Issue 112 by Forge Press

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Issue 112

Halloween

Harmless fun or celebration of evil? Opinion

p. 13

Gaming on a Budget

Stephen King

Games

Screen

The horror writers best and worst forays into cinema

Top horror game picks for under a fiver

p. 28

70% of people have witnessed sexual harrassment on a night out t abou Read age it on p seven

p. 36

67% of people surveyed expected women to be on the receiving end of harassment on a night out

Alex Holyoake

Majority of PhD students lose funding, figures show

University of Sheffield student wins Council election with 49%

Ben Warner

he majority of PhD students exceed their funding period, forcing them to live in poverty while they complete their work, figures show. In every single faculty at the University, as many as 91% of PhD students exceed their funding period, which is normally three or four years. This leaves them no option but to work, drop out, or struggle with their finances. The worst offender is the Medicine, Dentistry & Health

faculty, where 91.2% of PhD students over the last five years have exceeded their funding period. Andy Nichols, a PhD student doing a thesis in dentistry, saw his funding run out in October 2016 and since then he has had to support himself whilst trying to finish his thesis. “The main practical difficulty is funding. I’ve been really lucky to have a supportive family and alongside working part time, have just about coped. Spending a year on my overdraft limit has been really hard,” Andy said. “Mentally the hardest part of

it is the lack of control over your situation. It’s not just the lazy students who have to work beyond of their funding, in my faculty it’s almost all of them and while your friends who went on to grad schemes now have mortgages and good salaries, chances are if you do a PhD, you will be reliant on handouts from your parents just to buy food.”

Continued on page 5

A University of Sheffield student has been elected to Sheffield City Council in a by-election for the Beighton ward Sophie Wilson, the Labour candidate, won with almost 50% of the vote. The by-election was triggered when Helen Mirfin-Boukouris resigned after 13 years of service. She also works at the University, and wants to focus on her PhD. Sophie increased Labour’s vote share in the ward by 5.2% but the election also saw a big swing to

the Liberal Democrats. Their vote share shot up by 21% to 26.6%, with UKIP’s share falling by 19.2%.

Continued on page 6

Forge Press Editorial Team Editor editor@forgetoday.com Luke Baldwin Managing Editor Freyja Gilliard Deputy Editors editor@forgetoday.com Nick Burke Michael Chilton Web Coordinator VACANT Head of News Ben Warner News press.news@forgetoday.com David Anderson Courtney Carr Gethin Morgan Comment press.comment@forgetoday.com James Pendlington Josie Le Vay Features press.features@forgetoday.com Katharine Swindells Megan-Lily McVey Elsa Vulliamy

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Editorial

appy Halloween! Ah yes, it’s that time of year once again. Brown leaves, pumpkin spice lattes and questionable costumes. And we’ve got a suitably spooky paper to go with it. Opinion’s Halloween themed article discusses whether or not a festival of evil is appropriate in modern society. It’s really refreshing to read an opinion piece on Halloween that isn’t discussing commercialisation, Americanisation or cultural appropriation. As much as I disagree with the writer’s argument, I have to say this might be my favourite article in this issue. Over to Features who take a look into some of the editorial teams biggest Halloween faux pas and embarrassing stories. It’s a good laugh and I certainly learnt some

interesting things about my team. Keeping up with the horror theme next is Screen who have a brilliant feature on the master of horror himself, Stephen King. They look at his best and worst big screen adaptations; my personal favourites Thinner and Pet Cemetery both make the dishonourable mentions list disappointingly. But other than that it’s a great piece and definitely worth a read. Last on the scary list is Games who have a plethora of frighteningly good content. First up is a collection of stories from various contributors, myself included, about our most harrowing gaming experiences. We also have Gaming on a Budget, looking at some of the best horror games for under a fiver. Perfect for any student wanting to spice up their Halloween without

having to break the bank. If all that is a bit too creepy for you, then we also have dogs (and who could possibly feel scared after looking at pictures of dogs?). Lifestyle are debuting their new feature “Sheffield’s Goodest Doggos” and it’s as amazing as it sounds. The final thing I’d like to point out a section we’ve wanted to introduce since we took over the paper; Society Spotlight. The point of the section is to shine a light on some of the lesser known or more special interest societies. This week we talk to Matt and Blayze from the Roboteers, who meet up weekly to fight robots and watch Robot Wars. I had no idea this society existed and I’m sure many of you will feel the same way. Other than that, I hope you all have a fun Halloween with as few

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creepy clowns as possible.

Pic of the Press

Coffee Break press.coffeebreak@forgetoday.com VACANT Lifestyle press.lifestyle@forgetoday.com Harry Gold Ellie Conlon Head of Sport Adam May Sport press.sport@forgetoday.com Josh Taylor Tim Adams Music press.music@forgetoday.com Ben Kempton Florence Mooney Games press.games@forgetoday.com Chloe Dervey Tom Buckland Arts press.arts@forgetoday.com Laura Mulvey Florrie Andrew Screen press.screen@forgetoday.com David Craig Joseph Mackay Copy Editors Connie Coombs Brenna Cooper Leah Fox Harriet Evans Amy King Charlotte Knowles-Cutler Photography Kate Marron

Kate Marron As Autumn rolls into the city of Sheffield, warm colours synonymous with the season, spread throughout the city. As halloween approaches, the nights draw in and university life gets well under way, it is important to remember to relax and de-stress. Weston Park (pictured above) is located next to the Students’ Union and works as an ideal location to take a break from studying. Opened in 1875 the park is still home to squirrels and ducks who can be found throughout the area. Although the park is popular

with both locals and students all year round, the autumn season proves to be a great showcase of nature being well integrated into a city centre, making it particularly scenic this time of year.

See your photo here Contact press.photography@ forgetoday.com with submissions

Get Involved

Want to join the team? Fancy yourself a decent writer or presenter? Then why not get involved with Forge Media! No prior experience is needed and anyone can apply. We also have vacancies for the following positions: - Coffee Break Editor - Copy Editor for Sport - Website Coordinator Join the Facebook group “Forge Media Contributors 17/18”for all the lastest articles or to pitch your own ideas. Keep an eye out for our next EGM where will be holding a vote for the vacant positions. This will most likely be in the next month, any information will be posted on our Facebook page. Contact luke.baldwin@forgetoday.com with any questions.

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Wednesday 18 October 2017

Greens back Yorkshire devolution deal Ben Warner

he Green Party have backed a Yorkshire-wide devolution deal, favouring it over one for the Sheffield City Region. Councillor Rob Murphy, of the City ward, submitted a motion to the Full Council meeting calling on

the Labour-led council to pursue a devolution deal for the whole of Yorkshire. However, amendments backed by Labour councillors meant that the final motion supported a deal for the Sheffield City Region instead. In the end, it had the same wording as a similar motion made by Liberal Democrat councillor Shaffaq Mohammed. A potential devolution deal has been in the pipeline for some time but has hit roadblocks with local councils in South Yorkshire unable to agree on how it would work. The Green Party argue that

Sheffield City Council should join the majority of Yorkshire’s councils in wanting a ‘One Yorkshire’ devolution deal. Currently 17 out of 20 councils in the county are in favour. Sheffield City Region was meant to elect a mayor for the region in May, alongside Greater Manchester and several other areas, but a breakdown in negotiations led to a postponement until next year. Rob Murphy said: “It is time for Sheffield’s leaders to swallow their pride. We should be working together with the vast majority of Council’s across Yorkshire, for the

best for everyone here. “We are calling on the Council to stop following the Government’s agenda, and with the support of the public start dragging real power and finance away from London.” Five years ago, people in Sheffield voted against a directly-elected mayor for the city in a referendum. The Green Party are also backing a Yorkshire-wide referendum on any potential agreement once negotiations with central Government are complete.”

Cllr Rob Murphy, Green Party

Jail for trio who robbed group of students Courtney Carr

The Santander branch at the Students’ Union

Kate Marron

Santander agreement with University renewed for three years Rebecca Lally

he University has arranged a new threeyear partnership with the Universities division of Santander Bank, continuing a relationship which began in 2010. Vice-Chancellor Sir Keith Burnett and Matt Hutnell - the director of Santander Universities UK - signed the contract on 27 September. This news means the company will donate £225,000 to various projects at the university, such as funding international scholarships and support scholarships for students from underrepresented areas, potentially widening participation and increasing the diversity of Sheffield’s student body. These payments will be split into three annual payments of £75,000. In addition, the partnership

will support the Entrepreneurship Summer School Bursaries and encourage student-led initiatives. Some of the new funding will also go towards the ‘Give It A Go’ programme, which offers students the chance to to take part in activities they wouldn’t normally try. These include sports such as Quidditch. After signing the agreement, Burnett and Hutnell met with previous student recipients of the Santander awards from the University of Sheffield, who spoke about the impact this funding had had on themselves and their plans for the future. Sir Keith Burnett said “The University of Sheffield has been proud to work with Santander to create wonderful educational opportunities over the last seven years and we are delighted to be extending this relationship today. “We share in common a

commitment to the positive impact of international students and international partnerships, and both organisations see the vital transformative power of education around the world. “Another shared commitment

is to opening opportunity for those who may need additional help to access education but who we know will flourish and achieve tremendous things when they

receive it. “Our University of Sheffield was founded in 1905, to help ‘bring the highest education within the reach of the child of the working man...’ and we continue to take this challenge seriously. “From our industry sponsored apprentices to our outreach activities with schools, our ambition is to ensure all students have the opportunity to study and excel at Sheffield and we are deeply grateful to Santander for helping to support work which gives opportunities to students who truly value it. “We look forward to developing this partnership and sharing our successes in the years to come.”

Two women and a man have been given prison sentences for robbing two university students in Sheffield city centre last year. Claire Louise Mashford 39, of no fixed address, 37-year-old Darrell Stenson, of no fixed address, and 41-year-old Eileen Devlin – also of no fixed address – robbed a group of students as they left Corporation nightclub in Milton street. Miss Mashford was sentenced to almost two years in prison on the 29th of September, at Sheffield Crown court, as she pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. Mr Stenson was also given a year sentence after pleading guilty, and Miss Devlin was also handed a one-year sentence, suspended for two years after being convicted of the same crime. Their targets were subject to a ‘ferocious’ attack when they refused to hand over money to the trio. Two of the students, a 19-year-old man and woman, were seriously injured and the man was knocked unconscious. When arrested at a nearby hostel, Miss Mashford and Devlin had dyed their hair, which Detective Insp Paul Murphy said was a sign that they were attempting to evade detection. He also said: “The sentences passed send out the message that if you commit such offences, we will endeavour to put you before the courts and ask for the maximum sentence.”

The students were subject to a ‘ferocious’ attack when they didn’t hand over money

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Forge Press

Bolehills

Pavilion hit

by potential

arson attack Ben Warner

Gates preventing people from reaching the burnt-out Pavilion

Ben Warner

New Labour MP Jared O’Mara hands tree petition to Jeremy Corbyn Luke Pedley

heffield Hallam’s new Labour MP Jared O’Mara has promised to act as “the messenger”, delivering a trees petition to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. The petition demands that Corbyn intervenes as a mediator between tree campaigners and local Labour-controlled Sheffield City Council as the debate over the tree issue rages. Whilst the Green Party and Environment Minister Michael Gove have voiced concerns on the tree felling – with 5000 already

cut-down - Labour had previously been silent on the issue. O’Mara’s public promise to push forward the petition gives the public – and private felling contractor AMEY – some reassurance that progress is being made on the issue. Some of the trees under threat are those on Western Road. The trees - a memorial to Sheffield men who lost their lives in World War I - were planted in 1919 by their families and funded by the Sheffield Community Prominent No Stump City campaigner Alan Story argues: “The trees are listed in the

Imperial War Museum as a living war memorial. If they cut them down, it would be desecration. Let’s say some yobbo goes over and pisses on a cenotaph. You

We’re against cutting down healthy trees.

could go to jail for peeing on a war memorial. So what do you get for tearing it down?” “You do have to take down trees sometimes. We’re objecting to cutting down healthy trees.” The No-Stumps-City group would like to send their thanks to Sheffield’s student residents who have allowed the campaigners to prevent felling by giving permission to stand in gardens whilst Amey attempted to cut down trees. Both AMEY and the SCC were unavailable for comment.

Firefighters spent two hours fighting a blaze at Bolehill Recreation Ground’s Pavillion in the early hours of Friday 6 October. Councillors have pledged support for efforts to rebuild the Pavillion, although there are concerns it’s a dangerous structure and needs to be demolished. Neale Gibson, Labour councillor for Walkley, said: “I am angry to see such a community asset so cruelly taken away. “The Pavilion was really well used by people from all over. I know that a lot of Walkley residents regularly went there and the Pavilion was used daily by bowlers and croquet players in season.” Police are treating the fire as an arson attack, and anyone with information should contact South Yorkshire Police on 101. Craig Gamble-Pugh, one of Crookes’ councillors, who has visited the site, said: “It is just shocking. The Pavilion is completely burnt out. It is not just the use of the building that has been lost, but it is the memories too. Much was destroyed in the fire, including trophies won by the Bowling team, that can’t be replaced.”

Prosecco bar to open on Eccy Road Courtney Carr A pizza and beer restaurant on Ecclesall Road is under refurbishment to become the UK’s ‘first Bocelli 1831 Bar’, specialising in prosecco and sparkling wine. Craft and Dough, owned by the Milestone Group, also plans to start a Bocelli 1831 kitchen due to open in November. Bocelli 1831 is a sparkling wine brand owned by the family of famous opera singer Andrea Bocelli. The Milestone Group say that the restaurant will remain a part of the group. Matt Bigland of the Milestone Group said: “Whether it is the music of La Boheme, or the wine of la dolce vita, Andrea and his family understand the art of living well”. The drink menu will feature prosecco and more classical drinks such as fior d’arancio.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn at Chatham House in May 2017

Chatham House

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Wednesday 18 October 2017

First Iraqi student conference at University Matthew Hartill The University of Sheffield held its first ever Iraqi student and research conference at the end of last month. The event, held on 29 September at Firth Court, was the brainchild of Mohammed Shbeh, the President of the University’s Iraqi society. It was designed to enable a contact network

to be set-up between the Iraqi researchers present at the event and to foster future cooperation and collaboration. The event attracted a number of high profile attendees, including Dr Hassan Al-Alak and Assistant Professor Dr Nahi Yousef Yassin, from the Iraqi Cultural Attache in London. Shbeh, 29, conceived the idea of

5 the conference before his election as President in April of this year, explaining he wanted the society to

1st Iraqi student conference

be at the forefront of Iraqi scientific research. He said: “I wanted the society to support scientific collaboration, achievements,

and to promote the development of leading research groups from different universities in the UK upon returning to Iraq.” Attendee Ula Merie said: “The event lifted my spirits, seeing so many Iraqi researchers sharing the same responsibilities, dreams and enthusiasm towards the future of Iraq.” Despite the success of the event, Shbeh remains uncertain whether it will go ahead for a second time next year, unless they source enough funding for the costly event. Some of the attendees

Iraqi Society

SU and University launch ACT campaign Ben Warner

Firth Court as seen from the Octagon

Dan West

Majority of PhD students lose funding, figures show (Cont. from front page)

Ben Warner The faculty with the least students continuing past their funding period is Social Sciences, who had 555 (71.9%) students working beyond their funding period in the last five years. Arts and Humanities had 282 (88.4%) of students submitting their work after the funding period, while in the Science faculty 667 (80.3%) students did the same. Engineering had the most students by number go beyond their funding period, with 862 (90.6%) in the last five years alone. “These figures are shocking, but sadly not surprising in the current

context. PhD students continue to be some of the most hard hit by changes in education, both in Sheffield and nationally,” Education Officer Stuart McMillan said. “With the overarching work culture in Universities, cuts to support staff, and the increasing use of casualised teaching contracts, it’s no surprise things are at crisis level. “In the year ahead, the Students’ Union will be putting lots of work into fighting the poor conditions of postgraduate research students, including working with the UCU (University and College Union).” On top of having to support themselves, students who don’t submit their thesis within their funding period have to pay a continuation fee to give them more

time to finish writing. For the 2017/18 academic year, the University charged £420 for PhD students needing to do this.

You will be reliant on handouts from parents just to buy food However, there is some potential for fees to be refunded. If a student submits their thesis within the first three months of the year, the continuation fee is waived and their

money returned. After that, it is refunded on a pro rata basis – that is, if the thesis is submitted after six months, half of the money is refunded. Current SU policy is that continuation fees should be scrapped. The policy was renewed by SU Council in March 2016, and is up for renewal again in November 2019. Deborah McClean, Interim Director of Research and Innovation Services at the University of Sheffield, said: “We acknowledge that postgraduate research students completing their thesis, beyond their funded period, may have to manage that alongside work and other commitments, which can be challenging. “Students are encouraged to

The Students’ Union has launched a campaign alongside the University, encouraging students to ‘ACT’ – Ask, Care, Tell – when looking after their fellow students. Women’s Officer Celeste Jones and Welfare Officer Reena Staves back the campaign, which aims to help prevent sexual harassment, verbal abuse, hate crime and more. Students and societies are being encouraged to sign a pledge saying they will ACT, by doing what they can when they see something and believe it is safe to intervene. This could be as simple as talking to someone about their issues, sitting next to them, and many other things. This comes after recent statistics showed almost 50% of people in Yorkshire had experienced some form of sexual harassment on a night out (read more about it on page 7). As well as looking after each other, the campaign also encourages students to tell staff at venues about any incidents that occur. First-year students will also be given ‘Consent Conversations’ alongside their flats during their first few weeks in Sheffield.

submit their thesis within their funded period wherever possible and plan their research accordingly. However, like most other UK universities, Sheffield allows submission beyond the funded period. “Funding for research degrees is available from a wide variety of sources, nationally and internationally, and postgraduate research students receive clear information, both at application and at offer stage about the duration of the funding available.”

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Forge Press

Student wins Council election (Cont. from front page)

The Ridge

The Conservative candidate, Laurence Smith, is also a student at the University of Sheffield. Labour Councillor and former University of Sheffield student Moya O’Rourke endorsed Sophie throughout the election: “Students like me and Sophie are a huge part of the City and need to be represented democratically too. Young, let alone female, opinions need to be heard” Before the election, Sophie said: “I think young people’s voices deserve to be heard as loudly as the older generations. “We’re currently being given a rotten deal by the government, and have been over looked for a long time. “House prices are rising, rents are rising, and to top it off we’re not even allowed to claim housing benefit when we do rent.” “Young people made such a difference at the general election, and can continue to make change, by getting involved.” Ben Warner

Student campaign to reopen Ridge David Anderson Students living in the University of Sheffield’s Ranmoor accommodation are appealing for

the village’s Ridge Bar to be reopened. The Ridge, Ranmoor’s equivalent of Endcliffe’s Edge Bar, was closed at the end of the last academic year

due to a decline in trade. New first years moving into the village told Forge they were unaware that the bar would not be opening this year. “No one told us anything about it being closed, it wasn’t until I wanted to go down for a pint on the second night, after a long day, that I was told it was closed,” Craig Elliott, a Ranmoor resident, said. “When I told my parents they weren’t too happy. They remembered reading that The Ridge was a good place to go according to the website, it was one of the main reasons I picked

Ranmoor and not City.” A PDF document advertising Endcliffe and Ranmoor, which is the fourth search result for “Ranmoor” on the University website, is still advertising the Ridge as one of the benefits of Ranmoor, despite it being closed. Craig said: “My argument is that this year we haven’t had a chance to use it, and I know people would!” Forge has reached out to the University for comment.

Former Sports Officer cycles through Wales to raise money for CRY

Ben Warner

former Students’ Union officer has cycled through Wales with friends in tribute to a friend who passed away while studying at the University. Jonny Block was the Sports Officer for the 2015-16 academic year. He joined up with four of his friends from university over the August bank holiday weekend to cycle the length of Wales in memory of their friend Thomas Russell, who passed away while studying physics. Jonny was joined by Tom Hare, Jamie Glydon, Iain Currie and James Colclough as they tried to raise

the profile of CRY, a charity who focus on preventative measures surrounding cardiac risks among young people. They decided to cycle through Wales due to Thomas being proud of his Welsh heritage. They started from the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, the home of the national rugby side, and ended in Conwy, a town on the north coast. The group also took the opportunity to raise some money for CRY. At the time of writing they’ve raised £7,600 of their £8,000 total. This is almost enough to screen 100 young people for potential issues with their heart.

This is where Thomas’ grandparents still live and where he was buried after his passing.

They cycled 220 miles in just two days during August

The journey was 220 miles, and they managed to complete it in just two days – 115 on the first day along the English border through the Brecon Beacons, then 105 on the second. “It was really important for us to do something to remember Tom and our aim was always to try to raise enough for 100 people to get scanned to try to prevent something like this happening again,” Jonny said. “It was a tough challenge but fully worth it.”

PhD student toiletmaps Sheffield Gethin Morgan

An IBS-suffering PhD student at the University has been studying the city’s toilets. Lauren White, who studies Sociology, has endured with Irritable Bowel Syndrome her entire life. She’s looking at how the disorder impacts people’s lives by mapping the amount of public toilets in Sheffield. In the last decade 1,782 have been closed in the UK. There are currently 13 council-owned toilets in Sheffield, with five closing in 2015 due to ‘lack of use’. Speaking to BBC Five Live, she said: “When you’ve got conditions like IBS, toilets can be one of the things you think about every single day. It can be the difference between whether you go out or not.” She added: “The message I had at school was ‘girls don’t poo’. We need to start that conversation about IBS. It’s something very real.”

Forge Press

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Bronte portrait impressions Gethin Morgan Research by the University of Sheffield has revealed how the only portrait of Charlotte Brontë has been adapted to reflect her in different ways. Dr Amber Regis from the School of English led the study, which found

that the way in which the image is adapted unveils whether the artist sees her primarily as a writer or a woman. The chalk sketch, which was produced in 1850, is the only professional portrait of the author drawn in person. It was drawn by George Richmond, and has been adapted many times in the 167 years since. According to her publisher George Smith, Brontë burst into tears when she first saw the portrait, saying it looked more like her sister Anne, who had died the previous year.

7 The Brontë servant, Tabby, also

1850 year the only

portrait was made

supposedly argued that it looked too old. Dr Regis explained how some portraits focus on Charlotte’s womanliness, while others emphasise her identity as an

author. She said: “With so few surviving portraits from life, the face of Charlotte Brontë remains a fascinating, persistent mystery. How we see her, how we picture her, speaks volumes about how we employ her image to redefine the role of the woman writer.” Findings from the research were discussed at ‘Off the Shelf: Festival of Words’, led by the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, on Monday 9 October. One of the portraits

Evert A.

of Bronte

Duyckinck

Morgan to

lead student loans

inquiry Ben Warner

A crowd at a concert

Yvette de Wit

70% of people have seen sexual harrassment on a night out Ben Warner

eventy per cent of young men and women in Yorkshire and Humberside have seen sexual harassment on a night out, a new survey for Drinkaware has found. It also found 67% of people surveyed expected women to be on the receiving end of inappropriate comments, touching and behaviour while on a night out. Almost half of people also said they’d experienced some form of sexual harassment while out drinking too. Drinkaware is campaigning to end unwanted sexual harassment and its “normalisation”. They are giving advice to people who see

harassment, with the three steps ‘spot it, check it, speak out’. The three steps involve seeing if suspicious behaviour is occuring, whether it is safe to step in and talk to the person being targeted, or staff/security at the venue, “For far too many people, drunken sexual harassment is now sadly part and parcel of a night out,” Janet MacKechnie, Campaign Lead for Drinkaware, said. “Being drunk is no excuse to grab, grope or make inappropriate comments to strangers on a night out after a few drinks. “If people see someone being sexually harassed, asking them if they are ok can make a big difference - whether they’re a friend or a

stranger. “It can be difficult to know exactly what to do which is why

Asking someone if they’re okay on a night out can make a big difference Drinkaware are giving young people this information and advice in

the hope that next time they feel more confident to offer support to someone. “It’s time to put an end to unwanted drunken sexual harassment. Asking someone if they are OK and giving them support sends a clear signal that this behaviour is no longer going to be tolerated.” Celeste Jones, Women’s Officer, said: “My advice to students is to report these incidents and look after each other. Students can take the pledge and take part in the University and Students’ Union joint campaign called ‘ACT’ where we want students to Ask, Care and Tell be active bystanders and to look after others.”

Former education secretary Nicky Morgan is to lead an inquiry into student loans and the rising levels of debt caused by them. Morgan was the education secretary under David Cameron, serving for two years after replacing Michael Gove. She is now the chair of the Treasury Select Committee, which is to launch the inquiry given increasing amount of debt for students. This comes after Theresa May recently announced a freeze on tuition fees, and raising the repayment level to £25,000. Morgan said: “Student loan debt is projected to be around £160bn within six years, and the government has announced that it will review the whole student finance system. “The committee will scrutinise the current system and any future developments closely.” There is potential for student loans to be replaced by a graduate tax, which would could shift the burden until later life. The Institute for Fiscal Studies have estimated that May’s proposals would increase the costs for taxpayers by £2.3bn, while 83% of recent graduates are unlikely to repay their loans in full.

Nicky Morgan MP

Chris McAndrew

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Features facebook.com/ForgePress @ForgePress

Hello! So it’s Week Four and we’re all feeling the mountain of work pile up, but don’t worry - we’re here with some freaky features to keep on distracting you from all those things on your to-do list. This issue we were going to get spooky, but we thought it would be funnier to look back on some of our team’s best (and worst) Halloween stories - pictures included. From tampon costumes

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to Slenderman, you’re in for a treat. We’ve also looked at something equally as frightening, the education system. Oli Mooney ventures into the debate over the changes to the GCSE and A level syllabi. Remember to check out the Forge Press Facebook page to stay up to date with Features!

press.features@forgetoday.com

HORROR STORIES This Halloween, some of our editorial team share their most absurd anecdotes from the night of nightmares.

few years ago I went to my friend’s Halloween house party dressed as Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider reboot (naturally). With fake blood, I painted on the gory wound she gets in her side (at the beginning of the game from somehow surviving landing on a spike, for fact fans) Another friend at the party was so drunk that she thought it was a real injury and was consequently sick in my friend’s mum’s slippers. Chloe Dervey - Games Editor

runk at a house party, I decided to go to another party, but since no one else wanted to go, I had to walk the 15 minutes alone. The journey took me two hours, in which I managed to piss on myself, pass out, get lost in an industrial park and get chased down an A road by roadwork men. I was a state when I reached the party, but somehow the host became my girlfriend, and we’re still together now, two years later. Josh Taylor - News Editor

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Wednesday 18 October 2017

ne time I was invited out to Halloween last minute so had nothing to wear. I went in ordinary clothes and coloured my eyebrows in white. Yeah, it’s more sad than anything else. Josie Le Vay - Comment Editor

n my third year I had the debatably ingenious idea of dressing as a used, bloody tampon for Halloween. For such an easy, cheap costume it sure made an impact. I wore it to the Halloween social at the SU, and I cannot explain how many looks of horror I received from other students - especially of the male variety. Who knew I could scare people so much with something I use on a monthly basis? Elsa Vulliamy Features Editor

went to a sixth form Halloween party as Harvey Dent (aka Two-Face) from The Dark Knight and used sculpting wax to create that charming look of conflagrated flesh on half of my face. However, in the garden of said party were those patio heaters that you get in the outside areas of continental European bars and restaurants and I was unfortunately in close proximity. The waxed side of my face started melting without me realising and promptly slid off my face into my lap and drink in a swift motion. The suspect white marks meant I could never wear the suit again. I’ve never gotten over it. James Pendlington - Comment Editor

H My mate dressed as Gene Simmons from Kiss and threw up in a taxi. To avoid the fine he mopped it up with his wig. Joe MacKay - Screen Editor

alloween party in the woods - obviously the perfect setting. I wasn’t drinking but my mates were doing more than enough on their own. One friend was just giggling to himself the entire night. It was only when walking back I realised why. This was just after the spooky Slenderman game had come out, and just like in the game my mate had pinned ten pages of scribbles on trees leading back to the house. I was sober so realised pretty quick but this was not the case for my friends who entered a blind panic and scattered in all directions. It took me two hours to round them all up. One had done a forward roll into a menacing bush and was stuck and another was hiding face down in a ditch. Michael Chilton -Deputy Editor

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Forge Press

another brick in the wall

With dramatic changes to the UK education system sparking debate across the nation, educators, students and politicans alike are expressing their hopes and concerns about the future of our young people. Oli Mooney looks at both sides of the debate.

hile we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all agree that we look back on our memories of school with fondness, one ideal which is almost universally shared is that education plays a crucial role in determining our future lives and careers, that a good education is crucial to a prosperous future. Recently, the education system in this country has faced criticism over the level of freedom and choice that young people possess when forming their own paths to follow. Some educators have argued that the GCSE syllabus has become increasingly rigid and could stifle studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; creativity. It has been suggested that the switch to linear, more exam-based A Levels puts those who struggle with controlled examinations at a greater disadvantage. Changes to the UK education system have come under an increasing amount of criticism from educators and politicians who claim that young people are being made to specialise too early, holding some back from achieving their true potential; GCSEs being a prime example here.

Forge Press

Wednesday 18 October 2017

to gain a qualification of an AS at the end of the first year was ideal and demonstrated to admissions tutors that a student had some breadth to their Key Stage 5 studies.” There are, however, two sides to every story. The Head did acknowledge that there were some good sides to the A Level reforms: “I do see students developing over the two years and some students who may not have done so well at AS level really getting their act together in Year 13 as it all begins to slot into place. “Once students start looking at university entry requirements they start to focus on achieving their best.” She also explained how the new A Level system is beneficial in that it challenges students to really think for themselves: “The linear A level is a story of two halves. Firstly, students must master the challenging content as laid out in the specification, and then they

Changes to the UK education system have come under an increasing amount of criticism

King Edward VII School, Glossop Road | Kate Marron

By 2020, all GCSE students will be required to study the subjects in the English Baccalaureate: Mathematics, English Language and Literature, Science, a language and either Geography or History. Though the first four listed are already required, the addition of the latter three to the compulsory list limits young people’s choices on what they wish to study. Abbie, a Journalism student at the University of Sheffield, described how she was pushed towards taking Ebacc subjects after being told it would improve her university potential. “I was forced into it and it didn’t help me at all.” She told Forge Press. “I was constantly stressed and made myself ill because of the language aspect.” One Head of Sixth-Form Forge spoke to also identifies an issue with the Ebacc

reform.”There is a feeling in some areas that performing arts and technology are going by the wayside as subjects that do not count,” she said. An even bigger problem, she told Forge, has to do with the way GCSEs are now being taught, putting serious pressure on younger students. Just two years into secondary school, some children are being forced to make important decisions which could permanently affect their future education and employment prospects. “My main concern is schools that get their students to select subjects at the end of Year 8, so three years are spent on GCSE courses in an attempt to boost grades.” Changes are also being made to the way that A Levels work, and these changes, too, have come under fire. The new linear A Level sees the removal of

AS exams previously taken in the first year, and instead requires students to take all exams at the end of an intense two-year course, with the amount of coursework also being reduced in many subjects. Some critics have expressed concern that a less flexible system may mean students no longer feel in control of their path of education. Students will no longer be able to take an AS exam and then drop a subject if they feel that they won’t excel in it, or don’t feel as though they can make the full two-year commitment. The Head of Sixth Form agreed that the changes to the A Level create this issue: “I think narrowing down to three A levels from the start is a retrograde step.” “Firstly, Year 11 students are not sure what they want to do beyond school, and four subjects give them more flexibility. The option

have to be able to apply it in novel situations. There are fewer straightforward recall questions and they really have to think.” The new GCSE reforms are also perhaps beneficial for young people. Some have argued that certain subjects are more worth learning than others; in this case, the Ebacc subjects. As Filip, an Architecture student at the University of Sheffield student, said: “I think they’re pretty fundamental subjects to develop your world understanding.” Another student, Megan, said that being forced to study certain subjects that seemed unappealing in Year 9 helped her work out what she eventually wanted to study at university. Like GCSEs and A Levels, the rigidity of UK university courses has also come under fire, as British universities do not provide as much variety in learning as other countries. American universities, for instance, offer students the chance to study a wide range of subjects within their first year before choosing a speciality in their second. This allows them to try out different disciplines before settling on a specialism. However, several students at the University of Sheffield expressed their doubts that we would be better off taking a leaf out of the American book. Filip can see some benefits to the American system; “It would help people who are less decisive, and maybe even draw in people if they didn’t have to choose an area of study straight away”. However, Filip believed the UK university system was more suited to his preferences: “Going to uni at 19, I feel like I don’t want to be studying various subjects with ‘applicable skills’ anymore”. Abbie, too, felt that studying a wide range in the first year would be a turn-off. “I think if I had to do a variety of subjects in the first year, I wouldn’t go to uni.” She also felt that the high cost of university meant that students may view studying various subjects, which they may be less interested in, for a year as a waste of money: “University is expensive. If you spend a year doing whatever, it’s a waste.”

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Forge Press Wednesday 18 October 2017

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If you’re an avid Opinion reader, which I’m sure you all are, then you’ll have noticed that we’ve gained a page. We fought to the death with Features and that was our reward. Fresh from this victory we have a plethora of content for you this issue. No one is safe from the hyperbolic and rhetorical force of Opinion; even Justin

Trudeau is torn apart in X rated opinion style. The orgy of opinionated violence on our pages doesn’t stop there. The issues around #TakeAKnee, disabilities at university and gun violence are all here as well as old favourites like university fees who keep coming back for more. We hope you enjoy all this saucy content.

James Pendlington & Josie Le Vay

press.opinion@forgetoday.com

Remember you can always contribute your own opinion and join in this zealous circle jerk we call Opinion. JamJo (No, not Jämjö in Karlskrona Municipality, Blekinge County, Sweden with 2,578 inhabitants in the 2010 census - it’s our ship name)

Opinion Editors

Jesus didn’t celebrate Halloween and neither should you Katie Scott

hose who celebrate Halloween fall broadly into two camps: those who know nothing of the event’s occult connections; and those who simply don’t care. With its dressing up, trick-ortreating and carved pumpkins, 31 October seems little more than an innocent exercise in creativity and frivolity. In a phrase, harmless fun. This is exactly how the majority

and the dead. On the night of 31 October the line between two worlds was believed to blur and evil spirits would come out to play. Pope Gregory III later used 1 November to celebrate All Saints’ Day, giving All Hallows’ Eve the name we use today. But its roots remain strong in pagan worship and occult rituals. When we brand the celebration of evil as harmless fun, it’s clear that something, somewhere, has

We buy into the idea that Halloween is simply yet another commercialised venture of today’s public see and celebrate the event. The night is an excuse for a party. And not just any party, with its theme, activities, even decor predetermined by the occasion itself, it’s a doddle to organise - maximum fun with minimum stress. What it actually symbolises is far more sinister. The practices that began the tradition celebrated the merging of seasons – and the living

gone very wrong. It is deemed unacceptable to dress up as a Nazi, or praise Hitler’s ideology, how is celebrating other forms of evil any more justifiable? We buy into the idea that Halloween is simply yet another commercialised venture. The argument against secular society celebrating Christmas and Easter is for another time, but while trivialising evil may seem

harmless, the fearsome costumes of Halloween mask the depth of the issues at play. The assumption is that evil is ugly, obvious and coming from external sources. It infers that evil will knock politely at your door, and play more or less harmless pranks, should you resist. It says nothing of the tempting nature of evil. Nor the fact that evil can come from within – you only have to look at events across the globe right now to question the assertion that humanity is fundamentally good. When trick or treaters come to your door, if you really wanted to, you could probably overpower them. But when evil attacks, and we try to defy it alone, the consequences far exceed an egg smashed over your windows or flour thrown at your car. From my Christian perspective,

it is clear that evil should never be undermined. Not only is it on offer all year round, b u t i t can be

incredibly attractive. If and when the scary masks of youth get swapped for the costumes of young adulthood, à la Mean Girls, at least some of the true, alluring nature of evil is reflected. Though, of course, it is unlikely that many make the choice consciously. And Christians also believe that while evil can’t be defeated alone, the power and grace of God can save them. Many Christian churches will choose to throw Light Parties as an alternative to Halloween celebrations. It might not be the perfect solution, but it does teach children to celebrate good over bad. So, as you carve your pumpkins and pick out your costumes, take a moment to consider the true implications of your actions. For those who celebrate Halloween in true ignorance, a lack of understanding can never fully justify endorsement. The fact is that however it is marketed, the night attempts to celebrates evil. And for those who simply don’t care? Well, perhaps you should.

Trust in Trudeau? Ewan Somerville

anada’s Justin Trudeau has been in office two years now and ‘Trudeaumania’ shows little sign of fading. You must have heard of him: that guy in Canada who looks like he’s in a boyband but is actually Prime Minister. It’s not only his face that has proved popular: his centrist, liberal approach to politics is shared by almost the entire Western commentariat . Similar to when Obama was first elected US President, Trudeau’s appointment inspired much relief. It was a vital change from Stephen Harper’s preceding hard-right government, echoing the fall of President Bush in 2008. Trudeau’s campaign was one of optimism, hope and ambition for a Canadian government that welcomes immigrants, promotes peacemaking, takes climate action and reflects, rather than projects itself, upon society.

But what followed was a leadership led by a man full of tokenistic gimmicks and little substance. Trudeau is known for: selfies with citizens (or are they fans?), arriving by bus rather than private escort to his swearing-in ceremony, and building a genderequal, ethnically and regionally diverse cabinet “because it’s 2015”. All detracting from little advancement made on actual policy. Trudeau has started to fulfil his mandate of hope, by warmly welcoming 25,000 Syrian refugees and renewing Canada’s ties with the Commonwealth after Harper’s fall-out in 2013. Yet despite fairly successfully negotiating the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the EU, Trudeau’s insubstantial foreign policy reforms have failed to address the already evident impacts of Brexit on Canada-EU relations. Trudeau’s most significant let down to date has to be his

This is actually a photo of Hugh Grant without makeup

environmental record. Despite expressing a desire to move away from fossil-fuels and signing the COP21 Paris Agreement, Trudeau

DonkeyHotey

paradoxically continues to pursue free-trade deals prioritising profit for global corporations over environmental responsibility.

Canada’s Environment Minister Catherine McKenna has defied all logic by suggesting both is possible. Meanwhile on Trudeau’s watch Exxon Mobil continue to extract oil from Alberta Tar Sands, and Trudeau supports further destructive oil and gas pipelines such as ‘Energy East’ in Eastern Canada. In March, Trudeau claimed: “No country would find 173 billion barrels of oil in the ground and just leave them there.” Oil Change International has calculated this would produce almost a third of the carbon needed to exceed the 1.5 degree limit agreed in Paris. Such failure has led 350. org founder Bill McKibben to name Trudeau a “stunning hypocrite” on the climate. The irony is that a more sustainable economy would increase the Canadian standard of living greatly. There is hope, but currently it shouldn’t be in Trudeau. As with many other contemporary freemarket liberals, much is said but little changed.

Wednesday 18 October 2017

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Never gunna give you up Stan Beal “‘No Way To Prevent This’, says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens.” This headline has been printed in The Onion four times over the last two years. While The Onion is satirical, it needs a ridiculous truth to direct its mirth towards, and the gun violence and lack of gun legislation in America typify that. Mass shootings in America are more common than in any other country in the world. With 31% of the world’s mass shootings since 1966, it’s time for the United States to catch up with the rest of the world and introduce gun controls. After the massacre at Dunblane Primary School in 1996, the UK acted. Our two major parties, so often theatrically opposed to each other, worked together to pass more restrictive gun laws. Across the pond, there has been no such action. The National Rifle Association, America’s largest pro-gun lobby group, has received $20 million in donations from the gun industry. It’s handed over $4 million to members of Congress. How do you fix such a broken system? American gun laws are moving further away from the rest of the world. The NRA feel enabled by Trump, saying last November that, “this is our historic moment to go on offense”. They pledged to take on individual states with tough gun laws – despite the fact only one state prohibits carrying a gun in public. That state, Illinois, has the 11th lowest rate of gun-related death in the US. Alaska and Louisiana have twice as many gun-related deaths as Illinois, and have some of the most liberal gun laws in the country. The Second Amendment is the holy text of the gun fanatic. They contend that the Second Amendment gives them the right to bear arms, and gun control restricts that

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the holy AK-47, Amen. Christopher Dombres

the right to bear arms seems now to be a relic from the 18th century age of

freedom. However, the full Second Amendment states that only a “wellregulated militia” is allowed to keep and bear arms. The interpretation of the Second Amendment to allow any Tom, Dick or Harry to carry a gun anywhere is a modern phenomenon. Besides, the right to bear arms seems now to be a relic from the 18th century age of empire. Gun violence is a stain on America. The recent shooting in Las Vegas has only served to bring that under a sharper focus. Politicians must reject the dirty money of the gun lobby. Judges must view the Second Amendment as what it is and not see it as a repudiation of any gun control. Americans deserve to be free from gun crime. Washington must ensure that they will be.

Winds of change or the same old Tory? Joseph Busby

n Wednesday 4 October 2017, nearly four months after a dreadful election result, Prime Minister Theresa May addressed a disgruntled and angry Conservative Party conference. Rumours had been circling of Mrs May refusing to apologise, but those rumours were quelled as the PM apologised for running the worst election campaign in modern British political history. The speech was meant to set out Theresa May’s stall of policies for the foreseeable future of her supposed five year tenure at Number 10. May started off by outlining her new policy for mental health calling the issue a “burning injustice”; it is set to be key on the agenda for the upcoming months, with Professor Sir Simon Wessely to review the Mental Health Act with an aim of modernising the laws in our country. This went alongside (at the end of her speech) a commitment to the NHS to which May accredited with diagnosing and helping her with her Type 1 Diabetes.

Brexit, the great talking point of modern politics, was swept aside as the Prime Minister claimed that there would be no more rubberburning U-turns on her policy towards Britain’s exit from the EU and that the Florence Speech was the

to buy, tenants from exploitative landlords. May also promised an energy price cap (deemed Marxist when proposed by Ed Miliband in 2013), as well as a freezing of tuition fees at £9,250 per annum whilst increasing the repayment threshold

final policy marker on the issue. As if the politics gods suddenly sent an angel of policy ideas to Theresa May, it seems to have dawned on her that people will start voting Conservative when they have something to actually conserve. With this probable epiphany May laid out extra housing spending of £2 billion on social housing with Housing Minister Sajid Javid forwarding the policy of a right

to £25,000. On the whole, this does seem like a weak Mrs May hijacking Corbyn policies to win back voters. However, unlike Labour, it is clear that the Conservatives know how to adapt to the demands of people. After an awful election, it is clear the Conservatives are changing their ways in an attempt to gain a majority in 2022.

...It seems to have dawned on her that people will start voting Conservative when they have something to actually conserve

Apparently she’s amazing at karaoke

Andrew Burdett

Forge Press

Wednesday 18 October 2017

NFL: No-one Fucking Listens Conor Arnot

t’s 24 September and I’m browsing through an array of #TakeAKnee hashtags, when I come across a Fox News article decrying the Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens and their actions in their NFL game at Wembley. Their guest Maria Bartiromo, a journalist and editor for the Fox Business Network, began by unleashing a tirade of attacks against the kneeling players; calling them disgusting, saying they are disrespecting the country and the flag and saying that she doesn’t understand why athletes making hundreds of millions of dollars are so upset. This is the problem. All right-wing political commentators (especially on Fox News) ever seem to talk about when it comes to politics is money. They don’t appear to understand that people might actually have real personal ethics and want to do what they know is right, regardless of any financial backlash. They think that because these athletes and celebrities are rich and famous they do not have a right to protest, basically telling them to just shut up and go back to their mansions. And yet time and time again they get people like Chuck Norris, Ted Nugent, Fabio and Gene Simmons on their shows to talk politics and even go so far as to support and elect a rich celebrity as President. Bartiromo continues. She and the panel discuss how damaging kneeling during the national anthem is towards not only the country but towards the game of American football itself. She says that ticket sales are dropping, people are going to stop watching or going to the games because they come to watch sports not politics and that eventually this will result in players’ salaries being reduced because of the smaller market. “This is going to hurt them in their wallets,” she

exclaims to the rest of the panel. There’s that money again. “I don’t know what they’re even protesting about,” she says moments later, “it must be the President.” Again Bartiromo and Fox have missed the point. The #TakeAKnee movement first gained widespread media attention when San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick and some teammates knelt during preseason games in 2016. He did so because he did not want to show pride for a country that “oppresses black people and people of colour”. When Kaepernick first knelt down and this whole thing started, Obama was President. This protest is not about presidents or Republicans or flags or the military. This protest is about how oppression and racism is still present in today’s society and how the perpetrators are still getting away with it scotfree. To add to Fox News’ confusion, the Jaguars v Ravens game was played in the UK and the panel could just not get their heads around why the players stood for God Save the Queen and not Star Spangled Banner, like the whole protest has just been a campaign against national anthems! I can tell you as a dual-citizen of America and the UK I would happily kneel through both national anthems in protest until some change was achieved. If a national anthem is representing a country that allows appalling displays of racism or homophobia, and if by taking a knee peacefully demonstrates that I remonstrate that behaviour, then I’m all for it . It’s baffling that people get so angry about kneeling peacefully during the national anthem but think it’s absolutely fine to wear your country’s flag as a bikini riding up your ass. Fox’s next argument (along with many others) is that by taking a knee, the players are disrespecting the troops fighting abroad for the US. I would argue that the troops are

fighting to defend important tent-poles of democracy such as freedom of speech and expression and so by silencing a protest in

Patriotism isn’t about making everyone stand and salute the flag.

free speech in the constitution, it’s shocking that people think that this doesn’t include the freedom to criticize the constitution, the country and its leadership. Patriotism isn’t about making everyone stand and salute the flag. Patriotism is about making a country where everyone wants to.

this way you’re doing far more damage to the country. Many veterans I have spoken to agree. Trump maintains that this isn’t about race, despite the genesis of this movement being exactly that. He thinks it’s about him (as usual) and not the fact that the two major sports leagues that he attacked have predominantly black athletes (NBA - 74%, NFL - 68%, for fact fans). It’s also why when NASCAR (the whitest sport around, only one black driver at the top level since 2006) said that they were going to fire drivers who knelt during the national anthem, nobody cared. Bartiromo ends her piece by stating that football is changing and I do agree with her there. If this continues, I don’t think that the world will be able to ignore these injustices much longer. The #BoycottNFL movement, that has recently begun as a #TakeAKnee counterprotest, is hoping to achieve empty stadiums at future games. This will, in my opinion, be a huge backfire. It will further highlight the change needed and will actually support the #TakeAKnee movement by giving them the exposure and attention that they deserve. In a country that prides itself on having

Something witty about man throwing ball Football Schedule

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Forge Press

Invisible disabilities

‫ش‬Anyone remember the Impossible Planet episode of Doctor Who? | Janine Flickr

George Bunn

aving an unseen disability is a struggle. You face judgement from society and a lack of empathy from peers, academics and employers. I personally have been fired from jobs due to my disability, and faced disciplinary action from employers relating to issues that, because of my disabilities, were beyond my control. For non-neurotypical people, including those on the autistic spectrum like myself, tasks which may seem simple, such as turning up to work on time or smiling more to customers, become much harder to handle. People with non-physical disabilities face barriers every day, put up by people who fail to understand, or in some cases just plain ignore,their individual struggles because they are not necessarily visible to the naked eye. Just because you have a disability that cannot be seen does not mean you don’t face systematic oppression from an inherently ableist society. Barriers to education are a clear example of this oppression. Prior to coming to university many students receive no assistance whatsoever to tackle the barriers that come from learning difficulties (such as dyslexia or autism), long-term health conditions or disabilities. This has been shown to restrict access to higher education. According to the Labour Force Survey in 2012, disabled people are three times more likely to hold no formal qualifications, compared to their non-disabled counterparts. If a disabled person does make it to university, their struggles are likely to continue. There are a multitude of reasons why having a disability or health condition can make it harder to complete daily tasks. Just one example is dyslexia. The average reading speed per minute is around 200-250 words, but thanks to my dyslexia my reading speed comes in at 140. This means that writing essays and revising for exams will be much harder for me, and be a much slower process than they would be for someone who does not have dyslexia. Many academic institutions fail to acknowledge the difficulties faced by disabled people, especially those with more complex or less visible conditions, which perpetuates the attainment gap for disabled

students. One example is of my own experience of the University of Sheffield’s Achieve More programme, designed to help first year students get more out of their degree and help them in the future. However, those running the programme completely failed to understand my accessibility needs and did not communicate efficiently with DDSS (Disability and Dyslexia Support Service) in order to put concessions in place for students who may need extra support. With disability affecting around 11.6 per cent of the population, this was a huge mistake. Eventually I, perhaps along with many others, were forced to withdraw from the programme because of my disabilities. This is just one example of the opportunities that

Just because you have a disability that cannot be seen does not mean you don’t face systematic oppression from an inherently ableist society those with disabilities can miss out on if academic institutions do not provide support for the barriers which some people face. Disabled people also face social barriers at university and beyond because they are frequently unable to take part in many of the extra-curricular activities on offer, something which is often taken for granted by other students. The Sheffield Students’ Union Council, for example, reserves the right to remove any councillor who misses more than two meetings without sending due notice. If you have a memory-related condition such as an SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulty) you are not only more likely to have to miss meetings, but you may struggle to provide the Council with a ‘valid’ reason for your

absence - either because you forget to do so or because they do not deem your reasons to be ‘good enough’. In her recently released Netflix documentary Five Foot Two, Lady Gaga opens up about how her disability fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) affects her daily life. FMS is a chronic long-term condition that causes pain all over the body which can be treated, but cannot be cured. Symptoms of FMS also include fatigue, memory problems and ‘brain fog’. The condition led to Lady Gaga having to postpone her UK tour, something which led to outrage among fans. What right do her fans have to be annoyed at this? Instead of outrage, we should show solidarity and support with disabled people who are struggling through a world that is not always designed for them. Having a disability, whether or not it’s one that people can see, means facing up to relentless barriers to success and happiness that able-bodied people simply cannot imagine. So, next time a disabled person is given an essay extension, or extra time in an exam, please think before saying they are “lucky” or “cheating”. If you have never had to struggle with a disability, visible or otherwise, you are the lucky one.

Right to reply “A committee made up of the SU President, the Chair and the Vice-Chair of council consider whether apologies from councillors are acceptable or not. Cases where councillors haven’t submitted written apologies are always treated with extremely careful consideration, especially if this was because of a memoryrelated condition like an SpLD. We want to ensure SU Council is accessible and inclusive to all students. A proposal seeking to expand this kind of extra consideration was passed by SU council at the end of last year, and we’re currently exploring how best to implement this so that we can embed accessibility in SU council into our procedure. I’d be more than happy to meet with the writer, and anyone else, so we can better understand their concerns and listen to any ideas they may have on how to improve accessibility in SU Council.” - Kieran Maxwell, President of the SU “The University of Sheffield fully understands the importance of ensuring its disabled students are completely comfortable and fully integrated into life at the University. We’re proud of the significant support in place to enable this, such as our Disability and Dyslexia Support Service, which is a friendly and confidential service providing help and advice to enable students to access their studies and university services. Through this, students have access to an excellent support worker service, which has recently received a quality rating of 92 per cent in external audit. This service supports students with mentors, exam scribes, notetakers and other means of support. The Disability and Dyslexia Support Service also aims to work closely with academic departments to ensure that programme developments and initiatives adequately take into account the needs of disabled students. We are always interested in feedback from students so that we can continue to improve the services we are offering. As part of the University’s commitment to continually improving the support on offer, we have recently launched SAMHS (Student Access to Mental Health Support), a triage service for students with mental health concerns to enable full consideration of needs in a single appointment, and faster access to the appropriate support service. www.sheffield.ac.uk/mentalwellbeing“ - Susan Bridgeford, Director of Student Support Services at the University of Sheffield

Forge Press

Wednesday 18 October 2017

gets political We asked various people on Tinder what their views are on Catalonian independence . The grey boxes are their replies, please enjoy!

Spain, hah, more like inSpain if you ask me! What are your views on Catalonian independence? I have to say, if that was an attempt at a pun... I’m disappointed

Yeah man, fuck Nick Clegg Airpix

Student moans about student loans A Labour student perspective

A Conservative student perspective

Chris Townsend

Laurence Smith

heresa May’s announcement that tuition fees will freeze at £9,250 is a futile attempt to cling to power, an empty pledge to convince young voters, and evidence of the growing pressure to abolish tuition fees once and for all. The Tory party conference, where May made her desperate announcement, showed a weak and divided party. May’s power is long dead but, zombie-like, she coughs and splutters on, her position in limbo until the Tories decide upon a suitable replacement. Her fees pledge was a last-ditch attempt to inject life into her leadership, and unsurprisingly it failed. The juxtaposition with Labour’s conference, which peaked with the leader’s speech and a final rendition of “Oh, Jeremy Corbyn”, couldn’t be clearer. The success of the Labour party manifesto in the snap General election didn’t merely cement Corbyn’s leadership: crucially it cemented his policies. A couple of years ago, I would scarcely have imagined that free education would be a central Labour party policy; after all, it was Labour who introduced fees in the first place. This change has happened because of the pressure of the student movement, which has consistently argued not just to decrease fees, but to abolish them altogether. It’s the student movement, campaigning within and around the Labour Party, that will achieve the dream of free education. With the Tories caving in, now is the time for us to fight harder than ever. Tuition fees have been a disaster for universities. Freezing them won’t reverse this mess. Under the £9,000 fees, marketised model of higher education, universities see students as money bags (international students triply so), and so over the last few years we have witnessed class sizes grow, contact hours decrease, and a sharp rise in mental health problems. Labour’s policy of free education, funded by taxing the rich and big business, resonates with young people because it proposes a genuine alternative, removing the pressure of debt, and fundamentally changing how we think of education: not as serving the interests of profit, but for education’s sake and as a public good.

here are those – mostly on the left – who argue HE should be a public good; a free service that is universal and generally funded through some form of progressive taxation. Others – mostly on the right – argue that, unlike primary and secondary education, HE is a decision to self-select into pursuing a degree-level qualification, is distinct from mandatory levels of education and, as such, those who benefit from these qualifications should bear the costs of them. This division is one Martin Lewis has been taking pains to discuss these last few weeks, including during the Conservative Party Conference. The other, and more significant, point Lewis has focused on has been the repayment threshold. If we continue to have the second system of funding, Lewis argues, the change that would have the largest impact on the greatest number of graduates is an increase in the repayment threshold. Lewis pressured the then Universities Minister David Willets about this as early as 2012, and has continued to pursue this under Jo Johnson now. Fortunately this change has now occurred. The threshold at which the 9% rate begins has risen from £21,000 to £25,000. This translates into every graduate enjoying an extra £360 of their income not being taken from them each year. The rise in threshold will benefit the mass number of students, unlike a reduction in fees or the interest rate, which would stand to only benefit around 25% to 30% of the highest earning graduates (those most likely to fully pay off their student debt). Understanding this also serves to highlight the intricacies that policies can have in terms of the costs and benefits that – while not headline grabbing – exist. They are not obvious at first, and it is the job of competent politicians to ensure the public discussion highlights them as appropriate. The next stage of possible alterations to the HE funding system is one Lewis and Johnson have both discussed recently; Johnson, just within the last week, has moved from a system of fees to a “Graduate Contribution Scheme”. This would be a system where those who have benefitted from a university education will help pay for the next generation’s university education. This could arguably be achieved by having a system of nothing more than a 9% tax on all graduate incomes above £25,000, rising with inflation, earnings or 2% (a “Graduate triple lock”). The current system of debts could be phased out over the long run, not a sudden £100 billion bill. Ultimately: no debt, no interest rates, no fees, just those who have enjoyed the privilege of university ensuring that it continue.

Hi :) You ok? :) I’m doing ok I’ll tell you who aren’t doing ok though, the Catalan people What are your views on Catalonian independence? That Spain should actually allow them to have a proper vote The way they acted only pushed those undecided to wanting to leave I’ll tell you what, the Catalonians don’t want tapas on the opportunity of independence do they! What are your views on Catalonian independence? Well personally I think the whole independence vote completely questions the legitimacy of states and how they hold themselves together. The whole event was handled terribly, ‘illegal’ vote or not. The violence from the authority was completely disgusting. I can’t blame the people of Catalonia for wanting to break away from what is in effect Spain’s integral part of that neoliberal order. Marry me

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Lifestyle facebook.com/ForgePress @ForgePress press.lifestyle@forgetoday.com

Travel Talks Matt Reilly

All photos by Hannah Gormley

This new section gives students the chance to share their travel experiences and shine the light on where they think others should be heading. Despite the USA making the headlines for all the wrong reasons recently, there is still plenty across the pond to tempt budding travellers. Hannah Gormley, a 3rd year Biology student, spent a year abroad in Oregon and travelled around the States, experiencing a land of soccer, Bud Light and Cheetos.

Harry Gold and Ellie Conlon

Forge Press

Lifestyle Editors

Hey guys, welcome back to Lifestyle! Love dogs? You’re definitely in the right place. This week, lifestyle had Kate (Photography Editor) running around the Steel City in an attempt to find Sheffield’s cutest dogs. And they definitely succeeded. She even met a dog called Henderson, named after one of Sheffield’s proudest exports Henderson’s Relish. Also, a massive welcome to Matt Reilly, the creator of Lifestyle’s new regular section ‘Lifestyle Talks’. Exciting stuff is to come, as Matt will be interviewing people week in week out, who’ve been travelling all over

the globe and are desperate to tell you lot all about it! This issue, Matt interviewed Hannah Gormley, who talks about her experiences roaming around the USA. We also interviewed the president of the Mental Health Matters Society, in honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, in an attempt to raise awareness of issues that students are facing every day.

Forge Press

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Roadtripping I did a trip up through Olympic National Park in Washinwgton, along the coast and up to Vancouver, British Columbia and Vancouver Island during Spring Break. At Christmas I was really lucky.I managed to go to New Yowrk and that was just madness and then when I finished I did a huge road trip with a friend from school. I also had an amazing week in Cuba. It began in Vancouver and travelled through Washington, Montana, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, California, Yosemite, Redwood national park, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and the Grand Canyon. I drove my dad’s 23 foot RV.Everything was a little bit broken in it but besides that it was amazing. I wouldn’t have been able to do half the trip without it. ‘As well as travelling, me and my friends developed our cultural understanding of American food - with coffee taste tests in every city, and donuts in every Wal-Mart. We also attempted to try every flavour of Oreo on offer (you would not believe how many there are). The final verdict? The Oreo Coconut Thins came out on top.

Recommended location Oregon has got the beauty of California without all the crowds of tourists. It’s really unspoilt and everywhere you go you discover something new, it’s so green and magical.’

Sweaty, dusty and disgusting I would never camp again in Death Valley, there was only two of us in the entire campsite, it was 45 degrees at night and the toilet seats were so hot they would burn your bum. The water came out of the taps boiling hot and everything was just sweaty, dusty and disgusting.’

The toilet seats were so hot they’d burn your bum. The water came out of the taps boiling hot. Favourite things about being in America The university experience. It’s exactly what you would think it would be like in America, all the fraternities, sororities, marching bands and cheerleaders, it was really cool. Also the national parks, every single place you drive to has completely different scenery, it’s so beautiful.

America summed up in three words Mad, beautiful & welcoming.

Next time I would love to go back and do the Californian coast properly, get a surfboard, the RV and chill out.

One tip for those wanting to visit the US Get a campervan.

If you could jump on a plane tomorrow I’d go to Guatemala or Belize.

Interview with Mental Health Matters President Gracie Marlow Harry Gold

urvey data repeatedly shows that, on average, students are unhappier and more anxious than non-students, including other young people. Why do you think this is? I think students are unhappier and more anxious than non-students because of the way the higher education system is structured. We are seeing the pressures of this system cause students to develop conditions such as depression and anxiety because they are unable to cope with the stress that the intense examinations and low job prospects brings. From a young age students are being made aware of the need for qualifications to stand a chance of getting a job. Combine this with more difficult exams and huge debt and a student can feel like they are unable to cope. I wrote a piece in the Free Uni Bulletin that goes into a little more detail on this and we were also in the Guardian last year talking about similar issues. What are common problems students experience with their mental health? The three most common mental health conditions amongst young people and students are depression, anxiety and eating disorders but other conditions such as OCD and psychosis are also prevalent. What advice would you give to a first year who is struggling to settle in/make friends/is feeling uncomfortable at university? I would say that finding people you feel

comfortable talking to about your mental health is the most important thing you can do. If you

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Forge Press

Wednesday 18 October 2017

just the SU and University’s fault however, it lies systemically in a government who haven’t prioritised mental health and who repeatedly cut funding for all mental health initiatives. Mental health is political, as all aspects of our lives are and this is not something that can be ignored. The mental health crisis amongst young people is at an all time high and more support needs to be in place to combat this. We cannot pretend that the huge increase in fees as well as the abolition of maintenance grants has not seen an increase in the amount of students experiencing mental health problems. What help can you offer to students struggling with their mental health? Students can get involved with the society by following us on our various social media accounts, Facebook is the most active ‘Mental Health Matters Society (Sheffield Union)’ so you can keep up with all our events there. You can also become a member for £1 for a whole year on the SU website which helps us cover costs for bringing in guest speakers and for other activities . Alternatively, you can subscribe to our newsletter (also doable through the website) as this will be emailed out every week to let you know the key events that are happening. Anyone can come to our events at any time throughout the year!

Sheffield’s Goodest

Doggos

Right to Reply. “Opening up about mental health difficulties is one of the hardest things a young person can do and promoting positive mental health is an important responsibility for universities, but also society as a whole. “The University works closely with the Students’ Union on matters relating to student welfare, well-being and mental health and is committed to ensuring all students can access the most appropriate mental health services. We work hard to ensure our free, confidential support service is one in which our students have confidence. “The welfare of our students is very important to us. If any of our students are experiencing difficulties then we encourage them to seek help and advice from our support services. This includes our new Student Access to Mental Health Support (SAMHS) service, which enables our students to explore a broad range of mental health support needs in a single triage appointment.” - Professor Wyn Morgan, Vice-President for Education at the University of Sheffield

Kate Marron

Clockwise from below: Lifestyle loves this cute little King Charles Spaniel called Jacob. Even if we did have to bribe him with a treat to take this photo; Meet Lifestyle’s personal favourite, the lovely Collie Rescue Dog, Sam. What a good doggo; No, this isn’t a sheep. This is Mabel; Meet two of the cutest Labradors in the world, Henderson and Stanley. No, it’s not a coincidence. Henderson is named after Sheffield’s very own Henderson’s Relish. Amazing.

Forge Press

Wednesday 18 October 2017

23 Laura Mulvey

facebook.com/ForgePress @ForgePress

Arts press.arts@forgetoday.com

Arts Editor

In addition to the horrors of Halloween and the inevitable coming of winter, October has historically been celebrated as the UK’s Black History Month. This presents an opportunity for arts institutions across the country to spotlight the contributions of black creatives and stand up against the whitewashing of the industry. There are plenty of events taking place in Sheffield to celebrate of black history. Here are just a few that you could get involved in:

Melanin Fest Devised by Sheffield-based grassroots community Our Mel, Melanin Fest explores what it means to be a person of colour in Britain today. Featuring exhibitions, poetry and even a screening of Disney’s Moana, the festival is taking place at venues across the city throughout October. Visit ourmel.org.uk to check out the schedule. Andrew Roachford at the O2 Academy Soul legend Andrew Roachford is a force to be reckoned with. He made history as the first artist to sign a phenomenal seven-record deal with Columbia Records, and will grace Sheffield’s O2

Academy with his 30 years of musical ingenuity on Saturday 21 October. Sheffied SU BME Committee Our SU’s BME Committee are running a great range of workshops and events to mark Black History Month. Don’t miss their screening of documentary 50 Shades of Melanin, followed by a Director’s Q&A on Saturday 21 October at 6pm. Film Unit Catch Film Unit’s screenings of I Am Not Your Negro (Saturday 21 October, 7.30pm) and Detroit (Saturday 28 October, 7.30pm).

Review

Desire Under the Elms at the Crucible

Rosie Boon

Boy band Five to Five with Jayne McKenna, Rachel Lamberg, Emily Joyce and Alison Fitzjohn

Review

Photo by Matt Crockett.

The Band

at the Lyceum Theatre

Abbie Scott

ake That’s partnership with scriptwriter Tim Firth produces an exceptionally vivacious musical with a relevant message. The musical tells the story of a group of 16-year-old friends obsessed with ‘the band’, who find themselves trying to meet their idols 25 years later while reflecting on how their lives have changed.

Matt Crockett

The titular role is played by reality show boyband Five to Five. Even though the boys aren’t necessarily at the forefront of the musical, their

performances are flawless and it’s clear to see how they bagged the crown on BBC One’s Let It Shine. They provide the soundtrack for the girls’ journey through their lives and along the way the audience sees them as many different characters, posing as everything from pilots to a highly convincing Czech statue. At times, the staging feels very ambitious, often feeling overcrowded. However, due to extremely smooth set and costume changes, this can be forgiven. An immediate air of nostalgia is set as the show opens with the main character introducing her younger self dancing to Top of the Pops. We all have experiences of being young and having an overwhelming obsession, and of life perhaps not panning out how you had envisioned, so the story is relatable to audiences of any age. Underneath the sweet, uplifting music of the 90s band, a serious message takes hold. Take That members Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald alongside Robbie Williams and producers David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers take care to ensure that there is a steady balance between the upbeat, party atmosphere and the many sobering moments. Admittedly, tears were shed at least three times throughout the musical: the superb acting makes it easy to feel sympathy for the characters.

The chemistry between the actresses playing the younger girls and those

Underneath the uplifting music of the 90s band, a serious message takes hold.

Theatre

Eugene O’Neill’s hit play Desire Under the Elms arrives with a bang at the Crucible in Sheffield with a packed performance. When entering the Crucible, the layout of the stage and seating is immediately immersive. No detail is missed with regard to the mise-enscène: the sand floors, real barley, birdsong as you enter and the use of candlelight are seemingly small touches which make a vast difference to the realistic feeling of being in a rustic countryside. The play brings all conventions of a Greek tragedy to a rural setting in 19th century New England. Although it may take time for some viewers to accustom to the language used, the cast deliver the dialect almost perfectly. O’Neill’s use of Greek tragedy is seen in the play through tumultuous family relationships, fate and human passion. The play tackles serious issues such as immigration, the California gold rush and politics of the time, all without difficulty.

The somewhat slow starting play becomes more fast-paced and exciting by the second act. Drama, tension and a sprinkling of humour are presented throughout. When telling such a provocative story, it is a challenge to set the tone appropriately but they did just that. Transitioning from grief to desire to deceit in such a short space of time through the entirety of the play really showed the serious talent of the performers. The celebrated cast deserved all the rapturous applause they received as their performance was nothing less than tremendous. Theo Ogundipe (Peter) and Sule Rime (Simeon) really brought forth high-spirited energy and enthusiasm to their roles. Aoife Duffin (Abbie) and Michael Shea (Eben) conveyed emotion that leave you struck by their onstage chemistry and Matthew Kelly (Ephraim) aids with his palpable cold presence to the telling of the story. Desire Under the Elms was an all round success with little room for improvement.

performing as their older counterparts is particularly captivating. The result of the cast’s incredible efforts, along with marvellous direction from Kim Gavin and Jack Ryder is both a touching trip down memory lane and an all-round uplifting experience. The Band’s exciting and fresh approach to the world of musicals is a must-see, and one that will leave you with Take That on a loop for days.

The Band plays at the Lyceum Theatre until Saturday 14 October 2017, before continuing on its UK tour. Emma Darlow as the Fiddler

Marc Brenner

Forge Press | Wednesday 18 October 2017

Off the Shelf Festival of Words 2017 This month sees Off the Shelf festival bring world-class writing talent to the heart of Sheffield. Here, five of our Arts contributors give us the lowdown on the events so far.

Robert Webb: How Not to be a Boy Robert Webb took to The Octagon on Monday 9 October to talk about about his new book How Not To Be A Boy. He described it as a “story with its thinking cap on”, exploring issues of gender through the narrative of his own life. Webb criticised the societal conditioning of men to hide their emotions and questioned the assumption that men and women are fundamentally different, humorously ripping into John Gray’s Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus. In addition to the laugh out loud moments that the audience will have been expecting, the conversation became very emotional at times, most notably when Webb spoke about the death of his mother when he was 17. Webb’s willingness to be so open and honest was clearly appreciated by the audience. However, the Peep Show comedian was reluctant to be too direct in his tone. He stressed that he was not looking to tell people how to bring up their children and when asked what changes he would make to the school curriculum he gave no clear answer. Some of his most insightful observations were dressed up as jokes, possibly reflecting a desire not to make it all too serious. To criticise Webb for this though would be unfair. His book is primarily a memoir, and not – as he says himself – intended to change the world. The event was a funny, emotional and highly engaging look at a very important issue, which Webb deserves praise for, bringing it to such a wide audience. The fact that he is doing so in such a humorous, honest and insightful way is admirable and helps greatly to encourage a large number of people get involved in a crucial conversation.

Tom Vigar

Forge Press | Wednesday 18 October 2017

George Monbiot: Out of the Wreckage Much-loved by an older generation of diehard Guardian readers, George Monbiot has been writing from the periphery of mainstream politics for years. Now, with climate breakdown, the remnants of a global financial crisis and other economically catastrophic events like Brexit on our hands, the norm itself needs replacing. Neoliberalism, the economic model that has been deemed common sense throughout most of the western world for 40 years, has failed. Fascism, already rearing its ugly head in dark corners of our societies, will overtake if nothing else does. But for seemingly eternal optimistic Monbiot - a believer that humans are at their core altruistic - this situation provides an opportunity for those who want change for the greater good.

Riffing on other people’s ideas of community, which he admits with open arms, he proposes that we should start from the bottom up. Initial grassroots movements could eventually culminate in a systemic shift; one where we will have citizen wages and lose our desire to compete with everyone else. Monbiot calls it a politics of belonging. It’s a nice idea and one that has already existed for the marginalised alternative and perhaps for Monbiot’s fans in Community Land Trusts and cooperatives in the UK for quite some time. But, whether his vision is the one that replaces the current order or not, Monbiot is another voice that brings hope in what can often feel like an abyss of gloom.

Amy Walker

Lee Child: The Midnight Line Lee Child opened his talk describing his return to Sheffield as a dream come true. The author’s connections to the city go back to the 1970s, when he studied Law at the University of Sheffield. He spent much of his time in the university theatre, followed by a career working for Granada Television. At age 40 he was fired and decided to write a book, since he had “read a few and didn’t think it could be that hard”. 22 years and 22 books later, Child is a bestselling author. His thriller novels follow the life of Jack Reacher, a military veteran solving crimes in the USA. Child discussed his use of contemporary American issues and crimes, as well as the advantage he has being an outsider observing America. He explained how Reacher’s

lack of permanent job or home helps each novel to remain fresh and allows him to explore a sense of dislocation. Reacher’s character comes from a long tradition of wandering heroes, such as medieval knights who would come to the rescue of those in distress. These characters are often incredibly appealing to readers, giving a sense of escape and freedom. Reacher also fulfils a desire for revenge that nearly everyone has but cannot express. He then went on to discuss his pared down and simple use of language, claiming he feels it is the duty of authors to make their books accessible. Child’s latest book, The Midnight Line, comes out on 7 November.

Is your University sustainable enough?

A chan have a ce for you big iss n active say to ues on o campun s.

n a i r a t e g e V e Fre gan Pizza e V d n a Come and debate how sustainability can be integrated into building design, the curriculum and any other ideas you have!

Monday 30th October, 17:00, UniCentral

Forge Press

Wednesday 18 October 2017

27 Tom Buckland

facebook.com/ForgePress @ForgePress

Games press.games@forgetoday.com

Games Editor

If we compare my introduction to the team at Forge Games, everything improves with the number 2... Assassin’s Creed 2 - gave enough improved gameplay to lead Ubisoft to make far too many AC games. Mass Effect 2 - the sequel that brought new life to the Sci-Fi genre. Uncharted 2 - the game that ignited a love for adventuring and action that has been long

forgotten since the original Tomb Raider series. Although there have been times when the number 2 has let us down... Dragon Age 2 - the sequel that everyone and Bioware try to ignore. Devil May Cry 2 - the game that did the opposite of improve from its predecessor. I like to think that me joining Chloe will not result in us making a product like Dragon Age 2. Hopefully we’ll make a product

I was a cowardly child who opted to play parts of the game with the sound turned down, the lights on and the TV screening less worrisome content in the background In the spirit of Halloween, Forge Games recall fond yet frightening horror game memories!

Silent Hill: Downpour | Konami Digital Entertainment

Outlast Tom Buckland

I’m not an avid player of horror games, but when I have dared to delve into the horror genre I’ve had my share of terrifying experiences. My playthrough of Outlast is the most memorable. I played it with a large group, as a coward like me wouldn’t dare to approach any horror game alone. The game was smooth sailing until we reached the moment when - spoilers ahead - a crazed patient believing themselves to be a doctor hacked off the protagonist’s fingers, then chased him around the ward with murderous intent. The group and I were rattled at this stage of the game and we were finding this section especially difficult. Most of my

Clive Baker’s Undying

friends had resorted to a conversation about something completely unrelated to distract themselves from the game and consequently there was only me left to pick up the controller and play the game. At this point, fear instilled some form of supernatural bravery into me. I sat there, eyes about five inches away from the television screen, determined to show this mad doctor who was boss. And so I did, defeating him and immediately feeling unstoppable. Of course, we hadn’t reached the end of the game so the victory was short-lived, but in a game where every creation is a direct

attack on the player, the fear gave me a surge of adrenaline. It’s just a shame that I’m far too much of a coward to delve into the horror genre properly and experience this incredible adrenaline rush again. Actually, it’s not a shame. I’m going to go and play Animal Crossing.

Alex Holland Clive Barker’s Undying has you play paranormal investigator and murderer of occultists Patrick Galloway. Galloway is asked to investigate a dark ritual that has destroyed his friend’s family and unleashed demons into their already-spooky manor. The premise is clichéd, but the execution is genuinely unsettling. Strange creatures skulk about in the shadows, the twisted spirits of the deceased pop up to taunt you and the sound design evokes a nagging sense of dread throughout. I was a cowardly child who opted to play parts of the game with the sound turned down, the lights on

and the TV playing less worrisome content in the background. Early on, grotesque monsters can decapitate you with relative ease, making the creepy corridor segments unbearably tense. Even more unhelpfully for cowardly gamers, the switchable vision mechanic you use to spot clues also warps the manor’s portraits to depict their subjects as horribly mutilated corpses. Undying was not a relaxing experience, but trying and failing to overcome fear made it an entertaining one.

more like Mass Effect 2. Joking aside, I’m so glad to be on the team and I’m excited to see what comes next! - Tom

Silent Hill: Downpour Chloe Dervey

There’s absolutely no way I can play scary games by myself. I need an equally terrified team to get through it. Silent Hill: Downpour is a psychosurvival horror game that a group of friends and I completed in one night when we were about 14. The main character Murphy can only carry one melee weapon during combat, and after a terrifying encounter with the Bogeyman we caught sight of a bright red fire axe on a wall. Taking no prisoners, we decided it was the perfect tool for the forthcoming pandaemonium. While trying hard not to get lost in Silent Hill’s foggy streets, we were jumped by some enemies. In a fit of panic, I completely forgot all of the controls and somehow ended up throwing our only weapon into the distance where it was of absolutely no use. What followed was the madness of several on-edge, sleep-deprived teenagers in the middle of the night screaming very loudly to run away and grab the axe back. I wonder what the neighbours thought?

Timesplitters 2 Level 3, Notre Dame Luke Baldwin TimeSplitters is a series I adored when I was growing up. The blend of silly characters and over-the-top violence really appealed to me. But my biggest gripe was always the horror-themed levels, mainly because I was too scared to play them and would resort to asking a friend to do them for me. Nothing epitomised this more for me than the third mission in TimeSplitters 2, one of my favourite and most beloved games of all time. From decapitating zombies in a sewer to battling 30-foot demons in a cathedral this level has it all and fits well with the ridiculous nature of the series. But it was all too much for my young (arguably too young to play this game) mind. A particularly chilling memory is of the Changelings, damsels in distress that the player is tasked with saving only to find out they are demons in disguise and are far more interested in devouring the player than being rescued. Think the girl from The Ring with blonde hair and you get the idea. Let’s just say this level gave me a lot of sleepless nights as a kid.

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Dead

Penumbra:

Space

Black Plague

Both the PS3 and the Xbox 360 have certain games that defined the console experience for an entire generation of gamers, and Dead Space is definitely one of them. While there still hasn’t been a PS4 or Xbox One port, it remains one of the defining horror action games that many have tried to replicate, with few succeeding. Even sequels in the same franchise haven’t quite managed to grasp the same feel, although some would argue that DS2 got close, 3 and 4 belong more in the action genre than horror. The original is nevertheless an unusual action-horror game in that it strikes a surprisingly good balance between the two genres, throwing in just the right amount of gruesome Necromorphs (regenerating ex-human spiky nasties) to shit you up without desensitising the player, making every encounter feel refreshingly visceral. Whichever console you decide to play it on (or you can opt for a PC version) you can snap it up for £9.99 online and possibly cheaper if you can track down a disc copy.

One of the staples of the run-and hide genre of horror games, Penumbra plays very much like Half-Life minus the hilarity associated with the iconic Gravity Gun. Gameplay involves exploring a bit before running around and being sneaky to avoid the baddies. Think Alien: Isolation without the lovely lighting effects. The Penumbra series first started out in 2007, a time when most gaming environments looked like the developers had run it through a toilet cistern a few times, choosing the colour palate from a vibrant selection of browns and greys. Granted the graphics may be in some pretty lonesome company at E3 these days, but it’ll still leave your heart racing if you go in unprepared for what’ll come looking for you. At £6.99 it’s a bit pricier than some of the other games on this list, but you’ll have change from a tenner to buy a stress ball.

Maere: When Lights Die This one is an interesting entry mainly because it’s both free-to-play but still quite good, which should immediately have student gamers excited. M:WLD is what happens when you give four young developers from IMAC an Oculus Rift and get them to design a game exclusively to exploit your fears. Development started way back in 2012 when virtual reality was but a dream, and even from a cursory glance at the gameplay it seems like they did a stellar job. The premise is that the player character is in a VR simulation-it was 2012, Inception was still pretty relevant at the time- and is briefly introduced to an idyllic environment before things go tits up. Obviously, this is a horror game after all. Whilst this doesn’t show poor pacing as much as it shows ignorance of it, it’s definitely a good way to get the blood pumping. Also did I mention it was free? Note: An Oculus Rift is certainly not free, so this game can be played in regular 2-D if you want to scare yourself the old fashioned way.

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Halloween seems to have lost its fear factor these days, with people either dressing up as something sexy or something that tries to be sexy but really isn’t (Sexy Guantanamo prisoner costume is a thing - I rest my case). This might seem like a terrible shame, but don’t fret adrenaline junkies because we’ve got you covered, with a Top Five selection of games to scare you shitless and leave you traumatised all the way through November. Even better, these games can all be picked up for less than £10, making them perfect for a student-friendly fright fest. David MacLachlan

Five Nights

Slender:

At Freddy’s

The Eight Pages

FNAF is a perfect entry to kick of this list, being both cheap and creepy . Everything about it is designed to unsettle you first rather than scare you, from the eerie animatronic animals to the ominous notes from the owner about what prowls around Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza restaurant at night. It’s a wonderfully simple game, divert the power to lock or open various doors while keeping an eye on the security cameras. Open the wrong door or fail to keep an eye on where the robotic nasties are? You’ll be nervously chasing shadows and wiping away copious amounts of sweat. It’s only available on Steam for now (rumours say the PS4 may get a port in the not-too-distant future), but at £3.99 it’s an absolute steal and well worth a look.

This was always going to be on the list, let’s be honest. Scary game? Tick. Cheap as chips? Tick. The chance to record your housemate screaming as the Slenderman appears behind them in a whirlwind of static? Super tick. This is the game that brought indie horror games to the forefront of the games market, largely due to its prominence within the confusingly large YouTube ‘Let’s Play’ community. In its first month of release it was downloaded two million times, rivalling many major console releases (including the aforementioned Dead Space) and cementing its reputation as one of the most relatable methods of terrifying yourself the internet has ever seen. I mentioned earlier that it was cheap as chips, which isn’t strictly true as chips aren’t generally free but this is.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS... Silent Hill 2: Get a time machine, find a PS2, realise modern gaming is rubbish and book in with a psychologist. You’ll need it. The Amnesia Series: sadly not cheap enough to make it on this list, but still nightmare-worthy. Machine For Pigs

is an absolute treat, in a ‘I want my mum’ kind of way.

them to play it. Then refer to the latter part of the Silent Hill 2 instructions.

P.T.: this twisted brainchild of Hideo Kojima can’t be downloaded anymore after the famed developer’s highprofile split with Konami, so find someone who has it on PS4 and beg

So there you have it, a decent selection of horror games with which you can shriek away at to your hearts content. Turn the lights off if you dare…

Make a questionable life choice and spend an evening with the animatronics on Five Nights at Freddy’s

Forge Press

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Review Luke Pedley It has long been bemoaned by FIFA fans worldwide that EA have failed to push their landmark game to the next level. Unfortunately, this year’s instalment continues to disappoint. In the preamble leading to the release, fans were promised so much of FIFA 18. More realistic dribbling, passing and shooting were all discussed as features that were due an upgrade. While the passing is much more realistic with no more Matrix-esque spin passes, the shooting and dribbling are underwhelming. The former seems to be far more erratic than in the recent versions, while the latter has become clumsy and inconsistent. New features such as quick-subs (allowing you to make substitutions without pausing the game) are charming yet pointless. The real question is why time was spent on unnecessary extras, instead of improving game-play. The most noticeable feature of the game is, as ever, the heavy presence of FIFA’s main money-maker, Ultimate Team. Much of it has remained the same. Players are still extortionately expensive, and the game largely revolves around its online features. Although offline modes are available, they are very much in the periphery in favour of the player vs. player options. The idea, is that people are competitive and so they’ll fritter away hard-earned cash on besting their mates, anonymous young children and Craig, the divorcee from Scunthorpe.

One small bonus is the game’s persistence with offline game mode, The Journey. This feature, while certainly not the game’s main selling point, provides a genuinely compelling story of young football star Alex Hunter, and his struggle (or relative ease, depending on your difficulty settings) in making it as a professional footballer. Cameo performances from stars like Ronaldo also add a certain charm to the story. FIFA have certainly pushed The Journey strongly forward following its predecessor, extending the number of seasons you can play, although the game’s conversation options remain rudimentary. Almost forgotten is FIFA 18’s Career mode. Once the first thing players would go on after purchasing the game, it has seen a slow slip

into unimportance. EA continue to persist with a familiar formula, knowing that there is little point making wholesale changes. Though small things like animations have been used for the manager dealing in transfers, they don’t add much interest to a neglected mode. Conspiracy theorists have long sold the game’s biggest flaw as the momentum changes. FIFA 18 takes it one step further. Tight, tense 1-0 games are now a thing of the past, with defenders persistently making errors enforced by the AI. Shortcuts such as ‘high-press’, going attacking and formation changes easily shift a game in your favour. Even with their flaws, previous editions

StudioMDHR’s Cuphead is a bit like the Situational Awareness part of your driving test, only one million times harder. You die a lot and it’s brilliant. Cuphead and Mugman did a deal with the Devil and lost. In order to save their souls, the Devil requests the daring duo collect the contracted souls of Inkwell Isle. It’s a 1930s cartoon world made up of hand-drawn cel animations, filled with madness and creative brilliance that spills over into the gameplay. The game features a series of platformer levels, interspersed with unforgettable boss fights. Players can either play solo as Cuphead or with a friend in twoplayer mode, where Mugman joins the side-scrolling fun. Two-player mode is the best way to play, with the game’s difficulty forcing a level of cooperation between players to

of FIFA, have been enjoyable games. This year’s edition fails to provide an immersive experience and any ounce of light is darkened by a very synthetic feeling game. EA’s problem is also its lifeline. A real lack of other enjoyable football games leaves FIFA 18 the only valid football option - but that says far more about Pro Evolution’s problems than FIFA’s strengths.

discuss tactics. The game seems simple in theory as a 2D platformer, but its fast pace and brutal challenge quickly eliminates that notion. This might alienate less experienced players, but the aesthetics are charming enough to keep you coming back for more. There are upgrades available that you can buy using in-game coins, like allowing you take an extra hit or changing shooting style, which is useful in gameplay. There are no checkpoints in the game and, although it’s painful to start each level again, it is insanely addictive. The hand-painted watercolour backgrounds never get boring to look at. StudioMDHR have created a series of dynamic, exciting, and evolving levels which affect gameplay pacing in fun and difficult ways. Just try not to rage quit! Chloe Dervey

Wednesday 18 October 2017

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Florence Mooney | Music Editor

@ForgePress

Music

As we’ve all been settling back into uni life, Sheffield’s live music scene has been back at it’s top form with gigs from The Amazons, Nick Mulvey and New Kingston to name a few, so be sure to check out the reviws in the next few pages. However, as the nights get longer and the urge to leave the warmth of home fades, there are plenty of great labums to give a spin as well.

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Wolf Alice’s outstanding sophomore album, Visions of a Life is finally out and is well worth the wait. Liam Gallagher is also back with his best material since Oasis days - an album which is getting people talking. But the band everyone seems to have on repeat at the moment is Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, after Petty’s sudden death at the beginning of October. Despite plenty of brillinat tracks and albums

Editors’ Picks. Album.

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with the band, his best album is his debut from his solo career - Full Moon Fever. Through these cold northern nights, Petty’s Californian rock ‘n’ roll couldn’t be more needed.

Single.

Caress Your Soul by Sticky Fingers This reggae/indie/psychedelic/pop (quite the combination) album is the perfect one to stick on and unwind to. It’s relaxing but also infectiously upbeat. The Australian outfit are insanely cool and definitely one to familiarise yourself with. Give ‘How To Fly’ a listen to see if it’s your thing or not.

‘American Girl’ by Tom Petty After his sudden passing on 1st OCtober, the music world has been in mourning of Tom Petty. His 40 year career spanned anthemic rock clasics such as ‘Free Fallin’’, ‘Won’t Back Down’ and ‘Stop Draggin’ my Heart Around’, but none are quite as iconic as ‘American Girl’, the closing track on his debut album.

Steelworks on Sky Florence Mooney

Across our time at university, most of us will get involved in some form of extra-curricular activity, whether that’s to pursue an interest, develop skills or just to add something to your CV. For the Steelworks A Cappella group, made up of University of Sheffield students and graduates, their extra curricular involvement has lead to a spot on the Sky 1 TV show Sing: Ultimate A Cappella. Sing: Ultimate A Cappella is a pure A Cappella talent contest, with groups relying completely upon vocal talent and group harmonies rather than backing bands and performance. Each episode is hosted by Cat Deeley and features five groups performing in three

rounds: a medley round (where one group gets knocked out); a famous artist round (where two groups get knocked out); and a showcase round (in which the final two groups sing for a place in the final). At the end of the series, the finalists will be battling it out for the opportunity to record and release a single in time for Christmas. When researching their new show, Sky came across Steelworks and came up to Sheffield to check them out. The group impressed and were were invited down to London to take part in the show. Steelworks member Tegan Parish described the experience of filming for the show as exciting but familiar: “As soon as we got on stage, it was like any other

show, as though we were standing in front of friends and family”. The show is filmed in front of a live audience, which Tegan said provided a great buzz for the group, encouraging them to give their best performance. The exciting new opportunity for the group has encouraged them to sing more in the future. Sing: Ultimate A Capella is on at 7pm on Friday evenings on Sky 1, with Sheffield’s Steelworks appearing on 20 October. Don’t miss it!

Steelworks with Cat Deeley

Tegan Parish

Introducing... Louis Berry Edie McQueen

n the other side of the phone, Louis Berry relaxes in a car with his bass player and his friend. “I try to stay friends with people from my old life,” he tells me. And certainly, old life seems apt. Since putting out his first single ‘Rebel’ Berry has quickly gained momentum, his life shifting dramatically. “I was basically up to no good, if I’m honest with you”, he

says of his old life, even chuckling that if not for music he may have ended up as the next Pablo Escobar. “I want to inspire people from the same background as me,” he explains, clearly enjoying his new life. And now he’s ready to conquer the music industry. “Liverpool has no music scene” he declares of his home town, dismissing the student wannabes who he feels don’t truly embody the city. “There’s a scene in the city, but not of the city. There’s no voice of the people. They don’t represent the people of the city.” He’s also contemptuous of mainstream popstars and happily complains about their lack of authenticity, which he mainly centres around not writing their own songs. “Every song’s got to be true” he states, suggesting the problem is that, “nowadays everyone’s

scared to say what they want to say.” His boldness and direct way of talking mean this won’t be a problem with him. “I’m not saying I’m the best there’s ever been in Liverpool, but I’m definitely the best at the moment,” he asserts. The album, due out sometime next year, is set to display the full scope of Berry’s work. “I write all different styles of music,” he says, even hinting at a few political songs up his sleeve which will feature alongside his current songs of love and life on the album. “Revolution is going on,” he announces. This seems to be the way Berry works, drawing primarily from events and experiences for inspiration. “I wouldn’t say I have musical influences, but I definitely take personal influences… the heart and character of someone,” he explains of his songwriting. “There’s many people I admire though”, he concedes, listing Tupac and Johnny Cash as examples. But he is determined to craft his own sound. Berry is clearly ambitious, and he has every reason to be.

Image: John Johnson

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Wednesday 18 October 2017

Review

Wolf Alice: Visions of a Life

Edie McQueen During the two years since Wolf Alice’s monumental debut album My Love Is Cool there has been much anticipaction surrounding their follow-up. The band are now back with their ‘difficult second album’, a melting pot of fury and seduction. The tracks slip between an anger not dissimilar to Beastie Boys or Dream Wife and a slick gauzy daze. Ellie Rowsell’s ability to twist her vocals to ethereal or furious on demand is a standout feature of the album, with the pop delicacy of ‘Planet Hunter’ and the petty

rage of first single ‘Yuk Foo’ exemplifying the sudden changes in vibe and dynamic. As Visions of a Life progresses it switches towards a darker sound, layering deceptively angelic vocals over grungy guitars, the lyrics soaring from the romance of singles such as ‘Don’t Delete the Kisses’ and ‘Beautifully Unconventional’. ‘Space and Time’ is two and a half minutes of euphoric pop rock that screams to get down and dirty in a mosh pit. Just listening to it makes you involuntarily catch your breath during the breakdown. It wouldn’t be out of place in a late 90s romcom.

‘After The Zero Hour’ is yet another change in direction, with the penultimate track feeling more pared back and almost folkloric in contrast to the anthemic sense of the album’s other parts. These can shift again from the album’s initial retro dreaminess, and all in all show the true spectrum and spectacle that Wolf Alice are capable of. Bring on the live shows.

Visions of a Life

Review

Liam Gallagher: As You Were

Brigid Harrison-Draper

As You Were

Warner Bros. Records

Review Danny Brown

Well, well, well. Almost ten years since ‘calling it a day’ back in 2008, Sheffield’s own comeback kids Milburn have returned with their aptly-titled third album Time. Despite having slipped under the radar in recent years, many still remember a time when Milburn were among the heavyweights of Sheffield’s indie scene, throwing punches alongside the likes of Reverend and the Makers and Arctic Monkeys. Following their untimely split less than a year after releasing their sophomore album, it seemed unlikely 2007’s These Are The Facts would ever receive a follow-up. However, the Sheffield veterans have rewarded their fiercely loyal local fanbase with a long-awaited third instalment. Time shows a natural development from the crashing, fast-paced sound of the band’s earlier efforts, 2005’s Well, Well, Well and 2007’s These Are The Facts. This feels like

Dirty Hit

Liam Gallagher, LG x, William John Paul Gallagher. Whatever you call him, you know who he is. Within an instant you think of that guy who sings ‘Wonderwall’. In the past few months however, Gallagher has been better known as the solo singer whose album As You Were is one of the most anticipated album releases of the year. Moving on from his past, his debut album explores the musical talent of the Mancunian icon. Staying close to home throughout the album, Liam gives fans of Beady Eye and Oasis satisfaction in the tracks in ‘Wall of Glass’ and ‘Greedy Soul’. Both feature his signature expressive vocals and Britpop-

infused guitar rhythm. But Gallagher isn’t afraid to move on with the times, bringing in influence from a previous solo artist who he holds close to his heart. It only takes a few seconds of listening to ‘Paper Crown’ to see the clear influence of John Lennon’s sound. ‘When I’m In Need’ is a definitive track inspired by The Beatles psychedelic sound, with the opening lyric “look for the girl” and abstract chorus blended with Liam’s harmonic vocals. Even ‘For What It’s Worth’ takes a liking to Lennon’s 1973 single ‘Mind Games’, with it’s theme of forgiveness and unity. Co-writing with the likes of Greg Kurstin (Adele/Foo Fighters) and Andrew Wyatt (Florence & The

Milburn: Time a more controlled, melody-focused approach. Yet despite their matured sound, Milburn allow glimpses of the raw energy that drove much of their early style to creep into this record, providing some of its most impactful moments as a result. Time as a theme is key throughout most of the record, with the opening title track a shimmering reflection of how memories transform over time. The stomping verses of ‘Midnight Control’ address a similar issue, building into a powerful chorus featuring one of the catchiest riffs on the album. Among the darkest moments on the record is ‘Nothing for You’, delivering a brooding serenade to a former lover and a sinister climax reminiscent of Humbug-era Arctic Monkeys. ‘Keep Me in Mind’ crashes into life with singer Joe Carnall demonstrating he hasn’t lost his knack for a catchy chorus. Showing their softer side on ‘Together Alone’, Millburn muster up all of their Yorkshire charm. It’s an

acoustic ballad that desperately tried to avoid all romantic clichés, instead choosing wryly to describe “Tying back her hair as she brings up her dinner”. The slinking guitar grooves of ‘A.O.S.D’ demonstrates Milburn at the peak of their song crafting talents, and is by far one of the finest songs on the album. The slightly onedimensional ‘Philistine’ falls flat in comparison, but ‘5:40’ picks up the pieces to provide a triumphant ending to a solid offering. Although it might not impact the charts in a way it deserves to, there’s no denying that Milburn have managed to produce a solid comeback with Time. From a band about to disappear off the face of the earth to one alive and kicking again, Sheffield’s music scene can do nothing but benefit from the rekindling of one its finest bands in the last decade.

Time

Sony Red Essentials

Machine/Beck) has given Gallagher an opportunity to work with people outside of the Oasis family. This collaboration has produced a more mature musician, with tracks like ‘Universal Gleam’ and ‘I’ve All I Need’ showing the musically experienced Liam Gallagher rather than front man of two dissolved Britpop bands. Whether you’re Team Noel or Team Liam, As You Were is a safe but memorable debut album. This is a solid start from a solo artist you should expect to hear a lot more work from very soon.

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Interview

Nick Mulvey Leadmill

Faith Dunne

Review

New Kingston Plug

Ben Kempton

With the bar set high, New Kingston entered the stage to a red, green and yellow haze. The Rastafarian colours were rivalled only by the group’s incredible dreadlocks, and the scene was set for an outstanding reggae gig. The Brooklyn-born group combined their urban sound and Jamaican heritage in complete harmony. Tahir Panton used the keyboard almost as a synth to keep a modern vibe, whilst Courtney M Panton Jr. (drums), Courtney M Panton Sr. (bass) and Stephen Suckarie (electric guitar) kept the traditional reggae essence alive. Their combined effort in the vocals added different tones throughout and the endearing family connection was clear through the onstage chemistry. Headliners The Skints brought the

Despite being a wonderfully diverse city, Sheffield’s music venues can fall short of providing events which span further than indie bands or DJs. So it was a blessing to see New Kingston supporting indie-reggae band The Skints and selling out Plug. Otis Mensah kick-started proceedings in mesmerising fashion. Oozing old-school Hip Hop prowess, the 22-year-old commanded the stage with a theatrical presence. His unique storytelling ability captivated the entire audience, backed purely by a bass and snare. The young rapper used his vocal ability to go into a deep, bellowing voice on the chorus, then switched it up to a rap style similar to London counterpart Loyle Carner.

we feel it. We live in unprecedented times of change.” His latest single ‘Mountain to Move’ ambiguously calls on society to wake up to the threat of climate change, while ‘We are Never Apart’ makes a direct reference to the controversial plan for fracking to take place in Lancashire. “We believe that we are separate from the world and we’re not. And we’re learning that fast. So we need to move beyond the word environment and become more interconnected and understand ourselves within it. It is self-care to look after the world around us.” Although Mulvey philosophically considers many heady issues throughout his album, he considers himself, “as the waiter and not the chef… by which I mean, I’m bringing the music out to the people and to the table [because] a song is better if you put all of the ingredients together and the listener has to then interpret it their way.” One message that he would like the listener to take from the album and onstage performances though? “That every moment of life is extraordinary.”

night to a close with swagger and style as genres continued to combine. They introduced a fresh hybrid of indie band and reggae which worked brilliantly. Remarkably for a reggae gig, their top hit ‘This Town’ got the crowd moshing as energy levels in Plug rocketed sky high. Guitar player Joshua Water Rude acted as the front man with his cheeky charm. The crowd loved him. As for the others, stage presence was lacking, contrasting bleakly against prior acts from the night. Despite this, a night of mindblowing genre-twisting was topped off perfectly as show stealers New Kingston joined The Skints on stage and played the audience out. Sonic Records

Review

Happy Accidents

Amelia Shaw

own right. Happy Accidents’ name was inspired by how he met his wife when she stumbled across his gig (and the rest is history). You might think that this means the album is full of soppy, romantic love ballads and though there are a few, this album really does present a real musical variety. After his number one self-titled album two years ago there was a lot to live up to, especially after the release of top ten single ‘Wasn’t Expecting That’. The first single to come from the album was ‘Can’t See Straight’, co-written by Ed Sheeran and Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDald -

If you’ve never heard of Jamie Lawson think of a guitarist singersongwriter in the same vein as Vance Joy, James Bay and Passenger. This new album Happy Accidents is definitely worth a listen. Lawson has become well known for his friendship and affiliations with Ed Sheeran, but he’s someone that deserves an excellent reputation that has been years in the making. Signed by Ginger Bread Records, it must be hard to escape the evergrowing limelight of Sheeran, but he really is a fine musician in his

consciousness and how the central role of our own understanding, of our own experience and in fact our misunderstanding of our own experience has had a lot to play in the creating of the crisis that we’re living in right now.” One particular track from the album that presents the lack of human understanding in global social crisis is ‘Myela’, a song inspired by first-hand refugee accounts. Mulvey admitted that he was confused by how the media was writing about the refugee crisis: “It’s one of those when you don’t see what you want, you think fuck it I’ll write it myself. Because I wanted a narrative that was more human.” And he doesn’t just vocalise this issue. After performing the song at a recent performance at Leadmill, a donation bucket was passed around the crowd in aid of the charity Help Refugees UK. But the refugee crisis is not all that’s on Mulvey’s mind. Another worldly issue which litters the album is the environment. “We’re getting humbled by nature right now and it’s called climate change. And it’s coming and it’s really here and

Nick Mulvey’s newly adopted attitude was palpable from the moment he strolled on stage, guitar in hand, completely comfortable in his own skin (and beanie), “Becoming a dad changes everything. I think I’ve just been more relaxed, simple as that. And that just affects everything positively.” Since Mulvey’s last album First Mind, he has set up a base in Wiltshire with his Wife Isadora and baby boy. Although finding a balance between ‘horsing around’ with his son and focusing upon his music is hard, new album Wake up Now tells us that Nick has found some kind of harmony between the two. An album which touches upon a diverse range of topics including the refugee crisis, climate change and self-discovery, Wake up Now blends politics with morality and provokes big questions about the present state of society. To Mulvey, “The main subject of the album is, I call it, selfinquiry. But another way of putting that is that the album is about

Faith Dunne

Forge Press

Jamie Lawson

there’s a brilliant Sheeran-Lawson duet of the song on YouTube. The sound and vibe is similar to ‘Wasn’t Expecting That’, but that’s not necessarily a negative thing. Along the lines of more romantic, traditional love song are ‘Miracle of Love’, ‘Falling in Love’ and ‘Tell me Again’, but the most tender, catastrophic love song has to be ‘The Last Spark’ It’s a classic sung from the heart that doesn’t sound like it was written to be a hit, a refreshing change from the mainstream and how music should be. ‘Sing to the River’ provides another emotive experience, but this of a different

Gingerbread Man Records

kind of heartbreak. The song is about the passing of Lawson’s father, and he revealed that the lyrics are in fact the first and only time he has been able to write about that part of his life. That’s not all to mean that this is purely a romantic album however, as ‘Fall into Me’ and ‘Time on My

Hands’ are much more fast paced and keep a lively pulse running through the album. This prevents would-be critics from saying that the songs are same-y or too sombre. With 17 tracks on the album, it’s a lengthy experience thats impossible not to enjoy. A treat for any ear.

Forge Press

Wednesday 18 October 2017

There’s a new kid on the block, and he has a questionable haircut. Ben Kempton There’s a new kid on the block, one with a questionable haircut and occasionally gold teeth. Post Malone is the new sensation taking the charts and hip hop world by storm. His recent single ‘rockstar’ shattered Apple Music’s single week streaming record with over 25 million streams, while his debut album Stoney racked up over 1 billion streams and four platinum singles. If you’ve not heard of him by now, you soon will. Post Malone’s style epitomises the contemporary state of hip hop. Infectious Drake-style beats, a voice which has been mechanically tweaked so when he hits the high notes he sounds uncannily like Stephen Hawking and lyrics which don’t stride much further than drugs, girls and money. Such is the state of rap. It’s a shame, as Malone boasts a beautifully pure voice when the synthetics are stripped back. ‘Actually, he’s really talented’ is a common port of call when defending the decision to be his fan and if you’ve seen videos online of him performing, it’s hard to disagree. Commercially, his success speaks for itself. He is placed as the second most popular artist in the world according to streaming numbers and digital sales, assisted by the fact Stoney spent

40+ consecutive weeks in the Top 25 of the Billboard album charts. Despite roaring success with a new breed of hip hop fans, Malone hasn’t received a blessing from other artists in the field. Rapper Lil B poetically tweeted, “fuck post Malone u ain’t hip hop bitch u don’t even rap keep sucking platinum rich dick fake ass Rick Rubin” (sic). His legitimacy was questioned further when asked why he chose to go for a music career. His reply: “I was just really good at Guitar Hero”. It begs the question: how did he get where he is now? Unlike most of the other pop giants across the globe, Post Malone hardly has looks on his side. With a scraggly beard, greasy mullet/braid combo and gold teeth to cover up his yellow teeth, he successfully overtakes Ed Sheeran in the looks misfit category. But his offbeat fashion sense of baggy checkered shirts has come to define him. Case in point: you can now go on eBay to find Post Malone costumes for babies. The endearing look pays. Despite all this, the question mark over Post’s Success still remains. Even the man himself has difficulty answering, admitting to Paper Magazine: “I don’t even understand how I got where I am and how I did it... It doesn’t make any sense to me.”

Maybe he’s being modest. Or maybe he doesn’t know because it wasn’t necessarily him who got him to where he is. Perhaps it was the same powerhouse music machine that managed to get the ‘Grime’ track by Love Island’s Chris and Kem to number one in the iTunes charts, a boardroom of men in suits choosing future hits. His success is proof that major labels have star-making powers. Signed with Republic Records, he has a team around him that has been able to secure radio promotion, help organise important career moments like an opening slot on Justin Bieber’s 2016

world tour and set up big name guest features from industry heavyweights like Bieber, Quavo, 2 Chainz, Future and 21 Savage. That’s the cynical view. The alternative, that Post is simply a talented and likeable guy, is entirely possible. It’s difficult to know for sure. What is however completely certain and refreshing about Post Malone is that he isn’t afraid to be himself. He is a white man in a black man’s game but he doesn’t shy away from it and seems to laugh off the stick and hate he gets every time, cigarette in hand. The millions he’s raking in might help with that too. It will be interesting to see if Post Malone survives the test of time, but for now, get used to the record breaking and the controversy. He’s not going anywhere just yet. Rap-Up

Review

The Amazons Leadmill

Shaun Perryment The Amazons took to the stage following impressive support from The Pale White, who managed to grab the sold-out crowd’s attention in Leadmill. The Reading-based band kicked things off with one of their bigger hits ‘Ultraviolet’, taken from the self-titled debut album which was released on 2 June. The song had a strong response as the packed-out audience screamed every word back to the band. Typical of a Tuesday night gig it took a few songs for the crowd to properly warm to the band, but by third song ‘Stay With Me’ the mosh pits had opened and the crowd were bouncing front to back. Midway through the set, frontman Matt Thomson lamented that many of his musical inspirations are passing away. This brought him onto an emotional tribute to the late Tom Petty with an acoustic cover of ‘Free

Image: Georgia Arudnell

Fallin’’, a very special moment of the set. Going from strength to strength with tunes such as ‘Black Magic’, the crowd were loving every minute and surfing over the top of each other, much to the security’s displeasure. The ever-present roars of ‘YORKSHIRE, YORKSHIRE” between songs are a positive sign of any good gig in the area. The encore commenced with emotional hit ‘Palace’ dropping the tone of the otherwise raucous gig, only for the mood to be ramped straight back up again as the first note of their hit single ‘Junk Food Forever’ dropped. Madness descended back onto the Leadmill dancefloor with limbs flying all over the place - a fitting end to a wonderful set. There is no doubt that The Amazons have great potential. I look forward to watching them grow and grow.

Carolina Faruola

Review Shaun Perryment

The Magic Gang Foundry

The Magic Gang took to the stage as the main support act for Sundara Karma on Saturday 7 October. The gig marked the halfway point of a 14-night UK tour and the band from Brighton looked confident as they walked on stage to a sold-out Plug. Unsurprising, with previous tourmates including the likes of Circa Waves and Wolf Alice. Opening with the hit ‘Lady, Please’, the mosh pit formed instantly as the lights went down in anticipation of their arrival. “Two songs in and so much has happened already, let’s make this a good one Sheffield,” shouted guitarist Kristian Smith. Right on cue was the first of the “Yorkshire” chants for the evening. The crowd was suitably up for it, and had the band not asked the crowd if they were excited for the headliners Sundara Karma, an outsider could have easily been convinced that it was The Magic Gang’s own gig.

The boys continued the set with as much enthusiasm as they started with and the crowd reciprocated. Bringing out tunes including ‘Your Love’, ‘All That I Want Is You’ before finishing with ‘How Can I Compete?’ (arguably the band’s biggest anthem), it saw the crowd belting lyrics back to the quartet. Security frantically pulled people off shoulders and looking after the few crowd surfers that hadn’t been dropped. Sundara Karma followed with a stellar performance, with big hits creating a stir in the mosh pit including ‘Flame’, ‘She Said’, and ’Loveblood’ before ending their set with ‘Explore’, which had the audience going crazy. A strong ending to a wonderful evening of live music. The Magic Gang are certainly destined for big things and with the debut album, which has a suggested release date of early 2018, it certainly won’t be magic when we see the group shoot up the charts.

Wednesday 18 October 2017

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David Craig

@ForgePress

Welcome back to another glorious screen section! This week, the Forge team has been buzzing over how much they love Blade Runner 2049 (check out the five-star review below)! I remain sceptical given how incredibly tedious the first film was, but I accept that my opinion is widely viewed as wrong. Also in this week’s issue: a spooktacular feature on the best

Screen press.screen@forgetoday.com

Screen Editor

and worst Stephen King movies by James Turner! What better way to celebrate the imminent arrival of Halloween? Also, my co-editor Joe spent several hours on an awesome design for it which deserves to be seen. Perhaps the most controversial part of the issue is Lucas Mentken’s review of Flatliners. The movie currently holds a 4% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but earns a solid three-star rating here.

Finally, be sure to check out our Film Unit selects for the next couple of weeks! If you aren’t making the most of your studentrun budget cinema, then change your ways immediately! I’ve got my eye on the upcoming screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, a film that has absolutely stood the test of time. I haven’t eaten in eight hours so I’m just going to end this here. Thanks for reading, folks!

Review

Flatliners

Lucas Mentken

Don’t do drugs, kids.

Review

Blade Runner 2049

Rory Mellon

t would be fair to say there wasn’t a high demand for Blade Runner 2049. Many moviegoers found the original too alienating to crave a sequel, and those who liked it were sceptical of its legacy being tarnished. Fortunately, Blade Runner: 2049 isn’t just an incredible film, it is also one of the best sequels of all time. Much like the first film, Blade Runner 2049 questions what it means to be human, with the struggle between

years since Blade

Runner was released

humanity and genetically engineered replicants at the forefront once again. Indeed, 2049 bravely makes numerous references to its predecessor and as a result probably isn’t the best jumping-on point for those unfamiliar with the 1982 cult classic. The film revolves around K (Ryan Gosling), a special police officer known as a Blade Runner whose job it is to hunt down

Sad Max: Gloomy Road

Movie DB

replicants. Gosling is the perfect leading man for a Blade Runner film - moody and contemplative - giving Harrison Ford strong competition for the best in the franchise. K’s relationship with Joi (Ana de Armas) gives the film its most human moments. Their pairing is both deeply compelling and utterly ingenious when you consider the mindbending themes of the franchise. It’s a shame that the film’s marketing has pushed Harrison Ford’s return so heavily, because the return of Rick Deckard would have made for a wonderful reveal. Nonetheless, it’s still undeniably exciting to see the return of such an iconic science fiction character, and Ford has not lost his touch. Deckard is just as gruffly roguish as you remember. If Gosling is the perfect man in front of the camera, Denis Villeneuve is equally triumphant behind it. Make sure you see Blade Runner 2049 on the biggest screen and soundsystem possible as the entire film is an audiovisual treat. A small monitor or laptop screen will not do it justice. Villeneuve manages to take the franchise in bold new directions but makes clear connections to the established universe. Thankfully, the lo-fi look of the first film is replicated in K’s grim apartment and the seedy underbelly of the futuristic

Movie DB

LA with painstaking attention to detail. Blade Runner 2049 is clearly a labour of love for Villeneuve and it would be no exaggeration to say that he was the only man for the job. It must be noted however that much like its predecessor, Blade Runner 2049 won’t be to everyone’s taste. There’s barely a lick of action in the near three-hour

the entire film is an audiovisual treat runtime, and much of the film is spent drinking in the gorgeous cinematography or watching Gosling sullenly gaze into space. None of this is a criticism against the film, having it any other way would be a betrayal of its origins, but it is worth noting. If you’re looking for a fast paced, action heavy sci-fi flick then perhaps steer clear. However, if you want a thoughtful and technically unparalleled sci-fi feature that questions the very concept of existence, then you need to see this film as soon as possible.

Not enough Atari logos.

Movie DB

A remake of the 1990 psychological horror movie, Flatliners tries to answer the ultimate question: what happens after we die? Five medical students induce near-death experiences in an attempt to find out more about the afterlife. As a result of this dangerous experiment they gain enhanced cognitive abilities and a more positive life attitude. Continuing to pursue their secret study in the basement of a teaching hospital, they soon start to encounter strange side effects which raise doubts about whether flatlining was such a good idea after all. Lovers of jump scares and suspense are going to enjoy Flatliners. While the plot is predictable at first, many will find themselves clinging onto their seats

“You can’t sit with us.”

Forge Press

as it progresses. The story unfolds into deeper and more unpredictable territories by using elements of surprise and remarkable photography. However, the film becomes less effective when it enters its final act which suffers from a lack of scary moments. It does however offer an interesting take on the afterlife and the mystery of death. The moral of the story could be to take responsibility for your past mistakes and try to seek forgiveness. Director Niels Arden Oplev offers a gripping exploration of what awaits us after death and gives the original movie a modern refresh. The new Flatliners is distinctively scarier than its predecessor. It is also more reflective of today’s society and is sure to leave the audience reflecting on its message for days.

Movie DB

Review

Star Trek: Discovery

Charles Brown

development sometimes lost between rapid scene changes. However, the series really comes alive in a second episode that features an unpredictable plot and some truly satisfying and heart-wrenching moments. Recreating the revolution that Star Trek was in the 1960s may be difficult in today’s saturated sci-fi scene, but Star Trek: Discovery has the potential to do just that. Implementing a number of new ideas, each episode of Discovery has the potential to be interesting in a different way. If the upcoming twelve episodes can maintain the same quality or even improve, this season will definitely live long and prosper.

The latest iteration of the Star Trek universe has begun. Boasting new characters and modern cinematography, the three episodes released so far have not disappointed. This new show is set ten years before The Original Series, and follows Michael Burnham, a human taught by Vulcans on her seventh year aboard the USS Discovery. Keeping the same Star Trek feel but accompanied by stunning modern visuals of space, ships and the stars, the show sets out a solid platform and theme for episodes to come. Admittedly the first episode is flawed, with the story and character

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Forge Press

Review

Big Mouth

Abbie White

A gritty Italian remake of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Review

Suburra: Blood on Rome

Saya Uotani

uburra could easily have been just another Godfather-esque series where people are killed for not adhering to some code. However, across the first three episodes of this Netflix original series it becomes clear that Suburra is really about three young black sheep trying to find a sense of belonging. That and Netflix must have bucketloads of money with which to produce such quality-looking content. The series features gratuitous shots of the gorgeous yet grim cityscape of Rome, and it is obvious that the creators were very conscious of location and cinematography. The decor inside some of the houses is stunning, making the show worth watching for the aesthetics alone. It may be a tad uncomfortable for some though, with the first episode beginning with an orgy and the third episode featuring full frontal nudity. The three main characters are depicted as being in chronic mental conflict: Aureliano (Alessandro Borghi) is filled with rage and regarded as useless; Spadino (Giacomo

Review

Movie DB

Ferrara) is a mob leader to-be who is hiding his sexuality; and Lele (Eduardo Valdarnini) is the son of a policeman dealing drugs for pocket money. They come together in pursuit of power and money when they

Suburra successfully modernises the mob show by focusing on more complex issues

sacrifices for the family are deemed as law in the world of Suburra and this is most prominent in Spadino’s case. He appears to be gay but refuses to admit it, and it does not help that his father has decided he is to marry a girl he barely knows. His storyline is one to watch. Most shocking is the lengths these men will go to in order to prove their masculinity: killing livestock; owning several extravagant sportscars; and keeping women in the kitchen. On this note, Suburra is sorely lacking in female characters. Most of the cast are men and the women, while probably the most logical and rational, get little screen time. All in all, Suburra successfully modernises the mob show by focusing upon more complex issues and presenting jaw-dropping scenery in every episode.

witness a powerful priest having sex with a prostitute. The importance of family is heavily emphasised which is unsurprising for a show about the mafia. Staying loyal and making

ig Mouth is a Netflix animated comedy series that explores the pubertyfuelled adventures of adolescence. Creators Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg have said this show is 30 years in the making and takes ideas from their own puberty. It was clear from the start that this show was going to have a lot of jokes, but would they actually be funny? The titles for each episode don’t leave much to the imagination, with the first called ‘Ejaculation’. We can all guess what that is going to be about. Within three minutes a ‘monster’ jumps out and that sets the tone for the rest of the series. After watching the first few episodes the jokes and outrageousness seem to lessen. Perhaps you just learn what to expect. Overall the show doesn’t hold back

Big Mouth

on the humour, and while the animation isn’t bad it is at parts overexaggerated. The show is very sexpositive and doesn’t hold back from the multiple genitalia shots. One particularly funny moment which most girls will relate to is when female character Jessi is asked, “Are you on your period?”. Responding how any girl wishes they could, she punches him in the throat. One of the best things about this series is that it doesn’t just focus on boys or girls, it explores the experiences of people from all backgrounds with all kinds of problems. Your enjoyment of this show will depend on how much you can stand for crude imagery, explicit language and innuendos. But get a load of your new university mates together and it could be a fun bonding exercise!

Movie DB

Goodbye Christopher Robin Emma Dunn

he creation of Winnie the Pooh is delightfully unravelled in Goodbye Christopher Robin. Based on A A Milne’s life after World War One, director Simon Curtis has captured the perfect balance of his inner turmoil, the happiness brought about by his stories and the destruction of his son’s childhood. Suffering from PTSD, Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) and his wife Daphne (Margot Robbie) move to the countryside so that the author can write his planned anti-war book in rural Sussex. Struggling with writer’s block, it is his son Christopher Robin (Will Tilston) who inspires Milne to create the world of Winnie the Pooh. The pair spend a few days bonding in the woods together, inventing the characters that would end up in the book. The poems and stories are loved and become international hits, rekindling the joy that the war destroyed. However, the success of Winnie the Pooh is at the expense of Robin’s childhood, having become a show pony. His days become tedious hours of interviews and

photoshoots, including a photo with Winnie bear (whom Winnie the Pooh was inspired by) in an enclosed cage. The cast of the film are well chosen and each excel as their characters. Gleeson’s portrayal of A A Milne brilliantly captures the torment of his days in the trenches which continue to haunt him after the war. Kelly McDonald shines as the heart-warming nanny Olive, who becomes Christopher Robin’s maternal figure in place of the emotionally distant Daphne. Will Tilston embraces Christopher Robin effortlessly, and looks amazingly similar to E H Shepard’s illustrations. You can’t help but fall for his innocence and cuteness, sympathising with the dismantling of his childhood. The score written by Carter Burwell sits alongside the imagery and pulls effortlessly on our heartstrings. Goodbye, Christopher Robin sparks memories of the classic Pooh Bear whilst showing the untold story of Milne’s creative journey. It’s an insightful and emotional tale, and one that is highly recommend to anyone wanting a beautifully told story of the creation of a children’s classic.

Screen Selects A GHOST STORY

20 October

DETROIT

28 October

PSYCHO

30 October

The winner of our Summer Movie Showdown from issue 110!

Critically acclaimed fact-based drama, from Academy Award winning director Kathryn Bigelow.

See Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller back on the big screen, just in time for Halloween!

TICKETS ONLY £3! find more screenings online at facebook.com/FilmUnitSheffield

Wednesday 4 October 2017

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Wednesday 4 October 2017

ith four adaptations of his works being released in as many months, it seems that the world of cinema is going through a Stephen King renaissance. However, the King of horror has always been a cinematic goldmine, with his work adapted for film more times than any other living author. As Forge’s self-proclaimed Stephen King expert, James Turner has compiled a list of the best and worst feature film adaptations (so no Mr Mercedes or The Tommyknockers here). Let’s begin. James Turner

The Good It (2017): Let’s start with one of the horror master’s latest flicks. On the surface, it might seem that It is little more than a run-of-the-mill scary clown story. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. It isn’t really story about a scary clown at all. Instead, it’s a story about childhood, friendship and bravery in the face of your deepest fears. Yes, there is a clown – a scary one at that – but Andy Muschietti understands that there is a lot more to horror than cheap scares. Instead of using Pennywise the Dancing Clown to scare the audience directly, he puts us in the shoes of the Losers and uses the scares to develop them into three dimensional characters worthy of our attention. Combine this with the film’s sense of humour, relentless pace and highly memorable performances, and you’ve got yourself an excellent movie that is as heartfelt as it is frightening. Stand by Me: While we’re on the subject of childhood, Rob Reiner’s 1986 coming-of-age tale is well and truly a classic. Unlike a great many of King’s works, there is little to no horror to be found here, yet this doesn’t make it any less entertaining. Reiner, like every other director on this Good list, understands that the key to any King story is in the characters, ensuring that every scene fleshes out at least one of the four protagonists in their journey towards adulthood. As coming-ofage tales go, there are none better than Stand by Me. Misery: Rob Reiner makes it onto this list once again with his 1990 psychological thriller Misery. Misery set the bar for one-room thrillers upon its release and still holds that bar aloft even today. The recent Netflix special Gerald’s Game (another excellent Stephen King adaptation) did come quite close to eclipsing it but missed its mark only by a whisker and a tacked-on ending. So what exactly makes Misery so great? Is it Kathy Bates’ Oscarwinning performance? Is it the overwhelming feeling of isolation and panic that permeates the entire

film? Is it that hobbling scene (you know what I’m talking about)? You guessed it, it’s all of them. Every adaptation Frank Darabont had made/will ever make: Frank Darabont is the undisputed champion of King adaptations. Period. The Mist, the weakest of his three feature length King adaptations, is still one of the better horror movies of the 2000s, and has one of the greatest and gloomiest endings ever put to film.

Number of Stephen

King adaptations on screen

The Green Mile is the modern retelling of the Jesus myth, and likewise contains one of cinema’s greatest (and saddest) endings. Finally, there’s The Shawshank Redemption.Need I say more? You’ve all seen it, you all know how great it is, you might even be one of the 1.8 million people responsible for putting it number one on IMDb’s Top 250. Not only is Shawshank the greatest Stephen King adaptation of all time, it’s also one of, if not the greatest movies of all time. Honourable mentions: Carrie (1976), The Dead Zone, Gerald’s Game, 1408

The Bad Dreamcatcher: Stephen King doesn’t really write bad books, but Dreamcatcher is arguably his worst. Written by hand in a hospital after the author was struck by a van, Dreamcatcher is often cited as being overly long, tedious and downright silly in places. Even King himself doesn’t like it. As for the film, take those criticisms and ramp them up to eleven. Put simply, Lawrence Kasdan’s (incredibly the writer of The Empire Strikes Back) 2003 sci-fi movie is a total mess. The monsters are silly, the story is all over the place, and even Morgan Freeman’s performance is forgettable.

Children of the Corn 1-9: Okay, full disclosure: I haven’t seen the latter six Children of the Corn movies. However, I’m just going to go ahead and assume that they get ever worse. I mean, half of them aren’t rated on Rotten Tomatoes and of the four that are, three of them are at 0%. The highest rated – the first movie – sits at 36%. Unlike Dreamcatcher, Children of the Corn is actually a pretty solid short story. The movie, however, is giant steaming pile of manure. The only single redeeming feature about it is that Isaac, the leader of the children, is kinda creepy. Not because John Franklin put on a stellar performance but because he was a 25 year old man, and 25 year old men tend to look damn creepy as children. As for the sequels? Err, well, I guess I find the name Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest kinda amusing.

an asshole by an ATM machine, as well as a Coca-Cola machine that pelts another man to death with 12oz cans. I wish I was kidding.

Maximum Overdrive: Now this movie is something extra special. It’s the only movie on this list that can truly be called a Stephen King movie. Why? Because the man himself directed it! Back in 1986, after a slew of bad movies and Tv series, the horror master took it upon himself to “do Stephen King right.” Did he? Well, no. No he did not. Based on his short story Trucks, a goofy tale about trucks that come to life with the sole purpose of killing people (yes, really), this film was destined to flop from day one. It also became clear that, although he is a first-rate writer, ol’ Stevie King really doesn’t have the slightest idea when it comes to directing. Additionally, as the horror master later revealed, his co-director for the movie was his good pal cocaine.

242

The Dark Tower: Oh boy. Here we go. King’s Dark Tower series is the greatest series of books every written. No, shush, put that copy of The Lord of the Rings back on the shelf, The Dark Tower is top dog. Spanning over 4,000 pages, it serves as the lynchpin to all his novels while simultaneously providing the perfect metaphor for the author’s ten-plus year struggle with addiction. This 90 minute movie tries to tell a story Nikolaj Arcel scraped from the bottom of the deepest barrel Sony had in their apparently massive warehouse of barrels to scrape the bottom of, all seen through the eyes of a character who sort of half-resembles a character

Stephen King

writing credits on IMDB

in the books. There is one good metaphor, however. The demons that exist between worlds, ready to rule over the eternal darkness that will emerge in the wake of the destruction of the eponymous Tower act as great stand-ins for Sony executives. Anyone who likes this movie can go and [the editors have removed this section due to its contents] on a donkey. Dishonourable mentions: Pet Sematary, Thinner, Cell, and a whole lot more.

his codirector The Ugly for the movie The Shining (1980): Woah easy was his good there, put that Kubrick box set down before you hurt someone. I’m pal cocaine not going to lay into The Shining Maximum Overdrive is perhaps the worst film on this list in terms of cinematic quality, but it is also hilarious. I’d recommend you watch it just to see King get called

that much. In fact, I think Kubrick’s 1980s horror classic is a very good, unsettling movie. It certainly isn’t ugly, but I had to use the phrase because Sergio Leone didn’t direct a film called, The Good, the Bad, and the One That Kinda Missed

the Point But Was Good In Its Own Right, I Guess. Though both the book and the film are similar in many ways, they diverge hugely in tone. Whereas the book focusses on the tragedy of a man falling afoul of his demons (inner and outer) and through this crafts a story that is equal parts tragic and terrifying, the film ignores this tragedy in favour of being cold and disturbing. King hates the adaptation for this, and honestly, I’m on the fence. On the one hand, Kubrick’s film is masterfully shot and Jack Nicholson’s performance is tight. But on the other, it makes me feel very little. The book has the ability to force tears out of its readers, while the films manages only the occasional grimace. In short, The Shining is a good film, but a pretty terrible adaptation.

Wednesday 18 October 2017

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Coffee Break facebook.com/forgepress @forgepress

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ARROWDOKU

Want to make these two pages yours? Passionate about puzzles? Then why not apply to be our new Coffee Break

Arrowdoku follows the same rules as regular sudoku. The only twist is that the sum of the digits along an arrow must be equal to the number in the circle at the end of that arrow.

Editor! No prior experience is needed and anyone can apply. If you are interested in any of the positions, keep an eye out for our EGM which we will be advertising on the Forge Press Facebook page as well as in the Forge Media Contributors 17/18 Facebook group. Contact luke.baldwin@forgetoday.com with any questions.

SPOOKY CROSSWORD

2 ACROSS

5 6

8 9

12 13

DOWN 1. Novel published by Mary Shelley in 1818 (12) 2. Weapon famously used by horror villain Leatherface (8) 4. The Ghostbusters are told never to cross the... (7) 5. Organ which Hannibal Lecter famously ate with fava beans and a nice chianti (5) 6. Christmas themed demon from European folk lore and antagonist of a 2015 horror film (7) 8. Film which featured the tagline “In space no one can hear your scream” (5) 10. Masked killer featured in the Scream films (9) 13. The second season of American Horror Story (6) 14. Title of the 2014 demo for Silent Hills (2) 15. Nickname given to cartoon monster hunter and dog owner Norville Rogers (6)

14 16

SUDOKU

2. Developer of the game series Resident Evil (6) 3. Type of trap attached to the heads of several of Jigsaws victims in the Saw films (8) 4. Marion Crane is murdered here in the film Psycho (6) 7. Word written on the bathroom door in The Shining, also the name of a champion racehorse (6) 9. The monster featured in Stranger Things (10) 11. First name of Dutch monster hunter Van Helsing 12. Friday the 13th antagonist’s relationship to Jason Voorhees (6) 14. Name of the clown from the Stephen King book IT (9) 16. The first city featured in The Walking Dead (7) 17. In the opening theme, the Addams family are described as altogether... (4)

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Sheffield Students â&#x20AC;&#x2122;U

nion

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T S E T A L E H T T U O D TO FIN U S R U O Y M O FR

22n Oc d to ber 29 t 201 h 7

sheffieldsu.com/worldweek #WeAreInternational World Week Hand Painting Breaking boundaries: Sessions: Monday 23rd october - Friday thursday 26th october 27th October 19.30 - 21.00, Coffee Revolution, Students’ Union, Free 10.00 - 16.00, Express your solidarity through art

Around the world in 5 days: Monday 23rd october - friday 27th october

yo! karaoke: thursday 26th october 21.00 - 01.00, Raynor Lounge, Bar One, Students’ Union, Free

10.00 - 16.00, Plaza Stalls, Students’ Union

Black power mixtape 1967 - 1975 screening: Friday 27th october

World week parade: Sunday 22nd October

18.00 - 21.00, Gallery Room 3, Free

10.00 - 12.00, Students’ Union Entrance, Free

Film Unit: the happiest day in the life of Olli maki: Friday 27th october

bar one quiz: World week!: sunday 22nd october

19.00 - 22.00, SU Auditorium, Adults £3.00, Concessions £1.50

21.00 - 23.00, Bar One, Free

league of legends tournament: Saturday 28th october

world week debate: monday 23rd october 19.15 - 20.30, Coffee Revolution, Free

representations across the world: tuesday 24th october

12.00 - 16.00, The Council Chambers, Octagon, Free

International Languages festival: Sunday 29th october

19.30 - 21.00, Coffee Revolution, Free

13.00 - 17.00, Activities Zone, Gallery, View Rooms 3-6 and Gallery Rooms 1-3, Free

Sheffield’s got talent: Wednesday 25th october

#weareinternational sports day: sunday 29th october

19.00 - 22.00, Interval Cafe, Students’ Union, Free

10:00 - 13:00, Football Grounds, Goodwin Sports Centre

Santhana Gopalakrishnan International Students’ Officer

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Wednesday 18 October 2017

Sport Thoughts “Can Manchester City’s new ‘Holy Trinity’ lead Pep’s angels to Champions League heaven?” Jay Jackson believes that Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, is capable of proving his doubters wrong. Jay Jackson

t’s October, the height of autumn. Naturally, it’s time to get ready for Christmas (in the supermarket where I work anyway, even though Halloween is still away). While the football community has to endure the ‘12 days of International football’ - watching Turkey get a stuffing and Kane take candy from Slovenia - you can’t help but think that it’s Noël Gallagher who is happiest of all, as his beloved Manchester City sit as the star atop the Premier League tree. Christmas must have come early for the sky blues, as Santa (Sheikh Mansour) gave City their presents during the summer. Whilst not quite getting everything on their list (hello repressed childhood memories), they did manage to add Ederson, Bernardo Silva, Benjamin Mendy, Danilo and Kyle Walker to their squad. Christmas puns aside (yes I know it’s early but tell M&S that) City are a team ready to rise again. The early pace setters in the Premier League, alongside impressive Champions League performances thus far, Pep’s men really do look the real deal this time. They have a team built around a core ‘Holy Trinity’ of players that have allowed City to step up from the disappointment of last season. This trio is made up from Kevin De Bruyne, not a new signing but probably the best midfielder in the Premier league: two footed, with exquisite set pieces and a beautiful weight of pass, he is the metronome of this team. Gabriel

Jesus plays a crucial part, as a sort of 9 ½ between De Bruyne and Aguero, and it gives Aguero the freedom to play on the shoulder and finish the chances that De Bruyne puts on a plate for him. Pair this excellent tactical link-up play with his blistering pace, neat footwork and clinical finishing and you can

City are the early pace setters and look the real deal see why Jesus is tipped to be the next Neymar. The third and final wise man is Ederson. The new guy between the sticks is a revelation. Not yet Brazil’s number one keeper but destined to be in time for the World Cup in Russia next year. Ederson has top class distribution, makes brilliant reflex saves and looks assured in his abilities to command his area while only being 24. The massive upgrade he represents in comparison to Claudio Bravo is why I include him in this big three. The problem with City last year was that they conceded very few shots, but of these shots, the vast majority ended in goals thanks to the presence of ‘calamity Claudio’ in goal. They should have

Pep’s time is now with the squad at his disposal

no such problem this season. These three have helped City push on to be favorites for the Premier League title. Other honorable mentions should go to the likes of John Stones; I was at the Etihad for City’s Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk and he looks a man transformed. More confident and with better decision making than before, he might now fulfill his undoubted potential and become a player in the mould of Rio Ferdinand. Benjamin Mendy was perhaps the most astute piece of business from City over the summer. The Frenchman slots in at left back as

Flickr - Thomas Rodenbücher

This could be Pep’s year to shine easily the best in his position in the Premier League, and one of the best crossers of a ball anywhere in Europe. Then we come to Pep Guardiola, the manager. If he wants full vindication and to be placed on

the pedestal of managerial greats alongside Rinus Michels, Carlo Ancelotti, Johan Cruyff, Arrigo Sacchi or Sir Alex Ferguson, he needs to go further. He needs to take this City team on a march to the Champions League crown. Yes, he’s done it before but with a silver (Lionel Messi shaped) spoon in his mouth at Barcelona, and failing to do it at Germany’s Nietzschean ‘überverein’ Bayern Munich. He still has to prove it to his doubters. But this year could be the year the Josep outshines José once and for all.

Football fans need to decide what they really want Ben Hardy

he saying ‘be careful what you wish for’ is usually used to strike a cautionary note for those who are perhaps considered to be getting ahead of themselves in life, and for whom it could all so easily end in embarrassment, disaster or both. Very often there are parallels to be drawn with this and the rather more manic world of football, particularly in the Premier League. Now, I must declare a vested interest here. I am a West Brom season ticket holder, with Tony Pulis currently our manager. Having been an Albion fan all my life, being pragmatic and careful what I wish for is important for both me and the club. (Pulis has a line, one of his favourites, about reaching the fabled 40-point mark, almost above the importance of anything else).

And yet now they appear to find themselves at a crossroads. Under former owner Jeremy Peace, the club were virtually debt-free – an extraordinary feat in the inflated financial world of the Premier

is this number

starving teams of real success?

League. Peace left the club last summer, selling up to Chinese billionaire Lai Guochuan. On the face of it, for many fans, this could only be a good thing. As a by-product of Peace’s strict regime, Albion have been starved of any real excitement for a while now, particularly in the transfer

market. Before this summer, loyal supporters were treated to the delights of Marc Wilson, Georgios Samaras (past their prime when they arrived at the club to say the least) or the likes of Jason Davidson or Sebastian Blanco (me neither). The signs, however, were good at the end of this summer; Albion were widely regarded as having made a success of a tricky period, keeping their best players, like Jonny Evans, while appearing to add genuine quality in Kieran Gibbs, Jay Rodriguez and the up and coming Oliver Burke. And yet the club is, once again, ensconced in mid-table and there doesn’t appear to have been any significant improvements made, certainly not in the style of play; for many fans, the blame for this lies solely at the door of Mr Pulis. Now that he appears to have some genuine quality at his disposal, the worry is whether he possesses the

managerial qualities to take the club any higher than he has done. He stabilised them – but can he push them on?

Albion have been starved of any real excitment Here is where the crossroads lie. Premier League history is littered with teams who took a gamble that then backfired spectacularly, Crystal Palace being one example. A Total Football revolution was killed off in its infancy and yet they remain rooted to the bottom of the league. Were Albion to trade

in Pulis for a fancier continental model, would they live to regret it, as Palace are so clearly doing? The Premier League, which so often prides itself on being the most exciting league in the world to watch, could well end up shooting itself in the foot with the amount of money it generates. Bar perhaps six or seven teams, everyone else appears to be so terrified of losing their place around the money pit that pragmatism – be that in the form of Pulis or Roy Hodgson – is far more likely to end up being the order of the day, rather than Frank de Boer’s arguably more admirable footballing principles. The truth is, however, that for most fans, their hopes and expectations remain, just about, in line with those of the pragmatists, rather than the idealists – losing a seat at the top table could be far worse than having to sit through a few dull 0-0 draws – for now…

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Forge Press

Hockey hopes dashed in last gasp thriller Jared Lawthom

he Uni of Sheffield hockey men’s 1s kicked-off their season with a draw in an emphatic match at Goodwin. Sheffield managed to overturn a 2-0 deficit and take the lead before conceding a last minute goal to crush their hopes of what would have been a momentous victory against a strong Leeds Beckett team. Josh Darlington showed some great flare in the centre of the park, putting the Leeds defence on the back foot, but it was in the final third that Sheffield struggled to find an incisive pass and test the Leeds keeper. As the half continued a few unforced errors from Sheffield resulted in strong counter play from Leeds who forced some great saves out of Matt Fetzer. The Sheffield keeper demonstrated quick reactions from a reflex save on the 22nd minute, after a powerful shot from Matthew Breeze that was heading for the bottom corner. Leeds, who were relegated from the league above last year, finally broke the deadlock five minutes before the end of the half from a goalmouth scramble and then quickly made it two from a short corner before half-time.

Sheffield got a much needed early second-half goal through Freddy Gurney with a clinical strike from the top of the D, after a great aerial pass from Nick Hale to start the move. With Sheffield on top and pressing, they were leaving themselves vulnerable at the back and required another couple of strong one-onone saves from Fetzer. The turning point of the game came ten minutes from the end with a Leeds striker receiving a five-minute yellow-card for a bodycheck, setting the game up for an action packed finish. It didn’t take long for Sheffield to capitalise on the man advantage with a goal from Gregor James from the edge of the into the bottom right corner on the 63rd minute. Sheffield pushed on and the pressure paid just a minute before the end when Nick Hail scored what seemed to be the winner after a well worked short corner. With the fans celebrating what looked set to be a victory, Sheffield lost concentration and Leeds equalised straight from the kick-off, just 20 seconds after going behind.

Team huddle as Uni of Sheffield participate in a dramatic BUCS fixture

Jared Lawthorn

Rugby League 1s defeated Women’s 1s Tor Christie

ni of Sheffield rugby league men’s 1s started the season with a disappointing 12-38 lost against Edge Hill 1s. The team struggled with the strength of the forwards from the opposition over 80 minutes, and sloppy mistakes leading to dispossession was the main factor into why they lost. Edge Hill started the game well when they got a try and a conversion in the first five minutes. The Black and Gold’s attack rallied and they equalled the points moments later when captain Marcus Stocks broke past the opposition’s line before

the conversion was scored by David Harrison. The Edge Hill team then dominated the rest of the half with their physical presence to make it 18-6 and extend the advantage. Despite a very even start to the second half, the team started to show fatigue and the opposition took advantage of this, dominating the game through 20 more points. Sheffield managed to get a try and conversion from their earlier scorers before the final whistle, but it became nothing but a conciliation. Marcus Stocks, captain and man of the match, said “We didn’t have the depth of the squad we liked to have and

Men’s 1s squad pose before their first BUCS match of the season against Edge Hill

Tor Christie

towards the end the boys were very tired with Edge Hill getting the best of us. “With a lot of senior players leaving at end of last semester, who helped around with coaching and were key to the team, this was a big miss today but we’ve such a good year of freshers with few of the lads who have never played rugby league before put a stint today and look good for the coming season.” The rugby league 1s won the Northern 1A last season but chose not to be promoted to carry on being competitive in the league.

thrash Hallam

Sonia Twigg Uni of Sheffield women’s 1s have comfortably beaten Hallam 23-5 at Goodwin Sports Centre. Sheffield started nervously, going 3-1 down after the first ten minutes, just before both sides scored again to make it 4-2, the home side hitting the back of the net after a lucky rebound off a Hallam attacker’s foot. The Black and Gold continued to hit the front, with two goals in quick succession, the equaliser coming from Anne Marie du Preez. Sheffield then took the lead with goals from Holly Knowles and Louise Litton. After the timeout midway through the first-half, the tide had definitely turned, with the home team sitting on a healthy 9-4 lead. Soon after the restart Hallam received a yellow card after a second dangerous check, and Sheffield were quick to make the most of the player advantage, extending their lead to 13-4. Then after a failed Hallam attack Jess Shaw profited from a counterattack, scoring another goal in a game. A fluke goal by Katherine Roberts followed, her

pass evading everyone including the goalkeeper, making it 14-4. Hallam scored their one goal of the second half but it didn’t trouble Sheffield as they kept scoring every few minutes. Sheffield captain Ellie Durband said: “The whole team together played as a unit. “Every person on the pitch was utilised to the best of their ability and this resulted in the great win.” Jess Shaw and Ellie Durband were awarded joint player of the match for their efforts in attack and defence respectively.

Uni Lacrosse tie JA Photography

Forge Press

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Football 3s win derby Netball 2s triumph Matt Rennie There was an all-Sheffield University encounter as the University of Sheffield 3s beat University’s 4s 2-1 at Norton Playing Fields. In blustery conditions, the game started out as a tight affair, with both sides having plenty of the ball without threatening to create any obvious goal scoring opportunities. But the 4s sprung an early shock at around the half hour mark, with striker Luke Pearce scoring a fantastic lob shot over the keeper 30 yards out. However, the 3s responded well to falling behind, hitting the crossbar just a few minutes later directly from captain Patrick Sandbach’s corner. But it was the 4s who finished the half slightly on top, and they should’ve

doubled their lead five minutes before half-time. Matt Fulloway managed to get on the end of some great work and cross in from the left hand side, but his effort went narrowly over the bar. The second half started off how the first 45-minutes ended, with a golden opportunity for the 4s as Fulloway’s strike towards goal went inches wide of the post. As the half progressed, the 3s began to have the lion’s share of the ball, although they couldn’t seem to find a way through a stubborn and well-organised 4s defence. With the weather conditions deteriorating and around 15 minutes to go, the 3s’ perseverance paid off as Elliot McNab levelled with a long range shot, aided by a deflection on the way, giving the 4s’ keeper David Boorer

minimal chance of stopping it. And with only five minutes left on the clock, the 3s’ turnaround was complete, courtesy of another long range, curling shot from Matty Gorman that bounced off the underside of the crossbar before going in. It was a goal that can only be described as sublime. There was time for one last chance for the 4s, but a tame header from a couple of yards out was comfortably saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Gorman’s goal was the last of a tight encounter, which finished 2-1 to the University of Sheffield 3s in a game that was played in rather harsh weather conditions.

over Hallam in opener

Nur Adriana The University of Sheffield Netball 2s beat Sheffield Hallam 2s 56-30 in an intense game with the Uni eventually clinching the win. The first quarter of the game was intense with both teams scoring after one another. Sheffield played a remarkable first quarter with strong attack and defense and eventually went into the break with a 14-6 lead. Sheffield showcased impressive team play in the second quarter of the match with ball passes that Hallam struggled to defend. The Black and Gold’s defense and attack proved strong enough to sustain the lead of 31-17. In the third quarter of the game, Sheffield

maintained their magnificent momentum and widened the gap, ending the period with a 40-23 lead, putting Hallam in a difficult spot right before the break. Sheffield displayed spectacular dynamic teamwork and gameplay with accurate passing, surging ahead of Hallam with a 44 -24 lead in the first few minutes of the last quarter. Hallam showcased commendable sportsmanship and continued to aggressily attack in the last few minutes of the final quarter in an attempt to close the gap between them. Sheffield secured the win against Hallam after the final whistle blew with a comfortable score-line of 5630 which is an incredible start to the season.

Sheffield 2s Captain Chantal Rees said: “I think considering that it was the first ever game we played together as a team, we worked really well and we were really smooth. “There was some incredible shooting considering it was the first game back and everyone played so well. I’m very impressed.” Sheffield 3s in a game that was played in rather harsh weather conditions.

Captain’s Corner | Hockey Forge Sport Team

focussed on getting more of a professional feel, we’re heading to Norton so I’m really excited in getting the best out of the new pitch and facilities.

his week we welcome Hockey Captain’s Claudia James, a third year Geography student and Gavin Haseler, another third year student who studies Economics as they discuss their favourite aspects of playing hockey at the University of Sheffield.

G- Especially because we’re moving to Norton it’s going to be a big task to get people to travel because at the minute our games are at Goodwin and that’s a quick journey for members however that journeys going to turn into a 20 minute bus journey because Norton’s so far away. Just trying to keep participation at the same level is our main goal.

What Inspired you to play hockey? Gavin: I was a football lad and my twin brother played hockey, I went to watch a few games and thought it looked like a lot of fun so I got involved and played a bit at school. I joined a club and just loved it so I continued ever since, when I got to University I’ve enjoyed it more for the social side as well. Claudia: I started playing in school and my sports teacher encouraged me to play in a club and when I did I started playing more and more. At university the fact the hockey club was so big was the main thing that kept me playing Best moment whilst playing hockey C- Captaining the 2s last year to the semi finals of the cup we did really well and we were unlucky as we lost, but it was a really exciting game and the team had a lot of fun G- My first year winning varsity we were massive under dogs going into it, we were a league below Hallam and no one gave us a chance. We ended up winning it in the final minute which is absolutely amazing and it was such a lovely day as well, it was incredible, I’ll never forget it. Most embarrassing moment whilst playing hockey? G- I love to give a bit of chat on the

Where should people go if they want to get in touch?

The University of Sheffield Hockey team celebrate their Varsity win

pitch so probably giving someone some chat and then getting nutmegged and them going through on goal to score. C- In first year of Varsity I was going down the right wing which is where all the crowds were and I tripped over my teammate. I absolutely floored her and it was soul crushing for both us but it got a lot of cheers from the crowd. What did it feel like being made captain? C- It was such an honour, I love the club because it’s very much my whole life at uni, getting that status off of your best mates is the best thing. Even though it’s a lot of responsibility I’m really enjoying it so far G- It was also such an incredible honour for me, however when I ran it was tense because the vote was so

University of Sheffield Hockey Facebook

close. Me and the other member who was running for the position had to wait ages for the result and it ended up going to a committee vote. It was such a relief when it was announced I had won. What is the hockey society like, is there any funny stories you can tell us? G- The societies a great laugh, the best thing that we do is that we have weekly mixed socials and it brings the society closer together and makes it more sociable. The funniest story I can tell is when our team bus caught fire, we were on our way home from a match from Manchester and the bus started to fill with smoke. We all got as far away as possible and within about 15 minutes the bus was up in flames, we lost about £40,000 worth of kit but we were all safe in the end. C- The main thing I find funny is the

stories on a Thursday moriningwhen we meet up after a night out. It’s like a little catch up and hearing the weird things that happen on a

We ended up winning in the final minute which is absolutely amazing night and laughing with my friends is what I really enjoy. What do you want to do with the club in the future? C- In terms of the club I’m really

G- They should go to our website and find our contact details or reach us through our social media at The University of Sheffield Hockey Club.

Wednesday 18 October 2017

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Adam May

@ForgeSport

It’s been another fortnight in sport and this time saw the first round of BUCS fixtures with a number of incredible results for the Uni of Sheffield. Netball stole the BUCS Wednesday limelight, earning them the title of Sheffield Sport’s ‘Team of the Day’ a thoroughly deserved accolade after the women’s 4s broke the 100-point mark. You can read more about that, plus reaction, in the match report

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Head of Sport

below. We also had some end-toend matches in hockey and an allSheffield football tie, and that’s not forgetting a netball match against good old rivals Hallam. Sheffield was also buoyed by the news that Sheffield Eagles, a professional rugby league side, are returning to the city in 2018 after their lengthy exile. There are also some interesting Sport Thoughts pieces that take a look at Manchester City’s impressivelooking squad and what Pep Guardiola

Forge Press

needs to do to be successful and storm to the Premier League and Champions League crown. Check out our next instalment of Captain’s Corner, too. We hope you enjoy this issue as sport across the university comes to the forefront of our agenda and, if you fancy getting involved, please give us a follow on Twitter @ForgeSport or drop us an email at press.sport@ forgetoday.com.

Sheffield Eagles ready for return to the city Adam May

Women’s 4s celebrate as they become the first Sheffield uni team since 2014 to reach 100 points in a single match

BUCS Netball

University of Sheffield

113

Sunderland University

Women’s 4s

Women’s 2s

Adam Bailey The University of Sheffield netball 4s may have only known each other for just a few weeks, but you would never have guessed after they started their season with a 113-5 victory over the University of Sunderland 2s. After successive promotions, the netball 4s finished second in the Northern 8B league last year, and, if their opening performance is anything to go by, they will certainly be one of the favourites for promotion this year. Sheffield were dominant throughout and raced into a 26-2 lead in an opening quarter dominated by the black and gold. The hosts started the second quarter where they left off in the first, extending their lead to 49 points at half-time as they earned a deserved 53-4 lead heading into the third quarter. The team wearing black and gold continued to be ruthless in attack, with the clinical shooting of Tass Siracusa, Claudia Southwell and Olivia Philips continuing to extend the black and gold lead. The home side scored 25 points with no reply in the third quarter to increase their advantage to 78-4 heading into the fourth and final quarter.

Jessica Townend

Sheffield rampant in 113-5 netball win Sheffield were, however, not content with just settling for the victory; they continued to attack in search of 100 points – a total no Sheffield team has reached since the 4s beat York St. John University 109-0 in 2014. Attack after attack, goal after goal, the black and gold closed in on the centenary milestone and, with Just over five minutes to go, the 100th point was scored and greeted with a huge roar around the Goodwin sports hall. The goals didn’t stop there and three points quickly followed for Sheffield, but credit to Sunderland, they continued to fight until the end and pulled a goal back to make the score 103-5. Sheffield added a further 10 points in the final few minutes to start their season with a sensational 113-5 victory over Sunderland 2s. It was an impressive attacking display by Sheffield, but also a complete team performance from a team who have only been training together for a few weeks, with only Tass Siracusa and captain Holly Crane part of the 4s last year. Captain Holly Crane told Forge Sport: “I’m really proud of the team; we have had a really good pre-season and we have worked really hard, but we definitely didn’t expect a victory quite like this. It’s

a great way to start and, hopefully, we have started as we mean to go on.” “We set ourselves the challenge of trying to reach 100 points before the last quarter and we absolutely smashed it in the end,” Crane added. Next to take to the court at Goodwin were the 3s as they hosted Sunderland 1s in their first game in the Northern 5B league after promotion from the Northern 6B league last year. A 113-5 victory was going to be a tough act to follow, but the 3s seemed to pick up from where the 4s left off; scoring 21 unanswered points in the opening quarter. 22 points followed for Sheffield in the second quarter as they took a 43-2 lead into half-time. The Black and Golds extended their advantage to 61 points at the end of the third quarter and added 27 points to their tally in the final period to begin their Northern 5B league campaign in emphatic fashion with a brilliant 92-8 win. The 2s completed the netball triple header at Goodwin as they took on Sheffield Hallam 2s (find out if they could make it three wins out of three in our comprehensive BUCS report over the next two pages).

Professional rugby league is returning to Sheffield. From next season, the Sheffield Eagles’ new permanent home will be the 3G pitch at the city’s Olympic Legacy Park. The return to the city of their birth ends a four-year exile for the Eagles and the prospect of a “very exciting future”, according to Chairman Chris Noble. The Eagles have been playing at the Belle Vue in Wakefield, approximately 25 miles outside of Sheffield The announcement comes following extensive discussions between representatives of Legacy Park Ltd, Sheffield City Council and the Eagles. Legacy Park Ltd is a joint venture between Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Sheffield City Council. The Sheffield Eagles currently play in the Kingstone Press Championship, the secondtier competition organised by the Rugby Football League, the governing body for the sport in the UK. The league consists of 12 teams with promotion to the Super League and relegation to the third-tier competition, League 1. Mr Noble expressed his delight now that Sheffield Eagles are able to return home. “There has been a massive effort from everyone concerned to get us over the line. It has been extremely hard to bring to fruition but we have succeeded,” he said. “We are back in the city where we should be.” Cllr Mary Lea, Cabinet Member at Sheffield City Council, said: “We are delighted that Sheffield Eagles will be back playing

in the city, we have worked with Richard Caborn and the Olympic Legacy Park to secure funding for and develop a new multipurpose, state-of-theart pitch for professional, community and educational use, which will be a great asset for Sheffield.” Richard Caborn, Project Lead from Legacy Park Ltd, created to develop the Olympic Legacy Park, added: “We have been involved in many discussions which have led to this positive outcome for the Eagles, the city and the Olympic Legacy Park. I am delighted for the club and the city.” For the next 12 months, Pulse will manage the use of the pitch. Arrangements will be in place which will satisfy the Rugby League in respect of the required number of temporary seating, toilets, security, PA systems and other match day facilities. “In the longer term, we will see the development of a stand with a capacity of 3,000 on one side and other semi-permanent stands on the other three sides,” said Mr Noble. “We are so happy to be back in the city of our birth after what has been an extremely difficult and worrying time.” The Olympic Park is a 35-acre site that includes the English Institute of Sport Sheffield (EISS), iceSheffield, Altitude, Don Valley Bowl, UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park campus and Oasis Academy Don Valley. It will also be home to the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) offices, basketball arena, hotel, new park environment including running and cycling paths and green open spaces.