subjected to a butternut-squashplaying trombonist and a s e l f - p ro fe s s e d conspiracy theorist hammering a four inch nail into his nose. The moral of this story is that when it comes to stand-up,
sometimes you get what you pay for. Whilst you can stumble upon absolute gems, the are a fair share of utter duds. When we went to see Sara Pascoe we felt safe in the hands of a professional. Her show Sara Pascoe Vs History was impressively insightful and intelligent as she discussed what it actually means to be a woman, the biological and scienti�ic evidence of female sexuality as independent of men’s and how this affects our relationships. Her feminism is both digestible and inclusive, she doesn’t alienate or offend but merely discusses a genuinely interesting topic with a witty slant. We ended our Edinburgh experience with a fusion of our greatest loves: Shakespeare and alcohol. ‘Sh*t Faced Shakespeare’ are a group of classically trained actors who take it in turns to get suitably off their faces, and then perform a classic play whilst negotiating the unhelpful and very unpredictable drunkard in their midst. This act in particular is testament to just how unique and different the Edinburgh Fringe is: a total mash-up of culture and a celebration of all things creative.
Exeter in Edinburgh: what the critics thought Theatre With Teeth’s Dirty Decadence
The Exeter Revue’s Sketchy at Best
“The dance is at its best when at its nastiest, with mincing mockery and chilly mirroring used to illustrate the cold competitive streaks between apparent friends”
“[None of the cast] can be faulted for charisma or energy”
FEST
EUTCO’s A History of Falling Things
BROADWAY BABY “Each member of the group is flawlessly in tune with one another’s comedic style, bouncing off each other with their impeccably timed humour”
YUPPEEMAG
“The play presents an emotional intelligence with startling clarity... Lucid, light and utterly charming, A History of Falling Things is romantic comedy at its best.”
BROADWAY BABY
EXEHIBITION
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Exeposé Arts provides a quick guide to active arts societies on campus
Art Soc
Footlights
Hold weekly workshops and have their own exhibition space in Queens Building (and pay life models £25). Membership: £18 @UoE_ArtSoc
Everything musical theatre. Perform one big Northcott production annually. Membership: £25 @FootlightsUoE
Exetech
ShotgunTheatre
Provide all the technical genius behind each production on campus. Membership: £6 @ExeTechExeter
DanceSoc
Perform musicals with an edge, next up is RENT. Membership: £10 @ShotGunTheatre
Perform classic G&B operettas, this year it’s H.M.S Pinafore. Membership: £15 @EUGandS
Exeter Revue
EUTCo
Perform plays with an emphasis on new and student writing. Membership: £5 @TWTExeter
PhotoSoc
Exeter University Theatre Company perform a number of popular plays. This year’s Northcott production is ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’. Membership: £15 @eutco
Arts in the news
Whether you’re a writer, artist, photographer, model or designer this is the society for you. An active society running photoshoots, events, socials it keeps a constant eye on cultural trends. Membership: £10 @exeterfashionsociety
Exeter theatres receive boosted Arts Council funding
Theatre-goers
John Kearns wins Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award
ARTS AND CHATS WED 17 SEPTEMBER 19:00 ONWARDS BIKESHED THEATRE Join the Arts Editors for a cocktail, see some theatre and check out the coolest venue in Exeter, The BikeShed. Meet us at the front of the Forum at 18:30 and we’ll jolly on down together. MUSICAL THEATRE WHITE T-SHIRT PUB CRAWL THURS 18 SEPTEMBER 19:30-23:45 THE RAM BAR Meet the members of the brilliant Footlights, Shotgun and Gilbert & Sullivan and scope out some of Exeter’s best pubs.
With all you freshers attempting to work your wiley romantic charms left, right and centre, we’ve adapted some theatrical chat-up lines to ease you into your Exeter love life. RORY MORGAN: (Romeo & Juliet) “It’s never gonna work, you’re in Holland Hall, I’m in GEMMA JOYCE: (Les Miserables) “A heart full of love, a heart full of song, I’m doing Rameoke all wrong.”
Welcome beginners as well as pros and offer access to a darkroom, A3 colour printer and various equipment with chances to exhibit your work. Membership: £9 @PhotoSocExe
FashionSoc
Freshers’ Week: Don’t Miss
Artistic Licence
Theatre With Teeth
Write and perform comedy sketch shows, stand-up and improvisation with the aim of performing at the Edinburgh Fringe each year. Membership: £12 @TheExeterRevue
25
SKETCH CRAWL FRI 19 SEPTEMBER 20:00-00:00 QUEEN’S ART STUDIO A chance to take a sketch pad on a pub crawl.
Gilbert & Sullivan
Hold weekly classes and enter national competitions. Dance styles include ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, street and Irish. Membership: £24 @ExeterUniDance
ARTS
SOPHIE HARRISON: (Romeo & Juliet) “You shall make the floor of Arena shine so bright, that perhaps the god awful smell will finally take flight.”
Organise trips for thespians all year round at both local venues and in London. Join for exclusive discounts. Membership: £5 @EUTheatreGoers
FRAN LOWE: (Sonnet 18) “Shall I compare thee to a Firehouse pizza? Thou art more lovely and not as scalding.”
For a full A-Z listing and details of Freshers’ events, visit the Guild website.
HARRISON JONES: (Hamlet) “To Monkeysuit or not to Monkeysuit, that is my question.”
Developments unveiled for Bob Marley: The Musical
Kate Bush stuns audiences with theatrical pop show
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The ‘Fresh’ PC of Exe-ter
Ollie Knight takes a look at the free software that’ll put the ‘afro’ in your new PC’s afrodisiac NEW computers can be daunting. You’ve just shelled out loads of money for one, and you could be worried you’re not getting the most bang for your buck - operating systems lack some really essential features such as anti-virus software and a streamlined major application updater. Whether you’re a Fresher or a final year who’s finally got that new PC you’ve been dreaming of for the last two years (dissertations definitely justify a new computer, right?) it’s important to get the most out of your new machine and to keep it running fast and lasting a while. Before we break down some of the best programs for your new PC or Mac, it’s worth mentioning that students of Exeter University can redeem a copy of Microsoft Office 2013 Professional Plus FOR FREE. Use the link by Will Smith’s head for more information. Check out Games & Tech online for our top note-taking apps:
CCleaner (Free - PC & Mac) www.piriform.com/ccleaner
Ninite (Free - PC) www.ninite.com
Microsoft SE (Free - PC)
Handbrake (Free - PC & Mac) www.handbrake.fr
A LIGHTWEIGHT system cleaner, helping you identify the �iles your computer stores but doesn’t use or need, clearing free space that can make your computer that little bit quicker. Imperative to own if you �ill up your computer with �iles very quickly.
http://goo.gl/8Arzj A free anti-virus program that protects a PC against, not only downloadable viruses, but also spyware and malware - all in real time, meaning that your computer is constantly protected. For Mac users, a great alternative is Avast, which is also free.
The simplest way to check and update out-of-date programs installed on your PC. Simply tell Ninite what programs you have installed and it will check and download each of the newest updates so you don’t have to check every single app is fresh.
A video converter that can also rip DVDs. With this you can stop worrying about having to change discs when swapping �ilms.
VLC Media Player
(Free - PC & Mac) www.videolan.org
One of the fastest media players available at the moment. Quickly plays a variety of movie �iles, and acts as a music player too if all you need it to do is be fast. A really useful feature is the ability to skip straight to the menu of a DVD, although this doesn’t work with every disc.
Get your FREE copy of Microsoft Of�ice 2013 Pro Plus here: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/it/equipmentandsoftware/software/of�ice
F.lux (Free - PC & Mac) www.justget�lux.com
This program actively adjusts the screen colour temperature after sunset to reduce eye strain after staring at screens for prolonged periods of time. An invaluable piece of software if you’re staying up late playing games, writing essays or just browsing the internet.
For beta or for worse?
Sam Brewer discusses whether new game release models are beta than ever before THIS summer, Destiny became the most recent high pro�ile title to be released as an open beta (a game released for limited public testing before it is �inished). However, Destiny’s was different to previous betas in that, compared to other big budget titles, the Destiny beta was open to anyone. There was not even any need to apply - simply log in, download and play. There are a couple of reasons for this: Activi-
sion have invested a lot of money into the franchise and missing any bugs would be a catastrophe; the game will also be largely dependent on online servers that will need to cope with console gamers as well as their PC counterparts. More importantly, compared to previous releases, it is now far easier to release a free, open beta for the purpose of mass advertising. Obviously if more gamers play
and enjoy a game for free before release, they will be more inclined
It allows gamers to get an insider’s feel for the game to buy it when it is �inished. The idea of advertisement through playing is not new, however. For as long as there have been gaming magazines, there have
been demo discs. Though not so prevalent as they were in the past, demos effectively aimed for the same results as new-style betas. By allowing gamers to try before they buy sales should, in theory, increase. The move to beta releases of high pro�ile games is not surprising though, and seems likely to continue as the console and PC servers increase in capacity. Hav-
ing the �lexibility of an open, online beta, developers can react to problems as they arise as well as allowing gamers to get an insider’s feel for the game. Surely, though, this cannot be a bad thing for the gaming community. If more people are encouraged to buy games, more money will enter the industry, allowing for the creation of even better games in the future.
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GAMES & TECH
NEWS 1-5
COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-13 8-10 6-7
MUSIC 14-15
SCREEN 17-18
BOOKS 20-21
ARTS 23-24
GAMES & TECH 27-28
SPORT 29-32
FRESHERS’ ISSUE 2014 |
EXEPOSÉ
Press ‘Start’ to begin BiOShocking Evan Jones’ top five video game beginnings to kick off Freshers’ Week
Zero Wing ZERO WING is a fairly standard side-scrolling shoot ‘em up arcade game that you’ve probably never heard of. It was published in 1989 by Taito, a company most famous for developing Space Invaders. So why has this seemingly obscure game made the list? Well, the answer is that it had a very poor English translation for the Sega Mega Drive version, which led to the most unintentionally hilarious opening dialogue you’ll ever read - “You are on the way to destruction,” “You have no chance to survive make your time” and the famous Internet meme, “All your base are belong to us.” If anything, this game represents the embarrassing start you just don’t want to make at university. Animal Crossing series So you’ve packed your bags, said your goodbyes to family and friends and set off for a new destination. You travel there and possibly have the odd conversation with a stranger who asks you where you’re going. Upon arrival, you get a new room to put your luggage
in, say hi to your new neighbours and immediately end up in debt. This might sound like a typical Fresher’s journey to university but it’s also how every single Animal Crossing game begins. However, in this Nintendo-developed social sim, your neighbours are talking animals and you have no lectures to attend, with �ishing, bug catching and town renovation being the main activities available. Of course, it’s quite possible that raccoons run Student Finance! Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective Finally, an opportunity to talk about one of my favourites, which nobody has ever played. Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is a story-driven ‘puzzle adventure’ game (a rather ugly genre term) developed and published by Capcom. You play as Sissel, the amnesiac spirit of a man who just died. You shortly “bump” into a Yodaesque elder spirit who teaches you how to possess and animate objects, such as donut boxes and telephone wires, which is known as a ‘ghost trick.’ You then play ‘phantom detective’ with just one night to discover who your killer was and �ind out who you are before your soul disappears at
dawn. In short, this game opening is like meeting a brilliant but bonkers friend for the �irst time.
Half-Life 2 I’ve never been particularly fond of FPS games but Valve, the developers of the Half-Life, CounterStrike and Portal series, utterly transformed my opinion of the genre. You play Gordon Freeman, an MIT graduate in theoretical physics, who is placed by an otherworldly employer into City 17. You are forced through security by guards who are free to beat you, mock you and arrest you. You walk outside to �ind Earth a povertystricken dystopian society run by powerful alien forces. You have to rush through buildings and dash over rooftops because you are wanted but have no weapons. This opening represents not only the awe of discovering a new world but also the feeling of being alone and so very far from home. Just with more weapons.
Pokémon Because every university student wants to be the very best like no one ever was.
Are AAA games enraptured by mobile ports? Alex Roberts
RECENTLY 2K Games announced it would be remaking the original Bioshock for iOS devices, an announcement that came shortly after the game’s original studio, Irrational Games, was shut down by its lead producer. Bioshock is not the �irst triple A game ported to mobile devices, so does the future of gaming lie in handhelds and what exactly should we make of this new trend of porting old games? One of the things most noted by the reviewers of the iOS version of Bioshock was the signi�icant drop in graphical quality from the original 2008 console version. If handheld devices cannot create the same graphical output of six years ago then it is unlikely that they will be able to produce the graphical standard of the current generation for some time, so it seems that we won’t be seeing the next Bioshock - if there is one - adapted to handheld devices straight away and, for now, current consoles and PCs will remain the homestay of triple A gaming. There’s also the question of whether we should welcome this new trend. While it’s de�initely no
Handheld devices cannot match console graphics the market and all use the notorious ‘free to play’ scheme, where games are initially free but then charge the customer numerous small costs known as ‘micro-transactions’ for additional content, levels and in some cases to speed up game processes. These games are notorious for churning out large sums of money while providing little actual gameplay and many fear they are leading a steady decline in handheld gaming quality. Unfortunately these rather dubious practices are starting to be applied to classic titles. If studios do embark on a policy of providing as little gameplay for as much money as possible, repackaging old games to do so, it spells the the end of great gaming for us all.
Getting Crea-tive
Crea - the game for people with patience (not just Doctors) Emily McIndoe
IF you’re in any way impatient, this game probably isn’t going to tick many boxes for you - several hours in and you barely scratch the surface. Crea doesn’t do anything revolutionary, but rather
The combat is pretty basic when all you’re wielding is a wooden club and �ire attack
Cartoon: Emily McIndoe
bad thing to have classic games accessible to a wider audience, I’d call for a note of caution. Games like Candy Crush, Clash of Clans and (shudder) the Kim Kardashian Game (yes, that’s an actual thing) are some of the biggest apps on
unites elements from a variety of classic styles in such a way that the player can customise their own world and game style within it; the RPG elements mean you can re�ine aspects of your character as you see �it, with magic and an array of weapons and armours to discover in the process. You begin the game by designing your own character and naming your randomly gener-
Mus play t !
ated world, which is then yours to explore, mine, battle through and build on in any combination you choose, nicely catering for any kind of gamer with their own individual experience. The combat is pretty basic when all you’re wielding is a wooden club and a slow and ineffective �ire attack (combined with slightly cluttered controls), but like most features these abilities can be varied and upgraded as you level up. Following a familiar formula of mining and gathering (think Terraria and Minecraft) you will spend a fair amount of time digging tunnels searching for minerals. To continue reading the rest of the article, check out our website:
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SPORT
NEWS 1-5
COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 12-13 8-10 6-7
MUSIC 15-16
SCREEN 18-19
BOOKS 21-22
ARTS 24-25
GAMES & TECH
27-28
SPORT 30-32
FRESHERS’ ISSUE 2014 |
EXEPOSÉ
Introducing:
Mr. AU Photo: Edwin Yeung
James Beeson, Sport Editor, chats with new AU President Andy Higham to discuss initiations, intramural and inclusivity at Exeter
I come from a strong sporting background, I’m keen to be a part of the exciting developments at the University ment for varsities, as well as helping with their overall development.” When asked about why he wanted to become AU president, Andy cites both a passion for playing sport, as well as a desire to “see sport grow” at Exeter. “I come from a strong sporting background, and as a consequence I’m keen to be a part of the exciting developments that are taking place at the University,” he enthuses. So what exactly are the main aims and objectives of the AU this year?
“Attendance, social media and publicity,” responds Andy. Promoting the sporting achievements of Exeter’s students, as well as getting more people involved and aware of the AU and what it does is clearly important to its President, who tells me about wanting to “shout about success” within the University, particularly with some of the lesser known clubs on campus. I ask Andy whether he feels as if there is more the AU could be doing to help students get involved in sport (with particular reference to the high cost of joining University sports teams and the Russell Seal Fitness Centre). He acknowledges that the costs can be daunting, particularly in Freshers’ Week, but encourages new Freshers to attend the free trials and taster sessions to get a feel for the variety of sports that are on offer at Exeter. Speaking about the possibility of the �itness centre and sports clubs introducing a monthly payment scheme to spread the cost of joining, Andy doesn’t completely dismiss the idea, but suggests it could be dif�icult with many societies requiring sign-up fees
One of the top facilities in the country to run trips, socials and other events throughout the term. He doesn’t believes that the costs
of AU club and gym memberships are extortionate for what he calls “one of the top facilities in the country.”
All 49 of our clubs have some kind of session for beginners We touch on the subject of sports team initiations, a contentious issue, despite being banned by the AU, and whether he feels they could dissuade potential Freshers from joining University sport clubs. In the eyes of some, initiations, and their accompanying drinking culture, can overshadow the achievements of Exeter’s sportsmen. Andy, though, insists that as “the face of sport” he is always prepared to talk to anyone who feels uncomfortable to ensure that, if necessary, action can be taken. To end the interview, I ask Andy for his favourite aspect of sport at Exeter. He answers that it is the University’s ability to cater for students of all abilities that pleases him most, boasting that “all 49 of our clubs have some kind of session for beginners,” meaning that students need never feel inadequate or unable to get involved. Opportunities for students to get involved at all levels, from �irst teams through to intramural leagues, make sport a great way to make friends whilst studying at the University.
Interested in writing for Exeposé Sport? Come to our Sports Team Meet & Greet at 12pm on Wednesday 17 September in The RAM Bar
Across: 1) Hangover Symptom (8) 6) Geographers dictionary (5) 7) Exeter landmark (9) 10) ”__ __tired”, appropriate Beatles song for the first week of term (2,2) 11) Slow Onset (7) 13) They’re the ones to collect your student loan (7) 14) A sign of lecture boredom (4) 15) Arguably the most important reason for study (9) 21)Prepared (5) 22) Those in their first year (8)
Solution: Across: 1. Headache, 6. Atlas, 7. Cathedral, 10. I’m so, 11. Gradual, 13. Debtors, 14. Yawn, 15. Education, 21. Alert, 22. Freshers Down: 1. Hem, 2. Area, 3. Arch, 4. Handel, 5. Ask, 6. Ada, 7. Cardiac, 8. Limit, 9. Aspirin, 12. Drone, 13. Doctor, 16. Dot, 17. Ties, 18. Oboe, 19. Eat, 20, Ass
A UNIVERSITY of Exeter Tennis club member for three years, Andy Higham is sport through and through. After con�ident and relaxed introductions, I ask him to tell us a little about himself, his role as AU President, and what he does on a day-today basis. “It’s early days,” replies Andy, “but the overall aim for the �ive of us here in the of�ice is really to enhance the student experience. “On a personal level, I’m involved with all the University sports clubs on campus, helping with event manage-
Crossword No. 63 by Mishka
Down: 1) Clothes line (3) 2) Region (4) 3) Foot curve (4) 4) Musicians may study him (5) 5) To question (3) 6) Lovelace, English Mathematician (3) 7) Infamous Exeter hill (7) 8)”The does not exist”: Mean Girls, 2004 (5) 9) 1 across’ medication (7) 12) Quality of a lecturers voice (5) 13) Ambition of some studying at St Luke’s (6) 16) Morse Morsel (3) 17) No longer part of the uniform (4) 18) Reed Instrument (4) 19)Consume (3) 20)A Donkey (3)
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Exeposé Sport provides new and returning students with a run down of �ive of the top sports clubs on campus EURFC (Rugby)
EUNC (Netball)
Last Season: Last year the 1s made it to the BUCS semis and the Fresh 1s won BUCS Gold.
Last Season: The highlight of the season was the 1s win against netballing hothouse Loughborough.
Aims for this year: This year the 1s are expecting their strongest push for BUCS gold in the last few years with a strong group of second and third years. Their fresher intake is also full of some serious talent. Club Captain Ben King said: “With the new sports facilities that have become available to us over the last few years we should have a real chance at taking the BUCS title.”
Aims for this year: This year the 1s will be looking to improve on their fourth place last year. The EUNC 2s and 4s are seeking promotions, as both teams had some great wins last season and have a fighting chance to move up a league. They are also aiming to take the Conference Cup in their stride and make this as important as their league campaign.
Club Captain: Ben King
Club Captain: Anastasia Kenworthy
Players to watch: Freddie Gabbitass: Doing his PGCE having completed his undergraduate degree at Bath University. He is an energetic fly half who will bring experience and a rugby brain to the club. Jack Owlett: A first year from Millfield School. The team is hoping he will be able to use his 116kg frame effectively around the park. Alex Wilcockson: EURFC Vice Club Captain coming back after a 12 month knee injury. He is sure to excel for the 1s as well as persuing a spot in the England Students team. Paul Davis: Capped twice by England Students and having spent the summer with Exeter Chiefs, Exeter’s hooker will be looking to do some serious damage this coming season.
Players to watch: Ashleigh Jay: Coming back from a summer of training with the England U21 team, Jay will be a much improved and exciting talent for the club this year. Lydia Regis: First Team Captain and an exceptional role model for all Exeter netballers.
Important Dates: Monday 15 September: Meet and Greet (Walkabout, 6pm) Thursday 18 September and Friday 19 September: Fresh Training (Rubber Crumb, 6:30pm) Sunday 21 September: Fresher Games (Midday) Wednesday 18 February: Rugby Varsity (Sandy Park Stadium)
Important Dates: Tuesday 16 September and Wednesday 17 September: Taster Sessions (10-12am, Covered Courts) .
EUMCC (Cricket)
Last Season: EUMCC finished the year as the second most successful BUCS cricket club in the country, with a huge total of 137 BUCS points. The 1s particularly enjoyed a stellar season with BUCS indoor gold and a sensational run to the BUCS outdoor final, where they finished as runners-up, losing narrowly to Loughborough MCCU. The 2s and 3s finished 1st and 2nd respectively in their leagues. Aims for this year: Despite losing key players, notably First Team Captain Joe Barrs, the aim for EUMCC this year is to continue to establish itself as a major player in university cricket. The 1s will want to continue to take the scalps of MCCUs and challenge for more trophies. Undoubtedly it will be more difficult this year as they have lost their underdog tag. The three other BUCS teams will all be targeting BUCS league wins, with the 4s aiming for promotion and the 2s and 3s likely to battle it out for top spot once again. Club Captain: James Rimmer Players to Watch: Tom Abell: AU Sportsman of the Year and Somerset CCC star. Recently scored 95 on his debut Vs. Warwickshire. Ollie Mills: First Team Captain and star batsman, Mills will be looking to lead by example for the club this year. James Rimmer: Club Captain and spin bowler extraordinaire, Rimmer will be pivotal to any success EUMCC hope to have this coming year. Important Dates: Monday 15, Wednesday 17 and Friday 19 September: taster sessions (10-12am, Cricket Centre) October (Dates TBC): trials
EULC (Lacrosse)
Last Season: Last year after some controversy the Women’s 1s finished 3rd in the Southern Premiership, racking up a big win against rivals Oxford and Bristol. The Men’s 1s won their league and reached the BUCS semi finals, the first time a southern team has ever progressed that far in the knockout stages. Aims for this year: With a new coach and the best fresher intake to date, the Ladies 1s are setting their sights on winning the Southern Premier League, whilst the boys will be hoping to defend their title. Club Captains: Hen Watson and Nick Hudson Players to watch: Mimi Ruiz: One of the best goalies in the country, Ruiz will make a real difference to the Women’s team this year, whilst training for the U19 World Championships. Sophy Coombes-Roberts: The third year full Welsh International and Exeter’s top goal scorer will be looking to lead the Women’s team both on and off the pitch. Harry Wrench: Last year’s Men’s top goal scorer will be the attacker everyone is watching to put the ball in the back of the net. Christopher Adams: US defender and last year’s captain will lead the team from the back, bringing experience and a serious tackling style. Important Dates: Tuesday 16 September and Friday 19 September: taster sessions/trials (Men 3-4pm, Women 4-5pm, Rubber Crumb) Wednesday 5 November: Exeter Ladies 1s Vs. Oxford 1s (Topsham Sports Ground).
EUMHC/EULHC (Hockey)
Last Season: Last season was a hugely successful one for EUMHC 1s, who finished a strong 2nd place in the BUCS Southern Premier League, and also had a fruitful run in the England Conference West. The 2s also had a fantastic season, winning the illustrious Davis Wood Premiership. Exeter Women’s Hockey as a whole finished the 2013/2014 at a proud 4th in the BUCS tables, with EULHC 1s winning the Premier South Division and reaching the semi-finals of BUCS. Aims for this year: This coming year, EUMHC hope to continue their dominance of the South West, with all teams targeting promotion from their respective divisions. EULHC 1s are aiming to beat their previous best run of reaching the semi-finals of BUCS. Club Captains: Rory Collett and Juliet Heyworth Players to watch: Matt Richards: Made his England U21 debut over the summer, and is sure to shine for EUMHC this coming year. Kathryn Lane: England U21 International and EULHC 1s Captain. Important Dates: Monday 15 September: Women’s Trials (12-3pm, Water-based Astro). Wednesday 17 September: Women’s Trials (1-3pm, Water-based Astro). Thursday 18 September: Women’s Taster Session (12-2pm, Water-based Astro). Monday 22 and Wednesday 24 September: Men’s Trials (Time TBC, Water-based Astro). 26th September: Intramural Taster session (Time TBC, Water-based Astro).
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SPORT
NEWS 1-5
COMMENT FEATURES LIFESTYLE 8-10 12-13 6-7
SPORT
MUSIC 15-16
SCREEN 18-19
BOOKS 21-22
ARTS 24-25
GAMES & TECH
27-28
FRESHERS’ ISSUE 2014 |
SPORT 30-32
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Photo: Somerset CCC, Chris Treharne, Adam Wheeler, The AU >> From left to right: Tom Abell playing a shot during his Sommerset CCC debut, Luke Treharne representing Wales at the Commonwealth Games, Sophy Coombes-Roberts in action at the Lacrosse Super League series, Amber Reed playing for Exeter.
Sport Editors AFTER �inishing 6th overall in BUCS last year, Exeter’s �inest athletes continued to compete at the highest level this summer. We caught up with some of them to �ind out how they fared... Tom Abell, winner of the coveted Sportsman of the Year Award last term, narrowly missed out on scoring a century in his �irst game for Somerset Cricket Club. Having grown up playing every age group level for the county, his senior debut came at a crucial time, with opponents Warwickshire sitting just behind third place Somerset, with games in hand. Having top scored with 95 in the �irst innings, the Exeter star was brought back down to earth in the following innings, getting out second ball for a duck. Somerset went on to lose the match but Abell saw the posi-
In this issue of Exeposé Sport...
tives, commenting: “It was an awesome experience, making my debut in front of a home crowd at Taunton, my home town. It was great to do so well to start with but the loss wasn’t
It was an incredible experience in the athletes’ village Luke Treharne, Wales Rugby 7s exactly the way I wanted my debut to end.” The 20-year-old will now be looking to lead Exeter’s defence of their indoor BUCS title, as he starts his third year at the University. Elsewhere, Luke Treharne represented the Wales Rugby Sevens team at the Commonwealth Games
in Glasgow in a memorable tournament, marking the sport’s entry into the games. Wales made it to the last eight, narrowly losing out to Australia in the �inal play of the quarter �inals. Treharne is quick to pinpoint his highlight as the game against Kenya, when he scored his �irst international try, but also commented on his overall experience at the Games, enthusing: “It was an incredible experience in the athletes’ village. I had a surreal breakfast one day when Bradley Wiggins and Tom Daley decided to sit a few people down from me in the dining hall.” Treharne is now training for the World Series, with the �irst tournament starting at the end of September on Australia’s Gold Coast. Third year Sport Scholar and Welsh international lacrosse player Sophy Coombes-Roberts had a suc-
Meet AU President Andy Higham Page 30
cessful summer in the inaugural Super League series. She was one of the youngest girls handpicked to compete over the summer in the UK’s biggest lacrosse event to date. CoombesRoberts �inished as the league’s top scorer, despite her team, the London Royals, ending up fourth. “It was very special to be part of the �irst lacrosse Super League and
Finishing 9th was an incredible achievement for Bailey, who only started shooting after leaving hospital even better to be the tournament’s top scorer,” she said. Coombes-Roberts has since been
Uni sports clubs: Our top �ive Page 31
named in the Wales elite team and is aiming to be selected at next summer’s European Championships. Meanwhile, Issy Bailey, who will be returning to Exeter in September, competed in the 2014 IPC Shooting World Cup in Poland. The 20 year old, who was a promising young hockey player prior to being paralysed in a car accident in the summer of 2013, shot for Team GB in the event which took place in May. Finishing 9th in the competition represents an incredible achievement for Bailey, who only started shooting competitively after leaving hospital. Many congratulations must also go to Exeter Alumna and 2013 BUCS Sportswoman of the Year Amber Reed for her victory with England in the Women’s Rugby World Cup in France this summer.
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