Forge Press Issue 28

The independent student newspaper of the University of Sheffield // www.forgetoday.com

Issue 28 // Friday November 5 2010

Caitlin Rose Fuse pages 8-9

Law student’s Carnage ‘police attack’ 4Female police officer suffered dislocated knee A University of Sheffield student has appeared in court charged with actual bodily harm against a police officer.

Law student Jamie McGregor denies assaulting Sgt Katherine Wallis during an alleged scuffle while on a Carnage bar crawl on February 21.

Sgt Wallis suffered a dislocated knee, broken tooth, and facial injuries.

Sheffield Crown Court was told McGregor had gone out to celebrate his 20th birthday, and was outside Players Bar on West Street when the scuffle broke out.

McGregor was dressed in an orange jumpsuit for the Carnage event, where over 2,000 students attended a city centre bar crawl dressed as cops and robbers.

The disturbance occurred after McGregor saw friends ahead of him in the queue for Players Bar and tried to join them.

McGregor told the court: “There was a lengthy queue. I noticed some of my friends had already reached the front of the queue.

“I tried to join them at the front. The bouncers came over and began talking.”

The court heard that McGregor entered a heated debate with

bouncers and this led to them pushing him and telling him to go to the back of the queue.

Police officers saw the incident and intervened.

Five officers were needed to restrain McGregor after he had been taken across the road away from the bar.

McGregor said: “I was being dragged across the road by the police.

“I heard a lot of shouting and that was it.

“I was confused to as what was going on.”

Sgt Wallis was injured in an incident when restraining McGregor and spray was used to help restrain him.

Originally from Stockport, McGregor started his degree in 2008 and was in his second year at the time of the incident.

His studies were suspended when the University was informed of the alleged assault.

He is now retaking his second year.

Prosecutor Paul Reid said: “The defendant is quite clearly the catalyst outside Players Bar. “Instead of turning his anger inwards he turned it well and truly outwards.

“A scuffle broke out and the defendant lashed out with his fists. He was throwing punches and had lost control of himself”

Defence barrister Dermot Hughes claimed police were “heavy handed.”

Summarising, he said: “Was there any reason at all for them to take hold of Jamie McGregor?

“Is it possible the police were to anxious to nip in the bud any potential disruption?”

Giving evidence in court, Adam Barlow, a friend of McGregor’s from Stockport who was visiting for McGregor’s birthday, said: “I would say he had it in his mind he didn’t want to be arrested. I believe it was unjust.”

Third year Politics student Alexa Fullerton said in court that she saw police officers kicking McGregor when he was on the floor: “The police were sort of kicking and using their feet.”

Fullerton and Barlow said that McGregor was not aggressive and did not raise or clench his fists.

Fullerton said: “I would say he hasn’t done anything at all.”

Philip Laing, a Sheffield Hallam University student, caused national outrage at a previous Carnage event in Sheffield after urinating on a city centre war memorial.

As Forge Press went to print, the jury had retired to consider their verdict.

GAMES

SPORT

More// inside

Fallout

Jessica Ennis

7

letters

9

Comment

13

FEATURES

Matt Burgess

McGregor chuckles on his way to court.

FEATURES

Photo: Mikey Smith

NEWS

Behind the scenes Simon Armitage at The Tuesday Club Poet joins Features pages 16-19

University as professor

We look back at the game’s history

News page 6

Fuse page 4

Launches elite scheme Sport page 28

Read the final outcome of the case at ForgeToday.com

22 Lifestyle 25 Travel

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FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

NEWS UNIVERSITY

Golden bash for Western Bank

Bummit hitch-hikers raise over £66,000 for charities

David Parker The Western Bank library is holding an exhibition to celebrate its 50th birthday.

The Million Book Library, held in the library’s exhibition centre, will run until January 14.

It tells the story of the design, construction, and use of the library, and features photographs, documents, and newspaper cuttings of the building’s opening.

There is also a replica model of the 1953 vision of the building, designed by sixth year Architecture students Tom Hudson and Phil Etchells.

Curator Karen Middlemast of the University Library said: “We are delighted to be holding this unique exhibition to celebrate the historical journey of the iconic Sheffield building.”

The library recently underwent a refurbishment project to restore it to its 1959 appearance.

It was awarded Grade II* listed status in 1993 along with the adjacent Arts Tower building.

The library was officially opened by poet T.S. Eliot in 1959 after a national competition to find a suitable design for the site.

The competition, which drew in 99 entrants from across the country, was won by modernist architects Gollins Melvin Ward and Partners.

Photo: David Parker

Photo: Emma Damian-Grint Madeleine Whitehead. its way: “Baby Bummit 2011 is Fable, based on Glossop going to Cardiff next Wednesday Road, was established in with over 100 students, hoping to 1995. raise yet more cash for valuable It aims to improve charities in the local Sheffield the lives of area.” local people They are also planning a big with epilepsy European hitch hike later this through raising year. awareness and Bummit is organised annually u n d e r s t a n d i n g by Raising and Giving (RAG) at of the condition, the University of Sheffield, and and through has already completed eight s u p p o r t i n g successful hitch hikes. families and In total Bummit 2010 raised r e c i p i e n t s £66,657. A grand total of £51,325 of epilepsy was donated back to Sheffield treatment. through such local organisations The money will as Sheffield Volunteering, Lane help run a drop-in End Farm and Catch 22. advice centre for £8,332 was donated to three two months. international charities, including Activities Officer Anti-Slavery International.

Rachel Colley said Hughes said that fundraising she was impressed from Bummit is something local with everyone’s hard charities have come to rely on: work and that the next “Raising money for charity is Bummit challenge is on absolutely crucial to us.”

Bummit Committee donate £9,000 to Fable after a hard working year. time but also help charitiesBeth Main we give 85 per cent of our money to local charities.

A group of students from Bummit “We can link the bounced through Sheffield on participants with what Spacehoppers to present local they have achieved.” charity Fable with a £9,000 Bummit Committee cheque. m e m b e r s Bummit, a charity hitch hiking and Bummit group, raised over £66,000 for p a r t i c i p a n t s charity on their trek from Sheffield bounced on space to Budapest this March. hoppers to Fable’s Around 220 people hiked to office.

Budapest via Berlin in two one“It is always week trips, where each person great to give had £15 to spend on travel across back to the local Europe. community and Bummit chair Rob Hughes said have fun at the that everyone involved had a same time,” said really good time: “It was fantastic, Cassie Wilkins, it’s a really good experience for Bummit publicity anyone to do. officer.

“We have a really good time S t u d e n t s and we also raise money for local started at Bar charity. We are doing something One and were led to combat the misconception of through Sheffield students.

by Hughes and “Everyone gets to have a good charities officer

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Call the North West and Yorkshire sales team on 0845 1300667

Media Hub, Union of Students, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TG 0114 2228646 forgepress@forgetoday.com

Editor

News

Josefin Wendel

news@forgetoday.com Matthew Burgess Nicole Hernandez Froio Kirsty McEwen

Managing Editor

Comment

Helen Lawson

Deputy Editor

Mary Anne Hobbs

WEB EDITOR Mikey Smith

comment@forgetoday.com Amy Claire Thompson Josefin Wendel

LETTERS

letters@forgetoday.com Katie Davies Bryony Dent

Features

features@forgetoday.com Harriet Di Francesco Emily Travis

Lifestyle

lifestyle@forgetoday.com Kate Lloyd Victoria Watson

Travel

travel@forgetoday.com Caroline Vann Jones

Sport

sport@forgetoday.com Jack Burnett Anthony Hart Adam Shergold

Music

music@forgetoday.com Lizzie Palmer Jordan Tandy

Games

games@forgetoday.com James Garrett James Wragg

Screen

screen@forgetoday.com Ashley Scrace Alex Sherwood

Arts

arts@forgetoday.com Kristiane Genovese Alexandra Rucki

Forge Press is printed on 100% recycled paper Forge Press is published by the Union of Students. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the University, the Union or the editorial team. In the first instance all complaints should be addressed to the Managing Editor, although a formal procedure exists.

FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

Police crash kills student

Some of the many tributes left to Jamie Haslett (pictured right) Jo Wendel A nineteen-year-old Sheffield Hallam student was killed after he was run over by a police car on Broad Lane in the early hours of last Wednesday morning.

Jamie Haslett was out with two friends when the panda car hit him just before 4AM on Wednesday October 27.

South Yorkshire Police said he died at the scene.

The police car was responding to an ambulance call for assistance.

Haslett, originally from the Isle of Man, had just started his second year studying for a BSc in Sport and Business Management.

A spokeswoman for Sheffield Hallam University said: “We are sad to confirm that one of our

students, Jamie Haslett, died in a road traffic incident on Broad Lane, Sheffield.

“He will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has now launched an investigation into Haslett’s death.

IPCC Commissioner Nicholas Long said: “My thoughts are with Jamie’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

“Our investigators have met with them and have begun the work to examine all the circumstances surrounding the incident in the hope that we can identify how and why this tragedy happened.”

The crash site opposite the Sir Frederick Mappin Building has already been covered in flowers, gifts, and cards, with one card reading: “Top guy who will never be forgotten. R.I.P. mate.”

Another said: “Class clown Jamie.

You will be sorely missed.”

Haslett had a passion for sports, especially football, and was also a talented track and field athlete.

His former football club, Laxey FC, honoured him with a minute of applause before their game last weekend, where players were joined on the pitch by Haslett’s father and two brothers.

Harry Wade, chairman of Laxey Football Club, said: “He was a lovely kid and one we’ll really miss.

“Jamie’s family wanted us to have a minute of applause instead of a minute’s silence. I

think that is what Jamie would have wanted too.”

Haslett is survived by his parents, sister and two brothers.

His family thanked friends and family for their support in a statement issued by the Isle of Man Constabulary.

Haslett’s school St Ninian’s High School paid tribute to him: “All the staff at St Ninian’s High School send their heartfelt condolences to the Haslett family on the tragic loss of their son and brother Jamie. ”Throughout school, Jamie was a well liked and respected pupil.

He represented the school at every level of sport and also the Island as part of the successful boys’ football team that competed in California.

“To all who knew Jamie he was a friendly, sociable, well liked and respected young man.”

Currently the Students’ Union does not have an official policy on face paint.

Hastings said: “In the past there have been a number of rules created around its use.

“At present, students cannot ‘black-up,’ due to our official ‘antiracism’ policy.

“Essentially, anyone who attempts to change their ethnicity through the use of face paint, runs the risk of being denied entry to our venues.”

Hastings suggested previous similar incidents might have caused security to overreact: “Security staff, in relation to complaints made in the past, were perhaps overly concerned on this occasion to prevent anyone being

potentially offended.”

Last year girls on a Women’s Football social were made to scrub off their face paint after being told that it could cause offence.

The social was superhero themed and the footballers were wearing face paint to look like Danger Mouse, Superman and the Joker.

They were told to wipe off their black and white face paint or they would not be allowed in.

Welfare Officer at the time Jennifer Hastings told Forge Press that this was an operational policy put in to place after the Union received complaints from students who felt intimidated by others wearing black and white face paint at Union events.

John Bradley, a fourth year physics student, said: “I can understand they don’t want to offend anyone but there should be consistency.

“I don’t see there is a massive problem with it, just at least be consistent.”

Hastings said: “Any future decision will be made only by the duty security manager and I am working with the Security and Officer teams to make our position clearer.

“The Students’ Union is a place for everyone to have a good time so long as none of us actively offend other people in the process.”

Coroner warns of drink dangers Kiri Little A University of Sheffield student who died earlier this year was killed by a heart attack brought on by alcohol poisoning, an inquest has found.

18-year-old Frederick ArcherJoy, known as Freddie, had been drinking heavily for three consecutive days when he collapsed in a friend’s bathroom in Leeds after a night out on March 13 2010. He died two days later in Leeds General Infirmary.

Post-mortem tests have shown that he would have been just under five times the legal drinkdrive limit.

The inquest recorded a verdict of accidental death after finding he died of a heart attack brought on by acute alcohol toxicity.

West Yorkshire Coroner David Hinchliff warned of the dangers of binge drinking at the inquest: “This is a young man who has consumed a massive amount of alcohol which had a poisoning effect on his body.

“Not enough is perhaps known and understood by people as to how dangerous alcohol can be.

At that age people should start to accept some responsibility for their actions.”

Hinchliff said that he did not think a life of abstinence was essential but that all things should be enjoyed in moderation.

Archer-Joy was from Bristol and was a Hispanic Studies and Czech student. He had been awarded a scholarship to study in the Czech Republic.

Westwood ‘Racist’ face paint row brought back from the dead apologises Carri-Ann Taylor A group of students were turned away from Population on Monday because their zombie face paint ‘could be considered racist’.

Union bouncers told Physics Society members on a zombiethemed bar crawl that they had to wash off their black and white face paint before they could get in to the union for ‘race reasons’.

Finance Officer Tom Hastings said: “I’d like to apologise on behalf of the Students’ Union for any inconvenience that this may have caused.

“On this particular occasion, the request to remove the face paint was a mistake and done in error.

“It’s clear that no members of the society were dressed inappropriately.

“Whilst it is positive that our security staff were aware of our anti-racism policy, these students should have been let into the venue without question.”

Some students on the night out had already been let into the Union before others were turned away.

Charlotte Nicolaou, President of the Physics Society, said: “I would like to know what we can and can’t do.

“I am confused and annoyed because I had to get people to

wash their face paint off.

“We couldn’t believe it and were annoyed that other people in our group had got in.”

Nicolaou added: “I understand that they want to cover their backs but they can’t just change their minds.

“The fact they are having a zombie night at Space seems a bit ridiculous” Physics Society treasurer Tom Jayne was also told to wash his face paint off: “It’s the Union trying to cover its back but it was a bit over-bearing.

“I don’t mind wiping face paint off, I am just a bit confused.”

“Nobody seems to know what the policy really is, they should make it clear what you are and are not allowed to do.”

Nicole Froio Tim Westwood has sent an apology letter to the University of Sheffield Students’ Union for allegedly making homophobic comments when performing at a Union event in May. According to Union President Josh Forstenzer, Westwood’s letter said that he was quoted out of context.

Forstenzer said: “The letter reads ‘I made the reference to a serious fight which had broken out in the middle of the dance floor.

“Saying that kissing was a reference to them fighting in an attempt to make light of a serious incident and bring the atmosphere back to the party.

“These comments were in no reference to gay people.

“I apologise for any misunderstanding but I would like to state that homophobia is entirely unacceptable and I would never make homophobic statements.”

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FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

NEWS LOCAL

Emergency helicopter could be cut

Guns easily available to those ‘in the know’ in Sheffield Chen Guo A recent Youth Offending service report has said that guns can be ‘easily obtained’ in Sheffield.

The report was in response to the 2008 murder of 17-year-old Tarek Chaiboub, shot by gang members in Burngreave.

It says that nine people have died in gang related deaths since 2002, eight of which were gun related.

Former gang member Nicky Smith told the BBC that guns were everywhere in Sheffield and it was easy to get hold of them with the right connections.

He has just completed a four year prison sentence and now works with young people to help them avoid violence.

He has held talks with young offenders, some as young as 12, who have been found in fights and carrying knives.

Report author Ronny Tucker, from the Sheffield Youth Offending Service, said: “There is

a misconception that it is difficult to obtain a gun.

“I would say young people can get hold of guns and young people have got hold of guns, on the basis that young people are dying.

“Young people who are in the know will be able to get weapons quite easily, easier than me or you.

“What we’ve got to do is get the young people at the younger age and get them away from that way of thinking, get them away from those circles so we’re not having young people growing up thinking we’re in a gun society.”

In October 2007 16-year-old Jonathan Matondo was shot in a park, also in Burngreave.

A gang member speaking to the BBC said he thought the problem was getting worse: “With it evolving to younger and younger people it is spreading more and there are waves of new gangsters all the time.

“It is such a wide thing that the authorities and the police are just not smart enough to stop it and

to be fully honest, I don’t think it will ever stop.

“It’s always going to be happening one way or another.”

Children as young as six have been found involved in some gangs.

Gun deaths in Sheffield

1. Ibrahim Ilyas, 20, shot in 2006 in the Fir Vale area.

2. Tarek Chaiboub, 17, shot in 2008 in the heart of Pitsmoor.

3. Younis Khan, 53,was shot in 2007 on Scotts Road, Pitsmoor.

4. James Kamara, 22, was shot in 2009 on Brunswick Street, Broomhal.

5. Jonathan Matondo, 16,shot in 2007 on Melrose Road.

1. Ibrahim Ilyas

6. Lester Divers, 32, shot on New Years Day in 2003 outside his home on Freedom Road in Walkley.

Photo: South Yorkshire Police Tom Geddes The police helicopter serving Sheffield and its surrounding area is set to be withdrawn from service as part of a nationwide project to share police resources across county borders.

Plans announced last week for a ‘borderless’ National Police Air Service will see the number of police helicopters in England and Wales reduced from 33 to 23 over the next two years.

South Yorkshire Police and nine other forces could lose their own helicopters, instead having to rely on aircraft from neighbouring forces as the coalition government tries to cut the budget deficit.

South Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Meredydd Hughes said police were concerned about losing the helicopter: “The proposal would rely on one of the UK police’s busiest helicopters serving Leeds and Bradford to the north, and another currently serving Nottingham and Derby to the south, and there is no doubt that the response to Sheffield would be too slow, and far below the standard of today.

“Sheffield is the fourth largest city in the country and has one of the busiest air support units outside London. I want to ensure that we have service levels as close as possible to what we have now.”

Chief Constable Alex Marshall, heading the scheme, said the measures would not reduce the standard of policing: “This is not merely a cost saving exercise.

“While the current service is capable of doing its day job, artificial boundaries have meant that helicopters are restricted to operating within their own force area.

“A national, borderless service will ensure effective coverage of urban and rural areas.”

The new system would see helicopters on call 24 hours a day, rather than 19 currently, and save the government about £15 million per year.

Sheffield has had a police helicopter since 1997.

In the last year alone, it has been responsible for over 300 arrests.

5. Lester Divers

5. Jonathan Matondo

4. James Kamara

3.Younis Khan

2. Tarek Chaiboub

Superintendent Andy Barrs: ‘Anything which looks like a gun should not be freely available’ Kirsty McEwen Are there a lot of guns on the streets, and where are they coming from?

The number of guns on the streets is very small, so often we find that many gangs loan each other guns. We wish we knew where the guns are coming from.

Some are reactivated weapons, some are imported, some are stolen in burglaries.

A lot are BB guns and air guns which look like real guns.

We would like to reduce any gun on the streets.

Anything which looks like a gun shouldn’t be freely available, there should be tight restrictions on them.

Gun crimes in Sheffield have actually fallen over the past five years: incidents with air weapons feel from 768 in 2005 to 279 in 2009.

Serious gun crime offences fell from 221 in 2005 to 104 in 2009.

Violent crime overall is down 22 per cent this year.

Are the gangs in Sheffield organised criminal groups?

There’s preoccupation with the ‘postcode gangs’ [of S3 and S4].

They’re pretty much a

disorganised gang- disorganised, immature, naive individuals.

A lot of it is bravado and people being unable to articulate their grievances in a healthy way.

We would not disagree that there is a problem, we have been trying to address this issue.

A lot of it is linked to drug dealing, certainly at the more serious end it is linked to drugs.

A small minority of people are reluctant gang members- they are bullied into gangs.

Some people actually ask us to give them ASBOs: they want to be controlled so they do not have to get involved in the gang culture.

A lot of it is about respect, and life becomes devalued for the gang members.

We’re not talking about hardened criminals here- when one gang member came in he asked if he could talk to his mum first.

life in prison.

It’s somebody who has turned their life around and young people listen because there is a tangible link to them We’ve worked with the South African Khulisa anger management project.

We’ve got street based teams, a dedicated gang team, and a gang researcher.

We hold an event in schools called ‘Guns and Knives take lives’, where firearms officers talk to schools about what they do.

That has made a real impact.

We’re also working with the Youth Offending Service and Social Services.

What do you think needs to be done in the future to cut down on the gang problem?

What approaches do the police use to try and stop young people getting mixed up in gang culture?

We expose young people to role models.

For example, there’s In2change, a project from Doncaster prison where ex-offenders work with young people to tell them about

Photo: South Yorkshire Police

Communities need to help: people will stand by and talk about problems but not do anything.

We need a greater acceptance of parental responsibility, not just more social responsibility.

The police can’t eliminate all murders.

Positive role models and positive opportunities with something tangible at the end will always be an attraction.

Young people need tangible benefits such as jobs for otherwise problems will persist.

FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

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LOCAL NEWS

The Wheel’s misfortune

Nicole Froio The Wheel of Sheffield is to leave the city three months earlier than scheduled.

Last January the council granted a years’ extension for the wheel to stay in Sheffield until 2011.

However owners Great Attractions have decided to move the wheel to London’s Hyde Park for Christmas and it is then expected to travel on to Eastern Europe.

The wheel was erected in July 2009 and took ten days to be fully completed.

Over 100,000 people went on during its first six months in Sheffield.

Councillor Roger Davidson said: “We believe the Wheel of Sheffield has been a success in the city and a welcome addition to our skyline.

“Its stay in Sheffield was always a temporary arrangement which has been extended beyond the original timescale of six months and we appreciate and accept its owner’s decision to move it to a new location.

“We are currently looking at plans to replace it with a Christmas attraction once the site is vacated and will reveal further details in the coming weeks.

“We’d like to thank Great City Attractions for choosing Sheffield as one of its recent UK sites.”

A spokesperson for Great City Attractions, Nigel Ward, said: “The company had been delighted with the performance of the wheel during its extended stay in Sheffield and we wish to thank the people of Sheffield and the City Council for all their support.’’

Riders on the Wheel could enjoy a 60 metre high panoramic view of Sheffield, and there was also a VIP capsule with glass floor which included a DVD and champagne on ice.

Rides on the wheel lasted 13 minutes for an entire circuit, with its last ride on October 31.

The Wheel was stripped completely over the course of this week in preparation for its move.

Lib Dem City Council defies Clegg to oppose £9,000 tuition fees

Local boxer pretends to be cabbie and rapes girl

Matt Burgess and Josefin Wendel Councillors in Sheffield have set aside fierce party differences to condemn government plans to increase tuition fees, as dozens of students turned up to Town Hall to protest.

The decision came the same day as the government announced that tuition fees will rise to £6,000 a year, with an upper tier of £9,000, if universities ensure access for poorer students.

During the Sheffield City Council meeting, Labour councillor Jack Scott said: “This appalling and discriminatory policy is only possible because of Nick Clegg and Vince Cable, and because all the Lib Dems in government lied to every single person who voted from them.

“Across Britain you can hear people who voted Lib Dem saying never ever again.

“For the Tories this is a total privatisation of our universities, this is Christmas morning for the Conservatives.”

City Council Leader Paul Scriven, of the Liberal Democrats, said: “If the most important thing is to stop fees rising, then let’s work cross party.

“All I can say is this side,

regardless of what some of our national MPs are doing, are sticking to our conviction.”

Before the meeting, dozens of students gathered outside of Town Hall with placards saying “ConDemed to debt”, “Cuts are nuts”, and “Think of the children!”

The informal demonstration attracted around 80 students. It was arranged by the University of Sheffield Students’ Union, to show support for the City Council motion to oppose the rise in tuition fees.

Fifteen students also queued up to question the councillors on how education cuts and increased tuition fees would affect both future students and the local economy.

After a two hour debate, the Lord Mayor suggested the decision be postponed until the next meeting in December, which prompted Union Finance Officer Tom Hastings to stand up and interrupt the meeting.

Hastings told Forge Press: “I just felt that I had to grab the microphone to say something to make sure that we could get some sort of resolution that day, and I just said basically that if the proposal would have been left the way it was it would have been

pointless.

“Although it was good to see that Labour and Liberal Democrats were willing to work on something outside of the meeting, I felt that it was way too late for it to have any effect if it was to be delayed until December, because the vote is likely to go through within the next few weeks.

“We need to be acting, lobbying and pushing for action, rather than waiting another month and I hope that the Liberal Democrats and Labour will take this message forward and lobby their own MPs in Westminster for a change.”

The motion, in which the City Council promises to actively campaign against tuition fees, was eventually passed unanimously.

In an echo of the controversy surrounding May’s general election night, approximately 30 students were turned away from the City Council meeting.

Council officials said Health and Safety regulations meant only 50 members of the public could be let in, but around ten seats remained empty in the public gallery and a section was roped off.

Hundreds of students were turned away from polling stations on election night, after unprecedented numbers queued to cast their votes.

Photos: Nicole Froio and Josefin Wendel

Tom Wright An amateur boxer was convicted last week for raping an 18-yearold girl after posing as a taxi driver on West Street.

Muhsen Nasser, 24, was jailed for seven years following a threeday trial at Sheffield Crown Court. He has also been added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for life following the assault in the early hours of Sunday February 21 this year.

The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was on a night out with friends but wanted to leave early.

Nasser, a former Computer Studies student, was in his car when his victim approached him.

When she asked whether he was a taxi driver, he falsely claimed he was and offered to give her a lift home.

Midway through the journey he stopped the car and raped her.

After the sex attack he drove her home where she explained to her father what happened.

Police hope that the assault will make young people be more aware of the dangers posed by unofficial taxis.

Detective Constable Juliet Faram said: “The victim left

a nightclub to get a taxi, saw Nasser parked in a bus stop, and walked over to him to ask if he was a taxi. He said yes so she got in his car.

“She did not realise it was not a black cab.

“This serves as a reminder of the importance of making sure you are travelling in official taxis and our advice would be to always try to share with friends.”

Nasser, who was born in Yemen, was widely tipped for boxing success during a promising amateur career.

He narrowly lost a WBC welterweight youth world championship fight in December 2008 and never recovered.

His former trainer said Nasser started training when he was ten: ”We always had such high hopes for him - he only narrowly lost out on a junior world championship and we thought he would come back from that and eventually win a title.

“Before that he used to be here every day but then he just stopped coming.

“I am shocked, and everyone who knows him is shocked.”

Nasser got married earlier this year after returning to Yemen and brought his new wife back to live in the United Kingdom.

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NEWS UNIVERSITY

Simon Armitage joins University as Professor of Poetry for 2011

Kirsty McEwen Poet and novelist Simon Armitage is to join the University of Sheffield’s Department of English Literature, Language, and Linguistics as Professor of Poetry, starting in February 2011.

He will join the MA in Creative Writing and assist with the Storying Sheffield module,

where students work with locals to produce stories about life in Sheffield.

Armitage said that he was very excited to be joining the English department: “I felt ready to do something different, and it’s a change and a challenge.

“The Department seemed so enthusiastic and friendly.”

Armitage, originally from Marsden in West Yorkshire, said that he was looking forwards to

returning to his roots to teach: “I realised when I looked at the books that I have written that I’ve talked about Yorkshire a lot and so I’m putting my money where my mouth is.”

He said that he was hoping to develop creative writing work with other poets, hold workshops, and a writing day trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park with secondary schoolchildren from around Sheffield.

Armitage said that he felt poetry plays an essential role in society: “Poetry is about emotion- if you’re angry or sad then it’s more than likely that you will write a poem.

“I’ve also got this hunch that most of us have written a poem, even if it’s something that we don’t want published.

“It’s very available to people should they choose to try it.

“You don’t need any special

training to understand a poem.

“My role is more than a lecturer; it’s about forging links.

“I won’t just be sitting in that office at the end of the corridor.”

Armitage’s inaugural lecture will be on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and the relationship of medieval texts to modern texts.

It will take place on February 16.

Photo: Edward Miller

Simon Armitage will join the English Department in Jessop West next year.

Space Step closer to Blood cancer Students’ Union appoints weather Parkinson’s research new General Manager to breakthrough cure saves lives replace Paul Blomfield MP Gabriele Rossi

Nicole Froio

Katie Davies

Kirsty McEwen

A team of University of Sheffield researchers working with the University of California and the British Antarctic Survey have made a breakthrough in understanding ‘space weather’.

The team, led by Professor Richard Thorne of the University of California, discovered the cause of the ‘diffuse aurora’.

The diffuse aurora is different from Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights, as it is more extended and cannot generally be seen by the naked eye.

Professor Richard Horne, honorary professor at the University of Sheffield, said: “Our finding is an important one because it will help scientists to understand how the diffuse aurora leads to changes in the chemistry of the Earth’s upper atmosphere, including effects on ozone at high altitude, which may affect temperature right through the atmosphere.”

An international collaboration led by the University’s Department of Psychology could help with the development of a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

The research reveals that many problems caused by Parkinson’s can be understood in terms of damage to control circuits in the brain, responsible for habits.

This interpretation of the disease might help find new cures for the 120,000 people in the UK that suffer with Parkinson’s.

Neuroscientist Professor Peter Redgrave from the Department of Psychology, said: “We hope our analysis provides a better understanding of the link between normal and abnormal functioning in the brain.

“This is important because the better your understanding of normal function, the better the questions you can ask about its failings, which should direct you towards treatments.”

The University of Sheffield has been named as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for its world class research in the fight against blood cancer.

A plaque from charity Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, was unveiled by patients, doctors and researchers in the University’s School of Medicine.

Dr David Grant, Scientific Director of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research said: “The research by our teams at Sheffield into childhood leukaemia and myeloma has been genuinely pioneering.

“We’re very proud of the accolade of being named a Centre of Excellence.”

The research is now aiming to help the thousands of children suffering from leukaemia get the treatment they need without toxic side-effects such as vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Former Deputy Manager of the Union Steve Hubbard has been appointed as the new Union General Manager following a lengthy recruitment process.

Mr Hubbard replaces Paul Blomfield, who left the Union in May when he was elected as MP for Sheffield Central.

The successful candidate needed “strategic vision, commercial acumen, and a consultative approach,” according to the advert from The Sunday Times.

The General Manager receives an £80,000 per annum salary.

The Union received 67 applications for the position.

Four people were eventually invited for interview following the shortlisting process, and were interviewed by Union Officers, the University Registrar and Union Trustees.

Education Officer Joe Oliver said: “Steve was clearly the best candidate.”

The Union’s new manager.

FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

7

www.forgetoday.com // letters@forgetoday.com

LETTERS

Have your say

Study facilities meet all requirements Dear Forge, I must take issue with a letter from Chris Ashby in the previous edition of “Have Your Say”, in which he argued that the Information Commons ought to have “library-like conditions” imposed upon it, effectively turning it into a duplicate of the Western Bank Library.

I struggle to see why Mr Ashby would want to force his preferred study conditions onto both libraries.

Instead, let’s continue to enjoy the balance of having both a relaxed, casual library that so many students favour, whilst also maintaining the Western Bank

Library for those who prefer a quieter atmosphere. Many people do not enjoy studying in absolute silence, and I don’t believe that it is fair (or necessary) to force such people to conform to Mr Ashby’s personal view of how libraries ought to function.

If Mr Ashby insists on using the Information Commons, then I suggest that he should follow the signs for the “Silent Study Areas” that can be found on Levels Two, Three and Five.

Yours, James Silcocks Politics Second year

Dreams are impractical and childish Dear Forge, The University of Sheffield’s latest public relations concept, Dream Bigger Dreams, extols the virtues of seeing the world through child’s eyes.

At sheffield.ac.uk/dream, we have a nice video of trees and a smiling child, voiced-over by some guy with laboured grammar (“why, only when we’re children are we fearless?”).

The idea is that children aren’t as closed-minded, lacking ambition and cynical as adults, so we should emulate them.

The massive flaw is that children are only this way until

they learn about the world. They are naïve to the point of delusion.

Thinking like a child is expecting to become an astronaut.

“Anything is possible and nothing is too difficult,” the campaign encourages us to believe, when obviously this is wrong.

In reality, for a sizable proportion of Sheffield graduates, banking in the black will be too difficult and getting a job at Starbucks will be impossible.

Yours, Chris Ashby English Literature First Year

Stylistic conventions cause confusion Dear Forge, In his response to my review of the Last Laugh (Letters, Issue 27), Ryan Bibby accuses me of fundamentally misunderstanding Donny Biggs’ set. “He was so obviously not a real person I’m amazed anyone didn’t realise”.

In fact, I was aware that Donny Biggs was a character. In my review I conveyed the impression I got from watching him perform and, rather than spell everything out for the reader, gave the comedian’s shtick a face-value write-up. I felt it would have been patronising to do otherwise.

If every article on stand-up

was full of caveats distancing performers’ personal life from their material, reading about comedy would be tedious: “Bill Bailey who, by the way, is not ‘part troll,’” “Al Murray who, by the way, is not a patriotic landlord,” “Stephen Colbert who, by the way, is a liberal” and so on.

I was so obviously following stylistic conventions I’m amazed anyone didn’t realise.

Yours, Chris Ashby, English Literature First Year

Write: Forge Press, Union of Students, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TG Email: letters@forgetoday.com Please include your name, course and year of study.

We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity and space.

Students must spend money in order to make money Dear Forge, In response to “We Can’t Afford No Education” (Issue 27) by Amy Claire Thompson, when Miss Thompson says: “I’m thankful beyond belief that I’m here at university now under the current fees system” it made me question the true consequences of fees being raised.

I’m sure students in 2005 were saying the same sort of thing ahead of the introduction of topup fees, yet rather than people being discouraged, the number of students attending university has subsequently increased.

Perhaps future students, rather than seeing a system charging £7,000 a year as “verging on

Star letter is sponsored by The Wick at Both Ends

absolutely insane”, will observe that the average cost of teaching a student is £7,000 a year.

And whilst the average salary in the UK is £14,000, the average graduate salary is £25,000.

Will the graduates of this system be crippled by debt despite not having to start loan repayments until they’re earning £21,000 a year? Or will they have made a financially sound investment in their future careers?

Yours, Peter Brennan Broadcast Journalism MA

The winner receives a free meal for two

The government is investing in higher education Dear Forge, Although I sympathise with the idea that Arts subjects are intrinsically valuable, if not economically so (“We Can’t Afford No Education”, Issue 27), it’s not necessary to concede to the coalition government’s economic justification for cutting university budgets. This justification owes more to Thatcherite dogma than to reason.

Contrary to the coalition, higher education is not a drain on the taxpayer. Last year’s treasury models indicate that for every

£1 invested in HE, the economy expands by £2.60, around £1.30 of which returns to the public coffers indirectly via taxation.

Moreover, in their “Education at a Glance” report for 2010, the OECD writes: “Even after taking account of the cost to the public exchequer of financing degree courses, higher tax revenues and social contributions from people with university degrees make tertiary education a good long-term investment.”

The report goes on to show that there is up to a 382% return on

investment in higher education in the UK. Public investment of this kind stimulates economic growth and would contribute to closing the public deficit. Cuts to HE budgets of up to 79% at a time when the government should be promoting policies for growth are therefore economically illiterate.

Yours, Sam Browse PhD Student School of English

Make your voices heard - join the demonstration Dear Forge, I, along with a large number of Sheffield students who voted in the General Election, are disappointed that promises made by the Liberal Democrats have not been fulfilled.

Their promise not to increase, and in fact to eradicate, tuition fee rises, made during their election campaign turned out to be a lie. It’s important that we are not also taken in by constant messages on the need for cuts.

The Green Party disagreed in their General Election manifesto which focused on inequality and social justice. To reduce the deficit they proposed cutting Trident nuclear missiles, stopping tax evasion, introducing a “Robin Hood” tax on speculative financial transactions and abolishing the upper limit on National Insurance contributions.

Massive spending cuts and hikes in tuition fees are not the only option and students should join the NUS demonstration on

10th November to show their anger and dismay at the proposed cuts and rise in tuition fees.

Yours, Laura Burley European Governance Politics MA

and

Food choices on campus: What do you think of what’s on offer?

Lianne Williams English Language Linguistics First year

and

I think the sandwiches in the Union shop are really good value for money and convenient.

Matt Jenkins Maths First year

Kiran Dedhia Molecular Biology Second year

Alina Trapova European International Law First year

Ed Jones Politics and Philosophy Third year

Some places are fairly priced whereas others are too expensive, although meal deals are good value for money.

I think the University should review their prices to try and make it cheaper for the students.

I am living in catered accommodation so I prefer to eat at home or to make my own lunch.

The Union shop does offer a sandwich loyalty card but you have to buy so many to get one free it’s hardly worth it.

8

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9

COMMENT

Degrees without IRL experiences

Claire McWethy

The internet has enabled us to shop, cultivate virtual friendships, and find loveor at least get the odd poke- all from the comfort of our homes. In fact, it seems that there are few things that cannot be done electronically.

Now, with rising tuition fees a tangible threat, the future of the humble university may soon be threatened by the web, with virtual universities growing in popularity.

The online degree is nothing new. The Open University first provided distance learning in 1969, and over two million people have passed through its virtual doors.

Increasingly though, ‘brick and mortar’ institutions such as the universities of Derby and Liverpool are also giving students the option of internet based degrees, but for a snip of the price of regular degrees.

RDI, the largest provider of online degrees, promises an education that is the same high quality but at a fraction of the price of a regular degree, with the average cost for a three year course a mere £1,750.

And the best bit, you never even have to get out of bed.

I know what you’re thinking. But before you cut up your UCard and sign up to a virtual university, be prepared that the reality is that they will simply never compare to the real thing.

The fundamental problem is that learning at a distance ignores the idea that human interaction is important to the learning process. The use of prerecorded lectures and electronic reading material, as well as support and feedback limited to the swapping of emails with lecturers, means an online

graduate need never speak to their teacher or coursemates.

And that’s what the e-degree course conspicuously lacks; interaction.

Now, I can’t help but think that Dead Poets’ Society would not have been quite as inspirational a film had Professor Keating appeared to his students via weblink or held lessons in an online forum.

“Dead Poets’ Society would not be as inspirational via weblink” And online graduates will be poorer for it. The purpose of university should be to motivate students to think for themselves and to gain from a process which opens their minds to the ideas of others around them.

The online institutions are simply wrong in proposing that learning in isolation is as useful as learning among others, if not just for the spur of

competition.

And I may be insulting the student species here, but we just don’t have the self-motivation to go it alone.

That is not to say that technology should not be utilised to bring down the costs of education. Indeed online resources such as e-books, are already invaluable and solve problems of shortage.

Moreover, online learning is in no way an ignoble pursuit. One of the great advantages is that it allows people to benefit from education if they do not have the financial means to go to university, or the time to attend classes alongside their careers. Currently the consumers of distance learning institutions are predominantly working class adults aspiring to learn new skills.

But the worrying suggestion is that more and more young people will be driven to choose the e-degree over the university experience because they are simply priced out of university education over the coming years. And that would be the most shameful indictment of our

society’s attitude towards the education system.

What is worrying is that education is increasingly seen as a simple process of learning information, and we should be careful about defining education within such narrow parameters.

This is compounded by the attitude of politicians who appear to think education has no greater social worth outside enhancing an individual’s CV. Perhaps the University of Sheffield should consider changing its motto from ‘to discover the causes of things’ to ‘to increase my salary’.

Perhaps I’m too much of a romanticist about the university experience. After all, the experiences gained from a night at Corporation or surviving almost wholey off a diet of baked beans hardly live up to the lofty ideals of education that I’ve described. Yet if austerity measures make students look to virtual universities for higher education, it could debase the education system, denying young people of the important experiences of self-discovery and critical thinking that fall beyond the parameters of mere learning.

Stereotyping the stereotypes Amy Claire Thompson A professor at the University of Sheffield has researched pupils’ and students’ attitudes to films featuring inequalities.

As part of the project, which was funded by Sheffield City Council, Danny Dorling spent the summer creating films about social conditions in Sheffield. He then recorded the attitudes of students from various social groups towards the inequalities the films show.

He showed the films to students from completely different backgrounds, and the results are, sadly, unsurprising.

Students at a public school felt hard-done-by; they should have better opportunities.

Students at a selective grammar school thought that if they worked for it, they’d get

it. And students from a ‘new’ university “seemed to believe that what happened to them next was in the lap of the gods.”

The real shame, though, is that it was only the mature students at the ‘old’ university who were asked: “what can we do about it?”

Bearing in mind everything happening to higher education at the moment, we should all be asking what we can do about it.

Having come from a lowachieving comprehensive, to a high-achieving Sixth Form, to the University of Sheffield, I’ve met a fair few people from different backgrounds.

What’s most striking is that stereotypes persist.

Almost all my peers from Sixth Form are at Russell or 1994 Group universities, whereas only a handful from my secondary school are at university at all. I refuse to believe that it’s through lack of ambition.

GaGa studies Nicole Froio A new sociology module called ‘Lady GaGa and the Sociology of Fame’ is being offered at the University of South Carolina, USA. But, as such an extravagant public figure, is she a good role model, worthy of students’ study time?

First, I think we should establish what a ‘good role model’ is. According to Urban Dictionary, it’s “some one who strives to be a decent human being”.

I truly believe this is who Lady GaGa is – some one striving to be a good person.

Lady GaGa is only 24.

She has been performing since she was 14, and playing piano since she was four years old.

D.A.R.T.S.

She has had untold success since achieving notoriety.

But her career’s success is by far the last thing I would mention when looking at her as a role model.

Her fame, and her clothing, are only the reasons that she gets noticed.

I’d focus on the phrase “strives to be” in the definition of a role model: she is a real person who had problems. She was lost, had an addiction and fought her way out of it, and into what she really wanted.

In my eyes, she is worth your study time, despite what cynics might suggest.

She exemplifies the freedom to be who we want to be, and the freedom to pursue what we want; no matter what obstacles are thrown at you by society or by people around you.

Forge Press takes its satirical aim

Union fighting the Nestlé monster The Union will continue its boycott of Nestlé products for another year.

After a debate in which many councillors admitted openly that they didn’t actually have a clue what they were voting on, they finally decided to simply keep the policy for another year.

Maybe next time, the councillors could at least search Google for the topics first.

If you like it then you shoulda put a bet on it...

A loved up student at the University of Durham made the papers after betting £100 that he will still be with his girlfriend at graduation. With two years to go, he says he’s confident that their relationship will last.

Bookies, on the other hand, gave him odds of 6:1, meaning the student stand sto gain a £600 graduation present for him and his girl.

So if you have faith in you relationship, why not make the ultimate commitment this semester?

No, not marriage, a wager.

How long will your relationship last? And are you willing to bet on it?

As tactful and classy as a £100 bet would be, Forge

Press suggests spending the money on your other half, thirds or sixteenths instead.

Given that both condoms a n d chlamydia tests are free from University Health Service, just go for it.

Representative of the fortnight:

“I wasn’t going to run for it, but then I was told about the free food.”

- One of the Union councillors running for vice chair of Union Council explained his noble motive in his election speech.

FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

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COMMENT

Editorials Council turning away students was foolish

Empty seats in the Town Hall’s public gallery, with students gathered outside and wanting to make their voices heard. Did Sheffield City Council learn nothing from the General Election fiasco, where students were prevented from taking to the ballot box and casting their vote?

The Council’s motion to actively campaign against tuition fees is admirable, and it is reassuring to hear local elected Liberal Democrats rejecting the stance of their also locally-elected leader.

But without student intervention, discussion of the motion would have been delayed until December, which could only ever have been too little, too late, and belated posturing on the Council’s behalf.

Why did this not occur to councillors present? The assembled bunch were too busy recounting their life stories and competing amongst each other as to who had the hardest upbringing and could bring the most amount of pointless anecdotes to the table.

Politicians love to fluff about in the hope that the flowery tales will distract the rest of us from the fact that they’re not really dealing with the issue they’re being asked about, we all know that. But this particular meeting was not the time or place for one-upmanship.

Councillors need to stop sparring for the best quotes in local newspapers, and to actually get to the matter in hand. The tuition fees issue is too important to deviate from in favour of discussion about who had to walk eight miles uphill in bare feet with only one bag of crisps to share between five children.

Wisdom worth the tuition investment

Max Evans

The dust has settled on reports of the destruction of the further education system at the hands of the probably rather friendly Lord Browne. From the ruins of a civilised, educated society, key questions emerge.

How high will tuition fees rise? How difficult will it be for a single mum to go to university? And will we still be able to do philosophy with C grades?

OK, so maybe the fields of metaphysics and epistemology aren’t going to be at the top of David Cameron’s “must protect” list, but the study of philosophy is an excellent pursuit for the modern student.

Yet, as any modern philosophy student will testify, the most common reaction when you tell them what you study is a blank face, an awkward pause and the semi-convincing phrase “That sounds interesting.”

“Sex, drugs and philosophy are a ruinous combination”

Forge Press Editor, Media Hub, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TG, forgepress@forgetoday.com

Welsh philosopher Bertrand Russell stated that people sooner die before they think. This might go to explain the abject absence of any shred of enthusiasm for philosophy. Then again, it could just explain the large amount of dead people in society today.

Union race paint Jo Wendel

The week of Hallowe’en saw its fair share of zombies, but not everyone was allowed to join the party.

The zombies on the Physics Society bar crawl were told to wash off their white face paint or they wouldn’t be let into Population, as security staff claimed the face paint could be perceived as racist.

The Union’s confused policy on face paint is heavily debated and probably upsets more students than any zombies

ever would.

At the moment there are no written rules for security staff to follow, so common sense is the only guideline.

Sheffield students are renowned for their love of fancy dress, but I’ve seen my fair share of highly questionable outfits. Not just in terms of fashion, latent racism also seems to be considered more acceptable if it’s dressed up.

Even if you looked innocent e n o u g h dressed like a sheep leaving your house, six hours and quite a bit of dancing

later you’re just a guy in a white t-shirt with face and arms painted black.

It’s the fancy dress version of a walk of shame, but could easily offend someone.

Common sense isn’t always the most prevalent among students preparing for a bender, or indeed security staff. In lack there of, having a clear Union policy on fancy dress sounds like a great idea to me.

This bemusement towards those odd enough to devote themselves slavishly to the works of Plato, Descartes and Kant is not a recent phenomenon.

Philosophers for millennia have been irritating and infuriating others in equal measure.

A good example of this would be barefooted beardenthusiast Socrates, who is the embodiment of the ideals of the subject: the quest for truth, the realisation of the limits of our knowledge, and the corruption of impressionable 15-year-old boys to make them think it will impress 15-year-old girls. It didn’t.

Socrates was himself forced to drink a poisonous infusion of hemlock for his crimes.

And that’s only the start of it. Plato was sold into slavery, Russell was jailed for protesting against the First World War, and Baruch Spinoza was driven out of Amsterdam because he was considered too radical. This is a further reminder, as if it were needed, that sex, drugs and philosophy are a ruinous combination.

Aside from the ability to gratuitously take the piss out of oneself, indeed a vital skill in life, Philosophy also teaches us to think for ourselves. We have to broaden our horizons and to explore new possibilities.

We live in a world of very few absolute truths.

Even in the sciences, rightly considered the best way to obtain true knowledge, there is still a large scope for disagreement.

Philosophy may not have all of the answers, but it does teach us

to approach the question correctly, and to make our own conclusions independently of what we are told to believe.

Philosophy also teaches us to stand up for our beliefs in a composed, eloquent and reasoned way.

Perhaps in hard times we ought to revert to what we know, and focus on subjects that give us the best practical outcome, such as Medicine and Engineering.

But society needs teachers, la wy e rs,

journalists and authors just as much.

Even beyond practical considerations, we need thoughtful, freethinking and well-considered members of society, especially in a democracy where said people get a say in who governs.

I remain confident that philosophy will be seen as an important subject to be studied by our young and idealistic.

Two thousand years ago, a confession to the study of philosophy was met with two tablespoons of hemlock poison. Now it is met with a snigger. Who knows, given another two millennia it might even be met with a smile.

Blissfully ignorant Reuben Mckeown People often talk about student apathy, but in my opinion it is ignorance which is the real problem.

Only 16 per cent of 1824 year olds claim to know “a fair amount” or “a great deal” about politics. Wow. I’m a little embarrassed by that.

As students, we’re supposed to be the future but it seems that we don’t even know what’s going on right now.

Now, no one is asking for you to protest in the streets,

but being unaware can lead to undesirable political circumstances. Like the present government.

In all seriousness though, it is a real problem: democracy requires us to be in the know at the very least. If we don’t, then it’s all just an elaborate pretence of freedom.

Being aware of what’s happening in the wider world is equally important.

I can’t count the number of times in history classes I’ve heard the words “How could they let that happen?” or “weren’t they paying attention?” But put yourself in their shoes. How much do you honestly know about what’s happening

regarding the Alternative Vote, for example?

Ignorance is dangerous.

It leads to random decision making or inaction, which can have disastrous results: Hitler rose to power mostly because of the ignorance of his electorate.

They were scared and uninformed so were taken in by simple rhetoric and slogans. Remember that surge in popularity the BNP enjoyed a while back?

A little economic turmoil, and look how their poll ratings rose.

I’d never suggest you could be that uninformed, but ignorance does have scary consequences. Make sure you’re informed.

FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

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11

COMMENT

Lib Dems still the future

Tommy Handley

Many students gave their votes to the Liberal Democrats at the last general election and most of them have probably now defected to Labour.

However I’d like to highlight how many Liberal Democrats are still fighting for the causes they pledged to in the election, such as scrapping tuition fees.

Students should all act now to make sure Nick Clegg remembers their vote, and to make sure their vote is not ultimately wasted.

I have certainly had my own doubts about my vote for the Liberal Democrats but have concluded that I don’t want to wait five years until Labour potentially gain power.

I want action on policies, such as tuition fees, now through the Lib Dems,

who have emphasised the problem of tuition fees very strongly in the past.

The Browne Review recently stated that the cap on tuition fees should be lifted and it be left to universities to decide how much students should pay.

Consequently, there is a big concern about poorer students being priced out of university in the future.

“The Lib Dems are still fighting for the causes they pledged”

There has been lots of media coverage about Nick Clegg’s lack of opposition to the proposals. But what about the Liberal Democrat party generally?

Every elected Lib Dem MP signed a pledge to “vote against any increase in fees

in the next parliament and to pressure the government to introduce a fairer alternative.” The pledge was organised by the National Union of Students (NUS), and many Lib Dem MPs intend to keep their promise.

One indicator is Paul Scriven, leader of Sheffield City Council for the Lib Dems, who has publicly announced his commitment to scrapping tuition fees.

This highlights how many local Lib Dems haven’t sold out their principles just yet.

Some are still willing to call out the bad aspects of the coalition government.

Scriven states that he signed the NUS pledge, and is calling on Clegg to rethink.

With this kind of pressure from his own party, in his own city, Clegg will certainly have to do something.

This leads me to the man himself: Nick Clegg, MP for Sheffield Hallam, and

Deputy Prime Minister. He is evidently facing a lot of criticism of late for his lack of opposition to the Browne Review’s proposals.

Now, I’m not going to slate Nick. One only had to listen to Nick on Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs to realise how government life is wearing him down.

Government is tough, and the recession is not helping. What students need to do is persuade Clegg to act responsibly over tuition fees.

In contrast, Ed Miliband has made a good start to his career as Labour leader.

However, issues such as tuition fees need action now and can’t wait until 2015, when the damage will already have been done.

In Clegg’s defence, some of the media are keen to hide all the good stuff which has been done by his party. These include the pupil premium which gives funding for children from poorer background

to be helped through the education system, as never before.

“Students need to persuade Clegg to act responsibly” Labour’s poor record on civil liberties has also been overhauled. Ironically, one aspect of this is greater rights to non-violent protest which many will be keen to take advantage of under this government.

Indeed, many readers will be taking advantage of your right to protest for the Cuts are Nuts demonstration on November 10, and this is only right.

I’m not trying to say I agree with a lot of the stuff Clegg has done. Many Liberal Democrat MPs admit that they don’t.

I am not asking students to give him a metaphorical

hug; but by the sounds of, it would be greatly appreciated.

Instead, I am echoing the words of the University of Sheffield’s Students’ Union President Josh Forstenzer.

I’d like to invite students to take action: contact Mr Clegg in writing, and lay out coherent views on tuition fees and how the problem could be resolved. Abuse is not the way forward.

When he appeared on The Andrew Marr Show recently, Clegg said that there will be some sort of cap on fees, despite what Browne recommended.

Let’s keep this momentum rolling.

Don’t forget we have the Deputy Prime Minister in our city. We should take it on our shoulders to reason with him on behalf of other students, rather than merely reading the papers and shrugging our shoulders cynically. My letter is already in the post.

Is yours?

EatWithUs? No thanks Jay Allan

Picture: James Wragg Many Liberal Democrats believe that their leader Nick Clegg is selling out both students and his own party over tuition fees. However, the University of Sheffield Debating Society recently concluded that they, too, would “choose power over principle”. Either we are being unreasonable and overly critical, or the Debating Society have just as little conscience as Clegg?

Money, money, money.

That famous tune. We see so much of it around us, but we receive so little of it ourselves.

And whilst we are all struggling to keep our loans in check, every penny is being squeezed and gathered up at ludicrous rate by those that are meant to care for our student welfare. No, not Abba. I’m talking about EatWithUs. These are the evil money gatherers. But worst of all: they’re owned by the University of Sheffield.

EatWithUs is the company that provides students with food and drink in the I.C., Jessop West, City View Cafe in the Union, as well the Endcliffe and Ranmoor villages. The food court in University House is also theirs.

Variations of food? Check.

Competent amounts of

different drinks available?

Check. Value for money?

Err, no.

Money seems to be the central motivation behind EatWithUs. If we delve a little deeper into the prices of food and drinks at the I.C. compared with those found in Interval, the Students’ Union Shop and Coffee Revolution, it makes for worrying reading.

To add further confusion the high prices, EatWithUs has tried, rather pitifully to entice students to buy their products by giving them their student price to look forward to.

A £1.80 Americano at the I.C. is 30p more expensive than Coffee Revolution, and 50p more costly than Interval.

Food doesn’t make great reading either.

Disturbingly, a handmade sandwich at Coffee Revolution will cost the same as an EatWithUs, to put it mildly, ‘unhomemade’ sandwich, both standing at £2.85. Hardly value for money. Even

Tesco is cheaper at £2, if you don’t mind the walk.

This is the main problem.

EatWithUs is cleverly situated in the major student hotspots. No one is going to bother to go to Coffee Revolution or Interval if they’re in the I.C., just to save 40p.

“They have tried pitifully to entice students” But until we realise this would be a step in the right direction, we’ll forever be at the hands of companies that are willing to extort us like EatWithUs. If a cup of rejuvenating coffee loses you 40p a day, imagine how that is a whopping £146 of your money in a year.

Whilst these prices remain ludicrously high, EatWithUs have a lot of explaining to do. I guess Abba doesn’t sound so bad now.

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towards your bus ticket!

SMART MOVE

Thinking about housing?

Smart Move Housi ng Guide 2010 (A5):Layout 3

1/11/10

DECIDING WHO TO live with

13:28

Page 1

WHEN & Where to look

House Hunting Guide Choosing the right property Location, location, Location

Signing on the Dotted line…

HOUSE HUNTING GUIDE AVAILABLE FROM THE STUDENT ADVICE CENTRE, HOUSING FAIR (29 NOV) OR ONLINE WWW.SHEFFIELDSTUDENTSUNION.COM/HOUSING

FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

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FEATURES

By royle appointment Forge Press talks to Sheffield’s newest addition to the punk poetry and lyrical scene, Jonni Royle Words: Anna Pickard Pictures: Millie Travis

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FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

FEATURES

O

nly a few miles away from Sheffield lies the sleepy Victorian town of Glossop, nestled deep within the hills of the Peak District.

From an outsider’s perspective it may look like a slumbering suburban neighbourhood, but amongst the abandoned mills, cobbled streets and quaint parks big things are brewing.

Eyes and ears are turning to 21-year-old Jonni Royle who is causing a stir as an up and coming poet and lyricist. He has even caught the attention of British performance poet John Cooper Clarke.

Royle, who goes by the stage name Infex, started writing around the age of 13.

The catalyst sparking this young boy to write was the school he attended, this is in spite of admitting that when he was younger he “hated school” and “wasn’t the best student”.

However, in retrospect Royle considers his childhood at school as providing him with some of his best days to date.

Royle, looking back at himself sitting in high school English lessons, pinpoints school as introducing himself to the world of poetry, lyrics and writing.

Royle says, “I started writing, I think, because it was around that time [in school] that poetry was being put to me and I enjoyed it and wanted to be able to write my own meaning and understanding for things that I had on my mind at that time.”

The talented young poet’s works are diverse and engaging.

His subjects vary from musing on random, comical rhymes to serious topical matters.

Royle concentrates a lot of his creative energy on political issues which are “happening now in everybody’s lives”. He also cites his personal emotional experiences as a huge source of material.

In particular regard to this, Royle uses his writing as an outlet, saying: “from the first time I ever wrote, I’ve always put all of my own life situations and worries into it and each time I’ve always felt a release”.

It is evident from reading his short lyrical contributions and listening to his lyrical mastery that Royle’s manipulation of words serves as a unique form of individual self expression.

A short extract from his poem ‘under-stood’ demonstrates his honesty and willingness to explore his own feelings:

“…I need a break, still believe in dreams, cus people’s feelings change I never thought for a second, that I would be this way cus every corpse is left and in heaven, my people stay I breathe, but see that’s a feeling changed, I wish I could just breathe out, and release the pain but all I really feel is doubt…”

“It’s all down to how I feel at the

time,” Royle says. “If I’m feeling down about something or if I’ve been thinking about things then they will find themselves put into whatever it is I’m writing.”

However, he is keen to point out that his own personal art of self expression is not to be confused with a constant barrage of depressive rhymes.

On the contrary, as aforementioned his work is a fusion of styles and subjects, ranging from the serious to the comical, each carrying a different tone or perspective, depending on many various influences including mood and digression.

“It’s always different whether it’s my thoughts about the war in Iraq or if it’s about something funny I have seen.

“For example, one time I wrote about a girl that sat on a red ring hob which was evidently turned on full heat.”

The writer’s interest in British culture complements Royle’s continuing theme of brutal honesty, asserting itself strongly in his political poetry. One such example of his baseline opinion can be found in the poem ‘My Government’.

“Where’s the funds, that the government didn’t hide/and where was the government that didn’t lie/ where’s the fun in this, when there’s kids that die/where’s the love, it makes me so sick, I’m sick inside”

“

From the first time I ever wrote, I’ve always put all of my own life situations and worries into it and each time I’ve always felt a release Jonni Royle, poet

”

This culturally appropriate poetry aligns Royle with other established contemporary authors who explore British society.

For example, Carol Ann Duffy, the first female Poet Laureate, wrote ‘Democracy’ in response to the governmental crisis of facing a hung parliament earlier this year.

‘Democracy’ adopts a contemptuous tone, similar to Royle’s blunt cynicism in ‘My Government’.

The phenomenon of social networking sites has proved to be a helpful platform for Jonni’s ambitions.

Royle started to follow John Cooper Clarke on Facebook. The connection establishes a two way exchange of ideas, promising exciting prospects of a fusion of punk and new age.

Royle hopes the inspiration he garners from the contemporary poet can take the aspiring writer to as of yet unexplored territory.

“I added him purely because he was a writer I have looked into and have enjoyed listening to, just because of how simple yet so well structured his work is.”

Consequently, Cooper Clarke approached Royle as he had enjoyed reading the poetry Royle had published online.

The two kept in touch and Royle says he has found Cooper Clarke’s advice helpful.

“I did ask what inspires him when he finds himself with writers block and he just told me not to think too much into the concept of whatever you’re writing and just let your ideas out first.”

John Cooper Clarke has opened for acts such as the Sex Pistols, Joy Division and Buzzcocks. His

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FEATURES

“

It’s always different whether it’s my thoughts about the war in Iraq or if it’s about something funny I’ve seen Jonni Royle, lyricist

”

performances have been hugely popular, defined by lively renditions of his poetry.

Cooper Clarke is firmly asserted as a legend of punk literature.

Moreover, John Cooper Clarke is a relevant figure in contemporary culture now; the poem ‘Out of Control Fairground’ was printed inside the sleeve of ‘Fluorescent Adolescent’ by Arctic Monkeys.

Being given the mark of approval by such a respected figure in the literary world means Jonni Royle is well on his way to success.

As well as John Cooper Clarke, Royle lists Foreign Beggars, Dr Syntax, Stig of the Dump, Brother Ali, and Skinnyman as inspirational artists.

To Royle, these artists are “putting a real sense of fun and a bigger electric vibes back into hip hop rather than most of the “commercialised” and “Gang-Banger” style you hear a lot these days.

“It’s not just their music I appreciate, they have so much talent, not just as rappers but as writers as well”.

On top of receiving attention from respected writers and lyricists, Royle is also currently working with Release Team Entertainment and other artists in South London on a mixtape which will be released through MySpace in the coming year.

“There are so many artists working on it and so much time that has been spent on it, so I’m really looking forward to that”.

Royle receives support from his family and friends who encourage him to write and record for his MySpace page. Some of his friends are also enthusiastic writers.

Royle’s continuing success story is another attribution to artists using online forums and social networks as a platform for their work.

This story also includes artists such as Lily Allen who pioneered using online platforms to launch careers.

She used MySpace to introduce her music to the population and skyrocketed her popularity.

Make up artist Lauren Luke used YouTube to teach others her techniques, and as a result she gained the attention of ITV and now has a slot on This Morning.

The mixtapes Royle releases online use his continuing theme of the juxtaposition between love and hate.

This is represented by a motif consisting of a dove dropping a grenade below.

Royle says that his writing partners, Bowseph, Perseus, and Andy Stanny, push him to pen improved lyrics and poetry by using Royle’s competitive streak.

He says that if someone writes something he finds impressive he instantly wants to write something even better.

In spite of these ventures, Royle is just a typical young man who is a keen BMX rider, performs mixed martial arts and plays the guitar.

But it still remains, and will always remain for the foreseeable future, that writing is his main focus.

Behind the scenes Forge Press goes behind the scenes at The Tuesday Club to find out more about the organisation and planning that goes into our favourite Union nights Words and Pictures: Harriet Di Francesco

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FEATURES

T

ucked away in the Union above Interval are the offices of the Entertainments departments and the Technical Services Committee (TSC).

The Ents office, neatly cluttered and brimming with student novelties, is home to a team of very busy staff members.

Hunched over his desk is Hugo Kibasi, organiser and promoter of The Tuesday Club. Surrounded by folders and a Pot Noodle, he is carefully drawing squares and making notes on a piece of paper.

It is Tuesday afternoon and although the Foundry will not fill up for a good seven hours, plans have been well underway since his shift began.

“I’ve been involved for four or five years now and setting up each week has been completely different every time,” says Kibasi, still concentrating on his diagram. “But I don’t mind, it would be boring otherwise.”

Each Union night, from Population to Live Wire, involves a vast amount of planning, organisation, and equipment.

For almost twelve years now, Tuesday Club has staged a vast array of popular live acts; hosting the likes of Roots Manuva, Mix Master Mike (Beastie Boys), Mark Ronson, and Eve. “It offers a bit of everything, something that other Union nights do not,” says Kibasi. “I used to go every week. I remember Quantic Soul Orchestra and Jazzy Jeff.”

He writes a few more notes on the sheet and stands up. Each Tuesday, Kibasi maps out the stage and floor arrangements to be set up by volunteers who make up the Technical Services Committee.

This planning can take up to four or five hours, whilst the technical side of things can take up to seven.

Leaving the warm, vibrant Ents office, Kibasi heads to the Foundry to hand over the floor and stage plan for that night. “I’ve never seen anything go horribly wrong; it’s always pretty smooth to be honest.” He shrugs.

It soon becomes clear why. Each night the Foundry, cold and brightlylit, littered with cables, amps, and microphones, is the home to a crew of young technicians and electricians until the early hours of the next morning.

Rachel Whiteford, third year student and TSC’s stage manager, supervises the general crew and engineers.

“Usually we start about four o’clock and we won’t get out until six in the morning,” she says.

Each week, Whiteford and her team are responsible for arranging the floor and stage according to Kibasi’s plan.

As with the other Union club nights, they organise the visuals, décor and production.

“Can you call the cleaners and ask them to sort that toilet out? It looks like someone shaved a wookie in there,” Whiteford calls out to her team.

Ensuring that students have a comfortable and enjoyable time is part of their job. But ultimately, the crew are passionate about technology.

“Everyone’s a volunteer, they love doing it,” says Sam Sherratt, former Chair and Treasurer of the TSC. “It’s a good proving ground for going into the industry. We’ve had some members go on to big things.”

Some members now mix and monitor for bands such as Arctic Monkeys and We Are Scientists. One volunteer has moved on to become a lighting engineer for Manchester’s thriving Warehouse Project.

Sherratt is evidently proud of the crew.: “We deal with all regular Union nights,” he says.

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FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

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FEATURES

“

Each Union night, from Population to Live Wire, involves a vast amount of planning, organisation and equipment

”

Top: The microphones needed for just one live set Bottom: The sound desk , which is worth £15,000

“In fact, we provide all the technical equipment, technicians and expertise for pretty much all the university events; from The Tuesday Club barbeque to the Activities Fair.

“But we also work externally, helping out at Tramlines festival and the More Music festival. We are definitely one of the societies that doesn’t get a day off.”

Applying their efforts to a night like The Tuesday Club, one of the most profitable Union nights, it is not difficult to understand why.

Put together, Foundry and Fusion can accommodate a cosmic array of musical personalities.

On this night alone they staged Arrested Development, an eight-piece American alternative hip hop band; DJ Zinc, a drum and bass/breakstep DJ; and MJ Cole, a house and UK garage producer and remixer.

Mike McQuillan, another promoter and organiser within the Ents department, told Forge about what the Union’s success owes to nights like The Tuesday Club: “I think The Tuesday Club puts Sheffield on the map for a lot of young people who are enthusiastic about new music,” he said.

“Perhaps this, along with the rest of our entertainments programme, sways some of them to choose the University of Sheffield above others.”

McQuillan also articulated pride in the committee’s efforts: “Months and months of planning go into every event. It’s a full time job, for more than one person,” he said.

“All Union nights have benefited from the enormous amount of help we receive from student volunteers such as TSC and the Ents committee.”

And it isn’t just those involved that have lavish things to say. Big names in the entertainment industry have commented generously on the University of Sheffield Students’ Union and its labours.

The Guardian Guide reviewed The Tuesday Club and stated: “Every city should have a student night as good as this.”

Union nights produce more than just good times. Turning over millions every year, the Union is consistently able to fund more successful and popular events on an annual basis.

Union nights compete with some of the top local night clubs in Sheffield, and the venues display highly sophisticated equipment. The sound desk, consisting of over 1000 pots and faders, controlling myriad lights and frequencies, is worth close to £15,000.

A top digital piece could fetch up to £175,000.

When the night kicks off, Whiteford and her team orchestrate the mood.

The crew can be seen bustling on and around the sound desk, in front and behind the stage, strumming and fiddling to adjust the setting perfectly for their mass of guests.

Each artist requires their individual set up of lights, colours, and filters.

Live drums need special attention.

Different singers want to hear different sounds to keep themselves in pace.

But the volunteers meet these needs regularly, without a salary or much recognition.

Clad mostly in black and dipping in and out of the shadows, the team are content to keep their activities clandestine throughout the night.

When clubbers pool noisily out of the Foundry at three in the morning, the crew get to work closing the place down.

Depending on the night, this can take up to four hours. What can often be a 13 hour shift is a hobby for these technological creatures of the night, and the following day will hold more of the same routine for other volunteers.

“

A 13 hour shift is a hobby for these technological creatures of the night

” Top: Setting up the stage in the Foundry Bottom: MC Script performing with DJ Zinc at The Tuesday Club

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FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

FEATURES

Australia’s forgotten past Forge Press follows the story of the lady who left Sheffield to help prevent Australia’s past from disappearing into the wilderness.

Words: Laura Kay

W

e are all a w a r e of the symbols a n d traditions o f aboriginal Australia; didgeridoos, walkabouts and gecko-style murals.

Despite the colour and vibrancy this culture inspires across the world, its very survival in the outstretching landscapes of Australia’s outback is an increasingly dwindling prospect.

A recent UN Health Development report places a huge difference between the life expectancy of an indigenous Australian and a nonindigenous Australian, a full 17 years, leaving the culture, history, and legacy with a similar prognosis as dictated by that statistic.

This is a prospect that Sheffield local Kate Lloyd and her husband Stuart are fighting to reverse.

Their tools to tackle this are ancient artistic traditions and communication between the indigenous generations.

Kate Lloyd was born in Zimbabwe, and grew up in Sheffield. Her eclectic history was subsequently defined when she and her family emigrated to Australia at the age of 17.

It was in Australia that Kate met her future husband Stuart Lloyd, both sharing their love for the ethereal outback and its equally potent history.

Together they founded Okkawikka, a project focused on passing on ancient aborigine craft, and through this simultaneously sustaining Australia’s forgotten heritage.

“

A project focused on passing on ancient aborigine craft, simultaneously sustaining Australia’s forgotten heritage

”

The duo travel to schools and learning centres in remote communities, teaching such practices as ancient weaving techniques to schoolchildren and locals alike.

The aim is to keep the indigenous culture alive and ultimately to give the people, the skills necessary to be able to take up some of these teaching opportunities themselves.

In 1984, Kate and her husband Stuart became involved with artists of the Karrinyarra.

The Karrinyarra is an aboriginal community living in an outstation in the Western MacDonnell Ranges, which lie 300km west of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Remote does not even begin to describe the whereabouts of this area.

Having visited the community a few times each year bringing canvases and materials, the Lloyds began to sit and paint with the aborigine artists.

This demonstrates how vital it is to channel their skills, and how important nurture is in passing on traditional craft.

The Lloyds feed off the knowledge of aboriginal elders; without this discourse and cooperation Okkawikka would not have the success and connection it has achieved.

The Lloyds were hugely instrumental in turning the art and the artists at Karrinyarra into a family business.

This business enables the outstation economical independence and sustainable funding for their everyday lives.

Aboriginal art is some of the oldest known to mankind, with some carvings in rock reportedly dating at

“

This demonstrates how vital it is to channel their skills

”

around 40,000 years old.

Aboriginals today use the same techniques, symbols and styles to represent well known stories, particularly those of creation which the people refer to as ‘dreamtime’.

Reaching the indigenous population invariably means journeying out into the outback.

The aboriginal tribes continue their existence isolated from modern influences and prejudices in Australia’s remote lands.

However, remote in Australia doesn’t mean ten miles from the local town, it means 100 or even 500 miles to the nearest sign of civilisation, which in all likelihood will just be another isolated village or farm.

Okkawikka, and other projects of the same vein, exist to contribute to the protection of Australia’s fragile past.

Every action is considered in the context of also promoting long standing social values held by the aborigine culture, but also combating the problems imbedded deep in their communities, caused by the isolation felt by the indigenous population.

Only 32 percent of the indigenous population stay in school until Year 12, compared with 75 percent of non indigenous Australians.

It is these kind of prospects and horrifying statistics that the Lloyds have been working against.

They hope economic stability and independence by means of art, along with the teaching and restoration of traditional methods in these communities can lead to a stable and thriving community.

There are a wealth of projects akin

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21

FEATURES

Above: Indigenous Australians pass on their knowledge and skill

“

Every action is considered in the context of also promoting long standing social values

�

to Okkawikka, the primary aim of which is to remove substance abuse, domestic violence and economic dependence from indigenous communities.

One such example which Kate is also involved in is the Mount Theo Program.

The program was initially focused on the young people at Yuendumo, a remote outstation in the Northern Territory of Australia, which also has a thriving aboriginal art community.

Unfortunately, this community has also been affected by an inherent substance abuse problem, specifically petrol sniffing.

The Mount Theo Program is run by the Warlpiri tribe elders who remove troubled young people from the situation by taking them around 90 miles away to Mount Theo.

Once there, they are provided with a counselling service through training in such indigenous traditions as art, weaving and hunting.

This is what the Lloyds and the artists at Karrinyarra have strived to achieve, and what they hope to continue for other Australian communities in order to change some of the statistics mentioned previously in the article.

Their work continues to emphasise the necessity to safeguard the fragile cultures and traditions found across the globe.

It is with thanks to long running and hard working projects such as those running at Karrinyarra, indigenous art forms and cultures will not be lost and can instead continue to function and to provide for communities.

Below: Stuart Lloyd teaches ancient weaving techniques to indigenous school children

22

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Lifestyle

Fashion Food & Drink Health & Fitness Technology Sex & Relationships

FOUR OF THE BEST

Veggie restaurants in Sheffield BLUE MOON CAFE

ZOOBY’S

AIRY FAIRY

Whether you’re after a tasty meal or a chunky slice of wholemeal toast or a homemade cake, head down to St James Street’s Blue Moon Café to soak up the relaxed atmosphere. Don’t forget to wash it all down with an amazing elderflower tea.

NIrmALS

Pop down to the Winter Gardens to Zooby’s, a vegetarian takeaway, to tuck into one of their imaginatively filled sandwiches. Treat yourself to a massive mug of hot chocolate or be good and buy something from their brimming fruit bowl.

Tucked away at the back of a cute London Road gift shop, Airy Fairy is 100% vegetarian and is absolutely ideal for a quick lunch or afternoon tea. Enjoy homemade and organic tea, coffee and cakes whilst sitting by a log fire.

FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

This fortnight on ForgeToday.com More winter fashion advice Alana Leggett discusses the catwalk looks of the season and how to recreate them on a student budget.

CHALLENGE

24 hours i

Glossop Road’s Nirmals has been voted one of the top 100 Indian restaurants in the UK. Offering a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan food, booking is advisable to avoid disappointment. Don’t fancy a sit down meal? Nirmals runs a great takeaway service.

Compiled by Emily Spencer

CITY GUIDE

West Street’s nicer neighbour Holly Smith When facing the challenge of spending 24 hours in the I.C. my first reaction was curiosity mixed with excitement.

The thought of discovering what really goes on in the I.C. at night, and

perhaps even feeling adventurous enough to use the shower, proved too much.

In fact, the reality of facing a cold, bleak and lonely 24 hours in the I.C. was somewhat different, and by different I mean horrendous.

The day time passed in a pretty uneventful manner, with plenty of

CHARITY

A quite fan-tashPictures: Natasha Hunter

Natasha Hunter Most of you will be familiar with the trendy student bars and restaurants along West Street and Division Street, but perhaps you won’t have ventured into Trippet Lane.

Trippet Lane is just behind West street, and is much quieter than the hustle and bustle of the busy high street.

At first glance there doesn’t seem to be much there, but on further exploration there are several places worth a visit, one of which is Trippets Wine Bar. The fashionable looking pub offers good hearty lunch time food and a wide range of real ales, draught lagers, wines and champagne.

It hosts live band music nights at weekends, so if you want a change from the rowdy student

night life, grab yourself a glass of wine in a friendly sophisticated environment at Trippets.

Trippet Lane is also home to the popular restaurant Cubana which offers a range of tasty tapas dishes.

Here you can enjoy some lively Latin rhythms or jazz and blues music on various nights of the week, and if you really want to get into the South American vibe why not try one of their speciality Cuban Cigars.

It has a great atmosphere with authentic surroundings in an intimate friendly and upbeat environment. It even hosts salsa

dancing nights so you can really get involved in the lively Latino spirit.

This is definitely one to visit if you want a fun night out, but is perhaps best saved for special occasions as it’s not your typical student-priced restaurant.

Alibi Lounge and Bar is also worth a visit. It’s a cool bar with modern decor but still manages to retain a comfortable and welcoming feel with its comfy sofas and soft lighting.

It has great drink offers too, with cocktails from as little as £3.50 and draught beers from £2.30, so you can indulge in a few mojitos in a stylish fun bar without breaking the bank!

Charlotte Green All hail ‘Movember’, where ordinarily clean cut guys embrace their inner caveman - all in the name of charity.

For the whole of November, those taking part are sponsored not to shave and to, ultimately, grow a moustache.

While some may find the rugged look attractive, the real reason behind it is serious; it raises money and awareness for male cancer charities all over the world.

In the UK, all the money raised goes to The Prostate Cancer Charity (TPCC), the UK’s leading prostate cancer charity.

Movember began in 2003 in Australia in the place where all great ideas are first spawned – the pub.

As the years rolled by more and more got involved and word spread.

Movember is now huge across many countries including the UK, USA, The Netherlands and Finland.

Last year the event raised

£26million - not bad work for an idea that started while having a beer or two.

Movember also coincides with International Men’s Day on November 19 which raises overall awareness of male health.

According to Cancer Research UK, testicular cancer affected almost 2000 men in 2007, with a fatality rate of 70 per year.

More worryingly, it is the most common cancer in men aged 15-44 years.

One of the main issues is that a lot of the young men it affects are still at that age where it’s a bit embarrassing to talk about to a parent or doctor and forget to self check.

Male cancers are generally not as publicised as female cancers.

Girls en masse updated their Facebook status last year to the colour of their bra to raise awareness for breast cancer, yet testicular and prostate cancer only recently seem to have gained more attention.

This is one of the reasons why Movember first started.

FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

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This fortnight in the news...

Even the broadsheets are talking about ITV2’s The Only Way is Essex.

Re-enforcing a stereotype? Yes. But any TV show that includes cameos from someone’s nan gets our vote.

This fortnight in Sheffield...

Millennium Galleries play host to the Christmas Cracker market from Nov 5 Selling original craft and design, its the perfect place to get your yummy mummy or aunty a Christmas gift.

Pictures: Holly Smith people getting on with their work, and procrastinating on Facebook.

The amount, and variance of, procrastination that goes on in the I.C. really is fascinating, ranging from social networks, to one girl who typed several different variations of ‘ugly man’ into Google images, to a boy who insisted on punching his

This fortnight on campus Give it a Go: The Nutcracker The classic ballet is on at The Lyceum. Get tickets from the Union box office.

Holly’s day in the I.C started productively, but didn’t end that way . . . and don’t even mention that shower.

in the I.C. hand repeatedly for ten minutes. it seems like the longer people spend in the I.C. the more liberal they get with their methods.

This was demonstrated particularly well by the boy who stood in the middle of level four and rubbed his crotch for a good five minutes.

It’s probably time to go home when you get to that point.

There was apparently also a hat trend going on, with furry hats, trilbies, flat caps and animal hats buzzing around left right and centre.

The defining moment of the entire experience came at around 2am when I paid a visit to the loo.

The only way I can describe the I.C. in the absolute dead of night, especially as it’s not an exam period, is to compare it to being home alone, when you get to do all of the things that you would never do when other people are around.

You can boogie on the sofa, tuck your skirt into your knickers and do cartwheels, even belt out a few ballads.

At the same time it also seems to be the perfect setting for a horror film.

You can imagine the scene, a young, female student working late in the library, a squeak of a floorboard here, a window bursting open there.

Putting these ‘fears’ aside I decided to venture on.

The toilet itself was pitch black and the sensors were taking their time to react to my presence, leading me to do what I can only imagine the highland fling might look like to get the lights to come on.

23

Before I’d even got into the cubicle the lights all went off, and incredibly loud banging started coming from the cubicle next door.

My immediate instinct was to run away as fast as possible but in my panic I managed to slip on the wet floor and smash directly into the toilet door, almost knocking myself out.

As I lay on the floor alone, in the dark, clutching my head I realised one good thing; literally the only way to go from here was up, and this evening could not get any worse.

At 3am I ventured down to the café to observe the drunken hordes of students spilling out of the Union.

I’m not sure if there’s some sort of waving conspiracy going on that I don’t know about but for some reason most of the students who stumbled past felt it necessary to stop outside the window, wave manically at me, and then walk away.

At least five different groups thought this an appropriate level of comedy. It wasn’t.

In fact the only original drunken antics I experienced were provided by a group of boys who walked past with a giant traffic cone, put it down on the pavement and proceeded to perform some sort of dance around it.

I wish I could tell you why they did this but fortunately I have no idea.

By the time it got to 7am I was seriously flagging and was starting to write down single words in my notebook which no one, let alone myself, would understand.

Reading my notes back it’s just words like ‘carew’, ‘cat’ and ‘despair’.

There’s only so many hours of Snog, Marry, Avoid and other such soul destroying programmes you can watch before your brain starts to feel like it’s disintegrating and coming out in incoherent noises and grunts which cause the girl next to you to move away with a terrified look.

After falling asleep on the desk and waking up to a high pitched noise which may or may not have come out of my mouth (I couldn’t tell) I decided that the time had come to have the ultimate I.C. experience; use the shower.

However, one step into the warm

And the girls are raising money, too

-tic idea

The girls from Common Room bar on Division Street are proving that you don’t need to grow a moustache to get to involved in Movember.

Anna Askala is team leader of the Common Room Mo Gals and has roped the female bar and waiting staff in.

The girls are going to be creating a ‘nearly naked’ calendar to raise money for the cause.

The calendars will cost £5 each and will be on sale throughout November, so keep your eyes peeled for them.

As well as that, Anna and another member of staff, Jess, will each be getting a tattoo of a moustache on their index fingers, if they raise over £300.

Anna, whose own Dad died of cancer four years ago said: “We care about men in our lives, and want them to live long and healthy lives.”

Luckily lots of guys are getting involved and one way to ensure that no one has a sneaky trim is to do it with a mate.

Geography students Richard Heaton and George Charlton are taking up the challenge.

“I’m a bit worried about what my girlfriend, Alison, will think about it. At least I’ll be warm for RAG’s Spiderwalk, assuming it actually grows,” Richard said.

“At the moment my beard gets itchy after about a week so I’m not looking forward to how it’s going to look after four,” said George.

“When it gets long it starts to go a bit ginger, so I’m not sure how it’s going to look by the end.”

So guys, throw away those razors, rejoice in your manliness, and enjoy Movember.

To get involved visit www. movember.com Visit www.forgetoday.com to track the progress of Richard and George’s beards.

and steamy room, which was still clogged up with someone else’s scent (and hair), and realising that I had forgotten to bring 18 pints of bleach with me, I decided that I’d rather go back to dribbling on the desk.

Stepping out into the light at exactly 10.57am on Saturday morning I felt the way I did when stepping out of the cinema after watching Sex and the City 2; drained, on the brink and grateful.

Grateful that I would not be reliving that experience, or stepping near that place again, for a very long time.

To sponsor the girls and make sure that Anna and Jess get their tattoos, visit: http://uk.movember. com/mospace/587770/ Students try out some suave moustache styles.

24

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FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

Lifestyle

NOT YOUR ORDINARY STUDENT

A NIGHT OUT AT...

Give it a Go: Burlesque

Dom Smith

Rory the Tiger (sometimes)

Vicki Watson Running around my room, grabbing stockings and heels, straightening my hair and applying make-up; anyone would think I was preparing for a night out, not a dance class.

A dance class with a difference - I was to rid myself of inhibitions and attempt to be sexy by learning the art of burlesque.

The Give it a Go programme assured that we would not be required to strip but that we should come equipped with the appropriate attire.

Armed with a pair of lacy stockings, (purchased especially for this occasion) my black heels and a flat mate, we headed to the Raynor Lounge to try it out.

Thankfully the curtains were promptly closed before the class started – so as not to shock the people enjoying a drink in the beer garden.

Our teacher Steph taught us how to wiggle our hips in a, hopefully, sexy manner as well as mastering the art of a good shimmy.

It was then that she told us the most important thing about a burlesque performance – your character.

We had to adopt a persona; cheeky and playful, sultry, or anything else we felt represented us.

I can’t imagine what we looked like, as we strutted towards our teacher with varying animated expressions on our faces.

Standing in a pair of lace stockings in front of strangers was fine, getting into character however, proved harder, but I gave it a good go.

Excitement filled the room when we were instructed to get a chair – our prop for the routine.

We danced around it and shimmied to the floor before sitting on the chair, leaning back and kicking our legs in the air.

We learned three different ways of taking your stockings off - there is in fact quite an art to what would seem a simple action.

Perched on the chair we practised pulling the stockings off slowly, before lassoing them in the air and throwing them on the floor.

We then were asked to make up our own routine using the moves we had learned - something I normally would have dreaded.

But everyone, including myself, was really up for it - I didn’t feel any embarrassment at all.

I finished the lesson feeling confident and eager to try it again. Maybe I have discovered the performer inside me?

With lessons every week, Steph hopes to work the group up to more complex routines and eventually get us using nipple tassles!

My first experience of burlesque was a great one. The class was full of lovely people and with a friendly teacher, it was easy to lose any inhibitions I may have had and, for that hour anyway, to unleash my inner Dita Von Teese.

Burlesque society meets on Monday nights in Fusion, 7-8pm.

Entertainments Committee who, every now and then, dons the legendary Rory the Tiger costume.

We spoke about female attention, freebies and...sweat.

Here’s what he had to say: “Rory the Tiger is the mascot for Sheffield’s union sports night, Roar.

“A giant tiger, he stands by the entrance to Roar, waving, hugging, getting his photo taken with all the Roar goers and of course, instigating Hallam banter.

“The opportunity to wear the tiger suit came my way when I started to get involved with ENTS at the start of this year.

“When it came to being Rory, no-one put their hand up to volunteer, so I thought sod it, why not? It can’t be that bad!”

Kate Lloyd Each fortnight Lifestyle speaks to a member of the University of Sheffield’s diverse student body

FASHION

who isn’t quite your stereotypical student.

This issue we spoke to Dom Smith, a third year Dentistry student and member of the Union’s

“Rory’s costume is kept under lock and key in an office.

“I get to the Union for about 11pm on a Wednesday.

“I’m always sober as a judge and wearing a t-shirt and shorts to keep cool.

“I quickly get changed into him and then shuffle (you can’t really walk in his shoes) down to the entrance of Foundry and Fusion for the start of my shift at 11.15.”

“The costume is very, very hot inside: sweaty is an understatement!

“It’s dark, you can’t really see through his eyes and you have to squeeze four fingers into Rory’s three.”

The perfect coats for Winter 2010 Boys

“You never know if the next person is going to hug, pick you up or fireman’s carry you.

“Once I have let go of my inhibitions and got into the mood, it’s very fun.

Everyone is up for hugging Rory and having their picture with him, but you have to be up for it!

“I keep finding myself smiling whilst all the pictures are being taken.

“Even though my face is inside a massive tiger’s head!”

”You get a lot of people doing all sorts of naughty things with Rory “Rory gets attention from both guys and girls, most of the time you can’t see out of his head to realise what they are doing!

“Last time I did it, I managed to get a bleeding nose from someone smacking Rory over the head – not cool.”

“You don’t get paid to do it, but you do get lots of freebies.

“You can go into Roar for free after the one hour shift ends, but a shower is definitely the order of the day once you have taken the costume off.

“Anyone can go and volunteer to do jobs around the Union every week.

“In return you get points to redeem in the union, on ticket entry to Foundry and Fusion or £10 vouchers for places like H&M, HMV and Tesco.”

Visit: www.enc.union.shef.ac.uk for information on how to get involved with ENTS committee

Give your winter outfit a little something extra with a new accessory.

Chunky and knitted, this hat will keep you warm, whilst the pom-pom ears and cut out eyes will add some fun in the cold weather!

(River Island, £12.99)

Unless you’re loaded, a coat is something that you are only going to buy (at most) once a year, so making the right decision is crucial.

There are three main styles for men to consider this season: leather, military and heritage.

Leather jackets will work with almost every look and get better with age, so when buying yours consider it’s cost-per-wear potential rather than baulking at the (most likely)

expensive price tag.

If you’re feeling flush, All Saints have a large selection to suit almost every whim whilst Topman stock a variety to suit every wallet.

Check out their Burberry-inspired aviator styles with shearling trim if you want to look really A/W ’10 Military detailing is something to look for if you want to purchase a more heavy-duty cover-up.

Epaulettes, brass buttons and contrasting piping are all details

that would make any style of coat look really on-trend.

If you’re not yet inspired then maybe the heritage look is for you.

Think farmer chic: waxed finishes, lots of pockets and maybe a bit of quilting.

These coats are probably for the fashion-savvy only, so if you’re not confident with your ability to put together an outfit then steer well clear or the coat will be wearing you!

Barbour is the obvious go-to brand, but try vintage shops for some cheaper alternatives.

These men’s fingerless gloves combine the ever present nautical trend with a thick material that will keep you warm this winter.

(River Island, £7.99)

This season’s wardrobe essential is the winter coat.

Inspired by the likes of Burberry, Roberto Cavalli and Chanel, the high street has many on-trend jackets at reasonable prices.

Trench coats with waist belts are great especially for curvaceous figures.

Shorter coats are more versatile and look great with skinny jeans or layered with a tunic or leggings.

Fur is very on-trend at the moment, but a full fur coat can be a daring move.

New Look have some great

oversized ones in many fake fur styles including leopard print – plus they currently have 20 per cent off for students.

The parka is a firm favourite. It’s practical and has that effortless ‘just got out of bed’ look.

Primark have a good parka with adjustable waist toggles to pull the coat in at the waist, and it’s only £23.

Our pick of the high street winter coats is this brown shearling one from River Island (right).

Aviator-inspired, it also has touches of fake fur, combining

various winter trends. The sheepskin and buckles give it that statement look.

It’s pricey at £89.99 but a winter coat is an investment.

It will definitely keep you both stylish and warm in the windy Sheffield weather.

This men’s cableknit grey scarf is the perfect winter neckwear.

Its versatility also means it will carry you through the year.

(Marks and Spencer, £12)

Girls

Compiled by Alana Leggett and Elliot Pettigrew

Over the knee socks are perfect for all types of outfits. Wear them over tights, leggings, or with boots.

(Miss Selfridge, £6)

Compiled by Amy Larkin

FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

www.forgetoday.com // travel@forgetoday.com

25

TRAVEL

The hidden costs of travelling

Foreign Correspondent Thomas Wood

If you’re already starting to think about your future dream holidays, it may be worth reconsidering your budget Words: Caroline Vann Jones

JABS: It is essential that you check what vaccinations you need, if any, for your chosen destination. Some countries won’t even let you in without paper proof that you’ve had the required jabs.

I got a serious shock when I realised quite how many injections I needed to go on a trip I had planned to West Africa. They were pretty detrimental to my already feeble travel fund and I really resented having to fork out hundreds of pounds for something I wasn’t even bothered about having.

Despite my lack of enthusiasm for them though, I was definitely relieved that I hadn’t scrimped when one girl on the trip came down with a horrendous case of typhoid, The most common vaccinations needed are against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid and Yellow Fever.

Hepatitis A is generally free from your GP and this also goes for Hepatitis B at certain practices; however expect to pay £60 for the full course of three jabs at the University Health Service.

Yellow Fever is a one off jab which will set you back £35 and you will need two courses of Typhoid at £15 each.

On top of this, Rabies, ACWY Meningitis and Japanese B vaccinations are highly recommended for a lot of countries in Africa and Asia.

So, if you add these to your basics, you’ll be paying out roughly £400 before you’ve even got to the airport.

It’s not only money that you need to budget though, but time as well.

Most vaccinations require at least two courses of injections which often need to be spaced weeks apart.

Don’t leave it till the last minute otherwise you may have to skip one or two of your required doses which will leave you a lot less protected than you should be.

“

I was relieved I hadn’t scrimped

”

MALARIA TABLETS: A lot of countries have a high prevalence of malaria, as Cheryl Cole found out the hard way.

Although malaria tablets can’t guarantee 100 per cent protection against the disease, they are highly recommended for travellers going to affected areas.

Again, they’ll set you back a bit, so you need to look into this as soon as you can because if you shop around, you can definitely find cheap deals.

Weldricks Pharmacy underneath the University Health Service offers Doxycycline particularly cheaply, and Tesco Pharmacy also has competitive prices.

It is essential that you see your doctor first though and they will be able to recommend which kind of malaria tablet is best suited to both the area you are going to and to your personal needs. Malaria tablets are never sold in this country without a prescription.

VISAS: A visa is not necessary for entry into every other country but it is definitely something worth investigating before you go just in case you get caught out.

One of the big ones on the visa front is Australia. An Australian Holiday Visa costs £20 for any stay up to three months long and can be used for entry into the country three times within a year. However, if you’re planning to work while you’re there, you are looking at paying around £144 for a Working Holiday Visa which is valid for twelve months.

You may want to travel through several countries within a continent in which case you also need to take into account the border charges, which are often unofficial. Crossing

over from Thailand to Malaysia, for example, shouldn’t cost you anything, but the reality is that a lot of tourists following this route incur charges at the Malaysian border.

There really is no getting round them unless you decide to turn back but usually they are pretty low.

Take extra care when travelling through Africa, as border crossings there can be expensive depending on the country and the mood of the border official you deal with - there is very little room for haggling.

TRANSPORT: A 20 hour bus journey for a fiver may seem like a dream come true at first, but the likelihood is that you’ll be doing at least a little travelling around while you’re away and that soon adds up.

There’s no avoiding the various bus, taxi, boat and train journeys though but just try and be prepared for them and work transport costs into your budget before you go.

Make sure you barter with the drivers and conductors you encounter as they can spot a tourist a mile away and will rinse you for all you’re worth. It’s an idea to ask a local passenger how much they’re paying for the journey and then insist that you get the same rate. The worst that can happen is that they refuse to take you, in which case, another lift will come along before you know it… or at least within a few days.

Tried and tested: Travelettes The best travel tips aren’t those that you get from those dull guide books- they’re the ones passed on to you from friends, friends of friends, relatives or neighbours. But what do you do when neither your flatmate nor your cousin has ventured to your next travel destination?

Introducing Travelettes.net, an online travel magazine for women.

As the strapline: ‘backpacking in heels’ already suggests, here you’ll have no problem finding inside

information on shopping, sleeping, eating and partying abroad, with all travel advice specifically tailored towards a girl’s needs and interests.

However, Travelettes.net not only provides detailed information on the absolute must-dos around the world but also features the recent travel experiences of the nine female contributors. They also offer advice on a range of issues, including travelling alone, packing efficiently, avoiding common mistakes and

fighting homesickness when abroad.

So, even if you don’t have itchy feet, some of the stories and photos found on the site will almost certainly leave you daydreaming about your next trip.

Travelettes.net was founded in 2009 by the Berlin-based photographer and journalist Katja Hentschel. Although the website only recently celebrated its first anniversary, it has already received a considerable amount of press and

media coverage and is accessed by women (and men, believe it or not) all around the world on a daily basis. After successfully hosting a travel-themed flea market in Berlin this summer, the Travelettes are already planning further events in and around Berlin, where the main office and most of the contributors are currently based.

Ina Fischer

It was through a sister of a good Singaporean friend of mine that I ended up spending one of my Friday nights explaining to a load of Singapore kids such exciting concepts as snow and Bonfire Night.

I, and several other foreign exchange students, went along to a centre that provides activities in the evenings for local Singaporean children, to explain a bit about the countries that we are from.

The kids were aged between nine and twelve years old and were a lively bunch. As my mum is a teacher, I was relying on her skills somehow being passed down to me. Luckily, the kids were nice and seemed to like me.

I kept it basic with my presentation about the UK and went with the very simple goals of giving the kids some interesting photos which they might find slightly entertaining, and trying to sound as enthusiastic as possible.

“

There aren’t prizes for second best

”

This tactic seemed to work.

The snow outside my house and a picture I had of me and my family in our back garden with a snowman proved popular, as did the pictures of fireworks that I had taken back in Sheffield last year on Bonfire Night.

For the rest of the time we played Pictionary, with the exchange students being the artists and the children trying to guess the meaning of our scribbles. I was quite rubbish at this, for which I apologised.

The sense of competition is installed in kids from a very early age in Singapore, something I don’t agree with. I think the promise of a prize for the winner of a game, presented as the main reason to play, is not the best was to work with children.

Personally, I think the emphasis should be on sharing and on the fun of the game. Anyway, I suppose that’s just Singapore, where there aren’t usually many prizes for second best.

Overall, it was a nice evening and really good fun. The kids were all great characters and seemed to have a good time, which was the most important thing.

26

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FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

PUZZLES & HUMOUR

Coffee Break The real news this fortnight

arrow word

belly button fluff smashes guinness world record

An Australian librarian has won a Guinness World Record for the largest collection of his own ‘belly button fluff’.

The 45-year-old has collected the fluff every day for 26 years, ‘harvesting’ it each night and putting it in a clay pot. He has now filled three and a quarter sweet jars.

Graham, who says he is ‘not obsessive’, started collecting after becoming curious about how much belly button fluff one person could produce. The amount of fluff he collects each day depends on what clothes he has been wearing - with thermal underwear being the most ‘productive’.

Graham admits he doesn’t talk about his hobby much.

Bournemouth university loves a bit of bunny on toast Students at Bournemouth University have been beating the credit crunch by dining out on road kill recipes, The Daily Mail has reported.

Apparently, the craze of finding dinner by scraping up dead animals found at the side of the road is now spreading to other universities, with dead pheasant, hare, and badger being bagged up and loaded into cars to be cooked later.

Several students were taught to skin carcasses as part of their degree course in forensic archeology, as they learnt butchering techniques from different periods in history – and now their new skills are being used to get cheap and tasty - meals . One student even called it ‘better than supermarket meat.’

sweet revenge: man has giant penis tattooed on back An Australian man has been charged with assault after alledgedly tattooing a 40cm long penis on his friend’s back.

The victim had asked for an oriental design, but instead received a phallus and a suggestion that he was homosexual. Police claim that the pair had had an earlier argument which had offended the tattooist in question – who is not a licensed professional.

While the tattoo was being inked, one friend watched saying: “Mate, it’s looking really good.”

He was told not to go out into the sun and not to show anyone for a few weeks – however, when he arrived home and showed his house mate, she pointed out: “I don’t think it’s the tattoo you were after.”

bride weds self

mOST POPULAR web CONTENT 1: Plop Tarts 2: Students march to remind Clegg of fees pledge 3: Focus on American Football 4: A Very Bright Idea 5: Appy Feet: Meadowhall’s foot loving fish 6: Review - Legends of the Guardians 7: Filthy and Freezing 8: Interview - Tinie Tempah 9: Soldiers’ sexual exploits published in “Slag Mag” 10: Review - Pool No Water Visit forgetoday.com to keep up to date with all aspects of Forge Media, from articles and podcasts to listen-again shows and video content.

Fed up of waiting for Mr Right? An office worker in Taiwan is going to marry herself. Chen Wei-Yih, 30, has already rented a banqueting hall and invited friends to attend the reception next month.

Chen’s mother did want a groom to be involved, but has given the ceremony her blessing.

Chen is not ruling out marrying a man at some point in the future, but for the time being feels she has no choice but to wed herself, blaming social pressure for the decision.

She will be spending her honeymoon alone in Australia.

Overheard in sheffield In Starbucks: Male Student: “… And if you really need a wank, just put some cling film over all your sheets, because then you don’t have to change them afterwards!”

In a student committee meeting, after a very long off topic conversation about sex: Chair: Back to the meeting… Stop talking about sex! Try and wank more or something!

Student: I’m trying, I’m trying!

In Fargate: Female Student 1: Oh my god, you’re such a slag!

Female Student 2: No I’m not, I used to be a virgin!

In a seminar: Teacher: “I’m just feeling so ill at the moment, I hate it...

Student: “Yeah, but look on the bright side - look, my socks match your jumper!”

FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

www.forgetoday.com // sport@forgetoday.com

27

SPORT

Scrutineering Anthony Hart

There is nothing wrong with physical contact Over the last month the spotlight has fallen on tackling. In one corner you have the likes of Arsene Wenger and Danny Murphy whinging and complaining about the amount of apparently bad tackling going on in the game. On the other hand you have those who are not averse to a good challenge.

The Arsenal boss, Wenger, is the public face of the anti-tackling movement. Him, and many Arsenal fans are quick to moan whenever something resembling physical contact occurs against them. It’s fair to concede the fact that the Gunners have been on the end of two of the most shocking footballing injuries seen in recent years, Eduardo’s leg break inflicted by Martin Taylor in February 2008, and then a similar injury suffered by Aaron Ramsey after a tackle from Ryan Shawcross in February.

But they are not completely innocent of rash challenges themselves. In an FA Cup fourth round tie in 2006 Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby broke Ivan Campo’s foot, and when the two teams met at the Emirates last January Mark Davies was fortunate not to suffer a serious injury himself when he was pole axed by William Gallas.

Furthermore, set your clocks back ten years, and the Arsenal squad had names such as Patrick Vieira, Lee Dixon, Tony Adams and Martin Keown, and that quartet could put in quite a

BUCS Fixtures Badminton

tackle, without Arsene having any objections.

A particular hate figure of some opposition fans is the Bolton and England striker Kevin Davies.

It is true that he gave away the Fencing Men’s 1A Firsts v Newcastle Firsts Wednesday November 10, 13:30, Goodwin

Football Men’s Cup, Round 2 Firsts v St. Mary’s Firsts Wednesday November 10, 13:30, Norton Men’s 4B Seconds v Northumbria Thirds Wednesday November 17, 14:00, Norton

Men’s 1A Firsts v Liverpool Firsts Wednesday November 10, 14:00, Hillsborough Leisure Centre

Men’s 4D Thirds v York St. John’s Thirds Wednesday November 17, 14:00, Norton

Men’s 3B Seconds v Durham Firsts Wednesday November 10, 14:00, Hillsborough Leisure Centre

Golf

Basketball Women’s 2B Firsts v York St. John’s Firsts Wednesday November 10, 18:30, Goodwin Firsts v Hull Firsts Wednesday November 17, 18:00, Goodwin Men’s 2B Firsts v Sunderland Firsts Wednesday November 17, 15:00, EIS

Men’s 2B Firsts v Sunderland Firsts Wednesday November 17, 10:30, Hillsborough Golf Club

most fouls in the Premier League last season, but in the 2008/09 season he was also the most fouled player in the top league, which could indicate the amount of 50/50 challenges the forward is Men’s 4B Thirds v Northumbria Firsts Wednesday November 10, 15:30, Goodwin Thirds v York St. John’s Thirds Wednesday November 17, 14:00, Goodwin Men’s 5B Fourths v Leeds Fifths Wednesday November 10, 12:30, Goodwin Women’s 3B Seconds v Northumbria Seconds Wednesday November 10, 12:30, Goodwin Women’s 6B Fourths v Leeds Sixths Wednesday November 10, 14:00, Goodwin Fourths v Hull Seconds Wednesday November 17, 12:30, Goodwin

Rugby Union

Table Tennis

Men’s 1A Firsts v York Firsts Wednesday November 10, 14:00, Norton

Men’s 2A Seconds v Manchester Seconds Wednesday November 10, 14:00, Goodwin

Women’s Cup, Round 1 Firsts v UWIC Firsts Wednesday November 10, 14:00, Norton

Men’s 1A Firsts v Durham Firsts Wednesday November 17, 14:00, Goodwin

Rugby League

Tennis

Men’s N1 Firsts v Teesside Wednesday November 10, 14:00, Norton

Men’s 4B Seconds v Durham Thirds Wednesday November 10, 12:00, Abbeydale Tennis Club

Squash

Men’s 2B Firsts v Leeds Met Seconds Wednesday November 17, 12:00, Abbeydale Tennis Club

Lacrosse

Men’s 3B Seconds v Newcastle Thirds Wednesday November 10, 13:00, Fulwood Squash Club

Women’s 2A Firsts v Manchester Seconds Wednesday November 10, 14:00, Norton

Thirds v Huddersfield Firsts Wednesday November 10, 13:00, Fulwood Squash Club

Hockey

Firsts v Hallam Firsts Wednesday November 17, 14:00, Norton

Men’s 1A Firsts v Manchester Firsts Wednesday November 10, 15:30, Goodwin

Men’s 1B Firsts v Leeds Met Firsts Wednesday November 17, 12:00, Norton

Men’s 3B Seconds v York Firsts Wednesday November 10, 14:00, Goodwin

involved with.

And serious injuries happen on the continent too. Felipe Luis, of Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna suffered a nasty right ankle fracture in a league game

against Athletic Bilbao last season.

Nigel de Jong, whose tackle on Xabi Alonso occurred in the World Cup final, and his only career red card before he set foot in English football, while he played for German side Hamburg.

Obviously, the line has to be drawn somewhere. Despite what Danny Murphy originally said, no manager pumps a team up too much to the point where their players are likely to injure someone. Also, tackles like Gonzalo Jara’s for West Bromwich Albion against Blackpool on Monday night, where both legs were off the ground when there was no goal scoring opportunity, deserve a red card.

Neither are deliberate challenges, such as the one from Roy Keane, on Alf-Inge Haaland in the 2001 Manchester derby. In his biography the former Republic of Ireland international and now Ipswich Town manager said, “I’d waited long enough. I fucking hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that you cunt, and don’t ever stand over me sneering about fake injuries”. This was seen by many as an act of revenge after Keane injured himself when trying to tacke Haaland in 1997 and was then accused of faking injury.

There’s nothing wrong with a physical contact in football, and it is possible to draw the line between a strong tackle and a reckless one.

Seconds v Thirds Wednesday November 17, 13:00, Fulwood Squash Club Men’s 1A Firsts v Manchester Firsts Wednesday November 17, 13:00, Fulwood Squash Club

Volleyball Men’s 2B Firsts v York St. John’s Firsts Wednesday November 17, 13:00, Goodwin

28

SPORT

www.forgetoday.com // sport@forgetoday.com FORGE PRESS Friday November 5 2010

‘I’m not an icon’

Following another year of globe-trotting and gold medals, Jessica Ennis has returned home for the winter. Adam Shergold caught up with her

Jessica Ennis pictured at the University of Sheffield Elite Sports launch Photo: Linda Bussey

J

essica Ennis is not a woman easily knocked off her stride. Whether tussling with Jennifer Oeser or Nataliya Dobrynska on the final day of a heptathlon competition or simply handing out awards in her home city of Sheffield, she exudes the same unfaltering air of sureness, a certain grace and an illuminating charm.

Beautiful, down-to-earth, infinitely marketable and an outrageously talented athlete, the search for the poster girl of the 2012 London Olympics has already been completed.

For these qualities and more, Ennis is, in the opinion of many, the complete sportswoman for the 21st century. Not bad for the girl from Highfield.

In a city where sport carries great significance – with its two football giants, ice hockey, basketball and sundry other clubs – it is the image of Ennis which is the most ubiquitous.

Giant advertising billboards are everywhere, showing off the new local hero with her smile beaming down at the Sheffield people. She is one of them and she is theirs.

It’s easy to see where the

affinity comes from. Ennis is now a global athletics superstar with a glittering collection of medals and a globe-trotting lifestyle.

So where should a global athletics superstar spend the winter months? The warmer climes of the Mediterranean or the Middle-East? A state-of-theart American sports facility, perhaps?

No, she has returned home. It was the only thing on her mind.

“It’s great travelling the world and competing and everything,” she tells Forge Press. “But it’s also really nice to come back to Sheffield, especially when you’ve won a medal. Everything is still here for me – my friends, my family, my support.”

Those friends and family have certainly had plenty to celebrate in the last two years. It was the gold at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, where she led from start to finish across the seven events, that catapulted Ennis to stardom, but success has continued to come easily throughout 2010.

A first place in the Doha World Indoor Championships, not to mention a new British, Commonwealth and Championship best, started the

year in style, before another gold at the European Championships in Barcelona cemented her position at the pinnacle of British sport.

So what’s the cost of fame?

“My life has definitely, definitely changed. I do get recognised, even in the supermarket. Some grannies came up to me in Meadowhall and gave me a hug!

But it’s all very supportive, if quite overwhelming. I don’t see myself as an icon though.”

It’s this surprise, almost embarrassment, at how her star has risen that makes Ennis so endearing. There’s none of the pretentiousness of many sports celebrities here, just a modesty and disarming politeness as though all this is actually a dream.

Her recent nomination for the IAAF Athlete of the Year, and the accompanying invitation to a star-studded ceremony in Monte Carlo, is a case in point.

“I’m not sure if I’m going to go.

Will have to see how it pans out.

I’ll hopefully get a few votes. I didn’t expect [to be shortlisted] for one moment. To be alongside Allyson Felix, an absolutely phenomenal athlete, is incredible.

I’m honoured to be in the top

ten.”

Little wonder that the University have chosen her as patron of their Elite Sport Performance Scheme (ESPS), a project to provide financial and pastoral support for talented student athletes.

“It’s nice to come back to Sheffield.

Everything is still here for me” It’s clear here that, at only 24, Ennis is already inspiring a new generation of British competitors across a packed roster of sports.

It’s a role she’s only too happy to play, having been there herself: Ennis studied Psychology here and knows exactly how tough it can be to juggle the demands of training and academic studies.

“A typical day in the life was: Normally lectures in the morning, go home for lunch, go training, back for more lectures, more training later on! And I was only training part-time then, and studying full-time. In third year, I was training twice a day and

still trying to do my studies!

“It’s really positive the University really recognises not only academic achievements, but also sporting ones. They’re really behind the athletes. It is a hard time when you’re at uni. I can’t even repeat some of the degrees some of the athletes are doing – they’re really, really hard!”

So, what took preference in her university days? Lectures or training? A giggle and the familiar smile returns. “I can’t say that here! If I knew I could get away with it... I had good friends to collect lecture notes!”

The World and European Champion, it is must be the home Olympics in 2012 to where Ennis’s attentions are drifting?

Not a bit of it, the focus is on the present: “I think people tend to focus on 2012, but we’ve got a really big year next year.

“There’s the European Indoor Championships in Paris and the Worlds in Daegu, Korea. I’m going into the World Championships as reigning champion, so everyone’s going to be out to get me.”

But for now, Ennis can enjoy the comforts of home. And it’s this home, this city of Steel, where her heart and thoughts remain firmly rooted.

Dedication and faultless time management the key for the University’s sports stars of the future Commentary

Adam Shergold

At some point in our lives, we complain there’s simply not enough hours in the day. But for student athletes, time pressures are a constant concern.

How to juggle the exigencies of a degree - the lectures, the reading, the deadlines, the exams

- with your dream of representing your country, of being the best in the world?

There’s always going to be mornings, particularly after the clocks go back, when the an extra hour under the duvet is more attractive than yet more training drills. But athletes like Jessica Ennis - and others - prove that it can be done.

Sure, it requires unfaltering

drive and dedication to your goal. It requires scrupulous time management. It requires the sacrifice of that night out for the 5.30am start. It requires a cast iron network of support. It might require an unconventional university experience.

But is it all worth it when you’re on the top step of the podium clutching that gold medal? Of course it is.

Photo: Linda Bussey

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LOCAL SPORT

Morgan injured as United lose again Football Gary Speed continues to search for the winning formula at Sheffield United after another disappointing weekend.

The Blades lost 1-0 to Coventry City on Saturday, their seventh reverse of the season, with Gary McSheffrey’s first-half header splitting the teams in an underwhelming game at Bramall Lane.

The defeat leaves United 18th in the Championship, two points above the relegation zone, having scored just nine league goals so far.

McSheffrey headed home in the 23rd minute after reacting quickest to Richard Keogh’s flick-on, though the Sky Blues threatened little thereafter.

Stephen Quinn’s audacious long-range effort clipped the crossbar in the first-half, while Jamie Ward missed a gilt-edged chance on half-time when he struck the woodwork from a oneon-one with Kieren Westwood.

Debutant Andy Reid, on loan from Sunderland, came within inches of equalising when his free-kick hit the bar after the break.

Speed was dealt another blow post-match after captain Chris Morgan was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury sustained during the game.

“It is too easy to keep saying that we are unlucky or blaming officials. It keeps happening so there must be something wrong on the pitch and it is my job as manager to sort it out – it is a challenge I am looking forward to solving,” said Speed afterwards.

Wednesday slump to second successive defeat

Adam Shergold

Wednesday face more uncertainty Wednesday slipped to another defeat at Hillsborough.

Photos: Sheffield Wednesday.

Football Sheffield Wednesday have been struck with the news that the leading figure in the proposed takeover of the debt-ridden club has pulled out of the deal.

Kevin Mundie, a senior executive at Dubai-based consortium Certified Oilfield Rentals (COR), has ended his interest in the Owls. The news means that Wednesday will not receive a £2 million advance that had been mooted to ease their current financial troubles, and will be desperately hoping for an investor to fill the gap left by COR before they face a second winding-up petition at the High Court on November 17.

COR have somewhat eased the club’s concerns by insisting that they retain an interest in investing, despite Mundie’s withdrawal due to family reasons.

But with reported debts of £26 million – including £1 million tax debts for which they face the winding-up order – Wednesdayites are likely to face a tense couple of weeks before their next High Court date.

Though the Co-operative Bank stepped in to save the club from their first winding-up petition in September, they are thought to be unlikely to be willing to bail the club out this time.

Jack Burnett

Football League One Sheffield Wednesday Huddersfield Town

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Anthony Hart Sheffield Wednesday lost their second match in a matter of days after suffering defeat to Huddersfield Town at Hillsborough on Tuesday night.

Both sides did have chances early on - after just four minutes Joey Gudjonsson put a beautiful cross into the path of Jordon Rhodes, but the striker failed to hit the target in front of one of the best set of away supporters at Hillsborough in recent seasons.

Moments later, Marcus Tudgay had Wednesday’s best chance of the half.

The away side controlled the match and after 22 minutes Graham Carey slotted a free-kick from 25 yards into the top corner to put the Terriers in charge.

Things went from bad to worse for the Owls 12 minutes before the break, when a flowing move led to Anthony Pilkington curling in a shot from the right hand flank to make it 2-0.

Rhodes missed a great chance

to make it 3-0 just before the break.

From then on Huddersfield looked comfortable, with 17 year old substitute Benik Afobe impressing on his debut, almost scoring after a solo run was thwarted by Darren Purse.

After the defeat Wednesday boss Alan Irvine said, “We didn’t play well, in the first-half in particular we were second best, second-half we got a little bit better and created a few chances, but they weren’t good enough chances and we didn’t take our chances.”

That performance came off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic at the Valley. The only goal of the game was scored

by Scott Wagstaff in the 23rd minute. The results have seen the Owls drop from fourth to ninth in the League One table.

This weekend, they travel to Conference Premier side Southport in the first round of the FA Cup. Irvine said ahead of the tie: “Sunday’s a tough game, there’s no question about that. It was a tough game the moment the draw came out and nothing’s changed as far as that’s concerned. The fact the television cameras are going to be there reflects what everyone thinks about it. It’s a potential upset.”

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SPORT

Sheffield eclipsed by Met

Comfortable win for volleyballers Women’s Volleyball BUCS League 2B University of Sheffield Sunderland University (25-8, 25-15, 25-13)

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Sheffield wasted little time or effort in extinguishing Hull’s BUCS Cup aspirations on Wednesday afternoon.

The straight sets victory was wrapped up in just over an hour against a Hull side fairly new to this level of university competition and lacking the strength in depth to properly compete.

The result was built on a number of strong individual performances, especially from captain Abigail Murray, Charlotte Coleman and Nana Hasanova, though Sheffield felt so assured of victory they were introducing replacements half-way through the first set.

Hull compete a league below in the BUCS system and the gulf in ability was apparent from the outset, the pinpoint serves of Hasanova causing mayhem and delivering seven unanswered points.

The home side took it in turns to torment their opponents with a service game obviously wellrehearsed, wrapping up the first set 25-8 in double-quick time after Murray, Coleman and Barbara Fazekas had wreaked havoc.

The second followed much the same pattern, though Hull showed a little more heart in gaining 15 points, a creditable outcome after Sheffield had opened a big lead through Hasanova’s serves and Murray’s inventiveness at the net.

Sonja Heitzer added to Hull’s difficulties with an uncompromising service game which brought a string of points and, despite the occasional nice glimpse, Hull soon succumbed 25-15.

Psychologically beaten, Hull quickly found themselves behind in the third set, an early highlight coming when Josie Holley squeezed a perfectly-placed shot down the line.

Sheffield continued to mop up the points at will and when Coleman, whose height was a real advantage in all areas of the team’s play, lobbed one of the more diminutive Hull players, progress to the second round was assured.

Adam Shergold

Women’s Rugby Firsts BUCS Premier North University of Sheffield Leeds Met Firsts

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Anthony Hart The depleted University of Sheffield women’s rugby union firsts slipped to their second defeat of the season after being shut out by Leeds Metropolitan at Norton on Wednesday.

Sheffield had only one replacement, and Leeds Met were the dominant team in the opening minutes, pushing Sheffield right back into their defensive 22.

The resistance lasted for just nine minutes when the ball found its way to the hands of the Leeds Met number eight, who crossed the whitewash in a central position. However, the fly half failed to add on the two points after a pathetic conversion attempt, falling short and wide of the left upright.

The visitors had quality in their ranks though, boasting several players who had been capped for England duty, and the away side scored again after 14 minutes, after the Sheffield defence were continuously pushed back.

Again the conversion was missed but Leeds Met held a 10-0 lead.

The home side picked up after that, finding their feet in the game and having more of the territory.

However, despite their efforts, including winger Rachel Berry who looked lively whenever she touched the ball, the score stayed the same until half-time.

The second-half did not start well for Sheffield: Leeds Met nearly scored another try down the left wing straight after the restart but the ball was dropped in the rainy conditions just five

The men’s lacrosse team continued their free-scoring exploits with a 25-1 home win against Keele on Wednesday.

This easy win means they have clocked up 63 goals in three league matches so fa and they sit proudly top of League 1A with a 100% record.

The men’s firsts rugby team edged a thrilling BUCS Trophy tie 25-23 at Stirling to set up a trip to Warwick in the second round next month.

Meanwhile, the seconds routed Bradford firsts 52-0 to earn cup progress. They host Newcastle fourths next.

There was disappointment for the men’s football firsts, however, as they went down 4-2 away to the University of Manchester, their first defeat of the campaign.

Adam Shergold

yards from the line. Prop Izzy Nelligan then had to withdraw with a neck complaint.

Leeds Met then put themselves in the driving seat after 56 minutes of play when an attack down the right hand side ripped apart the Sheffield backline, and the ball could be touched down in the middle.

This time, the conversion was successful and Leeds Met had

opened up a 17-0 lead.

Despite the scoreline, the possession and territory was hardly one sided, but the visitors’ extra quality proved to be vital, especially when they finished off a fantastic move, switching play to the other side of the field, to score a fourth try just moments from the end.

That conversion too was successful, resulting in a final

score of 24-0.

After the match, captain Niki Fitzgerald was happy with the performance despite the defeat, saying: “We might have lost today but it was an amazing performance from the girls.

“We had an absolutely amazing victory last week and although we might have come off on top on the scoreboard I feel that we were complete winners on the pitch.”

Serene cup progress for men’s volleyball team Men’s Volleyball BUCS Cup First Round University of Sheffield Sunderland University (25-21, 25-14, 25-21)

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Adam Shergold

BUCS Round-up

Uni crashed to defeat against a strong Leeds Met side.

With a classy display, the men’s volleyball team picked up their first win of the season and eased into the second round of the BUCS Cup on Wednesday.

Captain Ramon Husein led by example, showing off a wide array of powerful smashes and accurate serving, as Sunderland were beaten in straight sets.

Although Sheffield’s progress was rarely in doubt, there were encouraging signs that the team’s new outlook and tactical approach will prove effective in tougher fixtures later in the campaign.

“In some ways, some of the things we tried today were totally new,” said Husein afterwards.

“It was a very good first trial of the new formation and I’d like to generally commend the players for their fighting spirit.”

You wouldn’t have known that Sheffield had lost their previous two BUCS fixtures as they tore

into the visitors, also in League 3B, from the first point. Husein’s delicate touch over the net, followed by a clean smash to the back court, set the tone.

The booming serves of Anthony Mourginos steadied the hosts after tit-for-tat early exchanges, allowing Pascal Lemesre and Paul Cave to apply finishing touches of impudence and finesse

The University of Sheffield men’s volleyball team.

at the net.

Sunderland had remained within two or three points of Sheffield throughout the set but lost their composure when Tobias Stetter delivered a great shot at 23-20 and never recovered.

And the home side picked up where they left off in the second set, with Lemesre’s dangerous serving forcing Sunderland into

an early time-out to halt the momentum. It did little good, however, as the lead increased steadily, a notable moment coming when Peter Dancso fired an improbable shot across the court.

Sunderland were struggling to maintain the serve, let alone string together a sequence of points, and they were soon losing touch. Cave’s serving brought the second set within reach and the same player’s great hit, following a deep serve from Husein, wrapped it up.

Sheffield again built a commanding lead in the third, but found themselves pegged back as Sunderland realised they were staring defeat in the face. It required a time-out and a reminder from their captain to retain focus to recover the poise of the first two sets.

The sides went blow-for-blow until good work at the net by Mourginos swung the pendulum decisively in Sheffield’s favour.

Appropriately, it was Husein, with a venomous smash, who secured the set 25-21 and with it an impressive victory.

Sheffield will hope to transfer this cup form into the league when they face Sunderland again next week.

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SPORT

Hallam victorious in crunch match Men’s Hockey Firsts BUCS League 1A University of Sheffield Sheffield Hallam

First win for basketball

Men’s Basketball Firsts BUCS Cup Round One

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University of Sheffield University of Hull

Jack Burnett Uni suffered humiliation at the hands of arch rivals Hallam on a miserable evening at Goodwin.

The visitors knocked five past their bewildered hosts, who finished the game with only ten men, and had keeper Clem Teagle to thank for preventing Hallam from running riot.

Having only been trailing by a single goal at the break after a fairly even half, Uni eventually succumbed to relentless Hallam pressure that intensified once Uni’s Chris Abbott had been dismissed for dissent.

Going into the game on the back of a 4-3 victory over Liverpool John Moores, Uni were no doubt confident of extending their unbeaten start to the season against their neighbours.

And they got off to the perfect start, too, when Will Beeching fired across goal and past the dive of Hallam’s despairing keeper, having been put through on goal

by Matt Godden’s wonderful defence-splitting pass.

Teagle did not have to wait long to be called into action in the Uni goal, however, saving smartly from a deflected shot and then scrambling the ball away before any Hallam poachers had the opportunity to pounce.

Owen Davies was forced to make a brilliant last-ditch tackle as Hallam searched for an equaliser that eventually came when Rhys Gowman bundled the ball over the line.

Soon afterwards, Hallam stole the lead through Phillip Roper after Abbott had conceded possession in dangerous territory.

The second-half began lacking the gusto of the first, with the weather conditions making play noticeably more difficult as well as dampening the previously vociferous Hallam support.

They were given reason to resume their raucous chanting, however, when Uni were left bemused as the ball somehow ended up in their net having rebounded in off Abbott after Hallam’s William Hearne had hit the post.

Abbott’s evening went from bad to worse when he was sent off for foul language shortly afterwards, prompting a Hallam onslaught and a number of excellent saves

by Teagle.

Hallam did find a way past Teagle on a further two occasions, with both goals coming from Hearne in the final 10 minutes of the game.

Uni’s captain Joe Battman praised the efforts of his side, saying: “I thought we matched them in the first half and played pretty well.

“As soon as they got the third goal it was game over really; with goal difference not counting in BUCS we thought we might as well really push for it and so we found ourselves exposed a few times.”

The defeat leaves Sheffield fourth in the standings, with Hallam currently top. Uni have a quick chance to make amends when they host the University of Manchester next Wednesday.

Uni’s victory means they can look forward to a second round tie against Newcastle.

Photos: Ed Miller.

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After a tough start to the season, Uni’s firsts were eager to get their first win of the season in the first round of the BUCS Northern Conference Cup. With their players noticeably fired up for the occasion, Uni started in a full-court defence and it soon became clear that Hull were finding it extremely difficult to deal with the pressure.

Good rebounding from Daniel Dawson and offensive steals from Domas Karsokaite and Daniel Beels allowed Uni to enter the break with a very comfortable lead.

From here, coach Steve Pugh encouraged players to keep the intensity high which saw infighting from Hull and a steady increase in the lead throughout the third quarter. By the fourth, Uni’s advantage was too far gone for a surprise ending and strong defensive play from Sam Eade ensured the victory was sealed.

With Sanat Shetty and Daniel Beels ending as top scorers, with 14 points apiece, Uni eased to victory by 40 points.

The result means Uni now advance to the next round of the cup, playing Newcastle’s seconds on November 24.

Dom Noone

Fencing Steve Edgar’s nerves of steel secured a narrow 128-124 win for the men’s fencing team away at Keele, writes Adam Shergold.

His 5-0 success in the very last bout ended Keele’s winning start to the season after a tense affair and delighted captain Max Wakeham. The team, currently fifth in the division will hope to carry this momentum into next week’s match with Newcastle.

The women’s team weren’t in action this week but will want to take the form shown in their opening day rout of Bradford when they travel to Northumbria next week.

Uni’s fencers do battle.

Photo: Marek Allen.

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Jessica Ennis Page 28

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Local Football Page 29

Double delight for basketball teams after easy Cup wins

Match report and more pictures from the men’s basketball match with Hull on page 31.

Photo: Ed Miller

Women’s Basketball BUCS Cup First Round University of Sheffield Durham Seconds

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Nisha Gill Sheffield women’s basketball team shone in Wednesday’s game against Durham, winning by an impressive 32-point margin to secure their passage to the second round of the BUCS Cup. They showed pace, control and clear determination to earn a victory under the lights in the Sports Centre, though it was arguably heavier than the visitors deserved.

Durham’s performance was commendable in all four quarters, but the Sheffield team appeared more in tune with each other and their precision when in possession proved the difference.

Ultimately, Sheffield had more confidence than their opponents, who have yet to win this season.

The visitors began fiercely and took the game straight to Sheffield, who had started at a slower, more defensive speed in an attempt to work out the away side’s gameplan.

The number seven for Durham was a big threat as she got the scoring started, causing problems with her quick breaks and invention with the ball.

Durham’s aggressive start was soon quashed once Sheffield had warmed up and attuned to the rhythm of the play, and their attacks soon started penetrating the Durham defence.

Then the real offensive game began with both teams racing down the court and attacking the basket with every opportunity.

The end-to-end game was an exciting watch as there was nothing really in it between these two teams for the most part of the evening, despite the lopsided final scoreline.

Sheffield achieved the win because of the flexibility in which they approached the game. At times, they showed off with their accurate passing and used different styles of distribution to confuse and keep the tempo of the game high.

This was a key aspect of Sheffield’s attack and defence.

Sheffield’s number four, Danielle Berry acted superbly as captain, shouting plays and getting into clear positions in support of her team. On numerous occasions she could be seen bombing down court with real foresight in her passes.

She was able to nimbly penetrate Durham’s staunch defence and score many baskets whilst keeping her team motivated by being prominent in play.

With the support of number five, Nerida Peever and number eight, Zoe Smart, the three

became a powerhouse for scoring baskets much to Durham’s annoyance.

They pushed forward supported by the other members of the team who were very agile in shaking their markers and creating great chances.

A memorable tactic was when the players for Sheffield all stood in a line before the ball was passed out in an attempt to throw off their counterparts.

The success of this thinking and strategy was unparalleled

by Durham who remained strong through out the game.

Sheffield played a cool and collected match and never looked entirely threatened despite Durham’s high class performance.

Sheffield remained at least twenty points clear for large portions of the match simply due to their non-stop pushing and pressure on the Durham defence.

More north-east opposition await in the second round, with Sheffield travelling to Newcastle University at the end of November.

The most pressing priority for the team, however, is to arrest a disappointing start in League 2B, starting with a home fixture against York St. John next week.

Durham line-up a free throw in Wednesday’s cup fixture, which Sheffield comfortably won.

Photo: Nisha Gill