Issue #96

Friday 6 May 2016

Issue 96

Inside this issue...

Features The EU Referendum: Stronger in or out? p. 16

FREE

Comment

Sport

Lifestyle

Hawaiian Pizza: Delicious Delicacy or Deadly Dish? p. 13

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Reviewed p. 20

The Euro 2016 Preview

CHANT SH*T GET BANNED

Chloe Coleman

DE

A proposal to ban Varsity chants is being put to vote at SU Council next Thursday.

The proposal, drafted by SU president Christy McMorrow, states that all classist and sexist chants should be stopped at Varsity events. Classist chants including: “stand up if you know your Dad”, “the wheels on your house go round and round” as well as sexist chants which “would be better not repeated”, will not be tolerated at Varsity matches in the future.

The proposal continues, stating that the SU believes “that all of our students should feel comfortable engaging with sport at University, regardless of class, gender or any

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other part of their identity” and banning offensive chants at Varsity matches would go part of the way to achieving it.

McMorrow, when talking to Forge Press said: “It’s vital that our SU and University are inclusive to all our members, whatever their background and whatever their interests. We wouldn’t treat classism or sexism as acceptable in our nightclub, our societies or our elections. The same should be true for sport. I hope this policy will not only help make varsity more inclusive, but improve our sports teams as a result.”

p. 46

UNI RESPONDS TO DIAMOND PETITION Anna Gillies

The University has responded to a petition set up by Sheffield students which criticised the amount of study space available in The Diamond, an £81 million building that opened last year.

Following the petition, set up

by aerospace engineering student Thomas Osland, the University has responded to Forge Press explaining its plans to address concerns amongst students that the building does not hold sufficient study spaces and has prioritised style over substance.

Continued on page 6....

167 - 169 West Street, Sheffield S1 4EW

886 Ecclesall Road, Sheffield S11 8TP

Delivering 24hrs a day, 7 days a week Closes for carryout from 4am - 11am.

Delivering 24hrs a day, 7 days a week Closes for carryout from 11pm - 11am.

01142 787878 01142 669988

Continued on page 7....

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Editorial Team 2016/17 Editor editor@forgetoday.com

Anna Gillies Deputy Editors deputy.editor@forgetoday.com

Dan West Hallam Roffey News Editors press.news@forgetoday.com

Lisa Latham Chloe Coleman Josh Peachey Comment Editors press.comment@forgetoday.com

Will Morgan Michael Chilton Features Editors press.features@forgetoday.com

Jess Davis Ellena Rowlin Laura Mullan Lifestyle Editors press.lifestyle@forgetoday.com

Rosie Hameed Joseph Mackay Coffee Break Editor press.coffeebreak@forgetoday.com

Sian Bradley Sports Editors press.sport@forgetoday.com

Sheena Sidhu Ed McCosh Hugh Dickinson Screen Editors press.screen@forgetoday.com

Luke Baldwin Beth Andralojc Arts Editors press.arts@forgetoday.com

Mollie Davidson Laura Mulvey Games Editors press.games@forgetoday.com

Ashfaq Emritte Nick Burke Music Editors press.music@forgetoday.com

Harry Chambers Emma Williams Copy Editors Harriet Hales Harry Gold Kimberley John Shaun Thomas Katharine Swindells Tom West Holly Overton Molly Kerkham

Want to get involved?

Drop us an email or visit us in the Media Hub situated in the SU

Friday 6 May 2016 | Forge Press

@ForgePress /ForgePress

What’s On?

Get the low down on all the stuff happening in and around the union. Get them in your diaries quick!

Julian Assange: In Conversation

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange will be take part in a live video link from the Ecuadorian embassy in London on 12 May from 19:30 until 22:30 at Foundry in the Students’ Union. The event will be hosted by Kerry Anne Mendoza, editor-in-chief of The Canary, as part of the Festival of Debate Series. Tickets are available online and from the Union Box Office for £10.00 standard and £8.50 concession.

Russell Kane: Right Man, Wrong Age

In this brand new show, Russell Kane unleashes another blisteringly funny, award-winning stand-up performance about growing up, growing down, and why farts will always be funny. The show is on 20 May between 19:00 and 22:00 at the Octagon, Sheffield Students’ Union.

Dirty women

Charity ball

A recent study has found that women from Sheffield are the dirstiest in the bedroom.

Don’t get excited gents, the new cleanliness report, commissioned

by Laundrapp, inspected duvet hygiene in Sheffield.

The study found an embarrassing 35 per cent of Sheffielders admit they have never washed their duvets.

A fundraising ball has been organised by South Yorkshire Medico-Legal Society to raise money for the Sheffield Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre.

The money will go towards research projects, medical procedures nad treatments. The ball is to be held at Baldwin’s Omega on Friday 20 May. For tickets , email andrewtrafteryfrcs@gmail.com

In Brief...

Forge Radio Pizza on the go ‘Real’ cider tour A tour around Sheffield’s pubs raises £1,044.37 A DJ travelling by train from is being organised for Saturday 14

Forge radio has raised £1,044.37 over a seven month period in support of Rotherham Hospice.

They have hosted a number of successful events including a 24 hour spin-a-thon, quiz night, 13 mile hike in the Peaks, sports days and cake sales.

They hope to continue raising money and awareness for the cause .

Glasglow to Sheffield managed to order and pick up a pizza while passing through a train station.

DJ Artwork had forgotten to buy food before embarking on the five hour journey, and turned to Domino’s in his time of need. The exchange was successful, despite being unable to provide a postcode to staff. The DJ said: “It was quite tense and I was starving.”

May to encourage people to drink ‘real’ cider, made solely from apples and with a natural fermentation process.

The tour will start in Head of Steam on Norfolk Street at 3pm and will visit The Benjamin Huntsman, The Clubhouse, The Devonshire Cat, The Three Turns and The Harlequin.

DigDeep Charity Event

On 10 May at 18:00, an African themed fundraising night will take place at Allen Court, with all money raised going to the charity DigDeep. The charity is committed to providing clean water and sanitation to deprived Kenyan communities. The night will feature a quiz (with prizes for the winning team), a charity raffle, and a buffet with traditional African cuisine.

Turkish Night

Run by the University of Sheffield Turkish Society, this event is a great opportunity to learn about and explore the wonders of Turkey. Shows and activities will include: traditional and contemporary live music, dance performances, karaoke, and henna design. Turkish food and drinks will also be available. The event will take place on 8 May at the SU Foundry between 18:00 and 00:00.

Tickets are £2.00 and the first 50 people will get a free goody bag.

In the last issue dated Thursday 21 April, we published a story entitled ‘NUS caught in controversy over Holocaust debate’.

In the article, the incorrect photo was printed due to the story being changed late on in the printing process.

Forge Press would like to apologise unreservedly for the misassociation of this photo with the headline.

anna.gillies@forgetoday.com

T

he past fortnight has been full of new ventures for me.

I’ve written my first ever news story (about time as editor), I’ve overseen my first issue, and I’ve listened to Beyoncé’s new musical offering Lemonade on repeat. I can confidently say that not only will you be obsessed with Bey’s new drop, but that you’ll also love the first issue of Forge’s new team.

We’ve hit a few bumps along the way, it has to be said. The Union building where we work being shut due to the bank holiday was definitely one of them, but overall the team has worked really hard to produce this year’s final issue.

In the aftermath of all the excitement of Varsity, much of the new team who had already worked on Press were still catching up on much needed sleep, whilst newbies were still finding their feet and learning the ropes.

Things have finally come together to showcase the talents and efforts of both our editorial team and the fantastic group of contributors who have provided this issue with plenty of great content.

News are bringing you some

Editorial

great stories from the SU election report to the announcement of a proposal to ban offensive Varsity chants. Comment are providing their usual mix of opinion ranging from what place the monarchy has in modern British society, to if pineapple is acceptable as a pizza topping – I may have shared my own thoughts on that so be sure to check it out.

Features and Lifestyle have both marked the 100th anniversary of Vogue magazine in their own unique ways whilst Sport are covering the Euros with an indepth breakdown of everything you need to know.

Our Entertainment section has your usual combination of features and reviews with Music providing some great interviews with up-andcoming bands and Arts showcasing satire and sketches. Screen is all about Shakespeare this week whilst Games are giving the low down on virtual reality.

We hope you enjoy your copy of Forge Press as much as we’ve enjoyed making it. Keep an eye out on our website forgetoday. com for more content over the summer months and we will see you again for another print issue in

September when we will launch our brand new redesign of the paper which we’re all very excited about and we’re sure you’ll love.

For now, enjoy your week, keep at the revision, and be sure to listen to ‘Freedom’ by Beyoncé ft Kendrick Lamar, it’s my top pick from Lemonade and is sure to pick you up from any work-induced lulls.

Forge Press | Friday 6 May 2016

@ForgePress /ForgePress

South Yorkshire Police lose two Chiefs in 48 hours Hallam Roffey The acting chief constable of South Yorkshire Police, Dawn Copley, has stepped down after less than 48 hours in the role.

Copley replaced David Crompton last Wednesday following the findings of the inquest into the Hillsborough disaster.

However it has now emerged that Copley’s conduct at a previous force, Greater Manchester Police, is being investigated. Copley had declared that she was being investigated when she replaced Crompton who left his job after criticisms were made towards the way his officers conducted themselves during the Hillsborough inquests.

Regarding Copley, Greater Manchester Police said “An independent investigation was undertaken by Kent police following a number of allegations.” The exact nature of the allegations has not yet been made public, but according to reports, is believed to have involved a number of senior officers accused of ‘corrupt practice.’

Former chief inspector of Greater Manchester Police John Buttress, who was dismissed by a police discpilinary tribunal for

a related allegation of mortgage fraud, a charge he was acquitted of in court, brought the allegation against Copley. He said her appointment by Alan Billings, the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, was ‘outrageous’ as he knew she was still subject to allegations.

Billings emphasised that Copley had fully declared the details of allegations into her conduct and that she has his ‘full support’.

Despite this, Copley decided to stand down ‘in the interests of the force and the workforce’.

Dave Jones, the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police, has now assumed command of South Yorkshire Police and the permanent role will be advertised in the coming weeks. Commenting on the appointment of Jones, Dr. Billings said: ‘I welcome Chief Constable Dave Jones and I am confident that he will be able to move the force forward to a position where trust and confidence in the force can begin to be restored’.

Chief Constable Jones said: “I joined the police service to make a difference and to keep people safe, and that will be my focus at South Yorkshire Police.” Acknowledging

that this is a very difficult for period for South Yorkshire Police and for the communities it serves, Jones made it clear that he believed there is a “strong desire” for the force to move forward in a positive

direction. “I will be seeking the full support of the College of Policing, NPCC and HMIC to provide a thorough review of South Yorkshire Police.”

University recognised for gender equality Lisa Latham

The University of Sheffield has received an award in recognition of its ongoing commitment to gender equality.

The silver level Athena SWAN award is granted to institutions that demonstrate sustained dedication to supporting gender equality, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine.

The University’s Departments of Animal and Plant Sciences, Material Science, and Engineering and Chemistry all received the award, marking significant progress in gender equality since receiving the bronze level award in 2008 and 2012.

The achievement follows the University’s recent implementation of programmes that aim to advance the careers of female scientists.

Representation of women in governing bodies within the University has also increased in the last 10 years and emphasis has been placed on equalising job

opportunities within leadership and committee roles.

Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) founded the Athena SWANS Charter in 2005 and have given the prestigious silver level award to just nine universities.

Andrew Dodman, Director of Human Resources at the University of Sheffield, said: “I am once again delighted at the recognition awarded to our University and our departments by Athena SWAN and would like to extend my congratulations and thanks to everybody involved.

“We aim to attract, engage and develop the best talent, and our Athena SWAN success will act as further motivation to help us continue to embed inclusivity throughout the University, and create a truly remarkable place to work”.

The University has also been selected to host the Athena SWAN awards ceremony on April 30 in acknowledgment of its achievements.

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SCIENCE & Technology

Prepare for a zombie apocalypse A biotech research group in the US has been granted special ethical permission to conduct studies in the reversal of brain death in humans.

The team will use several different therapies, including the daily injection of peptides and bi-weekly injection of stem cells into the brain stem, to discover whether the central nervous system can be brought back to life.

They hope that the combination of therapies can encourage brains to regenerate and “start again” following severe trauma, as is seen in animals like starfish and salamanders.

It is thought that even in patients declared officially brain-dead, the brain receives a small amount of electrical activity and blood flow.

In a measured environment and with the appropriate administration of stimuli, parts of the brain are expected to come back to life.

Lisa Latham

Herpes carps: a rash decision The Australian Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce, has turned his attention from Johnny Depp’s undeclared pooches to a new enemy of the animal kind.

The European carp is a non-native species of fish, and is threatening the ecological balance of many Australian rivers.

Joyce has declared that the only way to eradicate the fish is to unleash the herpes virus upon it.

The government insists that the massive presence of herpes in the rivers will not affect humans, and plan to kill around 95 per cent of the carp in the Murray River with this method.

The next issue up for debate is the impending cleanup of tens of thousands of dead, herpes-carrying fish.

Lisa Latham

Sala-no-men-ders Research from Ohio State University has shown that an all-female breed of salamander regenerates new tail tissue much faster than its two sex counterparts.

The unisexual salamanders (part of the Ambystoma genus) contain DNA of up to five species and reproduce primarily by cloning themselves.

Josh Peachey

@ForgePress /ForgePress

The SU Election Exposé

UniNEWS News from other universities brought to ours...

Voters Equality & Diversity of Voters Achieved vs Target Target Achieved

Australian students caught in act of fraud Lottie Dean

Women

Postgrad

Equality & Diversity of Candidates Achieved vs Target

25% 16%

15% 18%

International

Achieved

15% 13%

Women

25% 34%

39%

Target

A note about our last issue...

In the last issue dated Thursday 21 April, we published a story entitled ‘Sheffield’s Violent Streets: The Full Story’.

We are happy to clarify that the included information came from government statistics and was obtained from: www.crime-statistics.co.uk

International

• Although the SU reached their target of women voters, they lost out massively in International students and Postgraduates, showing that even less people are engaging in student politics.

Candidates 50%

University students in Australia have taken the local train company for a ride after reversing travel charges incurred using the city’s SmartRider card.

This was all part of a Murdoch University security club known as ‘Hack The Planet’ where they exploited holes to rewind the charges on their transport smart card - meaning free travel worth around $18.

However the club has landed themselves in trouble as authorities have dubbed the ‘research’ as an act of fraud. The club’s President, Jack Carruthers pled guilty to the conviction and was handed a spent conviction (which doesn’t result in a permanent record). Carruthers later said he considered himself ‘quite lucky’ to have only received a spent conviction.

• This year the number of voters dropped. It decreased by 6%, meaning the SU lost 430 votes.

• Reasons for this decrease in votes (and indeed the decrease in votes from previous years - notably 2013 and 2014) will be explored more thoroughly in the Elections Evaluation 2016. This report is due for completion by 30th June 2016.

Postgrads

BME

LGBT+

• There were a total of 38 candidates (two of which dropped out prior to voting) across all positions for this election (this includes SU Officer positions and Student Trustees, but excludes the 5 Honorary President nominees).

• Only one woman ran for President this year, and she was up against seven white males.

10% 11%

A Cambridge student took society initiation to a whole new level this week when he accidentally caught fire dressed as a sheep. The student who was preoccupied tending to the groups barbecue didn’t realise that the food wasn’t the only thing that was cooking. One onlooker said “his friends poured beer on him to try to extinguish the flames. They must have been out of mint sauce.”

The student wearing the outfit which was made of cotton wool then jumped into a nearby river to cool off. East Anglian Air Ambulance have confirmed he was taken to hospital where he is being currently being treated for burns, but they are currently unsure how severe they are.

25% 17%

Lottie Dean

The Returning Officers are a group of three people who oversee the SU Election period and keep the candidates in check. Each year, they publish a report which shows what went wrong and whether any rules were broken by candidates. They also publish the figures of candidate and voter turnouts. Forge Press has broken down the important bits of the report and brought them to you here, in the SU Election Exposé.

50% 54%

Cambridge student catches fire dressed as a sheep

15%

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Friday 6 May 2016 | Forge Press

30%

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Disability

• The SU exceeded their targets for candidates being International students, LGBT+ or having a disability.

Forge Press | Friday 6 May 2016

@ForgePress /ForgePress

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SU Officer Elect reported making transphobic remark Chloe Coleman An SU Officer elect has made transphobic remarks while in the LGBT+ lounge.

The latest SU Returning Officer’s report has revealed that during the SU election period, a candidate who is soon to take office made comments which were hurtful to a trans student.

Members of LGBT+ Committee reported that two candidates had entered the LGBT+ lounge (they were invited in after they had answered a few questions) and asked a trans student “What was your original birth name?”

A witness came and reported the incident to staff, expressing that the student had been upset by this question and had a panic attack.

Talking to Forge Press about transphobia in the SU, trans welfare officer of LGBT+ committee, Zac Snape said: “Unfortunately transphobia does exist within the student community and it can make trans students feel unwelcome and unsafe in their own student’s union.”

When asked why he thought it happened, he continued: “Often people claim they just don’t know enough about trans issues, but this

is a poor excuse as the knowledge is a Google search away.”

Snape also gave advice for those who would like to be involved with inclusivity in the Union: “The LGBT+ Committee will also be running inclusive language and “I’ll go with you” workshops in the near future aimed at both LGBT+ people and allies with information on how to not be homophobic, transphobic,

biphobic or acephobic and how you can support your fellow LGBT+ and trans students.”

When asked about transphobia in the SU, Women’s officer Sharmin Jahan said: “Discrimination is not acceptable at all. We are a trans inclusive SU and have policy against transphobia. This year we have introduced trans 101 workshops which will continue.

Anyone affected by this please speak to us, there are a range of support services available.”

A resolution to the issue was made in the report: “It was agreed that a message would be posted in the Candidate Facebook group that candidates should seek permission before entering safe spaces like the lounges or committee meetings, particularly where they didn’t self-

identity into that liberation group.

Additionally it was agreed that in future Elections candidates would be given more robust information via rules briefing about safe space and being mindful of safe space policies.”

Future President Trendall Campaigns in the Moonlight Chloe Coleman

The Returning Officer’s’ Report has revealed that the incoming President, Dom Trendall was sanctioned for campaigning in Pop Tarts.

The problem was apparently that Trendall’s team remained in their “Vote Dom” t-shirts in Pop Tarts into the early hours of the Sunday rest day on 6 March 2016.

In the report, it states that: “in the Election Rules Briefings (which all candidates attended) that Sunday 6 March 2016 was a ‘rest day’ for candidates and all physical campaigning was banned. There was additionally a query raised around the issue of consent when campaigning in environments (as there is a high likelihood of students being intoxicated was appropriate).

The Returning Officers were asked to consider if this constituted

a breach of the physical campaign ban.”

When asked about the cheesy pop t-shirt campaign mix up, Welfare officer Gabi Binnie said: “the Sunday rest day was introduced this year as part of the SUs efforts to make campaigning for election as accessible as possible. We wanted to ensure that candidates took care of themselves and caught up with Uni work on what is generally a quiet day anyway in terms of campaigning, allowing them to return to campaigning on the Monday feeling refreshed and energised.”

“Confusion was caused due to the fact it was never explicitly stated what time the rest day started so could be interpreted as being the whole of Sunday (after midnight) or just the day (starting from 9am).

Elections committee are aware of this confusion and efforts will be made next year to ensure that the

definition and rules are clearer.”

Trendall spoke to Forge Press, stating: “Candidates ‘campaigned’ (wearing t-shirts, not canvassing) at different nights out including ROAR and Pop Tarts. The problem was that we didn’t take our t shirts off quite after midnight. The returning officers accepted that this was a very small oversight and didn’t take any action.”

Forge Press recommends that future president Trendall takes a change of clothes to Pop Tarts next time he attends, just to avoid any confusion.

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Friday 6 May 2016 | Forge Press

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SU Propsal to ban offensive chants Chloe Coleman

Continued from the front page...

However, many sportsmen and women seem to avidly disagree with McMorrow’s proposal. One councillor, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that he has received “desperate messages” from Hockey players, asking councillors to “vote against the proposal in next week’s council meeting.”

Rowing captain, James Palmer thinks the proposal is “a load of rubbish.” He argued that “sporting events are, by their very nature, loud, passionate and fun, and prone to getting people excited.”

Despite the claims that Varsity is not inclusive due to chants, Palmer believes that he’s “convinced that no members of either University are greatly offended by any chants, and that our Varsity is exceptionally friendly between the Universities.”

For him, “chanting is, for the want of a better word, “banter”, that is far greater enjoyed by all than it upsets people.” He also suggested that “perhaps, if we are to move on the SU Committee’s suggestion, we should also compete in a manner to aim for a draw, so nobody feels disheartened, and not

clap too loudly when one of our teams score?”

Many more captains of university teams have come forward to Forge Press, including Chris Taylor, the Boxing Captain. He thinks that the proposal “is another case of the fun police censoring what we can and can’t say because they get offended on someone else’s behalf.”

He also believes that the Varsity atmosphere “just wouldn’t be the same with a hushed silence because people fear being thrown out of the event for saying a bad word. In reality they are just jokes.”

Joel Ghandi, Hockey Captain, is another sportsmen who has spoken to Forge Press. He said he could “understand where the union are coming from with regards to breaking down sexism/ classism, extremely important to the inclusivity of sport in general” however, still thinks that “the chants don’t enforce gender or class gaps and they certainly don’t encourage sexism or classism.”

Welfare Officer, Gabi Binnie, takes a balanced approach to the proposal, highlighting both the pros and the cons: “Although the chants at Varsity are mostly inoffensive and in good spirit, there are times when they can be

Josh Peachey

classist, misogynistic and sexist - a particularly bad example this year was by Hallam supporters against Uni Of cheerleaders. Passing policy against them shows that the SU never thinks there is a time when it is ok to be derogatory to others and can help encourage Hallam SU to do the same.”

She continued, considering the other side of the argument: “on the other hand, outlawing chanting may just be completely un policeable (taking up staff and committee time) and add to

students feeling disillusioned with the SU, or could even decrease the atmosphere and engagement at our varsity matches.”

The proposal will go to vote next Thursday at SU Council. Is Varsity chanting just harmless “banter”, or is it damaging to members of the student body? Let us know in the comments below.

Stay tuned with Forge Press for updates on this story as it unfolds.

Sheffield named Beer Capital of the world Josh Peachey A recent study commissioned by the University of Sheffield names the city as the Real Ale capital of the world.

The report also states that the Sheffield city region can also claim the title of birthplace of the UK craft beer revolution.

The study found that city of Sheffield has one brewery for every 23,991 people and the Sheffield City Region has one brewery for every 32,142 people. This means that the steel city has 4.7 times as many breweries per capita as Greater London.

Sean Clarke, independent bottle shop owner, said in the report: “We have traditional & historic pubs, we have punky new kids on the block, we have successful micro-pubs, music pubs, a thriving bottle shop & growler scene, successful beer festivals all year round, an ever expanding number of breweries and a collaborative approach to beer across the city.

“The city takes beer seriously, but never takes it too seriously, balancing a need for a positive beer scene without the constant or over

eager need to be seen as the UK’s best.” Sean Clarke, independent bottle shop owner.”

Each year Sheffield Campaign for Real Ale conduct a census on local pubs. In last year’s survey, Sheffield CAMRA visited 145 pubs which had an average of five hand pumps per pub, which boasted a total of 730 hand pumps over the

New support for male victims of sexual assault

selected pubs.

Between them, these 730 hand pumps were selling 385 different cask ales. This made Sheffield the clear winner over the growing number of other cities that now take part in the Census. Nottingham had 334 different beers, Norwich had 254, York had 281, Derby had 200 different beers, and Leeds

(City Centre) had 189.

The report also states that the return of the MSc course in Microbrewing at the University would be hugely valuable if revived as part of a broader campaign to showcase Sheffield as The Beer City.

Free counselling and practical support has been made available to male victims of sexual abuse for the first time in Sheffield.

The new service is part of Sheffield city council’s new contract with the Sheffield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre to provide support to victims.

Police figures show an increase in the number of sexual offences carried out to males with seven assaults and five rapes carried out on men in Sheffield in 2015 – 16, compared to no recorded offences three years ago.

Joe Fowler, Director of Commissioning at Sheffield City Council, said: “It’s vital that victims of sexual assault are able to get the help and support they need, both men and women.

“Traditionally services have focused more on women victims.

But more men are coming forward and it’s important that they are supported”.

New student beds arrivng in 2017 Lisa Latham Empiric Student Property has been granted planning permission for a new, 63-bed student accommodation site on Trippet Lane.

The block will cost £750k and involves the demolition of an existing building.

The establishment expects the new seven-storey block to be completed

by September 2017.

Paul Hadaway, chief executive of Empiric Student Property plc, commented: “This acquisition represents the Company’s third site in Sheffield, a city which is home to two large universities and the 6th biggest student population outside of London.

“On completion of the Group’s developments, we will own 304 operating beds in Sheffield. The location, being close to our existing sites, will allow us to deliver operational efficiencies once the assets become operational. This acquisition is in line with Empiric’s investment criteria and returns profile.”

Forge Press | Friday 6 May

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New Henderson’s Relish Pub design revealed Josh Peachey

A design has been announced for the highly-anticipated Henderson’s Relish Pub at the heart of the University’s campus.

The former factory was bought by the University of Sheffield in the summer of 2015 and a competition was introduced to determine who would handle the rennovation of the site.

A total of 17 local firms entered the contest initially, and the strongest four were asked to redesign the old Henderson’s Relish building located opposite the Jessop West University building.

The redevelopment is part of the University’s wider project to transform that area into a totally student-friendly space.

Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson, the architects with the winning design, have experience in this type of development and will work alongside the University team and Henderson’s to prepare the designs for a planning application to be submitted later this year.

Keith Lilley, Director of Estates and Facilities Management at the

University said: “We were really delighted with the high quality approach from all our finalists but the concept that Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson developed just really hit the spot with a great design to incorporate the original house into a stunning modern setting.

“We believe the pub will be a fantastic addition to opening up the spaces around the University to make it a more welcoming place

for the people of Sheffield and we know that many Henderson’s fans will enjoy the opportunity to spend time in the place that was home to Henderson’s for so long.”

Mrs Pamela Freeman, Managing Director of Henderson’s, said she and everyone else involved with the company were ‘really excited to see the plans develop’.

The University said that the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching, Wyn Morgan, has

met with the petition organisers and Students' Union Education Officer, Minesh Parekh.

Morgan “welcomed the opportunity to work with those

who set up the petition directly to address issues relating to study spaces within the Diamond.”

According to the University, a review of usage has shown that

NATIONAL NEWS Student jail sentence delayed for exams Lisa Latham

University Responds to Diamond Debate Anna Gillies

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“study space occupation in The Diamond varies greatly, although has not yet been at full capacity.

However, a working group is looking at options to increase spaces by as much as 12 per cent, while still ensuring compliance with guidelines on safety and occupancy.”

The University has also stated that it is focusing its efforts on “alerting students in The Diamond to the availability of study spaces and locations within the building in real time by using a range of communications online and in the building itself.”

There was also recognition that existing spaces were often unattended but in use. The University said that they need to address the problems of students reserving desks which are left unused for an extended period.

A student who was caught drinkdriving at 123mph on the M6 has had his jail sentence delayed until after his university exams.

Second year undergraduate Ravi Semic, 20, was taking his brand new BMW for a spin at 12:45am on February 13th when he was pulled over by police for driving at around 60mph over the speed limit.

Semic was then breathalysed was found to be 5mg over the legal alcohol limit. He later admitted that he was not insured on the car, which his mother had gifted him the day before.

Judge Webb, who handled his case, said: “This was really bad driving so the entirely right sentence I believe is a custodial one.

“I do not want you to forgo a year of study so I am going to make the unusual decision to adjourn your sentence until the end of May. “By then you will have finished your exams.”

UK Universities slip down ranking tables Lisa Latham The UK’s reputation in leading universities is beginning to slip as institutions in the East gain prestige.

Just 10 of the UK’s universities made it onto the Times Higher Education World Rankings Report, two less than last year, with Cambridge and Oxford both falling two places.

The growing presence of Asian universities in official reports suggests that the global balance of power in higher education may be beginning to shift from West to East.

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Junior Doctors continue with “all-out strike” Mwai Daka

Junior doctors participated in an all-out, two day strike on April 26 and 27 to protest Jeremy Hunt’s proposed changes to the junior doctor contract.

The strike is part of an ongoing effort to oppose Hunt’s package and ask for reconsideration of its terms.

According to the BBC, this “allout strike” is the first of its kind in the history of the National Health Service (NHS), with emergency care being included for the first time.

The contract aims to increase the working hours of junior doctors, with no effective safeguards. As things stand, the NHS is currently understaffed and junior doctors are overworked. The NHS, in England alone, deals with over 1 million patients every 36 hours.

Students joined the picket lines led by junior doctors across England, making a stand against Jeremy Hunts proposal.

A postgraduate Clinical

Communication student said: “I fully support the strikes and believe it is important to take a stand against changes to an increasingly vulnerable NHS on which so many people depend”.

Currently undertaking his postgraduate studies at Sheffield University, Jack Schofield said: “It isn’t just about the contracts, it’s about what the changes represent from a government who don’t seem to value patient welfare”.

Tim Jones who set up a campaign stand in the city centre on April 30, in order to show his support for the junior doctors said: “We support the junior doctors in their actions; We feel it is highly unfair that Jeremy Hunt has imposed the new contract upon junior doctors and in doing so, he has little regard for clinical integrity. If a junior doctor is overworked, he or she could be liable due to fatigue, medical misdiagnosis and clinical error.”

According to a poll conducted by Ipsos Mori, 57 per cent of the public support the doctors. It is as yet unclear whether the government

will reopen negotiations in the near future regarding the working condition of junior doctors and the future of the NHS, a service upon

which 64 million people in the UK and 54 million people in England alone depend on.

Researchers from the University of Sheffield’s School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) have launched a pioneering report on the care given by ambulance services, in collaboration with a review

by National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Dissemination centre.

The level of emergency care access has increased dramatically in the last decade, with the number of 999 calls more than doubling, and a similar trend seen in the use

of other emergency care systems such as calls to 111.

It was found that the majority of calls are from individuals with ongoing health problems, such as elderly people.

Janette Turner, Reader in Emergency and Urgent Care

‘The most important vote for a generation’

By Paul Blomfield, MP

University launches emergency care report Lisa Latham

BLOM COM:

Research at ScHARR, conducted a study that was used in the review investigating why demand for emergency services has significantly increased.

“It is well known that demand for emergency services is increasing,” said Janette.

“We know some of the reasons for this increased demand, reflecting wider pressures on health and care services.”

She added: “Other factors include health needs such as chronic conditions, socioeconomic factors such as isolation and loneliness, lack of social support and deprivation and the supply of local services.

“There is little research overall in this area and the relationship between these and demand for services is not yet known.”

A number of studies and several ground-breaking studies conducted

by ScHARR are included in the final report, which was launched in the University of Sheffield’s Firth Court on 27 April.

There’s a really positive case for Britain’s membership of the EU. It strengthens our economy and our role in the world. And there are risks if we leave – to jobs, university funding, rights at work, environmental protections and more.

But if you listened to Nigel Farage and the ‘leave’ camp you’d think the EU referendum was on immigration – but with no mention of the millions of Brits who live, study and work in the rest of Europe.

‘Brexiters’ don’t want to talk about the consequences of leaving.

And when others do, they call it ‘Project Fear’. What are they so worried about? Why are they so keen to encourage people to take a leap in the dark? It’s certainly not working with most students I’ve met, who are overwhelmingly in favour of staying in the EU. It’s the most important vote for a generation, and it will be young people who will live with the consequences for longest.

So ask yourself whether you’re registered to vote (the deadline is 7 June) and where you’ll be on 23 June. If you’re away, register for a postal vote. It’s easy; just do it here: https://www.gov.uk/registerto- vote.

Forge Press | FRIDAY 6 MAY 2016

@ForgePress /ForgePress

NEWS

9

Vice Chancellor: Education isn’t enough to have social mobility Josh Peachey Professor Sir Keith Burnett, The Vice Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, recently argued that education is not enough and that social mobility is still very limited.

VC Burnett wrote in the Telegraph that Britain has some of the lowest social mobility in the developed world. He said: “over half of our top doctors, FTSE-100 chief execs, senior journalists and 70 per cent of High Court judges went to private schools.

“It is not just a degree that gets a young person access to the opportunities they crave. The doors of the great universities, like Oxford and Cambridge, are open to all – just like the doors of the Ritz hotel.

But, just like the Ritz, you need a full bank account to stay inside.”

The Vice President, who has previously been Head of Maths and Physical Sciences at the University of Oxford, argued that although over 50 per cent of young people now go to university, an increasing number of the first to go to university are at heightened risk

of moving down the economic and social ladder.

He defines social mobility as ‘the chance for anyone prepared to work hard to get on and achieve beyond what was expected, but it depends on education and opportunity.

Education alone can produce wasted money and frustrated graduates.’

A spokesperson for the University of Sheffield said: “The Vice President is concerned that the UK must provide students with the very highest quality options in traditional academic degrees, as well as technical and vocational education - areas where the University of Sheffield is acknowledged to be a national leader.”

VC Burnett referenced the Oxford sociologist John Goldthorpe, who said: “Parents in more advantaged class positions will respond to any expansion or reform of the educational system by using their own superior resources – economic, cultural and social – to whatever extent it takes to help their children retain a competitive

edge in the system.”

He warned politicians that making “a market of higher education for students is

retrograde”, and that the effect of paying for a university course, and the debt for less well-off students, affects them most after

they graduate, “when they are trying to get a place to live near a job – the best of these often being in London.”

Local Library adds Showroom Cinema joins booze to books Tramlines for 2016 Festival Josh Peachey

Walkley Library, which is the only Carnegie library in Sheffield, is going to be expanded to include a bar and cafe.

Sheffield City Council recently approved plans for the Grade IIlisted building to be renovated as it is in ‘desperate need of repair.’

The council decided that the volunteer-run library should combine with a new cafe-bar, to be run by Sheffield based brewers True North Brew Co. Chris Reeve, Chair of Walkley Library, said: “A lot of people will be very excited about the opportunity to come in here and enjoy a coffee, or a glass of wine or a beer, and maybe some food. It also gives us the scope that although we’ll have less space, we will be open more.”

True North Brew Co, the Devonshire street-based company who are buying the site, have an ‘outstanding record of acquiring tired building and completely rejuvenating them’ according to the application plans.

Mr Reeve was part of the team of volunteers who took over the library in September 2014, when the council decided that they didn’t have the resources to run the

libraries themselves.

He added: “The best way to keep this library sustainable is to have the commercial input to look after the building and for us to run it as a voluntary library.”

There was confusion surrounding the plans in 2015 which lead to a petition being made, which referred to the library being sold to become a bar.

The Walkley Library Chair was adamant to make clear that a significant section of the library will be legally protected for 125 years and will continue to be run by Walkley Carnegie Library volunteers.

Lisa Latham

Tramlines Festival and Showroom Cinema are launching a new partnership that will bring some of the best musical films of 2016 to this year’s festival.

Entry to Showroom Café Bar will be free entry during the festival, and screenings are available to all Tramlines wristband and pass holders.

The programme includes a wide range of films including documentaries, concert footage and sound tracked feature films, and spanning genres from indie to hiphop, jazz, folk, reggae and world music.

There will also be a special screening of Grammy Award winning ‘Purple Rain’ in memory of Prince.

Tramlines Director Sarah Nulty says: “In a city full of amazing venues, the Showroom is one of our best-loved and most important cultural spaces. We’re delighted to be partnering with the people behind such a cutting-edge and innovative film programme, as well as offering Tramlines-goers the opportunity to enjoy something beyond the music.”

Showroom Chief Executive Ian

Wild said: “Every summer Tramlines brings an incredible amount of energy to Sheffield through its vibrant and diverse programme of live music. We are excited to be working with them to curate an equally diverse programme of music films to complement this, and are looking forward to developing this

partnership for the future”.

Check www. showroomworkstation.org.uk/ tramlines for more details of the film programme.

Friday 6 May 2016 | Forge Press

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COMMENT

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For more Bill the bard related content, take a look at Screen’s feature on page 36!

William Shakespeare, bane of schoolchildren the world over

Straight outta Stratford

T

Will morgan

he 23rd of April saw the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. So naturally we were all treated to a plethora of Guardian and Independent articles waxing lyrical about our nation’s favourite lyrical waxer, informing us of all the words Shakespeare invented (“Oh my god, did you know he invented the word ‘swagger’, hahaha how contemporary”) and of the bard’s obvious artistic value.

This satisfies your average middleclass culture consumer, probably smiling knowingly as they read the articles and thinking lofty thoughts about the importance of literature. Media content like this reinforces the world around them: “Shakespeare is worthy literature, I understand Shakespeare, I am intellectual, I am a worthy middle class intellectual”. It tells them that all of the structures of society that Shakespeare is a part of are correct, that the education system is correct and that Shakespeare’s greatness implies something about themselves through sharing the same land of birth.

Shakespeare comes to represent Britain and its values in this way.

This view of Shakespeare is so steeply based in our cultural psyche that we take it as a given. However, it is hardly a factual representation of the politics and beliefs present in his works.

Many of the values present in his work would be incompatible with the values of modern social structures.

Hell, we learnt recently from an examination of pipe fragments that

Shakespeare probably smoked cannabis and hallucinogens. Little could be more antithetical than the nation’s playwright taking the drugs that the current government are trying to ban in their delayed Psychoactive Substances Act. In Sonnet 76 Shakespeare - possibly the Seth Rogen of Elizabethan England - writes about taking inspiration from “compounds strange” and finding “invention in a noted weed”. Then, as if this was not enough, in Sonnet 118 we get the earliest description of the munchies that I, as a Literature student, have ever found: “Like as, to make our appetites more keen,/ With eager compounds we our palate urge” Whilst Shakespeare would obviously be jealous of our time’s munchies antidote Doritos, its difficult to see how the War on Drugs’ denial of an individual’s right to experience their reality in different ways could be compatible with the self-medicating agency Shakespeare shows in his sonnets. Beyond just drugs, this shows a fundamental contradiction in world view.

Shakespeare - possibly the Seth Rogen of Elizabethan England

Throughout the works of Shakespeare we are shown time and time again that the failings of man are just that, the failings of man.

Edmund in King Lear is undoubtedly a backstabbing little shit, yet we also see in his father the reasons for his betrayal. For those of you who don’t know King Lear but know Game of Thrones, Edmund basically tries to go all Ramsay Snow on his father Gloucester and brother to improve his lot in life as the bastard son of a noble lord. In the very first scene of the play he is called a “whoreson” by his father who goes on to talk about the “good sport” he had making him, so it is not hard to see how Edmund could start to get some traitorous urges.

So we are confronted with people capable of horrific acts, like gouging out eyes, who are made understandable by the writer.

Whether it’s the mistreated and misunderstood Shylock in Merchant of Venice or the greedy and manipulated Macbeth in “the Scottish play”, antagonists and baddies in Shakespeare are usually bad through personal fault.

This is not how the modern world deals with acts of evil; terrorists flew planes into the World Trade Centre because they were extremist Muslims not because they were impressionable young people caught up in a rebellion, sparked by the western world’s own weaknesses and flaws.

So instead of perceiving it as human fault it was considered the fault of the Christian west’s historical counterpoint – Islam. To Shakespeare this would

seem a lot like crappy writing, a last resort deus ex machina in a plot too complicated to be understood and so simplified into fear.

Shakespeare would also undoubtedly be out of kilter with the present economic system. The subprime mortgage crisis of 2008 has made Shylock’s demand for a pound of flesh seem quite reasonable, as at least that form of death is quick compared to the drawn out torture a mountain of debt brings.

Ultimately, the likely biggest economic separation would be from the primacy of luck and random chance in Shakespeare’s work. Whether it is Twelfth Night’s comedic stretch of the imagination that a pair of twins in disguise would not recognise each other or Comedy of Errors’ unlikely spiralling of mistakes, in economic markets speculation and human fancy frequently play a larger part in decision making than mathematics can. Indeed John Forlines III is using Shakespeare at Duke University to highlight the misattribution of human action to economic markets.

What we can draw from this is that blaming any one thing for economic hardship is missing the point somewhat. I doubt very much whether Shakespeare, when confronted with an economic crisis, would blame something as amorphous as immigration or the minority who cheat benefits when luck and chance play such a huge role in life in general.

In spite of all of this, I still think Shakespeare is someone worth being proud of as a Briton, just not as a figure for Britain. The parts of Shakespeare’s work that make him worthy of his

fame are exactly the parts that make him separate from Britishness. His works aren’t about Britain in any way other than their setting, the ideas that Shakespeare explores are ideas applicable to all of humanity because they are all implicitly about what it is to be human.

Our society’s restrictions on personal liberty, lack of understanding for others and of the world in general are juxtaposed with the values and apparent world-view of the nation’s greatest bard.

Just from taking the three examples of madness, youthful lust and Machiavellian greed, we can see how Shakespeare really applies to the modern world. Want to explain how it feels to wake up next to someone for the first time as a teenager? Read Romeo and Juliet. Want to gain a better understanding of mental health and how its dealt with? Read King Lear.

Want to chill and read something with: regicide, witches, murder mystery, ghosts and a sex scene with the devil?

Read Macbeth.

Or seek professional help.

Fun fact: Outgoing Education Officer Minesh Parekh attended Shakespeare’s former school. Two revolutionaries, one school.

Forge Press | Friday 6 May 2016

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COMMENT

“I wish the British empire had been a bit more thorough in its colonising, I could not find a decent bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape anywhere”

Q

Horatio von trapp iii

ueen Elizabeth II is a bloody good monarch and you should all jolly well be a little more respectful.

I hear you all moaning about how hard third year is and how your exams are literally going to kill you, imagine being Queeny for the day. She has to not only spend enough time waving to be a substitute for Hinkley Point until it is up and running, but she also has to rule the country, the Commonwealth and be God’s instrument on Earth. So what’s all of this moaning from the wet-rag left about wanting to be rid of her?

They make arguments about what the position of monarch represents: British colonialism, a £35 million tax bill and a lack of real democracy. Well I spent

my gap year in Guatemala and I must say I wish the British empire had been a bit more thorough in its colonising, I could not find a decent bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape anywhere. As for that pesky £35 million, well… it’s a bit nouveau riche to talk about money, isn’t it?

Ultimately Lizzie is just a granny with a title.

Yes, she could technically dissolve parliament, dismiss the prime minister and block legislation as well as start and end wars. But she’s harmless. She could do all of this, she could decide that Fiji has a bit too much of a stranglehold on expensive water and send a few squadrons of the Royal Air Force to relieve themselves of their pricey bottled water. But we know she won’t because then she would be

removed from power, so we might as well just keep her in power and farm old Liz for all the tourist money we can.

We are known worldwide by the fact that we have an unelected head of state, chosen by virtue of birth, this draws people to come and take pictures of our castles and palaces like detectives for a culture long-dead. Isn’t that something we can be proud of?

Even financially our unelected head of state is a bargain, at 52 pence per person per year, the Queen costs less than one per cent the price of Netflix for a year. Is this not a price we can afford? If anything, going through the who palaver of getting rid of a monarch would cost us more than keeping a pensioner in dresses, hats and corgi food. So what’s all the hassle?

We will still need someone to send to

unnecessary political engagements, still need someone to cut ribbons and still need a national figurehead more solid than the wishy washy potato-ey ex-Eton boys who run the rest of the country.

So why not give it to someone with few other practical skills to offer society.

Imagine trying to find a member of the royal family a job, what could they possibly do?

Though she currently fulfils a ceremonial role, without her, the powers of the government would go nearly entirely unchecked. Whereas the relatively new Supreme Court of the United Kingdom can only check the powers of parliament in cases of secondary legislation, the Queen has the final authority in the land. What this means is that if the government were to attempt to pass something like a ban on

corgis, the Queen could intervene.

This is a soft check on her power and theirs. She would not want to lose her role and the government would not want to force her into that position, due to her overwhelming popularity. A balance.

I say we should leave the ancient structures of power alone. If we were to remove such pillars of society what would be left of us? Who would grant our spiffing chaps at war their medals?

Who would make our lords and barons? It is not a future worth thinking about. How would we be able to figure out a person’s worth without having a figurehead for the class system?

The queen - A Tourist ATTRACTION or a decadent reminder of the abuses of the class system?

An elderly woman surrounded by her family

“The issue of the monarchy is and should always be seen as a constitutional issue” michael chilton If any of us are lucky enough to turn 90, we will perhaps be inclined to look back on our lives and consider some of our achievements as well as some of our lows. Wonder then what Elizabeth II will look back on. Will she linger on the fact that her biggest achievement, being head of state of the United Kingdom, was nothing more than a genetic lottery that she so happened to have the winning ticket for?

This is but one of several issues we face now our monarch is 90 and at the likely end of her 64 year reign.

In this intervening half-century both the position of monarch and the wider institutions of the monarchy have often been viewed with a somewhat nostalgic fondness, based perhaps from a harkening back to the days of power and empire over the world this country once enjoyed.

However, this imperialist yearning detracts from the fact that, despite being a country that supports democracy all

over the globe, we still have an archaic, unaccountable and unelected head of state. This hypocrisy between ideology and action has allowed the monarchy to just about scrape into the 21st century, but with the inevitable reality of King Charles III approaching we have to revaluate our current trajectory.

With his coronation all that has been under the surface regarding the SaxeCoburg and Gotha family, changed to Windsor during World War One, will come to the fore. Their racism which has been demonstrated on many occasions; be it comments from Charles and Phillip or the Nazi outfit worn by Harry. Their abuse of powers; exemplified with Charles’ letters lobbying ministers to support his own agenda and the giving out of titles and honours for cash or other nefarious reasons.

Even from an economic perspective it is unjustifiable to endorse the continuation of the British monarchy.

Monarchists often cite this as their strongest argument - that the royal family brings in more money through

tourism than it costs to maintain. Yet they make this bold claim however without first looking at the figures themselves, or even distinguishing but worse still distinguishing between the past historical institution of the monarchy and its present day incarnation. The hard truth is that tourists visit this country for the history; both of the country as a whole and that of the monarchy. This is obvious when we consider that the most profitable tourist attraction related to the crown is the Tower of London.

Buckingham Palace and even Windsor Castle don’t even make the top 50 (both are beaten by LEGOLAND Windsor). Tourists come to see and pay for the history- not the current wealthy benefit scroungers who currently have the title as our royal family.

Our current predicament is only worsened when compared to a country that no longer has a royal family, and instead has all its former palaces, castles and other royal households open to the public and foreign tourists all year round. France is of course the

shining example of this, if not so much in how to get rid of your monarchy. It goes without saying that more people visit the Louvre and Palace of Versailles than all our royal palaces collectively.

From this, huge amounts of revenue are generated - far exceeding ours when it comes to tourism from the monarchy.

Meanwhile the taxpayer spends over 300 million a year on the upkeep of the royal family - much of these costs are hidden to prevent further outcry over the Royal finances. It goes without saying that this money could be spent far better: to have it given to a family who are already one of wealthiest in the country, particularly in a time of economic hardship, is abhorrent. And this figure rises ever year despite the deluge of cuts upon vital public services and the least well off in our society.

Why you would even consider the economic benefits of the royal family I always find rather ad hoc to the whole debate surrounding the royal family.

The issue of the monarchy is and should always be seen as a constitutional

issue. It involves our democracy and sovereignty - not the profit to be made from it. I would doubt many of us would be in favour of an inferior and unfair electoral system, even if it provided us with significantly more money than a superior and fairer one. In following this line of attack one finds themselves following the dogma of profit over all else which is not one I would wish anyone to subscribe to; particularly when it comes to the governing of a country.

It is apparent to me that this whole debate boils down to one simple question. Who do you want to represent you? For me the answer is definitely not an incredibly wealthy family who are not accountable to any electorate and who have constantly shown abuse of powers. “I’m not saying that we could do better, but given a chance we’ll try” seems to me more than ever a goal I want to strive for and would hope others would to. And for the record I think we can.

Friday 6 May 2016 | Forge Press

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COMMENT

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jUSTICE FOR THE 96

Liverpool fans commemorating the disaster

A

david goodman

fter 27 long years, many of the relatives, survivors and supporters felt as though justice had finally been served last week as the Hillsborough inquest jury reached their verdict that the 96 victims of the disaster had been unlawfully killed.

The Hillsborough tragedy took place on 15 April 1989 when, during the opening minutes of the FA Cup match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, a human crush formed in the Leppings Lane end of the ground, where the Liverpool fans were located.

The crush resulted in the deaths of 96 fans and injured 766 others. The cause of this was the opening of a gate outside the ground which allowed thousands of fans to flow into an

already overcrowded stand. On top of that grievous error of judgement, fans were then not filtered into the emptier pens on the sides of the stand as they usually would be by mounted police, and instead were allowed to flow through the tunnel into the two central pens.

Sadly, in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, the establishment painted a picture of the Liverpool fans as drunken yobs, ticketless, who brought the tragic events upon themselves.

Travesty is the word that best describes how the police force, the media and the government all became complicit in one of the greatest and most despicable miscarriages of justice in modern British history. The Sun newspaper, under the editorship of Kelvin Mackenzie, printed a front page headline titled ‘The Truth’

alleging that some Liverpool fans had urinated on police and assaulted them as they performed first aid, and that they had picked the pockets of the dead. These were all lies. The police lied about their mistakes on the day which led to the catastrophic loss of life, as well as instructing their officers to withhold information from their official reports.

It has taken 27 years and two inquiries but the truth has finally come out. The Liverpool fans were in no way to blame for the disaster, instead the fault lies with South Yorkshire Police’s poor management of the match.

South Yorkshire Police has had a pretty ignominious existence in recent decades. In 1963, the force made national news for the Rhino Whip affair, in which detectives were found to have

beaten suspects with stolen weapons, manipulated evidence and had this covered up by superiors.

Then there was the ‘Battle of Orgreave’ during the miners’ strike in 1984, where police used heavy handed tactics in an attempt to provoke peaceful protesters into a violent clash for political purposes. 93 arrests were made but all charges against the striking miners were later dropped.

You would hope that as the senior officers in charge during these events retire and move on, there would be a shift in the culture, with honesty, integrity and transparency being held as core values to instil in a police force, but seemingly this is not the case as we have seen as recently as a few years ago with the revelations of widespread organised child sex

abuse in Rotherham dating back as far as 1987. Independent inquiries found that there had once more been massive failings by relevant authorities in acknowledging and dealing with the problem.

People are beginning to ask, and I think they are quite right to do so, whether a force that is so scandal prone and is too often thrust into the media spotlight for nefarious reasons should be left to clean itself up, or if the rot is embedded so deep that there needs to be a complete purge from top to bottom and the force in its current state should be disbanded.

PARK HILL - “A BASTION OF GENTRIFICATION IN SHEFFIELD” ANDREW ZAHORODNY

N

estled above the train station, the now mostly derelict Park Hill estate is for many people an introduction to Sheffield; one of the first parts of the city visible from the train as it enters the station.

It is a landmark of the city; undoubtedly one of the most famous buildings in Sheffield after having been featured in various television and radio programmes over the years, yet it is famous mainly for stimulating controversy and division. You only have to glance at the kinds of documentaries in which the building has been featured to get a sense of the disparity of opinions which are directed at it.

Documentaries range from “Saving Britain’s Past” to “Demolition” - a show in which the public are encouraged to vote for buildings to be demolished and in which Park Hill placed in the top 12. The local Sheffield population are equally divided regarding the estate with many describing the building as an eyesore while others praise its history of social housing and consider it a part of the city’s heritage.

Opened in 1961, Park Hill was founded on progressive ideals of community and shared living and the estate itself seems to reflect this within its architecture. The flats are configured around large open spaces and courtyards with the buildings themselves seeming to face each other, emphasising the communal atmosphere. It feels like a place which should be teeming with life

and yet there is only utter silence, each empty window signifying the absence of a family to inhabit it. Walking through Park Hill today, you cannot help but wonder exactly what went wrong for such a progressive project to fall so spectacularly into disrepair.

The estate was initially a successful enterprise in the years following its construction. The apartments were cutting edge and affordable, providing Sheffield’s working class with a higher standard of living and the building also received praise for its architectural innovation. The buildings are arranged along a steep hill but are ‘staggered’ to achieve flat surfaces throughout and the apartments can be accessed by passages dubbed “roads in the sky” because they are wide enough to allow a milk or postal van to pass each flat. Regardless of the innovations, the Brutalist building materials were particularly susceptible to weather damage and, after a number of years became stained and rundown. The estate fell in popularity and the efforts of Sheffield City Council to restore and maintain it were meagre and futile.

By the 1980s unemployment was rife and Park Hill became a hotbed for the manifestations of many of the city’s social problems; drug abuse, crime, antisocial behaviour etc. Eventually Park Hill earned a reputation for being an insecure, ugly place to live and interest in it waned leading to its closure.

To try to pinpoint exactly what it was which catalysed Park Hill’s descent into squalor is no easy task.

The problem contains social, economic and ethical threads to name but a few, but looking forward it is easy to see Park Hill’s future. The development agency ‘Urban Splash’ have taken on a renovation project to create over 300 new apartments “with floor to ceiling glazing allowing the best views Sheffield has to offer” and ranging from £550-£985 per calendar month.

The new Park Hill is shiny, colourful, sleek; as far from its Socialist and Brutalist roots as possible – a bastion of gentrification in Sheffield.

While this may be a slightly disingenuous representation, it does seem sad if not immoral that this historic building has been transformed from a community social project into an expensive viewing platform for Sheffield’s elite to enjoy the panorama.

Equally, it has been used as a location for the shooting of the upcoming season of ‘This Is England’ which places Park Hill in the strange territory of being perfect for representing the modern struggles of working class life, but being completely off limits to anyone unable to fork out almost £1000 a month.

Park Hill has always been an innate part of Sheffield since its inception yet never has it been so apt a symbol for its own surroundings; the divisions it inspires mirroring the social divisions which ultimately lead to its dilapidation, its transformation into something more ‘exclusive’ mirrors the movement from socialism to the pervading neoliberalism of today.

Forge Press | Friday 6 May 2016

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COMMENT

HAWAIIAN PIZZA, trick or treat?

T

he two Comment editors spent years perched atop tiny pebbles in Buddhist monasteries, pondering the deep questions of life and existence in preparation for this fortnightly column. So send them a message!

VS Robin, a Hawaiian fanatic

T

Robin Wilde

he pizza has long been a cultural battleground. Since some Italian hundreds of years ago decided he wanted to fancy up his cheese on toast, arguments have been raging back and forth about base depth, cheese and sauce order, and the stuffing or otherwise of crusts.

Go to any given pizza party, and you’ll witness a sharp divide should anyone order a Hawaiian. In some circles they might as well have declared themselves a member of the National Front. Others will defend them with the blind faith of the recent convert, and the party will surely end with, at the very least, tears.

The addition of pineapple to pizza seems to offend the senses so much that it causes arguments, and yet nobody ever seems to take issue with anchovies or sausage - surely both more culinarily offensive. But the reality is that endlessly piling on of savoury items only brings forward the inevitable fullness and gastric discomfort that excessive pizza can bring. The addition of pineapple adds a touch of citric sweetness to cut through the grease and density of the pizza, helping the erstwhile diner plough on.

Those who object to the addition of fruit to pizza presumably wouldn’t touch gammon with pineapple, banana and peanut butter sandwiches, or chutney with their curries. They would also do well to remember the sauce made from fruit which they presumably raise no objections to. Why is it that pizza is singled out as different, and unfit for the combination of tastes?

Perhaps it’s cultural. The British are

To receive our agony uncles’ advice in response to your problem, email press.comment@forgetoday.com, or tweet us at @ForgePress

Anna, pizza snob a culturally conservative people, but willing to experiment with foreign cuisine from time to time. Witness the popularity of the local take on Indian food, and the rising tide of Mexican dishes, or sushi. But pizza is not new. Italy is close enough both geographically and culturally to make their food feel like a permanent fixture in our society.

And once we feel we own something, we tend to find ways to want to keep it as it is, or as we think it ‘should be’.

Perhaps it’s rooted in our own insecurity with food. British national cuisine doesn’t have a great reputation internationally, given its general propensity to be composed of “X and Y” rather than anything more complex.

Of course, British (and for that matter, American and Australian) people like food, but they don’t take the pride in it that the mainland European nations do.

So when we can take something under our wing, we guard it jealously.

Not only does Hawaiian introduce something we’re not used to, it explicitly identifies it as from a foreign land - one we’ve known for far less time.

Fusion does exist here, but is viewed with suspicion, either as a combination less than the sum of its parts, or as the height of hipstery presumed superiority on the part of its advocates.

At some point, though, we will have to come to terms with our culinary insecurity. Adding pineapple to pizza - which plenty of people like - will not stop anyone eating their pepperoni in peace. Eventually, we will learn, and welcome the experimentation which produced all the different varieties in pizza in the first place. And why not?

After all, we have nothing to lose but our stodginess.

P

Anna gillies

ineapple on pizza is a crime against humanity. The debate as to whether the fruit belongs on the nation’s favourite Italian delicacy has long divided the masses into those that approve of the fruity topping and those that view it as the ultimate culinary abomination.

I myself fit into the latter category.

Hours of my life have been wasted cautiously picking off chunks of soggylooking pineapple from a perfectly good pizza, gritting my teeth through the inevitable scald that follows contact with freshly cooked fruit.

The presence of pineapple on pizza has several flaws. First, is the clear deception with which it sits on the dough. Pale yellow cubes become easily hidden amongst a thick layer of melted mozzarella making identification challenging. There are more times that I care to remember that having thought my pizza was free from unwanted contamination, in reality, a small chunk has been hiding under my cheesy topping. I like my fruit honest and where I can see it.

Let’s next approach the big issue, the flavour. I’m not a huge pineapple fan anyway, but there is a reason pizzas are not laden with blueberries, strawberries and other sweet offerings.

For some reason, society has made one rule for the pineapple and another for the rest of the fruit family. What makes it so special? Fans of the Hawaiian pizza may scoff at my reservations, but nobody would have the same response if we were talking about the idea of piling the top of our pizzas with apples.

The reality is that pineapple doesn’t

taste great, and they don’t taste any better teamed with cheese, tomato and ham.

Finally, there’s the ridiculous notion that a few cubes of synthetic fruit justifies the title ‘Hawaiian’. Do Hawaiians even eat pineapple? What’s next? Will there be a ‘British’ named pizza topped with battered fish and deep fried chips?

The flavour benefits of the pineapple as a pizza topping are not sufficient to outweigh the ridiculous connection with a pacific island that probably doesn’t even eat the stuff, and if they do, I doubt they put it on pizza.

S

ince the last NUS Conference in April, disaffiliation campaigns have been launched in universities across the country, including at Oxford and Cambridge. Many, such as Exeter University, have already secured referendums and taken an early lead in polling. This is excellent news.

Complaint after complaint and article after article has been made criticising the NUS, and expressing concern about the direction the NUS has been heading in. I’ve played no small part in this surge of online content lamenting the condition of our national union. Every single time I’ve received responses from the NUS brigade about why I am wrong, or why I’ve missed the point.

Although it’s them who are clearly missing the point, and the point is that there is real, widespread discontentment with the NUS and student ‘representatives’ across the

country, even amongst students who usually take no interest whatsoever in student politics. Students don’t feel properly represented and they don’t feel the NUS are working for them.

The champions of the NUS seem to consistently refuse to acknowledge this, despite the abundance of evidence online and on campus.

Students don’t want to be represented by a regressive, far-left, cliquey, often downright weird mob of students who are more concerned with climbing the greasy pole of the student political world and indulging in the power they think they have, than with actually making a difference to students and working on the issues those students care about. They’re out of touch with the majority of the student body as they’re encapsulated in their smug virtue-signalling bubble with other people just like them.

So what happens when they continue on without any real attempt at change or reform, and the bubble eventually

bursts and students decide enough is enough? The NUSceptics campaign, which is coordinating the disaffiliation campaigns is growing stronger every single day, especially after the election of Malia Bouattia as President, and voting on a motion to regulate Yik Yak, even after students were collectively asking online for the NUS stop passing unpopular, pointless and completely

H

ello there sweet Conni- I mean stranger. I know you may be worried about this rather horrible fate but fear not. I can tell you that you are not alone, at least not for the last few years. There has always been someone there - watching, waiting.

Perhaps he is even now watching you read these reassuring words. And if you were to ever die he, as inspired by Shelly, would cry out for his well-meaning, if slightly slow witted, assistant James to “Flick the switch” and bring you back from death itself.

Be it with various body parts that may or may not have been “borrowed” from local cemeteries.

Yours, Michael

“Students don’t want to be represented by a regressive, far-left, cliquey, often downright weird mob of students” Hallam Roffey

Help! I’m scared of dying alone- Anonymous

unenforceable policies. It won’t take many disaffiliations before the NUS starts to struggle financially, and students can set to work on creating a real, democratic national union that will work for the entire student body, not just an exclusive clique.

“I’m white, middle-class and love rap music. Why does everyone take the piss out of me? -

I

would like to take a break from being an agony uncle for the moment and become a mystic.

I’m envisioning an encyclopaedic knowledge of the lyrics to: Shut Up, That’s Not Me and Shutdown.

I can also see T-Shirts with dead rappers on them, possibly 2Pac. I see an entirely white childhood in a rural location.

I see you drunk, loudly rapping along to the lyrics to Eminem at a pre-drinks.

I can see…

I can see… myself…

You know what, you’re golden.

Yours, Will Morgan

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FEATURES

The

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C

Word

Within the make-up industry we have seen some bizarre trends, from glitter roots to lip plumping, we’ve seen it all. Alice Broster investigates the latest crazy contour trends

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“

others made it look easy.

It isn’t exactly a walk in the park and all of the videos and articles I read seemed to highlight the same three pitfalls or as Cosmopolitan dubbed it ‘the three commandments of contouring’ (who knew it was such serious business): Not using shimmery products.

This was a big one- not all brown hued products are made equal and when it comes to creating shadows on your face, shimmer just isn’t the way to go. Bronzer and contouring products aren’t the same- while bronzer creates w a r m t h , contorting seeks to create depth.

Never forget highlighter (ever).

Contouring and highlighting go together like gin and tonic- it’s the only way! While the darker contour shades make your cheeks look hollow, the highlight reflects light giving the illusion of high, brilliant cheek bones.

Avoid VCL like you would VPL. There is nothing worse than wearing a great dress, going out and realising the VPL is so real. It’s the same with visible contour lines; it essentially ruins your whole face of make-up. You want to create shadows not stripes.

Despite all this Hood by Air defied all of the contouring rules at New York Fashion W e e k , walking all of their models

“

C

ontouring, what was once a mystical makeup trick reserved only for Hollywood’s finest, seems to have exploded over the last few years.

Thanks to the billions of amazing make-up artists on Instagram and YouTube, everyone has become a beauty expert. Due to the internet and various product kits, contouring is now a key part of many people’s everyday makeup routines, making leaving the house Instagram ready that bit easier.

But what is it and does it really work?

Beau Nelson, Kristin Stewart’s long standing make-up artist, described it as “giving shape to an area of the face and enhancing the facial structure through makeup. It’s not supposed to be noticeable—just a subtle definition.”

Some have called it Spanx for the face (a term I will hopefully never use again).

After a long search on YouTube and Boots, looking at all the tutorials and products out there, I still came to the conclusion that contouring was some sort of make-up trickery.

Yet, it isn’tjust a luxury that was afforded to those who could call themselves beauty gurus (I certainly cannot). Contouring is actually available to us mere makeup mortals.

The Summer Balls are in full swing and for those of us who are balling on a budget, seeking the help of a pricey makeup artist just isn’t an option. But it turns out you don’t need the help of a pro to look like a million dollars.

While some tutorials would have you believe you need 18 products and a PhD in fine art,

Some have called it Spanx for the face

down the catwalk with completely unblended contour- never mind VPL, this is going out with your pants outside your jeans.

However it was surprisingly well received with Teen Vogue arguing that it highlights that make-up doesn’t have to be about creating the illusions of absolute beauty but just about having fun.

Is it a glimpse into the future or just another quirk that will remain firmly on the run way?

By looking at your face as a map it turns out you can sculpt out those dreamy cheekbones you have always wanted if, like me, you weren’t blessed with them naturally.

Throughout my search one name (or names) kept cropping up. It would only seem wrong if anything was written about contouring and the Kardashians/ Jenners weren’t mentioned.

If they have only taught us one thing it’s that your god given face and body are merely suggestions. Although it is no secret that they have sought a little (a lot) of medical assistance over the years, they have lead the trend of painting your face to perfection.

Within the last year the youngest Kardashian/Jenner, Kylie released her lip contouring kit which sold out worldwide within hours.

Yet they aren’t the only ones who have paved the way for extreme contouring.

The more you look the more you realise that people have gone mad with contouring.

It’s ever evolving and now every part of the body is being contoured.

There is a well-known, age old rule of that which you do to your face you should do to your neck.

No one wants a line of make-up ending at their jawline, but this goes further… much further.

It would be easier to tell you where people are NOT contouring than where they are.

It was only a matter of time before people decided to use this shadow magic

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to sculpt the perfect body without going under the knife.

Back of the neck, chest, bum, legs, stomach and collar bone all seem to have become favourite contouring spots of some of the makeup artists of the internet and whilst face contouring seemed to be the ultimate make-up skill to master, it turns out it was only the tip of the iceberg.

While I doubt we will be seeing p e o p l e walking into M o n d a y morning lectures with a full body contour (doing the compulsory reading is often too much for me) with department balls and sports events coming up, this isn’t a trend that will be disappearing.

It all seems like madness and when the makeup isn’t blended in people can look like circus attractions but it does actually look pretty amazing when done properly. If you attempt it, I salute youit isn’t for the faint hearted!It must be said that as contouring has expanded to cover our whole body, the beauty gods of Instagram are now telling us that we should be using so much more than brushes to blend our way to flawlessness.

It would take far too long to list all of the utensils I came across (most of them which can be found in the kitchen) so here are my five favourites: Sellotape: Beauty gurus would recommend using the tape as a guideline.

My thoughts- messy and painful.

Scissors: Using the blades, you can get a really sharp, precise contour. It’s about weighing up the pros and cons of nice cheek bones or cutting your face with sharp blades…

Tooth brush: Why would you use brushes that are manufactured for make-up, to be gentle on the skin when you can brush your face with hard bristles?

Spoon: This I may be able to get on board with- it’s not putting a blade on my face or ripping anything off it! But after using the spoon as a guide you’re still going to have to buff the contour in with a brush…

And my favourite of them all…

Knife: While most beauty gurus (and sane) people aren’t on board with this some have claimed it’s the most precise way to contour. So if ripping tape off your face or putting scissors near your eyes isn’t for you, you can always go for the knife. No thanks…

So it would seem that we have gone from mimicking Cara Delevigne’s cheek bones with a bit of powder to painting our whole bodies and taking all the tools we can get our hands on in order to achieve the perfect look.

Will it become the norm to walk out of the house with brown and beige stripes across our face as New York Fashion Week may suggest or will we remain in pursuit of the ultimate blend?

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FEATURES

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The Features Guide to:

THE EU REFEREND

The campaigners are in position, the key debates are clear and the date is set: Thursday, 23 June 2016. Referenda are a rare occurrence in British politics and they are not always about reconnecting the electorate with the political process. Over the past few weeks, we have been bombarded with leaflets, confusing figures and a whole host of MPs making their case as to why we should vote to remain or leave the EU. The issues being discussed are not always clear cut and easy to process. So we have created a guide to the pros and cons of EU membership to shed some light onto this year’s hottest political issue.

Stronger in?

The official government leaflet, which was delivered to 27 million homes over the last two weeks, is adamant that the UK is ‘stronger, safer and better in a reformed EU’.

Economic Implications

The International Monetary Fund recently warned that Brexit could cause ‘severe regional and global damage; it would also disturb entrenched trade relationships and cause major roadblocks for both the UK and the rest of Europe.

Even entertaining the idea of a referendum has caused significant damage to the influx of investment, as it tends to breed uncertainty and a lack of confidence in the financial sector.

Voting leave would only exacerbate these side-effects and increase the volatility of the financial market, which could disrupt trade and income flows leaving a significant dent in revenue.

The IMF also spoke of the benefits of economic integration brought on by EU membership and the benefits of economies of scale in improving growth.

The consumer protection offered by the EU cannot be ignored- people in Britain save an average of £450 a year due to the lower prices made affordable by EU membership.

Consumers can also expect imported goods to meet European quality standards which ensures that cheap goods have not compromised on quality.

The EU is a single market with no tariffs on imports and exports between member states; over 50 per cent of our exports go to EU countries.

Leaving the single market will result in debilitating tariffs on British exports.

It is much easier for the EU find an alternative than for us to find another market.

The EU also funds research in many UK universities and the free movement of people and EU grants have allowed talented graduate professionals to find employment in Britain.

The EU’s Erasmus programme, which is much closer to home, allows students within the EU to study, work and teach in another European country.

Employees are also better off within the EU with guaranteed

holiday pay, paid maternity leave and increased legal protection in the workplace.

Brexit campaigners have estimated the cost of EU membership to be £55 million a day which could be easily used for other priorities. However, the economic benefits of EU membership clearly outweigh the cost- other member states contribute more per person than the UK does.

The EU also pays subsidies and other rebates to the government which amounted to £4.4bn last year, bringing down the cost to around £24 million a day.

Diplomacy Implications

Brexit could also leave Britain on unsympathetic terms with other EU member statesFrench officials have stated that in the event of Brexit, the UK Border controls in Calais “would definitely” be moved to Dover which could bring a host of added problems for the Government.

During a recent visit to the UK, U.S. President Barack Obama, warned that Britain will not get a swift trade deal as many

Brexit campaigners had hoped for. Instead, we would go to the “back of the queue” and suffer having little influence globally.

“It could be five years from now, 10 years from now before we’re actually able to get something done,” he added.

Outside the EU, we would have little influence globally. Non EU members (Norway and Switzerland) have to abide by many EU rules without any influence on how they are made.

In a speech last year, Prime Minister David Cameron argued: “If we weren’t in there helping write the rules they would be written without us (the biggest supporter of open markets and free trade) and we wouldn’t like the outcome.”

A Second Scottish Independence Referendum?

It remains a very strong possibility that if the UK as a whole were to vote leave while Scotland wishes to stay that it would most likely trigger another referendum.

It is noteworthy that EU regional funding tends to

benefit Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales more than it does England.

First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon announced that it would “very highly likely” as a majority of Scots (53% per cent) are in favour of staying in the EU. This is a stark contrast to the figures in England which show that 50 per cent are willing to vote leave while 42 per cent wish to remain in the EU.

Entrenchment of EU Law in Domestic Law

EU Law currently accounts for around two thirds of UK law- it is a mixture of directly effective EU legislation and domestically implemented EU directives.

It is highly likely that Brexit could leave huge gaps in the legislative framework and a huge amount of time would need to be spent resurrecting old provisions and drafting new provisions to replace the repealed legislation.

This could lead to legal uncertainty which could permeate into the financial services industry and decrease the confidence of potential investors.

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DUM

Devni Kitulagoda has compiled a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know about the European Referendum before the vote on June 23rd

Vote Leave?

The Vote Leave campaign is championed by London Mayor Boris Johnson, Priti Patel MP, resigned Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith, Justice Secretary Michael Gove and former Justice Secretary Chris Grayling.

Economic Implications

Despite losing some of our negotiating power, Brexit could leave us free from the shackles of EU red tape to pursue our own independent trade deals with flourishing economies such as China, India and South America through the World Trade Organisation.

Brexit campaigners have also refuted IMF’s claims by stating that the IMF has been wrong before, especially regarding Britain adopting the euro.

The IMF wrongly predicted that refusing to adopt the euro could lead to severe economic complications for Britain which leaves many unconvinced of its new warning.

Abandoning EU membership does not mean saying goodbye to the single market- Britain could seek out alternatives such as the European Free Trade Area and the European Economic Area which allow non-member states to circumvent restrictive EU policies on agriculture, justice and home affairs.

Many advocate Norway’s relationship with the EU as they control their own agriculture policies and are

not privy to the EU’s fishing quotastherefore, leaving would enable us to regenerate our fisheries.

Britain could also gain full control of its borders- a controlled flow of migrants could increase wages for many employees. We could also implement our own immigration policy which would see more graduate professionals fast tracked into employment and scientific research.

The EU is Undemocratic

EU legislation is not voted on nationally and yet manages to supersede our own laws. By being committed to an ‘ever closer union’, the EU has overreached itself and has become too bureaucratic and undemocratic. The union has changed dramatically since 1975 and the British public has not had the opportunity to have their say.

Many Brexit campaigners see leaving the EU as an injection of democracy and sovereignty back into the system.

Westminster will have an enhanced, more purposive role which would allow them to veto unflattering EU proposals.

The lack of a ‘red card’ within the EU is another cause for concern.

Even when acting collectively, member states have no actual power to stop an EU proposal; it is an uphill struggle to gather a significant enough opposition in such a limited time frame which allows many proposals to go

unchallenged.

With the union ever expanding and gathering more countries under its wing, the EU has become too great a body to legislate fairly and democratically.

Security

We could be leaving the “door open” to terrorist attacks by remaining in the EU according to former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith.

“This open border does not allow us to check and control people,” he says.

Leaving will not leave us isolated or unprotected- the UK will still remain as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the United Nations Security Council.

However with the unrest in the Middle East and the emerging threat of Russian nationalism, whether we will need the EU’s security and strength is still an unresolved issue.

This summer, the question that has been quietly lurking in the background of British politics will finally be settled.

Can the complex issues surrounding EU membership be reduced to a yes/no question?

Whether an ‘amicable divorce’ will ever be possible is another question that is yet to be answered.

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SQUEEZING MOU As the world’s leading fashion magazine celebrates it’s 100th birthday, Hope Cunningham explores how beauty ideals have changed over time...

A

s British Vogue celebrates its 100th birthday, the question of changing beauty ideals and how far we have come in terms of diversity is at the forefront of my mind. As a society, we are constantly looking to magazines such as Vogue for an indication of what is beautiful. We see the images presented to us and mould ourselves, not always without realising, to fit in with such standards. In terms of personal identity, especially in young people, this has the potential to be rather damaging.

Questions have to be asked; what kind of people are should we admire? How far have we come in terms of inclusion? In 2016 we love to believe we have progressed leaps and bounds when it comes to accepting others, but how far is this just used as a way to silence the critics rather actually acting upon the problems?

Plus sized models only began receiving

we mostly see, but larger women could easily still feel as though they are not being properly represented when only toned, lean body type were strutting along the ‘plus size’ catwalk.

Social media however is showing itself to be a great leveller. In 2015 29 year old model Tess Holliday became the first and largest plus size model, wearing size 22, to be signed to a major modelling agency.

The agency MiLK discovered her photo shoots and body-positive messages through her Instagram, where Holliday currently has 1.2 million followers. The self-proclaimed feminist empowers other plus sized women and works hard to normalise bigger body types. On one post she writes ‘at the end of the day, I’m doing the impossible by even being a model in the body I’m in. It’s about being unapologetically YOU’. Brands are increasingly turning to social

not accepted as normal and beautiful.

According to Greatest’s 100 year look of how the ‘perfect’ female body has changed over time, this decade has been emphasised as having an obsession with big bums. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Nikki Minaj are at the forefront of this ideal with their slim frames contrasted with larger backsides.

I sat down with three black University of Sheffield students who believe the same thing is happening in terms of beauty and race.

“You don’t like the black girl because you like the black girl, you like her bum or lips or complexion but it would look better on someone else”, 20-year-old Aisha Ayode believes.

Popular beauty ideals are showing themselves to fetishise the female body in a damaging way. In today’s society beauty seems to be unattainable unless you fit an extensive list

“We no longer have to rely on a 50 year old editor-inchief to decide what beauty is because there are more of us who can portray beauty online” model agency representation in the 1970s and today still fail to be afforded the same number of opportunities that thinner models are.

It was only in 2014 that the plus sized fashion retailer Evans hosted their first catwalk show as part of London Fashion Week with ‘full figured’ body types. Being backstage and dressing these models personally, I found it shocking that a UK size 12 was what was considered to be ‘plus sized’. While giving an interview I overheard one model saying she doesn’t wish to be labelled plus sized and that the fashion industry needed to progress in terms of the body types it was presenting.

While steps are being made, the fashion industry is not going as far as it needs to when being realistic about women’s body types.

These models were bigger than the models

media as an indication of what the public want to see and marginalised voices are now being given the attention they have so long waited for. The increasing diversity we see owes a lot to this.

The plus sized debate does have its opposition. Some believe the glamorisation of bigger bodies promotes an unhealthy lifestyle where being overweight or obese is seen as acceptable and this is only the case as an effort not to offend. Furthermore, the larger body has come to be made much less attractive over time and the most desirable parts have been praised on smaller bodies instead. This suggests that plus sized body types aren’t at all wholly accepted and while some larger models have found success, the average plus sized woman may still feel that their bodies are

of criteria that spans different races and body types that no one woman can wish to achieve.

While social media is great for initial exposure it does show itself to have its downsides. What is beautiful on the realm of the internet may not relay into real life.

Furthermore, Instagram is considered the single biggest marketing and advertising tool for fashion and beauty products. While normal men and women are finding fame because of this, followers are still being presented a distorted image that may not be attainable.

20-year-old Ruva Mankola even said to me that “people are liking dark skin girls because it’s in season and that social media is pushing this.

Their features become just another ‘trendy’ desire.”

Aside from its disadvantages, black people

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G INTO THE ULD have nonetheless found an expanding platform to highlight an array of skin tones and facial features in an effort to show the world that they are beautiful and normal which is an extremely positive step in the right direction.

“We no longer have to rely on a 50 year old editor-in-chief to decide what beauty is because there are more of us who can portray beauty online”, 20-year-old Tara Mupamhadzi tells me.

“Everyone is moving towards the digital and that’s where everyone’s looking.”

This is not to say that representation in magazines is no longer needed. Representation needs to be everywhere because as much as we love social media not everyone uses it, and we need to have that accessibility to every single person. Not just in magazines, on billboards, in advertisements, in movies, in music.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell has been very vocal on this issue, openly criticising the fashion industry and blaming its resistance to diversity on ignorance.

She says: “they just don’t want to change their idea or be more open-minded, to just book a beautiful girl regardless of creed or color.”

This topic seems to be one that resurfaces time after time but is an important one because it seems change isn’t happening quickly enough.

Magazines and therefore society must be inclusive. By denying people the chance to be seen as beautiful, magazines have the ability to cause alienation and separation within societies’ minorwities.

While it seems popular culture is now turning to social media for its beauty ideals, it remains that Vogue is and will be a timeless fixture in Britain’s cultural domain, with Robin Muir, the magazine’s exhibition curator believing it to be “about people, society and culture and how fashion, art, photography and literature play out within that….It sets the absolute benchmark for everyone who aspires to learn about style and culture.”

For the average woman, society’s constant

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Check out Lifestyle’s piece on Vogue’s biggest fashion icons on Page 21

churning out of ever changing beauty ideals can be a tremendous pressure, as we are expected to follow new styles and imitate the biggest celebrities.

In terms of inclusivity, social media has been a big help in normalising race and size among others but this does lead to the reduction of the female form to a ‘trend’ for a certain amount of time.

The world has and continues to change and it falls to magazines such as Vogue to keep up with the progression. With the first trans model Andreja Pejic gracing the pages of Vogue in 2015, I believe publications are making moves in the right direction and must constantly continue to.

explained...

British Vogue is a fashion magazine (for those who have been living under a rock...) that has been published since its first edition in 1916, and is commonly referred to by it’s consumers as the “bible of fashion.” Vogue is now published in 23 different countries, as well as Britain, across the world, and has gone through some drastic changes over the 100 years, both in design and the kind of fashion it advertises.

For the 100th cover (which is out now) British Vogue has the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, as it’s cover star, which gives a nod to how the magazine was the first of it’s kind to start using celebrities on the coveted front page to draw in their audience.

British Vogue has faced some criticisms for fashion blunders- in 2011 the magazine was criticised for a spread in the December issue which featured a rosy-cheeked model sitting atop a yak, sporting a pair of £5820 trousers said to make the model look like the animal.

Editor of British Vogue, Alexandra Shulman has also become known for her attempt to change the face of fashion and she has pushed designers to stop using ‘size-zero’ models.

She said that “super-skinny models are no longer acceptable,” which, of course, received positive responses from women internationally.

Friday 6 May 2016 | Forge Press

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LIFESTYLE

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Travel: Enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Lifestyle contributor Stephanie Lee ventures into the magical depths of Harry Potter’s Orlando residence

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lorida supplies its tourists with a vast collection of beaches, rollercoasters and Mickey Mouse merchandise. Yet its greatest treasure, generously opened to the muggle public, is the magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Situated across two different Orlando theme parks, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley offer the opportunity to experience the life of a Hogwarts student; and indulge in J.K. Rowling’s much-loved fantasy.

RIDES

Orlando’s Islands of Adventure live up to their name by providing tourists with an unforgettable journey around Hogwarts castle. The surrounding snowcapped Scottish landscape can appear peculiar in the Florida sun, yet once you enter the castle you are submerged in Hogwarts’ ominous shadows. Guests are granted privileged access to Dumbledore’s office, a spectacular replica complete with the swirling memories of the Pensieve and guarded by Fawkes the Phoenix.

Ushered forwards by paintings of past Hogwarts head teachers, guests are invited to take their seats on an enchanted bench which transports them through virtual Quidditch matches, the Forbidden Forest and a thrilling battle with He-Who-MustNot-Be-Named.

Potter-fans will remember the terrifying tasks featured in the Triwizard Tournament, which included Harry’s encounter with an unforgiving dragon.

The Islands of Adventure have re-created

the first task in the form of two intense, high-speed rollercoasters; the aptlynamed Hungarian Horntail and the Chinese Fireball. Visitors can experience the same fear and elation without the danger of being eaten.

The Harry Potter experience would not be complete without J.K. Rowling’s most iconic vision - the Hogwarts Express, which transports you from the wizarding village of Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley, lying behind an enchanted brick wall in Universal Studios. A park-to-park admission ticket is required to travel between both theme parks, yet it’s a ride you will never forget, complete with chocolate frogs and a chilling visit from a familiar creature.

The centrepiece to Diagon Alley’s elaborate display is Gringotts Bank, where guests can tremble under the calculating stares of the goblins as they make their way towards the latest ride. In a spinning carriage, you are plunged down into the dark depths at an unbelievable speed, opening your eyes to the remarkable secrets of Gringotts; including a cameo appearance from Bellatrix Lestrange.

During the summer months the queues for each Harry Potter ride can be quite lengthy. However, tourists are kept enticed with views of the castle’s iconic candle-lit ceiling and Hagrid’s Hippogriff inhabited hut.

SHOPPING

Diagon Alley beats shopping in Meadowhall any day. The wizarding

street is crammed with the same bustling atmosphere as in the films and super- fans can be seen dressed in the full Hogwarts uniform clasping toy Hedwigs. Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes offers guests the chance to buy love potions, Pygmy Puffs and Skiving Snackboxes, honouring the careful attention to detail in the books.

However, the notorious Knockturn Alley offers an ornate collection of gothic merchandise, such as skulls and potions for all the dark wizards out there.

FOOD

Those who have drooled over Hogwarts’ feasts in the Great Hall will be expecting the same extravagance in Wizarding World confectionary. Hogsmeade does not disappoint. With ceiling to floor Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and Fizzing Whizzbees, Honeydukes is a

sweet-tooth heaven. Shop assistants clad in pointed hats stay true to character as they glide down the different aisles and offer guests samples of pumpkin pie, and the Butterbeer is strangely nice - allowing you to imagine sipping a pint with Harry, Ron and Hermione in the Hog’s Head.

Warning: you will spend a lot of money.

TOP TIP

As there is so much detail in the creation of both worlds, it would be best to dedicate a day to discover the whole of the wizarding world separate to the other attractions which can be revisited. This will ensure you make the most out of your money, gain the full Hogwarts experience and go home having successfully satisfied your inner-wizard.

Forge Press | Friday 6 May 2016

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LIFESTYLE

100 Years of Vogue: Fashion Icons As Vogue reaches it’s 100th year of publication, Cristiana Funza looks back on the biggest fashion icons of the last century.

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he world of fashion has seen a lot of beautiful, controversial and life-changing ideologies over the years. Think back to the rock ‘n’ roll age when nothing was banned or hidden, or even further back when revealing your legs with a mini-skirt was seen as vulgar and obscene. Little do people know of the impact that fashion has had -the female revolution and the empowering of women all began within the fashion industry. Things have changed and fashion scene has influenced the whole world.

So who are these people, these powerful icons who were good and bad models at the same time?

Gabrielle Coco Chanel started what could be called a ‘revolution’. At the age of 20, Gabrielle, an orphan, began her journey to what could only bring her success and bring others inspiration. She was one of the first to become an icon in the fashion world with her daring style. Chanel designed the emblematic tailored suit, inspired from men’s clothes and accessories. She enhanced comfort by breaking the rules and recasting perceptions. Coco Chanel influenced the fashion world by offering women an escape from the tight corsets and empowered them through what was then a symbol of power: the suit.

Moving from creators to muses, some

of the big names mention Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn. Possibly different, yet completely similar, the two women have turned heads and conquered hearts not just with their looks, but also with their spirit.

Brigitte Bardot, a ‘sex-symbol’ at the time, is a French actress, model, and more importantly a role model. B.B. proved how she wasn’t just a pretty face. While succeeding in her modeling career and being a muse for many, the French beauty was also involved in politics and animal rights. She campaigned for animals and wrote about feminism and war.

Not so far off is Audrey Hepburn, a portrait of elegance and class. Audrey was an exceptional actress, known for her role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, one of the most legendary and talented people in the last centuries. Her kindness and joyous spirit was acclaimed by many. As her life went on, Audrey devoted the rest of her years to UNICEF where she worked in some of the poorest communities of Africa and Asia.

Moving through the 20th century, we begin to approach the size issue. In

the words of Britney Spears: “she’s too thin, now she’s too big”. The 80s met skinny supermodels like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, who were appraised by everyone, leading to debates about what a woman should look like.

Magazines portrayed their slim figures and launched huge controversies within society. All of these controversies were almost settled when the plus size (often called curvy) model was introduced.

If possible, even more controversy struck the audience. For some this was outrageous, claiming that only skinny girls can be models, while others encouraged the image of a healthy body and the reality that we’re all different in mindsets, looks and forms.

While stepping into a new century we like to think that we have a better understanding of things and that we no longer hold onto misconceptions. It may not be entirely true, but for what is worth I think that we’re slowly embracing the beautiful variety of shapes and sizes and learn that icons are much more than just a face or body, as they have been proving it for decades.

Fashion on Campus Photos taken by Rama Alsammouah

Emma First year Studying Russian and Politics Jacket and dress: Topshop Shoes: Converse

Connor Second year Studying IT and Business Jeans and sweater: Topman Jacket: Barbour Shoes: Nike

Holly First year Studying Sociology Dress: Alexa Chung for Marks & Spencers Shoes: Topshop

Sean First year Studying Philosophy Clothing: ASOS Trainers: Nike

Friday 6 May 2016 | Forge Press

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LIFESTYLE

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Review: Cocoa Wonderland A world of pure imagination? Arunita Praharaj investiages...

I

visited this tiny café and sweet shop in early February when Sheffield was still engulfed by England’s miserable winter. Nights were long and days were rather gloomy. Nevertheless, Cocoa instantly changed the scene for me. Being an ardent chocolate lover, I rushed to

Cocoa Wonderland to devour its famous hot chocolate, but I was surprised by cabinets full of sweets and home-made goodies. Not only was I overwhelmed with their choices but also delighted by their inviting décor.

While I was there, I tried the aptly

named Thick Hot Chocolate which was filled with sinful richness. Its texture was akin to the velvety smoothness of brownie batters that were an absolute treat to lick off spoons! My friend opted for the Milky Hot Chocolate and a Caramel Chocolate Cake, both equally

Recipe Corner

-Joe’s Fried Chicken Ingredients:

- Good quality chicken breast (any cut of chicken will do as long as you can get some decent chunks of meat from it) - A decent amount of milk (buttermilk is ideal) - A couple of eggs - Flour - Vegetable oil for frying

Method: 1.) Cut up chicken into strips, chunks, nuggets… whatever takes your fancy to be honest.

2.) In a decent sized mixing bowl whisk milk and eggs. At this point just kind of chuck whatever seasonings or spices you want in for seasoning (I recommend smoked paprika and oregano, but a dash of hot sauce never goes amiss). Place all your chicken into this bowl and whack it in the fridge for an hour or so to marinade.

3.) Fill a bowl with flour (you might want to throw a few herbs and spices into here as well) and roll your chicken in the flour to coat.

4.) In a fairly deep saucepan heat up a few centimetres of oil and place the chicken in the pan to fry off.

5.) It should be done fairly quickly depending on the size of your pieces, but keep a close eye on it and make sure it’s cooked through when you remove it from the heat.

6.) This chicken can be eaten as is with chips etc., and is particularly nice on a bun with some coleslaw, salad, mayo and BBQ sauce.

7.) EAT IT.

- Joseph Mackay

desirable options. The cake was fluffy and moist and yet again packed a punch in the ‘sweet’ spot. However, don’t worry if you don’t possess a particularly sweet tooth! Their wide selection of teas would be a great option too.

Apart from these goodies, the interiors have been tastefully designed to reflect beautiful vintage vibes with the finest antique furniture, roses and artistic wall hangings. The servings are presented with adorable vintage cutlery, which definitely adds an edge to the uniqueness of the place. The colours and the artsy demeanour are all extremely Instagram worthy so don’t forget to take your camera along! If you’re someone who enjoys the company of books over social media, the café has stacked up volumes of good reads for one to grab as they sip on their drinks.

After indulging in their choicest desserts, if you desire to take some goodies home, the café also houses a little sweet shop at its entrance, where you are greeted by pretty glass jars of several delights along with exquisite gift options for loved ones.

The exciting choices are bound to spoil you while transporting you to the candy store memories of your childhood.

Cocoa also caters to its wonderful community of chocolate lovers by organising weekly and monthly events, such as their book and knit clubs and chocolate lock-ins which everyone is free to join! If you are looking for a perfect destination for special celebrations like baby showers or even a fancy tea

party, look no further because Cocoa Wonderland’s friendly staff will be more than happy to arrange it for you in their wonderful cocoa paradise!

Cocoa is placed on a lively street that has a variety of vintage shops and restaurants that one can explore while being in the neighbourhood.

All in all, situated in the heart of Eccelesall Road, Cocoa Wonderland is heaven for all choco-lovers and sweet enthusiasts. Vibrant, warm and yummyit is the place to go to, if you need a splash of cheery and happy sweetness! I strongly recommend a trip down to the café whilst picking a weekday or making an early start for weekends to avoid long waits.

Forge Press | Friday 6 May 2016

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LIFESTYLE

Over the Hedge: A look into Sheffield’s Gardens

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he English are renowned for their love of gardening throughout history, with horticulture right up there on the list of acceptable recreational pursuits for the “well-to-do”, as well as a widespread hobby of the common man. The RRoyal Horticultural Society (RHS)was founded in 1804 and gave royal accolade to the English tradition of gardening. Every year they celebrate this tradition in their renowned flower show, which has been displayed at Chelsea since 1912 and attracts world-wide attention and exhibits displays created by the elite of garden designers and landscape architects. The proliferation of gardens and landscape related documentaries available on BBC iPlayer (and BoB National for fellow students) is another indicator of our obsession with gardening. Whether it is Monty Don (the luckiest man in the world) jetting across the globe to visit a succession of beautiful, inspiring landscapes in Around the World in 80 Gardens, Alan Titchmarsh instructing us in patronising detail how to dig a hole and stick a tree in the ground, or even Tony Robinson and his Time Team

digging up the lawns of the Castle Howard Estate in search of the remains of the Henderskelfe village that was demolished because it obstructed the view from the Earl’s window our eyes are glued to the screens and our passion for English landscapes is indubitable. These awe-inspiring locations and prestigious events naturally filter down to the small-scale, influencing domestic garden design and inspiring local horticultural societies which often organise community events, such as “Who-has-got-the-biggestveg?” type competitions and “lookat-my-impressive-flower-arrangingskills” type shows. And anyone that has had the pleasure of enduring a village horticultural society show will probably be aware that the participants compete with an even greater level of prestige, ceremony and rivalry than in the Royal Shows themselves. Such is the English commitment to the humble garden.

As a landscape student I probably exhibit an “unnatural” interest in other people’s gardens (please excuse the pun).

And I do listen intently to my follow course-mates as they recount their tales of woe at attempting to nurture their withered chilli pot plant back to life. However, it’s probably fair to say that gardening isn’t very high up on the list of priorities for the average student. Gardening requires significant funds, knowledge and equipment but also commitment (not a quality that most students are renowned for having) as most plants do require regular watering and general maintenance (unless you are intending to create a cactus garden).

Gardening is an interest that tends to accompany property ownership, when individuals begin to settle down and want to cultivate a pleasant living environment rather than living in student digs. And there are some splendid examples of interesting gardens that I have begun to notice on my daily romps around Sheffield with my over-energetic dog. I have become excessively nosey, peering over garden walls and stopping

to take photographs of recycled car tyre planters painted in lurid yellow and blue.

There appears to be a general interest in designer topiary and one owner of a gated property in Ranmoor who thinks that placing a giant glass orb on his radially arranged box hedges is an innovative idea. There is also a woman on my street who has clearly been paying too much attention to Alan Titchmarsh’s Garden Secrets and has created a miniature 17th century garden complete with parterres and pleached lime trees. I write mockingly, but in truth it is heartwarming to see the care put into the cultivation of plants and the dedication to creating pleasant outdoor spaces evident in the homes of Sheffield.

Madeleina Kay

How to have a productive day

As exams and assignment deadlines loom it’s more important than ever to maximise your day’s productivity. Lifestyle Editor Rosie Hameed sets out a plan for success...

STEP ONE: Making a list and keeping a diary.

Lists are a life saver – they are the first things you need to do in order to organise your time effectively. Creating a list on a piece of paper will help you to organise your thoughts, and set a goal for everything you want to achieve for that day, week, or next few weeks. Make sure you prioritise. And, be realistic. Do not put try to put 100 jobs down when you know you can only complete 20. Make sure you tackle one

thing – be systematic.

boost your energy.

STEP TWO: Establish a routine I’m sure you have all heard the saying ‘the early bird gets the worm’. Well that’s what is you need to be if you know you work better in the morning. Equally, you might be a night owl. Either way, make sure you know how you work best so that you can be as productive as you can during exam season. And remember, food is your right hand - eat a filling, stimulating breakfast or dinner to wake you up

STEP THREE: Ready, Set, Break.

Taking breaks is probably the most important thing you need to do in order to be productive. After you’ve completed a few things off your list, go and have a break. Getting some fresh air is probably the best way.

Going for a walk, a drive, or even heading to the gym for an hour or two will keep your brain in check. Or, you could go and watch an episode of your favourite TV

programme (although make sure you do not slip into binge watching on Netflix).

STEP FOUR: Treat Yourself Lastly, and most importantly, treat yourself!

If you want to head out for a night out, go out for dinner, or just relax with a glass of wine and watch a movie, then do it! Making sure you treat yourself – even if you’ve only completed a few of your jobs – will motivate you. Self-love is the first love.

Forge Press | Friday 6 May 2016

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ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT THIS FORTNIGHT...

Has GCSE Drama lost its theatricality?

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xam boards AQA and OCR have announced that they no longer require GCSE Drama students to see live theatre performances as part of their course. As an alternative, they suggest schools use the free digital resources provided by the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). There has been widespread outrage from top British actors in reaction to this, and rightly so.

In a letter signed by the chair of National Drama, some actors

argued that “recordings of live productions are valuable teaching tools but they should be in addition to the experience of live performance, not a substitute for it.” However, it’s not just about tools for teachers. Students need the opportunity to form their own interpretations without fear of being marked.

While streaming plays into classrooms is a highly useful and economical resource which allows for easier access to theatre, the experience is just not the same.

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here’s a certain attitude to gaming that says the medium has little value and denies it the prestige of being called an artform. Perhaps this is most clearly expressed in a video in which Charlie Brooker, cynic extraordinaire and writer of the fantastic Black Mirror, tries to introduce Jon Snow, of Channel 4 and not the bastard offspring of Ned Stark, to the world of gaming.

Whether or not the otherwise respectable Mr. Snow is putting on an act, pretending not to “get it”, doesn’t matter in the end, because the attitude still prevails.

Students watching from school are able to hear audience’s responses of laughter, shock and enjoyment.

However, they are being robbed of the opportunity to actually be in the audience.

Observing the emotions of an audience and the actors on the stage is a truly valuable experience for anybody, not least for any aspiring actor or actress.

Theatre trips are vital for GCSE Drama students, as although exams are important for theoretical testing, students cannot achieve a

F

the news that despite Johnson’s enforced retirement due to hearing difficulties, the band is determined to continue their current tour with a stand-in vocalist.

Incredibly, the band have chosen to ignore widespread calls from ardent followers to cancel the tour, or borrow a singer from one of the excellent AC/DC tribute bands, instead recruiting Guns ‘N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose.

Although Axl once possessed one of the best voices in rock, time has taken its toll, and doubts abound

HOPE CUNNINGHAM

Simply another medium...

There is a possibility this is due to the fact that video gaming is a new medium, still a child learning to walk, compared to television and cinema, middle aged, and the geriatric world of the written word.

The older the medium, the greater the respect for it. It has solidified its place in society. When considering what is worthy of being described as ‘art’, people name paintings, books and plays, they name music, songs and films, and occasionally maybe a game. It still feels like the runt of the pack.

This year brought to us Firewatch, a game I will give nothing short

Should Axl get the axe? ormed in 1973 by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young then joined by Bonn Scott as lead singer, hard rock band AC/DC have a huge global following.

After Scott’s death in 1980, Brian Johnson became lead vocalist and the album Back in Black, a tribute to Scott, became the second bestselling album of all time.

They have endured continued success since, with Johnson at the helm. Therefore, it is no surprise that a storm of protest has greeted

well informed theatrical education without an experience of live theatre.

The theatre is a unique environment that allows for students to develop their ideas about performance without any boundaries. It means that they can reflect on the work in their own individual way and this way of thinking will reward them long after exams have passed.

over whether he is able to create the harsh tones required for A C / DC. Johnson’s gravelly rasp was a cornerstone of the distinctive AC/ DC sound and many argue that Axl’s high-pitched range lacks the raw grittiness for which Scott and Johnson were renowned.

I believe the band owe it to their fans to listen to their outrage – this line-up is not what they deserve.

Fans are behind the success which resulted in AC/DC becoming one of the undisputed heavyweight rock

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elevision fans both need and fear change- and shows all too often become victims of their own fame.

“With Season 6 of Game of Thrones upon us, it’s possible that viewers will be forced to accept that George R. R. Martin’s expansive saga has peaked.”

An argument could be made for both the show reaching its height around the time of Tyrion’s trial,

of praise, and a game I would describe as art. Though gaming, as a medium, should have none, there is a face to it and Firewatch is not what gaming sees when it looks in the mirror. The face of gaming is the well-known to people who have little experience of the gaming world.

We accept that there is a variety with other media, that there are good and bad films, wonderful and ear-achingly terrible music, literary marvels amongst pulp, yet with gaming there still is a face, and that face is still Call of Duty.

It’s young. As generations go

by, the facade will fade to the everyman and the diversity of games will show itself, from the fun, flashy and entertaining to those games that really make you feel. And that variety should be celebrated, as with other modes of storytelling. Sometimes you want something fun, sometimes you want something more.

But right now, it’s still crying in the night, tugging at your shirt, asking to be respected.

Gaming. It’s just another medium.

ASH EMRITTE

bands of the last few decades.

Such global domination demands a debt of gratitude.

Unfortunately, the band’s latest antics suggest other priorities.

Personally, I look at the new lineup as a second-rate tribute act.

Angus is the only original member so perhaps it is now time to allow AC/DC to be remembered for their glorious past success, rather than for outliving their sell-by date.

DANIEL GRINDROD

Shame of Thrones? when characters and plots convened spectacularly. This will always be classic Thrones, summarising everything that fans know and love.

But, sadly, the show can’t stay this way.This steady departure from swords to sorcery represents the unavoidable shift in tone which the show must take if it is to stay true to the books.

As a result of this shift, the central focus of the first seasons-that of character-centric political intrigue and warring houses- will be lost along the way.

Other problems have arisen as the seasons continue. Characters seem more likely to behave

irrationally as they take on the mantle of the many minor characters from the books that do not feature in the show, and there are gaps in the televised saga that are starting to show, with few memorable characters to fill them Criticisms like this are testament to the incredible impact that it has had. It is still unique, still thoroughly enjoyable, and still (for now) undeniably Thrones.

NICK BURKE

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GAMES

Friday 6 May 2016 | Forge Press

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THE PERIPHERAL VISION

Forge Press | Friday 6 May 2016

GAMES

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27

Amidst fears that gaming is stagnating, it needs a shot in the arm. Can Virtual Reality be its saviour?

B

y all accounts VR is, quite literally, a game changer.

Beginning with the Oculus Rift, famously funded through Kickstarter, early backers responded with overwhelming optimism to their developer kits, affirming the fledgling technology’s promise as the real deal.

Sony have since climbed aboard the VR train with a cheaper, PlayStation-exclusive VR, while surprise players HTC offer the Vive, along with some unique extras. Oculus, for their part, sparked outrage with their acquisition by Facebook in 2014.

This seems to have allowed the Vive to swoop in and partner with Valve, the de facto leaders of PC gaming, and owners of the PC market’s premier digital gaming service Steam. The two seem destined to battle for the PC community’s affections.

It is likely only one will survive.

Microsoft, in the habit of blazing their own trail ever since Kinect, continue to work on the HoloLens; an ‘augmented reality’ visor that overlays gaming onto the real world.

Though the technology is equally exceptional, the Xbox One’s disappointing sales may have already choked any promise out of its future.

With such industry-wide commitment to a common technology, the future seems bright for what was once considered a niche market. But this may not be an easy road for VR, nor an easy sell for consumers.

Past Mistakes The peripherals market is notoriously difficult to crack, resulting in some quite eye-watering write-offs by various companies over the years. Though the likes of uDraw, PlayStation Move, the Kinect 2.0, Wii U, and 3D gaming were more ill-advised missteps than Oculus and friends, the failures were nevertheless great enough that more than a bit of scepticism should be shown - uDraw in particular is widely considered as the failure that eventually bankrupted THQ. These failures could be attributed to the poorlydefined design boundaries that plague peripherals - that is, where does the plastic stop?

There truly are few limits to what can be achieved for greater immersion. But more immersion means more money, more ingenious tech, more plastic.

Whether it’s the Vive’s Lighthouse technology, that turns the living room into a virtual playground, or the Virtuix Omni, a smooth pad designed for virtual running, this will not stop with the headset, and neither will developers.

“This may not

be an easy road for VR”

And while this wave of technology shows exceptional engineering ingenuity, it also fractures the market, raises the price barrier, muddies the picture for prospective developers, hinders coordinated market growth and, in the case of the Virtuix Omni, makes people look a bit silly in doing so.

And now to VR’s great adversary: the price barrier. For Sony’s part, its release will be midway through the lifecycle of the PS4. Sony’s apparent advantage of its formidable user base counts for nothing if the current model can’t support VR. And if rumours are to be believed, this is precisely the case.

With a newer, more powerful PlayStation set to be revealed at this year’s E3 conference, Sony not only needs to sell its VR, but its ‘PS4.5’, too.

Early adopters may trade in their PS4s for good money, but soon the value of a preowned console will fall to the point that those already unsure about making the leap will be driven away entirely.

The Smart Choice?

Parallels can be drawn, not unfairly, between the requirement of an iPhone for the Apple Watch to work, and the recommended hardware needed to support VR. The price barrier is deceptively high, something many will discover the hard way.

Could we be about to witness the same phenomenon seen with the smart watch ‘revolution’? Predictably strong preorders, a struggle to meet demand, and the promise of Apple’s first new product line in years all disintegrated into apathy,

once the limitations and true usefulness of such a minute design became apparent. Technical marvels though they are, the watches, also developed by the likes of Samsung, Google and Motorola, simply couldn’t justify their price.

Further financial dangers abound. Developers may well feel pressure to charge more for their VR-only titles, if they are to have any chance of recouping their investment from a small user base. Then there is the issue of software. A leap in hardware sales is often attributed to desirable platformspecific content, and surely VR can be no different. Games sell hardware, and these pricey investments need a ‘killer app’, something to make them a necessity, not just a party piece.

After years of research and development, is the funding truly there to provide continued support for the technology?

There are yet more boundaries between VR and greatness.

As an alternative to gaming on a screen, it needs to be comfortable enough to wear for hours of use. Games need to output 60 frames per second to have any hope of avoiding motion sickness or headaches. Additionally, the headset is an experience, something that needs to be tried and felt there is no mainstream precedent for technology of this level.

Consumers will need to be convinced that their living room needs to change, which may well be the hardest sell of all.

A Glimpse of the Future At first, Oculus Rift had its market, and knew its place. But the introduction of Sony and HTC has muddied the waters somewhat. This is a premium product being designed for the masses, and analysts no longer seem certain as to the impact that VR could achieve.

Sony can hardly be blamed for capitalising upon this opportunity, of course. They have a sleek design, the lowest price point (via inferior tech), and a console consumer base purported to be double that of Microsoft’s, which represents consumer trust if nothing else. But the market seems destined to split. Whatever the result of this push into uncharted territory, it does not seem likely that there is enough space for these three peripherals to coexist. New hardware always needs a flagbearer, and VR is no different.

One thing is clear; VR in its current state will either change the industry, or die a slow and costly death.

Whatever the result though, there are wonderful strides being made in mass-producible technology, and they represent the promise the future of gaming holds.

Nick Burke

“These pricey

investments need a ‘killer app’”

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GAMES

Friday 6 May 2016 | Forge Press

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BLACK DESERT ONLINE Black Desert Online has recently seen its long awaited release into the EU and NA regions. It is not your run-of-the-mill MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Roleplay Game). The ‘sand-box’ element relates primarily to the fishing, farming, trading, crafting, gathering, hunting, cooking and real estate available in the game, culminating in essentially running a small enterprise.

Combat wise, it is a fairly PVP (Players versus Player) oriented game with some very engaging PVE (Player versus Enemy) leveling content and world bosses. There are no dungeons or raids, and, as a result, Daum Games have managed to move further away from the ‘holy trinity’ of MMOs (the dedicated roles of tank, damage dealer and healer) more than any of its contemporaries.

Most player experiences in new MMOs start in a similar vein; character creation screens where you choose a race, faction and class, appearance customization

CULT CORNER THE CULLING

H

ave you ever wanted to be the Katniss Everdeen of The Hunger Games without actually dying, or being close to death in reality, and prove to the world that you are the ultimate survivor? Well The Culling, as the name suggests, might be the thing you have been waiting for, maybe just slightly more brutal.

It is a relatively newly released online PvP game, still in Early Access, that can be played solo or in a team of two. The players are marooned amidst the bloody grounds of a beautifully-designed tropical island. The magnificent graphics definitely enhance the visual experience. The characters begin inside boxes, but once released, they are free to roam the forests and rivers, scavenge them for resources, and craft weapons and band aids and other survival necessities.

Abandoned buildings are scattered throughout the map, where healing ports and better items are stashed. They are often contested points, where the cruelest battles commence. The aim is simple – persevere and be the last person standing. The winners are awarded with a fancy cosmetic item drop. Not too much

and the age old task of choosing a name.

Quests will take you from zone to zone – so starts the levelling experience.

The standard MMO will allow players to part take in group oriented ‘dungeons’ to kill elite enemies and test their teamwork together in boss fights. There are often professions that the player can choose to take up; most MMOs limit the player to only a select few professions to steer them away from becoming a ‘jack of all trades, master of none’.

Last, but certainly not least, for many players, is the endgame; the content available for max level players who wish to push the limits of the game.

So does Black Desert Online break the mould? Having played at least eight different MMOs, my immediate response to this question is: yes. On release, many posts on the game’s subreddit and Daum’s own forums showed players’ genuine surprise at how

much content the game has to offer, and how much freedom there is to develop your own play style.

It starts in a similar way to most MMOs; there are classes to choose from, a character creation screen,

“One of the most engaging MMOs released as of late” tutorial quests and the like.

However the classes are unique, they aren’t as ‘set in stone’ as some other MMOs; the player has the freedom to choose their own class build and play style. The combat plays like a fighter game such as Tekken or Street Fighter. There are combos to learn and lots of room for variation. This allows players to develop their own combos depending on their play style which effectively removes the need for a standardised rotation of skills and spells.

The game is rich in PVP and guild oriented content. Guilds can war with each other and battles can take place at any time or place around the map. Player organisation is key in Black Desert Online, strengthening motives for guild participation. In addition to this, guilds have contracts for every player wishing to join, paying out a daily rate which varies depending on the player’s participation. World bosses spawn throughout the map, usually sparking world events of max level players coming together to try and take them down.

Graphically, the game is stunning. The overall gameplay feels more like a single player RPG reminiscent of The Witcher games or The Elder Scrolls rather than an MMO. This compromise likely makes the game for a lot of players, especially for those bored of the standardised MMO format.

The only deal breaker for some is likely to be the lack of armour and weapon customisation, and the extortionate prices of cosmetics

and utility items available on the ‘cash shop’. However despite this, there is a general consensus that it does not facilitate a ‘pay to win’ model.

All in all, Black Desert brings together a variety of features from a selection of different styles of video games. From the Tekken style of combat to the systems of professions comparable with Harvest Moon, Black Desert Online has something for everyone. It is a fairly demanding game. For people wishing to try it, they will have to get their hands on a seven day pass that friends will receive after purchase. Be sure to check out the system requirements before playing to see if your machine can handle it.

Or… if you decide to buy the game outright, enjoy playing one of the most engaging MMOs released as of late!

farm, either through planting more crops or rearing animals. While farming crops yields the most profit immediately, raising animals and increasing your rating with them produces better products. Both of these actions require use of the very limited energy and so until tools are upgraded or new recipes are learnt through advancing the skill trees, a difficult balance between profit and energy-saving must be struck.

Stardew Valley also offers a devious save system whereby the game cannot be saved until the character sleeps for the night. As it is impossible to stay awake all night, you are forced to stop your adventures early and go to sleep.

While this may be infuriating at times, it also means that you never feel like you’re running out of things to do, and makes the game highly

addictive.

A plethora of other items can be purchased or crafted as the game continues, such as fruit trees or various machines, which allow you to craft artisan goods from your farm’s produce, goods which are essential for progression in the other parts of the game. As your character learns more recipes, you are left with a feeling of achievement and the completely customisable farm begins to feel like your own.

To top this off, not only do you get given a pet dog to name and own, but there is also a fantastically composed soundtrack which leaves the entire game feeling delightful and relaxed to play.

NED WESTWOOD

STARDEW VALLEY

of an incentive, but hey, it is there.

At least, it should be. Managing to get to the end of round as a newbie is challenging, to say the least.

However, while it does sound like a lot of fun, it is not all perfect. To begin with, the character loadout.

There is a wide variety of cosmetic items that can be obtained via playing the game, but the same could not be said about the character customization.

Unfortunately, there are very few face presets and more diversity would have been preferable. Fortunately gender choice is available. Also there is a myriad of battle perks that you choose from, which enhance your character’s skills. The battle system consists of attacking, blocking, shoving and throwing objects, and while it does sound simple, it does require some time getting used to, and for new players it is particularly difficult to win an encounter with more experienced players.

Overall, The Culling can be quite an entertaining and timeconsuming game, definitely not suitable for students who are about to hit exam periods.

However, it is definitely a decent piece. Being first person makes it more immersive than some of the competition like H1Z1, and while it does not have any gripping plot, it can be enjoyable. Playing it in duo is recmmended, as the team gameplay makes it even more challenging.

GEORGI TINKOV

PART ONE: FARMING

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tardew Valley has been pleasing both gamers and critics alike for a few months now, having reached over a million sales on Steam.

Developed, designed and written by a single person (Eric Barone, ConcernedApe), Stardew Valley is a truly standout indie game.

The game draws heavily on similar titles such as Harvest Moon, with ConcernedApe claiming he aimed to improve upon aspects of these games. Central to the game is a farm which your customisable character inherits from their grandfather. The farm can be redesigned freely, with the only limitations coming in the form of immovable lakes and some larger rocks and logs which require upgraded tools to destroy.

Most progression through the game comes from expanding the

LEVI LEWIS-OLDING

Catch subsequent parts online at: www.forgetoday.com/press/games

Forge Press | Friday 6 May 2016

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Evita

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he story of Eva Perón from poverty, to actress, to First Lady of Argentina is full of tragedy, political drama and cynicism. And some excellent songs.

SUPAS, Sheffield University Performing Arts Society, put on a stellar performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical, with compelling characters, from the manipulative Evita (Livvy Watkins and Sarah Shorten), to the sarcastic and cynical Che (Calum Black), who leads the audience

through the story with his humour keeping you entertained throughout the more political sections, where it could have otherwise get bogged down.

The performance begins in an impressively convincing cinema, thanks to some great lighting, where the chorus learn the fate of the title character, before the narrator, Che, throws us back to how Evita started to climb the social ladder.

Evita has an eclectic range of musical styles throughout, and the cast rise to the challenge with aplomb. It moves from a haunting latin requiem, which creates an atmosphere of sorrow and an unnerving stillness, to tangos and more upbeat pieces, that can’t help

Image: Park Hill Estate, Courtesy of Art Sheffield

Art Sheffield: A City Seen Again

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heffield is explored through the language of video, film and sound works; by international and national artists in this monthlong exhibition.

It takes us first to the Park Hill estate which was scheduled for demolition until saved by English Heritage and Urban Splash. Away from the centre and above the train station, Michel Auder’s- impossible to announce in one breath work: Untitled (I Was Looking Back To See If You Were Looking Back To See Me Looking Back At You) is based.

Aside from the title, the show is funny, surprising and relays truthfully just how confident we think we are that no one will see us if we stand in our windows completely naked.

The ramble on the estate leads to Mark Fell at the Link Pub, the second most dangerous pub in Britain. Within, he has re-launched 1992 for the 21st Century with his site specific work: Structural Solutions to The Question of Being. It features a pirate radio recording playing from that year along with blinding lights that include, as well as exclude you from the

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but make me smile and move a bit to the music, and, of course, the instantly recognisable ‘Don’t Cry for me Argentina’.

The band hidden behind the stage were also superb with some sections just ringing with jollity that made the audience enjoy themselves as much as they seemed to. One of the few problems I had with the performance was the band being slightly too loud, overshadowing the vocals, which was especially problematic with some of the more complex layering in the vocals.

Overall SUPAS’s Evita was an enjoyable musical journey through a very interesting person’s life.

Dan West

surroundings.

They are, of course telling stories and are as, curator Martin Clark calls it, shaping a reverie to Sheffield.

Charles Atlas’s Painting

by Numbers at Sheffield Institute of Arts Gallery has a swirl of numbers like particles that change and manipulate themselves with charm in front of your eyes. This is linked to his earlier works Channels/Inserts and Blue Studio: Five Segments which makes for a calming and bright space.

Compared to that, Moore Street Electricity Substation is imposing and brutal. It could also be missed completely.

Unless inside, where Steven Claydon’s InfraIdol Assembly awaits you at the other end. A stopframe

animation composed of atoms is both primal and happy.

Bloc Projects holds Beatrice Gibson’s F FOR FIBONACCI. It is a video showing an 11-year old boy creating a world in Minecraft for billionaire, Mr Money.

But what it does do is feature an entertaining conversation between two artists about the work and the world created.

That costs nothing to enjoy.

If anything, Art Sheffield is a tour of the city, back and forth and around Victorian architecture and soon to be demolished buildings. Art Sheffield unearths the computer eloquence of an industrial city with energy and confidence.

It acknowledges the changes that are inevitable but retains the courtesy to Sheffield not to overshadow the city, but to support it.

Art Sheffield runs between 16 April- 8 May 2016.

Make sure you don’t miss: 7 May 2016, 12:00pm Art Sheffield Festival Tour S1 Artspace at Park Hill

Mollie Davidson

BOOK CORNER The Picturegoers

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By David Lodge

ighly compelling and beautifully understated, David Lodge’s 1960 debut novel remains a classic tale about the anxieties of modernisation the troubles of moving on. Between the crumbling walls of the Brickley Palladium, Lodge presents rolling tide of human experience; the shared weekly ritual of ‘picturegoing’ revealing the hopes and fears of people from all walks of life. The reader is allowed to wander in and out of changing times, experiencing the cultural shift of a community readying itself for the future.

The novel’s social narrative is driven by the troubled love affair between Mark Underwood, a wayward student, and Clare, a devout Catholic struggling to repress her ‘sinful’ emotions. Through his portrayal of the traumatic conflict between dogmatic values and romantic passion, Lodge’s story critiques the human cost of religious control. For readers with an interest in changing cultures and fading art forms, The Picturegoers offers a unique opportunity to step into a snapshot of the past.

Laura Mulvey

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ARTS

Friday 6 May 2016 | Forge Press

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Sketching a different way of thinking

Forge Press | Friday 6 May 2016

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ARTS

Escapism, late nights and the flamboyance of Prince.

Although technology has moved on since the turn of the 20th Century, sketch comedy still manages to enthrall Aisha Ayoade and gives her an alternative educa tion...

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magine a world without the internet where entertainment had to be sought in the real world, rather than from a screen in your room. Weird.

Audiences dressed up and left their homes for their nearest theatre to watch the latest vaudeville show. However, by the 1940s the dynamic of the sketch show changed from vaudeville to films to television. It was easily accessible. Monty Python’s Flying Circus came to our TV screens and completely changed the game. It gave people escapism without having to leave

“It gave people escapism without having to leave their front door” their front door. This inspired an explosion of many sketch comedy artists; you no longer had to make it on the West End to become a contemporary celebrity.

That is what is great about sketch comedy; it is different from everything else on television. It portrays real life in an outlandish and extravagant way, making fun of the everyday. Sketch comedy involves improvisation. You do not need to have the best acting skills or even remember your lines, you just have to be comfortable in your ability

to entertain. A sketch allows you to indulge in a sense of humour that feels authentic and presents you with real unadulterated comedy.

Through talking to my friends about sketches, only one said that they did it to improve their intelligence. The others watched sketches because of their ability to capture the realism of everyday life, and the way they manage to change perceptions on the everyday, introducing their audience to a new way of thinking.

Getting away from it all is the reason anybody watches sketch shows.

Victoria Wood, a great pioneer of sketch comedy, passed away recently. However, I did not grow up watching her performances. She only came to my attention after her death.

Yet, seeing the national heartbreak that her death caused I took a few hours out to sit in my pyjamas on a Sunday morning and watch a couple of her sketch shows.

After the first three videos, I understood the general gist of her humour and it was nice. It was homely.

Her goofiness and her northern accent made her like your fun aunt that comes over every Christmas; she’s a bit embarrassing, but you can’t help but love her. Victoria Wood presents you with a setting that you’re familiar

with; a dinner table or a café and she creates a new world of imagination and entertainment.

“I find myself following a winding route through the dark side of the internet” The birth of YouTube in 2005 has allowed for sketches to be seen more widely. It has made social and political art infinitely more accessible, and the spread of sketch comedy is a huge part of this. For me, between the hours of midnight and 4am, I find myself following a winding route through the dark side of the internet, leaping from video to video.

The first time I ventured into this unknown territory, I happened upon Dave Chappelle. He was a revelation.

I not only enjoyed his sketches but it opened my mind to pop culture and pop icons. I would have never have learnt about Prince’s flamboyant flair if it was not for Chappelle’s sketches with Charlie Murphy. I was hooked.

The old comedy sketches that they show on TV nowadays don’t really have that wit that I think we crave. I mean, they are funny, but the comedy is too obvious for me. Whereas Dave gives us those jokes that make you feel as if you are in the know. With Dave Chappelle it’s like a - hand over mouth, I can’t believe he just said that- kind of joke, the ones that you know will get him into trouble.

His sketch on George Bush during the Iraq war was infamous. It was a very sensitive period for American comedians but he styled his words and delivery with charm. The sketch mocked Bush’s entire foreign policy system,. he even managed a cameo from Tony Blair. I think that is what I love about Chappelle’s comedy sketches. They are often mercilessly short but they always have a point to make. They are a perfect blend of satire, honesty and intelligence. Maybe it’s just me but like to feel as if i’m using my brain. I like to watch comedy that fools me into thinking I’m smart, you know?

From the silent sketches in the 1920s to Victoria Wood’s Happy Since I Met You in the late 90s, sketches are there to make you laugh but also to question what you thought you knew and who you thought you were.

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MUSIC

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SPOTLIGHT. Forge catches up with two of the best new bands as they pass through Sheffield

VANT

VANT @ PLUG

In preparation for the festival season, Navya Hebbar caught up with VANT, prior to their gig at Plug

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oy bands singing about saving the world is a sight for haggard souls disillusioned by mainstream music. How good was the band, though? Pretty damn good.

London-based quartet VANT, the brainchild of frontman Mattie Vant, perform at Plug in Sheffield on a Saturday evening – and for once it isn’t about lost love of any sort.

Their set is very well constructed as they take to stage without much ado. The music starts off as harsh and loud but is quite catchy – think rock n’ roll garage punk.

Their combination of meaningful lyrics, incredible presence and purpose are very refreshing as they start the set with a ferocious number called ‘The Answer’.

“A smart combination of indie rock and raw punk” The minute they get comfortable they take to rolling about on the stage. It shows that they are a band that is aware not only of its music but also of its environment and more importantly, of its audience.

Speaking of a certain anger of the youth not ready to accept legislation, they strum out ‘Birth Certificate’, a song about immigration rules.

INTERVIEW WITH VANT

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ormed through coincidence, VANT is a band that came together in London in 2014.

A lot of its lyrical themes deal with political issues and with this philosophy, VANT prefer to refer to their origin as ‘Planet Earth’ rather than associate with a particular nationality.

Starting 2016 with an appearance on BBC Radio 1’s Future Festival, booked across the UK & Europe, leading into festivals in the summer of 2016. We caught up with Mattie Vant, the frontman last Saturday night before the band took to the stage at Plug in Sheffield.

You have just announced your slots at Reading and Leeds, what does it feel like?

I can’t wait, it’s going to be amazing. Last year was really fun and I think Reading was the highlight for us. Going back to a bigger stage and a better slot should be fun and I think it marks a progression with where we are as a band and hopefully next year it will

be even better.

Which were the best and worst gigs you’ve played so far?

The worst gig so far was in Birmingham last night, people were a bit too violent.

The best gig on this tour so far, I think was our London show at the Dome. It was a big stage and like Reading and Leeds, it was a mark of progression for us, and a bit awe inspiring too. I think Reading is also up there amongst some of the best we’ve played.

“I think we like to surprise ourselves and play around with the environment” You’ve been known to play in the crowd and roll all over the stage – is it a conscious bid to do something different or is it very extemporaneous?

I think we like to surprise

ourselves and play around with the environment. The minute we are in a nice position, we like to get off the stage and get involved with the audience and have that bit more of a connection with them.

“No one else was speaking my voice” The lyrics have a current of political and social undertones to them, where do those come from and where are they directed to?

We cover a wide variety of subjects on our album and all of the songs we have released so far. I think it is important that bands and artists engage more in the world that we live in because we are living in a time where there might not be a next generation, after a few generations.

The reason why we started writing this stuff because no one else was speaking my voice and saying what I believe in. I can’t go through this life without feeling like I’ve done something positive and something that could potentially make a difference and help people

in some way. It just happens that the medium that we choose to do that in is music.

And it isn’t alcohol that made the audience go absolutely nuts. A smart combination of indie rock and raw punk, it was definitely worthy of all the attention.

They create an atmosphere with a specific sound. This atmosphere is entirely unaffected through all the stage theatricals that take place, including a bout of stage dives and Mattie getting down into the audience to play amongst them.

Another highlight of the evening is ‘Parking Lot’. The guitar riffs draw your attention, the drums roll to keep it. It is one of those songs that’s impact isn’t lost in a live performance. Thankfully they are anthemic without sounding like a nursery rhyme.

‘Do You Know Me’ and ‘Parasite’ are tracks that address the media’s knack for stirring up fear, which are savage in the punk factor and vocal delivery department. The songs linger around, leaving you wishing that there were more people jumping to it than the ones in the already packed venue.

At the end of the night, it is clear that VANT favours its variety over depth and you are left a bit unsettled after an onslaught of feral punk and sweat machines all around you. The quick pace of the set made it sound slightly ramshackle in-between, but the band’s ardent support for alternative global politics more than makes up for it.

NAVYA HEBBAR

If not for music, what would you be doing?

Probably something like charity work. It is something that we plan to move into once we have a bigger voice. It is very hard to change things when you are not in a position of power. There are a lot of big celebrities and big music heads who, if they use their power positively, would have more impact than politicians on a global scale.

The aim is to get ourselves into a position where we can change things and we have the resources to do so.

and music come from?

Frustration really. There is no one else saying what I believe. It comes from when I read about news reports or statistics or just general emotion and self-questioning. It always starts from a very meaningful place – the music and the lyrics sometimes come together, and sometimes, they come one at a time. There is no real formula to it.

And once I have the basis for the song, I will work with Henry to formulate it into the finished product which has the sound that we have as a band. It is a sound that we have developed together and we all share the same beliefs anyway, it just happens that I am the one that writes them down.

How does your creative process go about and where do the lyrics

What are you plans for your debut album?

We can’t wait to get the debut album out, it is a collection of songs that we are very proud of. And I think as an album it is a consistent piece of work which represents everything that we stand for as a band and covers a wide variety of issues and that should be with everyone at the very start of next year.

NAVYA HEBBAR

“I can’t go through this life without feeling like I’ve done something positive”

Forge Press | Friday 6 May 2016

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MAN MADE Manchester trio, Man Made, released TV Broke My Brain on 29th April, and Jack Stacey got the opportunity to stream the album and interview Nile Marr prior to release MAN MADE ANSWERS OUR QUESTIONS

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urning off the heat of debut album TV Broke My Brain, Man Made’s Nile Marr chats with Forge about technology, nature and the steel city.

A Mancunian of indubitable heritage, Marr is affable and easy.

He spent the few hours before the interview ferrying gear from point A to point B for their next show; ‘This is our life now,’ he jokes. Not surprising considering the success of his band Man Made and their new album TV Broke My Brain. It’s an offering of creditable variety, often combining a crunchy guitar sound with a variety of styles and tempos.

I ask a little about the concept behind the record.

“This was not a pre-meditated thing”

MAN MADE: TV BROKE MY BRAIN

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anchester outfit Man Made slip clandestinely into the big time with a quiet, yet notable debut album, exceeding in swinging from one extreme to another with class and skill.

Hypnotic, grimy, thumping and listless, TV Broke My Brain almost sounds like some bizarre compilation with the sheer contrast between each track.

The variety is what makes this album worth listening to. Man Made takes us from gentle rain-inducing midnight songs like ‘Slowdance’ to greasy hair grunge shrines in ‘You Never Know How It Feels’ to indie anger in the titular ‘TV Broke My Brain’ with its anti-establishment message and its percussive Stranglers’ bass. It’s rare for a modern album to cover quite so much ground, and it’s particularly refreshing when done with Man Made’s original flair.

The sound of the album is difficult to nail down in each of its incarnations, but a linking factor for each song is the quality of the production.

“Hypnotic, grimy, thumping and listless” Every song is polished and balanced, whether it’s the lethargic thoughtful numbers or the gunnedup grimy slap-songs, they all sound sharp and tailored. The music itself is well-written and a fine example of how albums do not necessarily have to stick to one style. The melodies are catchy enough to be memorable and the hooks are raw enough to be indie.

The lyrics suffer from pretentiousness at times, as if they were written by a teenager with a superiority complex over his classmates; it’s a problem which infects the title itself in TV Broke My Brain and in particular ‘Plastic Key to Living’ which suffers from explicitness over subtlety. Everything has been said before.

It’s a fine debut album and a great addition to the music scene. An offering of variety and lucidity with just the right level of progressive change to stand out from the masses.

JACK STACEY

‘This was not a pre-meditated thing, I was just writing the songs that I felt that I needed to write at the time and saying the things that I needed to say’ he said. ‘I noticed there were running themes within the record. The album’s not making a judgement about technology,

it was very much ‘Does it make our lives richer?’ I just saw this unthinking embrace of technology that’s pushed on us by corporations.

I started to feel very pinned in by technology, to me it’s very invasive.

The more I started to think about, the less I wanted anything to do with. I don’t want come across as a luddite, but the most significant moments in my life have never involved a screen. But the record’s not anti-technology. It’s anti-nonthought.’

“The album should be like a menu of what the band does” So the thematic ideas were sporadic and on-the- go. Was it the same for the actual music?

‘We record very quickly because we gig so much and basically take that approach in the studio. For Man Made especially, we were never ‘Here’s the album, now let us play it for you’. For us we’re a live band, so I always thought the album should be like a menu of what the band does.’

It’s a vivid response and easy to match up to the songs on the album, which could just as well be live recordings for all the energy and intensity. It’s like the gigs have

leaked into the record: ‘We couldn’t make a record that didn’t sound like what we do live. We take what we do live and put it into the studio.’

“That’s why I love Sheffield so much: because of the connection with the outdoors” Finally, I ask about whether his home town of Manchester has had any influence on the album.

The answer, surprisingly, is in the negative. Perhaps even more surprising is his admission that it is in fact, our very own Sheffield had more of an influence: ‘For many of us in the band, nature is a big part of it. That’s why I love Sheffield so much because of the connection with the outdoors. And obviously my plan is to continue to work and put the word out, that I am very much after an honourary degree from Sheffield. I want that to trickle up to the higher levels of the university.’

Well Nile, keep up the great music and we’ll see what we can do.

JACK STACEY

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MISTY MILLER @ HARLEY

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resh from releasing her debut album The Whole Family Is Worried, London-based Misty Miller gives a confident performance at The Harley.

The crowd included people of all ages. Though Misty’s songs have a young, upbeat vibe, the wide demographic is unsurprising given that most of her lyrics are about relationships, which we encounter at every stage of our lives. Her album was two years in the making but when performed it is obvious that Misty loves each of the songs that she plays. In these two years she has evolved from playing small gigs at her local pub in Brixton to touring the country both with her own band and supporting Sheffield-based band The Crookes, who played with Misty at The Leadmill in February.

With the smell of that day’s burgers still filling The Harley, the gig opened with two local support bands: The Vellas, who reminisced about going to gigs at The Harley when they were growing up, and Chesterfield locals Trash, who have secured a number of lucrative Sheffield support slots in the last six months. The Vellas’ catchy guitar riffs built up energy in the crowd. Their upbeat songs were an excellent opening to the gig. Trash played a lot of new, unreleased tracks but their performance made it feel as though the audience had known them for a long time. Despite the vocalist worrying that he would lose his voice, their set was fantastic,

with ‘4 Miles’ and ‘Migraine’ performed the best.

“Throughout Misty’s set it became obvious what a diverse songwriter she is.”

Throughout Misty’s set it became obvious what a diverse songwriter she is. Her lyrics span a range of emotions felt at different stages of a relationship. ‘Lonesome Cowboy’ is personal and melancholic whereas ‘Next to You’ makes a more political statement about gender dynamic in relationships. The classic love song ‘Fall Away’, followed ‘Stars’, a track about a toxic relationship. The songs jumped between love and anger, with the pace constantly changing from fast to slow and back to fast again, keeping the gig refreshing and reflecting the tumultuous nature of the themes Misty sings about.

Misty went straight from playing

BENJAMIN FRANCES LEFTWICH ANSWERS OUR QUESTIONS

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ollowing a three and a half year break from touring and five years after the release of his debut album Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm, Benjamin Francis Leftwich is back on the road with his second album After the Rain, out on the 19th August.

Already five shows into the UKleg of his tour, Ben starts to describe what a “different perspective” he has to touring now that he is older.

Although, this time round he knows “how to pace himself a lot better”, which is vital because not only is he going all round the UK but, over the coming months he is off to China, Canada and America, to name a few

“You walk on and you feel that energy, you look into people’s eyes and feel their hearts” He tells me how excited he is to be back home in Yorkshire and in Sheffield, the city that he says “has the prettiest train station in the world” and where he played his first ever show in the Forum.

Despite exclaiming how much he loves Sheffield, he said it’s hard to say where he loves touring the most because “it is not about the city it’s about the people: you walk on and you feel that energy, you look into people’s eyes and feel their hearts”, adding that he feels that “every night is different” especially as

|Forge Press

the “crowd can accentuate things”.

In addition, he says how good it feels to be playing a mix of both old and new songs on this tour, and the difference between playing in the studio with “the blessing of production” whereas playing live he’s just a man and a guitar.

Even though Ben has just come out of a five year hiatus, he never forgot about his music. He described with passion how during his time off he “learnt loads about song-writing and filled his mind with beautiful music every single day without stopping”. He says he “fell in love with so many different genres of music he hadn’t heard before, or had heard but was too stupid to let into his spirit before”.

What makes Ben such a unique artist is his relationship with his fans.

After releasing ‘Tilikum’, he has been getting updates from his fans about the situation in California where orcas are being “disgracefully held in captivity” –as the name Tilikum is

actually the name of an orca. But the amazing thing about Ben is the fact that he tries to reply to all of his fans because he feels “responsible”, especially after being “away for so long”.

“Music is like food, they’re the only two things that everyone needs” This special relationship clearly means so much to Ben as after seeing fan reactions to ‘Tilikum’ and the statement he put on Facebook about his recently deceased father (the reason behind his hiatus).

Explaining that people were

saying that they relate to his music in the same way he relates to music helped him get through a hard time, and to know that his “creative output has that kind of impact, spiritually is the ultimate compliment”.

Not only does Ben use his music as part of his creative output, he also worked with an artist called Sprankenstein to create the artwork, not only for the album cover but for a “different visual image for every song on the album”. The artwork seemed to be a “progression” of his older song covers which he collaborated with Liz Harry to create. Despite switching artists he said he loved working with them both as “it’s amazing to work with someone who is a fan of my music and a friend” as well as “respecting each other on a reciprocal creative level”.

When talking about the loss of his father he expresses how “when something like that happens it effects so many other things in

‘Devil’, one of her slowest songs, to ‘Girlfriend’, a fast, defiant rock song. Opening with hit single ‘Happy’ and closing with ‘Next to You’ meant that the slower and newer songs fitted nicely in between with the set starting and ending on a high. After ‘Next to You’, the band came back on stage for an encore where they covered One Direction’s ‘Steal My Girl.’ Despite the crowd’s neutral reaction when Misty asked, “Who likes One Direction as much as I do?” the cover was a fun ending to the gig.

Watching Misty perform is inspiring, as she plays with confidence and her defiant lyrics such as “I shaved my legs for you” are almost a throwback to riot grrrl. She combines heavier rock songs with a pop vibe, thus the One Direction cover did not seem incongruous, but worked really well. Overall, the gig was fun and inspiring, with the ever changing pace keeping the performance refreshing.

SOPHIE WILSON

life… happiness, anger levels, sense of spirituality or religion, sexuality, what you think is acceptable or unacceptable. It affects everything.”

Granting all this, there is a theme throughout the album, and although every song is not about the specific event of the death of his father, it “sent him to places he wouldn’t have ended up without that event happening”.

He discussed how writing music helped him to grieve his father. As a true songwriter he put himself in “the most painful possible places” some of which “you just shouldn’t open” in order to “indulge in ways that will inspire you creatively but actually they make you just feel bad afterwards”. Declaring that a good day in studio “is like heaven” but a bad day is “below hell”.

He spoke about how listening to music is “100 per cent the most therapeutic thing that anyone in the world can ever do to themselves without question”, with a surprising confession about how after his father’s death he would “walk round Sydney Harbour everyday listening to Kanye West” and how he would love to meet Kanye to thank him for the impact his music had on his life.

Clearly emphasising his passion for music by stating: “music is like food, they’re the only two things that everyone needs”.

When asked about the future Ben simply says he’ll keep touring the album until he “doesn’t feel like touring anymore” and then might make another album or take time off again. For Ben, all that matters is “wherever the songs take him and whenever his mind tells him the song is going to be most reacted to”.

Without a doubt, this is not the last we’ve heard from Benjamin Francis Leftwich.

AISLING POWER

Forge Press| Friday 6 May 2016

MUSIC

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DEFTONES: GORE

S SINGLES CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN: 7 Catfish and the Bottlemen’s new single has a slightly uncanny feeling to it, although it differs greatly to any of their other material. A lot subtler and relaxed than its predecessor ‘Soundtrack’.

‘7’ is a song of calmer tendencies, something facilitated through a simple, stripped back sound.

This doesn’t hinder the track however. Although the guitar chords are less imposing and more rhythmic than most of the band’s other material, the song quickly resonates with the listener. This can be seen through the smooth vocals

of Van McCann: “Promise again that I would call her / Forget the time because I’m seven hours behind”.

The chorus is the most commendable part of the song and will evidently shift the track to an instant live favourite on the band’s discography. Like ‘Rango’ however, the chorus is still relatively low key, something which maintains the song’s continuous flow throughout.

The sound draws parallels with bands such as The War On Drugs, something which may not bode well with fans of earlier anthem-esque hits ‘Kathleen’ and ‘Cocoon’. Fans of the less well received songs such as ‘26’ and ‘Sidewinder’, on the other hand, will most likely appreciate this song in its full form.

CAL RAMSAY

ince their emergence as part of the nu-metal scene in the 1990s alongside the likes of Slipknot, KoRn and Linkin Park, Deftones have gradually progressed and distanced themselves from the scene they were born out of.

In the process, they have made themselves probably the most well respected band of the genre (admittedly not much of a feat when your contemporaries include Limp Bizkit). In recent years, the group have drawn influences from all areas of the musical spectrum, ranging from shoegaze to D.C. hardcore to stoner rock and back again, earning them the moniker “the Radiohead of metal”.

Gore is no exception to this genredefying reputation. Album opener ‘Prayers/Triangles’ effortlessly switches between sections of ambient effect-heavy guitars, aural assaults of vocal screeching and a pounding rhythm section. This leads into second track ‘Acid Hologram’, showcasing a more sludge and doom metal influenced sound, somewhat evocative of the post-punk attack of Nirvana mentors Melvins.

Something that becomes obvious when hearing the record is the recent popularity of drug-induced psychedelia and shoegaze on

contemporary heavy music, particularly evident in bands such as Title Fight and Sheffield’s own Bring Me The Horizon.

Instead of shoehorning it into the songs, however, Deftones deftly juxtapose it with the blistering down-tuned guitars that they are more well-recognised for, shown expertly on ‘Gore’ and ‘(L)mirl’, with the verse of the former sounding scarily like a Peace song.

“It wasn’t the style or sound I was hoping we’d take,” guitarist Stephen Carpenter is quoted as saying of the new record. Upon the first listen of the album, this comment makes a lot of sense, as Gore reads as a record made by a band pulling in several directions at once, different members desperate to incorporate their own influences alongside those of their bandmates.

Gore isn’t an album split into parts, as it very well could’ve been considering the tumultuous internal band politics during the production.

Instead of destroying the record, this dynamic makes for a fascinating listen, as numerous different influences are clearly amalgamated even within individual tracks, shape shifting and transforming in the process.

What results is perhaps Deftones best record since their release of White Pony in 2000.

HARRY GOLD

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CULT CORNER SLOWDIVE: SOUVLAKI

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magine lying on a sandy beach, the clear blue water slowly lapping at your body, wave after wave, warmed by the sun.

That is what Souvlaki sounds like.

Subtlety is the key word with this album. There is no standout banger here, and few catchy hooks to be found. Instead it acts more like a reward, revealing itself through repeated listens.

It eases you in with its transcendent opener ‘Allison’, soothes you with the ethereal ‘40 Days’. A world of sunlight in sound form washes over you with ‘When the Sun Hits’, before it closes with the dreamy ‘Dagger’.

Leading you through a journey of 40 minutes of gorgeous, gleaming 90s shoegaze, it smothers you with seamless perfection, forming a largely forgotten classic album which is worth so much more than the sum of its parts.

Souvlaki is an album which sounds like it is drowning, in the most beautiful way possible. So plug in some headphones, and let its soft sounds carry you away.

JAMIE FIRBY

PJ HARVEY: THE HOPE SIX DEMOLITION PROJECT

PJ HARVEY: THE HOPE SIX DEMOLITION PROJECT

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olly Jean’s ninth full-length album, The Hope Six Demolition Project is the product of several years of investigation into the poverty and devastation that has been inflicted upon the world. She travelled to Kosovo, Afghanistan and Washington D.C. along with Seamus Murphy, a photographer, and filmmaker.

It was during that time that the songs on this album were made. It explores the complexities of a torn world and offers a sincere reflection of what she saw.

The opening song, ‘The Community of Hope’ feels like a look into the sorrow of people, but what shines through is the hope - hence the title. The music drives home a sense of misplaced nostalgia, sounding like a mix of old blues and gospel records. The video takes us to a dilapidated Washington and has a tour guide taking you through “pathways of death” and “shit holes”. The mournful ballad ends

with a gospel choir-eqsue chant of “They’re going to put a Wal-Mart here”, that mocks capitalist society.

In the song ‘Dollar, Dollar’ a boy is begging on the streets. She sings: ‘to ask for something we could offer … [but] we pulled away so fast/all my words get swallowed in the rear view glass/ a face pock-marked and hollow/he’s saying ‘dollar, dollar’ ” Her songs are as poignant and graceful as they are utterly sad.

Further down in the album, it is clear that this isn’t a musically focused album. It doesn’t stick to one genre.

It is more about the imagery that is

embedded in it. Most of the songs have a very powerful bass weaved with grainy guitar sounds.

‘River Anacostia’ is a track that is indelible all the way through. It has a haunting chant that goes “wade in the water” at the end that instils a sense of dread. On the other hand, ‘Medicinals’ is a loud and flamboyant track that sounds a lot like Kate Bush. ‘The Ministry of Social Affairs’ has a wailing saxophone ending that sounds like the tune of an evil army marching.

This album may not be a palatable for everyone, but there is no denying that it is a powerful

one. Another remarkable song is ‘The Wheel’. Its music video shows the conditions in Kosovo, Kabul, and the United States. In the midst of imagery portraying destitution and vagrancy is a shot of a building draped with a faded portrait of former President Bill Clinton, one of the leaders of the 1999 Yugoslavia offensive.

The Hope Six Demolition Project is one of the better Harvey albums out there. Once you stop listening to it, you may well come to miss it.

NAVYA HEBBAR

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SCREEN

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Screens of

Shakespeare

Over the years there have been many attempts to take Shakespeare from stage to screen. Our contributors have passed judgement onsome of the most famous....

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Much ado about: Ten Things I Hate About You

he creator of any Shakespearean adaptation has a pretty tough job. You’ve got to do the work of the greatest writer of all time justice, find an original slant, and make Shakespeare relevant to a modern day audience. And in my opinion, few adaptations do as good a job at this as the classic ‘90s teen RomCom 10 Things I Hate About You. Shakespeare’s original play, The Taming of the Shrew is the tale of a headstrong shrew, Katherina, who is eventually won over

by Petruchio to become his obedient wife, whilst various suitors compete for

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omeo and Juliet is one of the most enduring love stories. Franco Zeffirelli is an Italian director and producer, who co-wrote and directed his own version of Romeo and Juliet, closely following the original text. True to Shakespeare’s intended setting, it is set in 14th-century Renaissance Italy, in locations like Tuscany and Rome, which gives the film an authentic, historical feel.

It was also groundbreaking in casting actors that were close to the age of the characters from the original play: Leonard Whiting (aged 18) and Olivia Hussey (aged 17). This also helped to make it hugely popular amongst teenagers, who

the heart of her appealing sister, Bianca. However, in 10 Things I Hate About You, the story changes slightly. In this modern adaptation, Bianca and Kat’s father won’t allow Bianca to date unless Kat does. So, Cameron, who has fallen for Bianca, leads a plot to get rebel-hearted Patrick to date Kat, in a Modern-day American high school. When teamed with a cast of young Julia Stiles, Joseph GordonLevitt and Heath Ledger, what is there not to love?

10 Things perfectly captures two of the finest elements in Shakespeare’s writing: comedy and romance.

The film is hilarious- from the classic one liners ‘I know you

can be overwhelmed and underwhelmed, but can you just be whelmed?’ ‘I think you can in Europe’ , to Kat’s brilliant stubbornness - it’ll crack you up every time. And you can’t help but cheer on adorable Cameron on his quest to get his girl, whilst also routing for power couple, Kat and Patrick.

10 Things brings Shakespeare to an audience that would otherwise know his work only through the painful GCSE syllabus, and lead me to believe that Shakespeare’s work wasn’t distant and irrelevant.

FLORENCE MOONEY

Clash of Cultures: Trevor Nunn’s Cleopatra could empathise with the characters, making the film the most financially successful adaptation of a Shakespeare play at its time of release.

The soundtrack also adds to the emotional intensity of the story.

The impressive scenery, props and costumes create a stunning frame to accompany Shakespeare’s majestic words. The film was nominated for Four Academy Awards and won Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design.

The Baz Luhrmann adaptation is a stark contrast, a “modernisation” with several significant deviations from the original text, including switching characters between families.

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Twenty-First Century Love Story: Baz Luhrman’s Romeo+Juliet

o d e r n i s e d adaptations which preserve the original Shakespearean dialogue can be hard to stomach; the clash between the eyes and the ears can be insurmountable.

Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo+Juliet proves the easiest to swallow of a batch of sometimes bitter pills.

Born of Luhrmann’s personal idea of what Shakespeare would produce were he a modern movie director, the film transplants the action from medieval Italy to the crime-baked West Coast suburb of Verona Beach, a place steeped in gunfights,

Luhrmann chose to retain the majority of the original text and Elizabethan language, which conflicts with the contemporary American setting. The decision to exchange the original sword fights for gun battles undermines the poignancy of Juliet’s final lines: “O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die.”

Because of his ability to stick to the original story, Zeffirelli’s adaptation is far more true to the original work of Shakespeare.

MADELEINA KAY

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glitz and urban decay.

Though Shakespeare may be timeless, certain elements are lost to modern audiences.

The idea of family clans so powerful that their allies fight each other in the streets is alien to most of us. With the Montagues and Capulets depicted as rival business empires, the notion of warring families is masterfully updated.

The hyper-real, modern setting broadcasts subtleties that a traditional production of the play would struggle with, like the unrequited love often read as subtext of the Romeo/Mercutio relationship.

Originally, Juliet wakes

up to see her husband dead before her, but in this film, w allowed one last cathartic glimpse of each other before the end.Though the film is today most fondly remembered for launching Leonardo di Caprio’s career (along with Titanic), it shows to have an unusual fondness for its source material.

The attention to detail in the setting, littered with sly nods to the original text and other Shakespearean works, is part of the staying power of Romeo+Juliet.

JOSHUA HACKETT

Pure Original: Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet

n all the history of cinema, there is no Shakespearean screen adaptation as mesmerising as Hollywood classic Cleopatra, released in 1963.

As a film that has maintained its legacy from being the film that ignited the fateful off-screen romance between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, it wrongly goes unrecognised for its achievement to give relevance to an often overlooked Shakespearean gem.

In spite of the settings of Ancient Rome and Egypt, the viewer somehow feels the presence of Hollywood in the movie. Before sceptics argue that this is down to the abundance of lavish props

and extravagant costumes, I shall point out that it most certainly is not. The reason Hollywood resonates in the movie is that its story is, loosely, rather similar to that of Hollywood.

When the film was released, Hollywood was at the tail end of its glorious Golden Age, while America, as a nation, was losing its confidence due to the rapid growth of communism in Russia and Eastern Europe.

It only seems fitting, therefore, that a Hollywood epic should follow the tragic downfall of a beautiful woman and her empire at the hands of love.

For a story set over 2000 years ago and composed as a play 400 years ago,

it was still relatable to an audience seated at a cinema in the 20th century, thanks to the collective talent of the cast and crew. Fortunately, fantastic adaptations like this are still being made today; notably, cleverly crafted television pieces like The Hollow Crown series echo the social unease that exists today.

Even in the fast-paced technological era of today, Shakespeare is still relevant.

BETH ANDRALOJC

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CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

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he 13th film of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Captain America: Civil War does not open the door to Marvels “phase three” - it kicks it open. With a bang.

We all love superhero movies because honestly, who doesn’t enjoy watching characters with inhuman abilities kick some ass? Since Iron Man in 2008, we have had our fair share of villains and the havoc they SON OF SAUL

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hat a difference a square makes. The equilateral aspect ratio of Hungarian director László Nemes’ spellbinding debut feature is the devastating secret to its success.

Set against the trend when it comes to Holocaust drama, Son of Saul is stark in its lack of sentiment and the drive at its heart which leaves it more akin to an action or horror piece than the more cloying melodramatic fare.

It follows Saul Ausländer (Géza Röhrig), an inmate at Auschwitz concentration camp tasked with cleaning up the gas chambers postextermination, who discovers the corpse of a young boy he believes to be his son and decides to save him from incineration and prepare the proper Jewish burial rites.

Saul is a direct, propulsive thriller and a thoroughly intimate human drama - its focus is stoic, rarely torn away from its eponymous hero and his mission. Nemes composes the film with a steady confidence all the more remarkable for a firsttime director. His camera constantly works on two levels, utilising its square shape to the full.

The screen’s unusual makeup, combined with Nemes’ use of tight close-ups played out over uncomfortably long takes, puts absolute focus on Saul.

With no breathing room at the edges of the frame, Röhrig fills the space almost completely, dominating the foreground and leaving all focus on his muted,

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cause.

This movie, however deals with a relatively new issue in the superhero world. In The Avengers, 74 civilians died. In Captain America: Winter Soldier, 23 and in Avengers: Age of Ultron 177.

After another fiasco in Lagos, Nigeria, the world refuses to turn a blind eye and the Avengers have to deal with the aftermath of their actions for the first time ever.

As a result, 117 countries sign the Sokovia Accords, promoting the idea to establish an international governing body that regulates the Avengers. While Tony Stark (Robert quietly emotive performance.

The background exists on a separate plane, with unspeakable sights playing out all around an almost oblivious Saul. Genocide is writ large behind our hero, but it’s mostly out of focus.

The edges of the frame are filled in by an impressive use of sound. Completely without musical accompaniment, Saul is followed around by a cacophony of awful ambience - the crackling of incinerators, the echo of gunshots and the wails of prisoners. Through noise, the blank space becomes unnervingly clear but left just out of sight.

The tragedy unfolding isn’t pushed to the fore in the ways a more emotionally exploitative feature might favour, but the fact that your imagination is forced to work overtime makes for a more disturbing conclusion. All of this builds to a distinct feeling of numb detachment, which effectively puts you alongside Saul, who is faced with this inhuman setting every day.

Naturally, chaos slowly escalates and things go catastrophically wrong. Slim at 107 minutes, Saul is intense and gruelling - breathless and absorbing in its execution like 70s Scorsese or a Bourne film, but bolstered by the unimaginable real-life horror its protagonist faces.

Best Foreign Language Film winner at this year’s Oscars, Saul is cinematic artistry of the highest order - elusive, terrifying and devastatingly human. The sheer number of things it achieves in so little time, and on the director’s first attempt, is staggering.

RHYS HANDLEY

Downey Jr.) “is all game“, Captain America (Chris Evans) surely isn’t.

97 per cent of the female audience would’ve followed Cap anywhere, but half of the team decides to follow Iron Man instead.

And this is probably where the audience experiences the same kind of turmoil as in 1997, when Jack Dawson lets go of Rose DeWitt Bukater’s hand.

The Avengers, divided into two rival groups, each character with its own compelling motive for their actions. This is truly a superhero clash we have never had before.

(I dare you to mention Batman v

Superman…)

Captain America: Civil War does not only allow its characters an opportunity to shine but also an opportunity to show more depth. We see Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) dealing with the consequences of her powers, Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) torn between two sides, Vision (Paul Bettany) coming to terms with being human, Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) who doesn’t enjoy retirement one bit and a wallcrawler in a red onesie (Tom Holland) who just can’t shut up.

We see oldies such as Ant-Man

(Paul Rudd) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and newbies (Chadwick Boseman) come together to deliver one hell of a spectacle that had the movie audience squealing. Literally. No kidding.

Captain America: Civil War deals with questions about power, authority and trust, even amongst the closest friends and friendship.

It brings characters together who shouldn’t coexist in the same movie.

But my god, never has chaos been so absolutely entertaining to watch.

SMALL SCREEN

finally catch up to the narrative of its source books, A Song of Ice and Fire, we are entering dangerous new territory. Now, book readers have no idea what’s coming next, and the comfort of knowing who lives and who dies is gone. For fans of the books, this has caused a huge dilemma; wait for George RR Martin to release the elusive sixth book, The Winds of Winter, trying to avoid spoilers, or give in and watch the story unfold via the show?

Episode 1 was an intriguing slow burner, focusing on reintroducing the characters and threads from

last season without introducing too much new.

Of course, the big question on everyone’s mind is the fate of Jon Snow, with the final scene of last season the most painful moment yet for the show’s long-suffering fans.

This episode sees Ser Davos take a welcome centre stage in the Lord Commander’s current absence, with a final scene dropping a fascinating revelation about Melisandre that adds new depth to a character many speculate will have a big role to play this season. Elsewhere, the dullness of Daenerys’ storyline last season is invigorated, as she finds herself in a position of real vulnerability and danger – where Emilia Clarke’s acting is always stronger – for the first time in a long while.

Less promising is the escapades of Sansa and Theon; after making some really misjudged decisions with her character last season, it’s unclear what the show is trying to do with Sansa and a rather contrived meeting here doesn’t fill me with hope that her storyline will improve this season. Tyrion and Arya also get all-too-brief appearances, but with the cast so big now it’s inevitable that individual episodes can’t give enough attention to everyone.

The episode doesn’t answer all of the big questions, but offers more than enough to welcome fans back into Westeros and keep us hyped for the rest of the season. In this thrilling new environment where all fans are finally on the same level, Game of Thrones has taken on an exciting new dimension, and we should be set for a strong new season.

SAM KELLY

GAME OF THRONESSEASON 6 After months of hype and intense speculation, Game of Thrones is finally back.

The show’s unlikely rise to becoming the biggest show on TV has turned its annual return into an ever more hyped and discussed event. But this time, the dynamic has changed.

As last season saw the show

VICTORIA SCHEER

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“Demolition triumphs in stirring the emotions of the audience in this moving story of grief and self-discovery”

DEMOLITION

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ollowing Davis, a successful businessman, after the death of his wife Demoltion shows his unique portrayal of grief and bereavement. Director Jean Marc Vallée, presents the mental numbness experienced by the lead character, and the unlikely relationship with a customer service representative and her eccentric teenage son.

So detached and closed off

BASTILLE DAY

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he film kicks off with a naked lady casually strolling through a crowd in a French city, while artful dodger-esque Michael (Richard Madden) pickpockets the unsuspecting wide-eyed onlookers.

Shortly after, however, he decides to alleviate a woman of her bag, which contains no less than a bomb which the woman failed to plant.

After he ditches the bomb and it goes off, killing four people, Michael is France’s public enemy number one. Enter Idris Elba as CIA Agent Sean Briar, in what is a pretty good audition for the role of the next Bond. Briar and Michael work together, along with the woman, Zoe (Charlotte Le Bon), untangling the mysteries and discovering a sinister conspiracy which trails its way up to the highest ranks of the French Government.

Bastille Day does what any good action film should do- it gives you gunfights, car chases, intense fight

from the world around him, Davis appears unmoved and indifferent to the tragic event of his wife’s sudden death, displaying an emotional detachment not only to the world around him, but also to himself.

When asked if he misses his wife, Davis replies ‘I’m trying to’. It is his wife’s death which forces him to reevaluate the life which for the past 10 or so years has left him with a sense of inconceivable emotional paralysis. Vallée’s subtle use of black humour enhances the sense of Gyllenhaal’s insensitive character.

The stoical father of Davis’ dead

wife, played superbly by Chris Cooper, tells him: ‘if you want to fix something, sometimes you have to take it apart’. This is the crux of the entire film, as the audience follows the character’s literal take on this advice; deconstructing and destroying everything around him in search of a mental catharsis.

Through the demolition of objects and appliances, he is also to an extent demolishing, and breaking out of his emotional numbness. In a similar way, the novel technique of complaint letters Davis writes to a vending machine company, offers a therapeutic outlet for his repressed

emotions. The letters simultaneously provide the audience with an internal monologue; resembling diary entries and giving an insight into the private thoughts of this mysterious character.

Reminiscent of Vallée’s previous films, also characterised by frequent flashbacks and voice overs, Demolition’s disjointed memories and jump cuts reflect the character’s fragmented mind.

The film’s powerful soundtrack, which features an eclectic mix of heavy rock songs and indie classics, heightens the sense of an attempt to jolt the protagonist out of his

scenes and a solid story, which in this case is cleverly intertwined with a neat conspiracy plot. Madden and Elba can hold their own but there is not much emotional depth to their characters. When they are in danger you may be shocked, gobsmacked or even downright confused, but don’t expect to be sobbing when they’re staring down the barrel of a gun. And believe me, they do that a hell of a lot.

At times the action is coming at you a little too thick and fast. If a little more was done to develop the thriller element of the film then it would make for a more interesting blend. The action scenes though are intense and fun. The climax at the Bank of France is thrilling and as the conspiracy unfolds and the action reaches its height, you’ll find yourself at the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.

The themes of the movie, which include Muslim alienation, terror in France, rioting and corruption seem to ring true with the current climate of the world. It’s eerily true depiction is the reason the film’s

release date was pushed backfollowing the terrible November Paris attacks.

CULT CORNER

“You’d be un

imbécile to miss out on this one.”

Bastille Day- named after the French National Day on which it centres, which in turn commemorates the uprising event of the same name- is no cinematic revolution.

However, if you want good action, a fairly captivating plot and a decent turn by a couple of British stars, then you’d be un imbécile to miss out on this one.

DANIEL HOPKINS

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SIX SHOOTER (2004)

hirty minutes to spare? Then I have the perfect film for you. Now, I’m sure many of you have watched Martin McDonagh’s critically acclaimed In Bruges, but perhaps fewer have seen his earlier work, Six Shooter.

Winner of Best Short Film at the 2006 Oscars, Six Shooter follows Donnelly (Brendan Gleeson), on a train journey through the Irish countryside. Having just lost his wife, Donnelly is depressed and really just wants to be left alone.

Unfortunately for him, his fellow passengers don’t comply.

Also along for the ride is incredibly irritating and slightly crazy unnamed kid (Rúaidhrí Conroy) and a sniffling couple, who have lost their baby to cot death. As the character’s clash, the train ride quickly turns into a rollercoaster, with Donnelly taking centre stage.

The storyline is wonderfully simple,

desensitised mentality.

Gyllenhaal succeeds through his impressively vacant expressions, in bringing to life a complex and intriguing character. For a film about the inability to feel something, Demolition triumphs in stirring the emotions of the audience in this moving story of grief and self-discovery GALA WOOLEY

and at first I was hesitant how a film executed in just 27 minutes could pull off anything magnificent – but I was more than pleasantly surprised.

Through sharp writing, quick wit and dark humour, McDonagh takes a devastating depressing tale and from it, crafts an action packed, laugh a minute masterpiece.

McDonagh pushes the limits of film, taking an unconventional storyline and smothering it with dark humour. I would absolutely recommend you give it a watch – plus with the entire film on YouTube, there’s no excuse not to! Best Foreign Language Film winner at this year’s Oscars, Saul is cinematic artistry of the highest order - elusive, terrifying and devastatingly human. The sheer number of things it achieves in so little time, and on the director’s first attempt, is staggering.

CLARE MATTIN

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COFFEE BREAK Weird World

KFaeCes - Traces of faeces have been discovered on ice served in a Birmingham branch of KFC. It was discovered by researchers working for BBC One’s Rip Off Britain. In a statement to the programme KFC said that they were “extremely disappointed” and had “immediately launched an investigation”.

Flying off the Handle - A video is making the rounds online purporting to show an angry airport worker tearing into a UTair passenger plane after being fired. People are questioning if the video is genuine, but if it is, then it’s a hell of a way to leave your job.

Schoolie McSchoolface - An elementary school in Texas has appealed for suggestions for its new name. Currently known as Robert E. Lee Elementary, suggestions for the new name have included John Cena Elementary, Bruce Lee Elementary and Adolf Hitler’s School for Friendship and Tolerance.

Meat and Two Veg - London is set to open one of the world’s first clothing-optional restaurant. The Bunyadi will open for three months in June 2016 and already has a waiting list of almost 4000 people. It aims to provide an escape from the modern world and will have no chemicals, no electricity and the option of no clothes. There will be two sections to the restaurants separating naked customers and those who wear clothes.

Anagrams UGANDA RIOT FIG URNS PALS OAR

Twit of the Fortnight “Ed Balls”

DINGBATS

Because the world is odd and you need to know...

TIME

↓

BIG BIG

THYME

IGNORE IGNORE

HIJKLMNO

EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER

CLOUD HEAD CLOUD

ON THIS DAY 1856 - Sigmund Freud is born in Příbor 1889 - The Eiffel Tower opens to the public 1910 - George V becomes king, succeeding his father Edward VII 1915 - Babe Ruth hits his first major league home run while playing for the Boston Red Sox 1937 - The German airship Hindenburg catches fire while landing in New Jersey, killing 36 people 1953 - Tony Blair is born in Edinburgh 1954 - Roger Bannister achieves what was previously thought impossible and runs a four minute mile 1960 - The first Royal wedding, between Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones is televised 1966 - Myra Hindley and Ian Brady are sentenced to life for the Moors murders, in which five children were killed 1994 - A lawsuit is filed against Bill Clinton for sexual harassment

2004 - The last episode of Friends is aired

- Ed Balls (2011)

Only 233 days until Christmas!

Clockwise from top left: Images courtesy of Mirror Online, NBC and The Back Bencher

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Sudoku Easy

Medium

COFFEE BREAK Hard

Crossword

Across 3 No-one is one of these (6) 11 Between Mexico and Brazil (8) 13 The government doesn’t like fun names for these (4) 16 Island east of Spain (5) 17 Get one of these by staying in the sun (3) 18 Coldplay hit (8) 20 A rooster’s rear feathers (8) 21 We’ll see you in September (5) 22 The time when you say you’ll get loads done (6)

Down 1 This inn is one of Sheffield’s eight Wetherspoons (4) 2 Not read in Liverpool (3) 4 Jet Powered Transport (9) 5 The reason anyone goes to work (7) 6 Commonly played in pubs (4) 7 A gathering of music (8) 8 Where Australians put their shrimp (8) 9 We all scream (3,5) 10 Bought in London (4) 12 Clothing named after bombed island (6) 14 Gap year plans (6) 15 A bunch of rocks by some water (5) 19 Check out the hook while my DJ revolves it (3)

Answers: 1, swim; 2, sun; 3, island; 4, aeroplane; 5, holiday; 6, pool; 7, festival; 8, barbecue; 9, ice cream; 10, heat; 11, tropical; 12, bikini; 13, boat; 14, travel; 15, beach; 16, ibiza; 17, tan; 18, paradise; 19, ice; 20, cocktail; 21, forge; 22, summer

Forge Press | Friday 6 May 2016

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SportsThoughts Hugh Dickinson Groups of Dirge: Why Uefa’s expansionist stance has gone too far at Euro 2016 procession of teams trying to reach that ‘magical’ threepoint mark.

Of course there are many permutations, but if we look at what happened in the 2014 World Cup, taking off the best and worst third place to create six groups like Euro 2016, the four teams that would qualify are as follows: Portugal 4pts (-3 goal

“It’s full time here in St Etienne, and England have qualified for the last 16 after their third consecutive 0-0!”

I can already hear Jonathan Pearce.

Euro 2016 has been expanded to 24 teams, and with it the group stage has been reduced to a meaningless

UEFA 2016 Group stage draw

difference), Croatia 3pts (0GD), Bosnia-Herzegovina 3pts (0GD) and Ivory Coast 3pts (-1GD) - who narrowly beat Italy on goals scored.

That’s right; BosniaHerzegovina qualify only by virtue of having Iran, who they beat 4-0, in their group.

So in this projection, not one of the qualifying teams scored more goals than they conceded, and only one managed more than the equivalent of one victory or three draws.

Although technically possible before, it is now reasonably likely that a team could win the Euros without scoring a single goal.

Hardly a worthy champion.

The Euros, for a long time now the most competitive and ruthless football tournament in world football, is going to

Image: Twitter

be consigned to the heap of tournaments, topped by the Cricket World Cup, where money has triumphed over quality.

We’re going to play 36 group stage games to remove eight teams, when previously we would have played 24 to remove the same number.

It’s going to be dull.

I would say the decision is easy to understand.

It’s the money Lebowski.

More teams means more games, more advertising, and more sponsorship – this is classic football organisation thinking.

Except that you could expand the Euros and have almost as many games and still keep it exciting.

A 20 team Euros with four groups of five would mean that the group stage games mean a huge amount, and you’d only lose four games on the current schedule (40 group games vs 36 group games + eight last 16 matches).

Advertising would be much the same, sponsorship much the same, and you’d have a much better product to market to the fans.

So what’s it really about?

Well, it’s the crooked system that’s been slowly creeping into football that’s even more grating than the corruption.

It’s the fixing of formats so that the big nations can still make it even when they have an off day.

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This started before the 2010 World Cup: France and Portugal, staring down the barrel of not making it to South Africa, were suddenly given seedings for the playoffs so that they could play the weaker teams and Benzema, Ronaldo et al would feature on the biggest stage.

And France still needed that handball.

At least in football’s current plutocratic state, the smaller nations still have a chance on the field, even if they would have to buy their way in off it.

For all the well-documented failings of FIFA, it is not its basic corruption that is most worrying.

I can overlook what’s happening off the field if the product on it is still the one I love, but a kleptocratically organised tournament designed to give nations second chances ruins the excitement and drama of tournament football.

Be prepared for a lethargic group stage.

Be prepared for a third place team to win the tournament.

And be prepared for the drudgery of an altogether futile opening fortnight to be rubbish.

Oh, and don’t even get me started on Euro 2020’s ‘European Tour’.

Thank you, Dejphon: Sheffield Wednesday season review

Steve Jones

Sheffield Wednesday are on the brink of guaranteeing a place in the Sky Bet Championship play-offs, having already secured their highest league position for 16 years. Yet while Carlos Carvalhal and his players will get the plaudits, there is an unsung hero behind the revolution.

In an era where club owners are increasingly at loggerheads with supporters, Sheffield Wednesday could have done a lot worse than having Dejphon Chansiri at the helm.

The tenure of Chansiri started well. A bright new era beckons for Sheffield Wednesday, absent of the controversies, instability and lack of investment which has dogged some of their peers.

Perhaps Chansiri’s finest hour has been the appointment of Carvalhal.

The bold decision of Dejphon Chansiri to part with Stuart Gray has proven to be a shrewd move.

Stuart Gray had lead

Wednesday to a comfortable 13th place finish during the previous campaign, which marked his first and only full season in charge of the Owls.

Few supporters would disagree that Gray did not deserve a chance to prove his credentials under a bigger budget. The club had enjoyed the fourth best defensive record in the league in 2014/15. On the flip side, their woes in front of goal were well documented only the three relegated sides scored fewer goals.

Upon his appointment on the eve of pre-season, Carlos Carvalhal became the first nonBritish manager in the Owls’ 148 year history.

The appointment was met with cautious optimism in some quarters; Carvalhal had no prior experience in England, either as a player or in management.

Furthermore, despite a wealth of former clubs on his management CV, 14 in total, Carvalhal had not been in management for three years prior to his appointment. His tenure was not helped by just one win in seven league fixtures; managers have been dismissed for similar records.

However, Chansiri retained

his faith and it has paid off.

Carvalhal has been a revelation in his first season in English football, boasting an impressive 45 per cent win ratio, and a team with the second highest goals tally at home in the Championship. A far cry from the goal-shy Wednesday of last season.

Chansiri’s shrewd move has echoes of other previously controversial decisions by club owners which were quickly vindicated and helped take their clubs to the next level. The dismissals of Southampton’s Nigel Atkins and Leicester City’s Nigel Pearson both gained much criticism initially. However, their successors, like Carvalhal, have enjoyed great triumph.

Leicester have achieved one of sport’s greatest ever triumphs under Claudio Ranieri, while Mauricio Pochettino led Southampton to a then highest ever league finish, before continuing his great work at Tottenham Hotspur.

Their success can be attributed to the bold decisionmaking skills of brave owners.

In a wise move, Chansiri moved swiftly to tie down the contracts of Carvalhal and his staff following reported interest

from his native Portugal and Swansea City. The owner has even managed to oversee the unveiling of the club’s new crest with limited controversy, following a detailed dialogue with supporters regarding the change. Therefore, Owls fans need not worry about a Cardiff City style re-brand. Chansiri has injected ambition into Sheffield Wednesday, with the investment to match. Unlike many club owners, he has put his money where his mouth is. It is easy to forget that the Owls were rescued from the brink of administration by Milan Mandarić in 2010, with debts exceeding £30 million.

However, following Chansiri’s takeover, the club is now debt

free. In today’s precarious football climate, this is invaluable for ensuring long term sustainability.

Added to this stabilising platform have been a host of impressive signings, many of whom have hit the ground running.

Upon his takeover, Chansiri targeted promotion to the Premier League within two seasons. After such a bright start to his tenure, Sheffield Wednesday supporters can dare to dream. The Thai businessman has helped install a fresh new optimism into the club and a bright period in the club’s rich history beckons.

Image: Joe Bamford

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EURO 20

24 teams, six groups, four knockout stages - and just one winner. Forge Sport contributors discuss the countries gunning for glory at the 2016 European Championships in France. Will the hosts live up to their billing? Can Germany or Spain dominate again? Could Belgium, Austria or Wales cause a shock? Will England do...something?

The Main Contenders France

Spain

Sonia Twigg

Daniel Rawley

As the French side qualified automatically as hosts, nothing can be said about their qualifying campaign. However this doesn’t mean a lack of controversy within the French Football Federation. The choice of English as the language for the Euro 2016 anthem rather than French has been heavily criticised, while one of their key players, Karim Benzema, has also been suspended for the tournament for issues off the pitch. So far this year France have only played two matches, beating both the Netherlands away and Russia at home in international friendlies in March, with different scorers getting all of France’s goals.

Perennial contenders Spain will be looking to make it three European Championship wins in a row this summer. La Roja won nine of their ten qualifiers and conceded just three times in a group containing Ukraine and Slovakia. Their only loss was to the latter side – incredibly, Spain’s first defeat in qualifying since losing to Sweden in October 2006. Despite their imperious Euros record, Spain will be looking to make up for a disastrous showing at the 2014 World Cup, when they were knocked out in the group stage. They should coast through a group also featuring Croatia, the Czech Republic and Turkey.

One to watch: Dmitri Payet. After the season he’s had at West Ham this year it will be very interesting to see if he can take his domestic form into an international tournament.

Unsung hero: Patrice Evra. Whether or not he plays remains to be seen, but his presence and influence off the pitch due to his experience of tournaments shouldn’t be understated.

Weak link: Their innate Frenchness. If they can find a way to implode, they will.

Star player: At 31, this could be Andrés Iniesta’s last tournament, but with his partner in crime Xavi now in semi-retirement in Qatar, Iniesta’s experience and creativity is now more important than ever to Spain.

Unsung hero: Sergio Busquets will likely quietly go about being a world-class midfielder alongside Iniesta.

Weak link: Eyebrows will be raised should Iker Casillas be preferred to David de Gea in goal, following the latter’s fine form in recent seasons. Now at Porto, Casillas is past his prime.

For the full Forge Sport Euro 2016 preview, featuring all 24 nations, go to forgetoday.com.

Germany Ed McCosh They’re the world champions. They’ve appeared in more European Championships than anyone else, reached more finals, and their tally of three titles is matched only by Spain. So why aren’t Germany the favourites to win Euro 2016? The resurgence and home advantage of France aside, Joachim Low’s Mannschaft did not win many plaudits for a hard slog of a qualifying campaign. They have the potential to carry on the fine work of their forebearers and win in France, but the youthful elements of the squad need to find compatibility with the seasoned campaigners quickly.

Star player: Thomas Muller. With nine goals in qualifying and 10 from two World Cups under his belt at the age of 26, he is a certified goal machine.

Opposition dazzled by the likes of Ozil, Gotze and Reus would do well to take more notice of the unassuming Bavarian assassin lurking in and around the penalty area.

Unsung hero: There is a mass of star quality in this side, and though Toni Kroos has hardly gone under the radar - a move to Real Madrid is not an honour bestowed to just anyone one would think, hastily sweeping Julien Faubert under the rug - it is sometimes not appreciated how much the former Bayern Munich man pulls the strings.

Weak link: The defence - most notably the full backs. Doubts remain over the likes of the inexperienced Jonas Hector, Matthias Ginter and Sebastian Rudy, who have looked vulnerable in recent matches.

Belgium Siddharth Solanki They might have been everyone’s dark horses in the last major international tournament, the 2014 World Cup, but this time around Belgium will be considered as one of the leading contenders for the Euro 2016 title. Belgium are experiencing their second golden generation of players. They probably won’t have a better chance of winning a major international tournament than winning this edition of the European Championships, at least in the foreseeable future. They have had the benefit of playing with the same group of players for the last couple of years allowing them to develop great chemistry. Belgium manager Marc Wilmots has also been credited with giving this group of players confidence in themselves and it seems that he enjoys a close relationship with his players.

Star player: Kevin de Bruyne. A creative genius, de Bruyne has excelled in both Germany and England this season.

Unsung hero: Radja Nainggolan is not one of the biggest stars in the squad, but the quality he gives the centre of midfield should not be understated.

Weak link: Surprisingly it could be the strike force. None of Lukaku, Benteke or Origi set the world alight in 2014, and Lukaku has suffered a dip in form while Benteke’s has never really picked up.

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16 PREVIEW

SPORT

England Nikhil Verkaria England had another superb qualifying campaign, taking maximum points from an albeit relatively easy group. They then backed up this form with a superb comeback victory in Germany, with a host of young stars shining. Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Jamie Vardy have got the country excited, with fans hoping England can finally carry their good form into a tournament. However, defeat at home to the Netherlands was a crash back down to Earth, and England may be foolish to place too much expectation on this young, exciting outfit.

Star Player: Harry Kane. Kane has now surely cemented his spot as one of the top five strikers in the world with an outstanding season for a Tottenham side who have surpassed all expectations. He has proven he is no one season wonder and scored an exceptional range of goalsif he turns up in France then there’s no reason he couldn’t take England all the way.

Unsung Hero: Joe Hart. It may seem strange to call Hart an unsung hero, but in this young, inexperienced line up, his big game and tournament experience could prove vital. He’s also a superb leader and undoubtedly a world class goalkeeper, which has been proven with his exceptional performances in Manchester City’s run to the Champions League semi-finals. Even there, he was only beaten by his own teammate, the hapless Fernando.

Weak Link: Centre Backs. If England do have one weak area, it’s at the heart of their defence. They have options in both full back roles with Danny Rose and Kyle Walker particularly impressive for Spurs. The question of who partners Chris Smalling however, is a much trickier conundrum to solve. Gary Cahill and John Stones have both had very difficult seasons, although Cahill’s experience should see him start in Marseille on June 11.

Home nations

Hugh Dickinson, Steve Jones and Aidan Leape

A qualifying campaign that started with question marks over manager Chris Coleman’s future and a pitch invasion after an 81st minute winner against Andorra finished with Wales reaching their first major tournament in 58 years, taking four points off the much fancied Belgians en route. Problems came in qualifying when labelled the favourites, but that shouldn’t be an affliction in a group that contains England and Russia. They will be buoyed by the presence of Gareth Bale, one of the best strikers in the world.

Claiming a historic qualification were Northern Ireland, perhaps the underdog of the home nations - the Northern Irish will help bring the party to France. After topping their qualifying group with six wins and three draws, Michael O’ Neill’s men will be full of confidence, yet free from the pressure of expectation. Kyle Lafferty is perhaps not in the Bale mould but the gangly striker’s goals will be key, while Steven Davis will be the heartbeat of a side free from the pressure of expectation but aware that they are not expected to escape a group containing Germany, Poland and Ukraine.

The Republic of Ireland qualified for consecutive European Championships for the first time after taking advantage of the expanded tournament.

Despite taking four points off world champions Germany in the qualifying group, poor results against Scotland and Poland forced the Irish into yet another play-off. Robbie Brady struck in the fog of Zenica to grab a crucial away goal, before Jonathan Walters struck twice in Dublin to dispose of Bosnia and Herzegovina. After the pointless campaign of four years ago, the draw has again been unkind, pairing the Boys in Green with Belgium, Italy and Sweden.

However, Ireland have proved that they can shock the world’s best, and, with help from a partisan traveling support and the new 24-team format, they could surprise some doubters and sneak through the groups.

Scotland? Never mind.

Italy Tom Lavender Italy come into this tournament on the back of an unbeaten qualification campaign, beating an impressive Croatian outfit to top spot. In the previous European Championships, Italy performed above expectations and made it to the final, but they endured a humbling 4-0 defeat at the hands of Spain.

Head coach Antonio Conte leaves for Chelsea once this tournament has finished, but he will doubtless be hoping to end his tenure on a high.

Star player: Italian sides have long been associated with a strong defence and the same can be said for the current national team. Conte has developed a solid 3-5-2 formation with a strong defensive three in front of veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon. The Juventus shot-stopper will be key for them this tournament and has had a fine season - he recently kept a recordbreaking 10 consecutive clean sheets in Serie A. Unsung hero: Sassuolo winger Domenico Berardi will be one to watch for the Italians. The 21 year old has a bright future and his influence from the wing will be key.

Weak link: The strike force. Conte has called upon a vast array of attacking talent in recent times, but only Graziano Pelle and Eder notched up multiple goals in qualifying. Too many cooks spoil the broth, and Conte will have to work out which selection will cook up the recipe for success, or else end the summer with egg on his face.

Portugal Steve Jones After a solid qualifying campaign under an experienced new head coach, a relatively weak group will likely see Fernando Santos’ side progress to the last 16. Here they would be faced with a tougher task against the runner-up of group E, arguably the tournament’s group of death. This will provide the real test for the Portuguese.

Star player: Could there be any doubt? It is unquestionably Cristiano Ronaldo – CR7 - the poster boy for club and country. Having scored a jawdropping 47 goals in 44 games this term for Real Madrid, the devastatingly prolific forward also bagged 5 of Portugal’s 11 qualifying goals. His captaincy underlines how invaluable he is.

Unsung hero: It’s unsurprising that many of Cristiano Ronaldo’s team mates are often overshadowed. However, industrious defensive midfielder William Carvalho provides his team with a strong presence in midfield. His performances for club and country have seen him linked with moves to both Arsenal and Manchester United.

Weak link: The attack. Championship strikers Nelson Oliveira (Nottingham Forest) and Lucas João (Sheffield Wednesday) were included in the squad for Portugal’s final qualifying matches, despite neither enjoying a prolific campaign. An injury to Ronaldo would leave Eder, Oliveira and João to choose from, who combined have just 2 international goals in over 40 appearances.

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Sheffield FC score first WSL goal in Villa loss

Women’s Cricket gain Varsity revenge

Hugh Dickinson

Sonia Twigg

Women’s Super League 2 Sheffield FC

Aston Villa

1- 2 Sheffield FC Ladies finally scored their first WSL goal at the third attempt, but went down 2-1 to a hard-working Aston Villa side at the Home of Football Stadium.

Things started brightly for a much-changed Sheffield side who dominated the early stages, playing a dynamic 4-3-3 formation, that, for the opening 20 minutes, caused the Villa full backs a myriad of problems.

At set pieces, the home side looked to utilise the height of captain Carla Ward, and this presented her with the first real chance of the game as she headed straight at Villa keeper Jess Myers from an Ellie Gilliatt corner.

Gilliatt combined well earlyon with Jodie Michalska playing down the left, but it was on the right hand through Hannah Cain that Sheffield created the chance that should have broken the deadlock.

Cain crossed low for Ward in the six yard box, but she couldn’t quite convert under pressure from commanding Villa centre-back Jade Richards.

The onslaught continued, as the ball broke free for Michalska down the left, who’s cross cannoned off the crossbar, and the rebound just wouldn’t sit down for Chelsea Flannagan who ballooned her header over from four yards.

Villa until this point had been restricted to long-shots, but they opened the scoring with their only on-target effort of the first half. A corner was swung high towards the back post, not dealt with, and, when it came back across the goal, Katie Wilkinson was on hand to tap in.

This goal against the run of play stunned Sheffield FC and their early momentum was lost in a half that finished with broken play and niggly fouls as five players found their way into referee Aaron Bannister’s notebook.

The second half started how the first had ended, with scrappy play from both sides and no room in the midfield to put passes together.

This was ended by a huge stroke of luck for Sheffield FC. Flannagan released Cain down the right, and her cross dipped nastily, finding its way into the back of the net via a combination of keeper and crossbar.

No sooner had Sheffield begun to build the momentum to go on and win the game, than it was snuffed out by their Achilles heel. Another corner was not defended well, and Richards’ powerful header was well blocked on the goal-line

by Hannah Dale, but she could

do nothing to stop Wilkinson’s rebound, which gave the Villa striker a second poachers goal. Sheffield FC controlled the final stages, but converted little of the possession into pressure, only managing halfchances for substitute Rhema Lord-Mears who flashed a shot across goal, and very late on for Emily Owen, whose hooked left-foot volley was comfortably saved by Myers.

Sheffield’s profligacy in front of goal cost them again, but there are still plenty of positives to build on for the world’s oldest football club.

football and remember we’ve still got two Premier League relegation slots, two Championship promotion slots, two European finals and an FA Cup final coming up - the summer is going to be so packed with brilliant sport that it is going to be hard not to miss any of it.

Then there’s Euro 2016. You can find a full preview on pages 46-47, but the bottom line is it is going to be great, even if the format is a bit rubbish (see page 45).

And before you know it, it will be mid-August and the Premier League circus will be back in town.

A superb summer of cricket is in store too. We start off in under a fortnight with a threeTest series between England and Sri Lanka, before Pakistan come to visit for four Tests.

The T20 Blast will be a cricketing spectacle again, and Derbyshire play

Northamptonshire on 3 July and Yorkshire on 10 July in Chesterfield for those who want a local sporting fix.

Golf will continue in timehonoured tradition; we’ll enjoy the US Open at Oakmont, the Open Championship at beautiful windswept Royal Troon and the PGA Championship at Baltusrol, all with the added complication of qualification for the Ryder Cup at the end of September.

Add to this the first Olympic Golf tournament in 112 years, a tournament that, despite what the naysayers proclaim, everyone will want to win.

By far the biggest event in a mammoth summer of sport is the Rio Olympics. British medal prospects will again be high, with dominance in the Velodrome and on the water in rowing and sailing expected.

There are far too many sports featuring to go over each individually in detail, but

Sheffield FC Ladies LIVE on Forge Sport Sheffield FC, founded in 1857, are recognised by FIFA as the world’s oldest football club, and Sheffield Ladies this year became WSL2’s newest.

They open their first ever Continental Cup campaign against Durham on Sunday 8 May at the Home of Football Stadium in Dronfield (KO 2pm).

Tickets are £4/£2 for concessions Listen LIVE at forgeradio.com/extra

Image: James Prickett

Following their Varsity loss two weeks earlier, Sheffield were very keen to prove themselves in outdoor cricket.

A cold day occasionally hit by the occasional hail shower made for interesting watching.

Sheffield however, triumphed, meeting Hallam’s target of 118-5 in their 30 overs with a few overs to spare.

Electing to field first some good Sheffield bowling, notably from Lizzie Dillam and Billie Santos, saw the Hallam run rate slow despite a 50 from their captain.

After a brief rain delay it was Sheffield’s turn to bat, and despite the loss of an early wicket, Sheffield chased the total losing only two wickets in the process.

Hannah Lautch batted solidly all innings, building on her performance in the last game to get 66 not out.

Lautch was supported by Zara Aslam for most of the innings, who herself made a good contribution of 30 odd runs.

Overall therefore this was a very different performance to the preceding indoor game.

Adding this to a stunning 176 run victory over Manchester in their opening game, during which they set a new team record of 228-1 from 30 overs, Sheffield now have two wins from two BUCS games.

2016 Sport - The Summer of Plenty

Hugh Dickinson

Book the weekend off; Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July are going to be awesome.

A bumper weekend kicks off with the Wimbledon Women’s final before two huge fighting events, with both Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko, and Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz, locking horns for rematches in boxing and UFC respectively.

Once you’ve finally got to sleep after all the excitement it will be time to wake up for the British Grand Prix, the Wimbledon Men’s final and finally, in the evening, the final of Euro 2016.

This is just one weekend of a bumper summer of sport.

Time management will be key over this summer. Whilst it might seem easier with a break from the thrilling but endless

the new sports of rugby sevens and golf will both be welcome additions and both contain a prospect of a medal for Great Britain.

Sheffield could manage two golds on its own over the fortnight with Jessica Ennis-Hill and Danny Willett among the favourites for the heptathlon and golf.

There’s so much to look forward to – put it in your calendar and don’t miss a minute!

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