SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
Issue 96
Comment Stationery Addicts are people too p. 12
FREE
bRAND NEW DESIGN
Inside this issue... Features
Lifestyle
The ULTIMATE Sheffield Bucket List p. 14
Sport
The Harsh Reality of VolunTourism p. 22
Team UoS Shines in Rio p. 47
WELCOME TO SHEFFIELD
SHEF BETTER THAN TEF?
Chloe Coleman News Editor The Students’ Union Officers team are calling for the University of Sheffield to boycott the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). TEF will see the Government monitoring and assessing the quality of teaching in England’s universities. This will lead to the government having more control over the University’s decision making processes. The University is currently deciding whether or not to participate in the government’s proposed TEF. In response to this deliberation, the SU Officers have written an open letter and launched a campaign to raise awareness of TEF and propose that the University...
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SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
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In Brief...
Forge Press Editorial Team Editor
editor@forgetoday.com
Anna Gillies
Deputy Editors deputy.editor@forgetoday.com Dan West Hallam Roffey Head of Online
caro.kyllmann@forgetoday.com
Caro Kyllmann News
press.news@forgetoday.com
Lisa Latham Chloe Coleman Josh Peachey Hope Cunningham
Student asked to refund drink bought for her on night out
‘Dabbing’ comes to Sheffield Uni
Tapton Hall Open to the public for education on freemasonary
Sheffield-based footballer dies
18-year-old student Abby Fenton was out celebrating at Carver Street club The Viper Rooms when she was bought a drink for being ‘gorgeous’. Two weeks later, she received a text from the stranger asking if she could send the £6.50 back. After transferring the money, Abby shared the exchange on Twitter which has since gone viral.
The internet dance phenomenon ‘dabbing’ has made its way to Sheffield with the help of three Master’s students. DabSoc has become an official University of Sheffield society, quickly gaining momentum of Facebook, with 135 members and counting.
Sheffield’s Tapton Hall opens its doors to the public in a unique chance to learn about freemasonry. As part of the ‘Heritage Open Days’ festival, tours of the original hall will be open to the public as well as Q+A sessions with two of the brethren. Masonic regalia will also be on display.
Sheffield-based footballer Daniel Wilkinson dies after suffering suspected cardiac arrest during a game. The 26-year-old Shaw Lane Aquaforce player was treated on the pitch by medics and rushed to Calderdale Royal Hospital where he later died. The team’s chairman said ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time’.
Comment
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Will Morgan Michael Chilton Features
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Jess Davis Ellena Rowlin Laura Mullan
Editorial
Coffee Break
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Sian Bradley Lifestyle
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Rosie Hameed Joseph Mackay Sport
press.sport@forgetoday.com
Sheena Sidhu Ed McCosh Hugh Dickinson Music
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Harry Chambers Emma Williams Games
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Ashfaq Emritte Nick Burke Arts
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Mollie Davidson Laura Mulvey Screen
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Luke Baldwin Beth Andralojc
Copy Editors Harriet Hales Harry Gold Kimberley John Shaun Thomas Katharine Swindells Tom West Holly Overton Molly Kerkham Want to post us something? Forge Press Media Hub Union of Students Western Bank Sheffield S10 2DG
I
t’s astonishing to think that this year will be my third and final year as a student at the University of Sheffield. I know it’s a cliché but it really does only feel like yesterday that I was dragging a never-ending stream of boxes rammed-full of my belongings into my box-sized student room. I remember being greeted by green walls and 80s patterned curtains and wondering how I would ever call this home, a year later and I didn’t want to leave. If you’re new to Sheffield and embarking on your first year at university then good luck, you
really have made an amazing choice in this University and there is so much coming your way. If you’re returning for your second or third year then welcome back, I’m sure you’ll be as excited as I am to be back. If you are a returning student then you’ll notice Forge Press has had a bit of a facelift. We’ve changed things up a bit to hopefully freshen up the paper bringing you the same quality content but in a more attractive way. We’re really happy with the final outcome and are excited for the year ahead, we hope you like it too.
With a brand new look for our paper we also need new writers and contributors to help us put it together. Make sure you look out for us at the Activities Fair on Thursday 22 September. If you’re interested in writing, taking photographs, or producing artwork we’d love to meet you and tell you more about how you can get involved in Forge Press. We will also be with our pals from Forge TV and Forge Radio so if you’re interested in the broadcast side of media they will be around to talk to you too. Make sure you sign up to our mailing list so that you never miss an important Forge
update – we promise we won’t inundate you with emails, we’ll only send you the really important stuff. The team have worked really hard on this Freshers’ Week issue of Forge Press and I know they have so much more planned for the upcoming year. Enjoy Freshers’ week and the time before lectures start. Remember, the hangover won’t last forever.
What to look out for over the following fortnight
Want to get involved or got a story to share?
What’s On Event Activities Fair 2016: Discover over 300 societies available for you to get involved with at the SU.
Time/Venue
22/09/16 SU / Octagon 11:30-16:00 Free
Event
Time/Venue
Freshers’ Frat Party: Get to know your housemates American style, featuring red cups, free popcorn and a free photobooth!
19/09/16 Foundry, Studio & Fusion 11:00-03:00
Freshers’ Thai Full Moon 18/09/16 Party: A Freshers’ staple, selling Foundry, Studio out every year. Expect UV body & Fusion painting, bucket cocktails and a 11:00-03:00 free UV t-shirt with every ticket.
Give it a Go Quidditch: If you 20/09/16 fancy something different this SU, Edge, Ridge Freshers’ then why not try out 14:30-17:00 Quidditch and experience this fast £2 online growing sport?
Freshers’ Fair 2016: The Freshers’ Fair is full of free items, giveaways, competitions and information from over 50 student friendly companies. Nando’s will be there.
Chocolate Lock-In: Meet at the SU before walking down to Cocoa on Ecclesall Road where you’ll be greeted and locked in. Your task is to eat all the sweet treats you can manage.
28/09/16 SU / Octagon 10:30-16:00 Free
19/09/16 SU desk 18:30-22:00 Free
We always welcome writers, photographers and artists here at Forge Press. Come and pay us a visit in the Media Hub situated in the Students’ Union or email our editor at editor@forgetoday.com
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SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
Giant clock puts Sheffield in the mood Lisa Latham News Editor
•• A happiness clock is to be projected onto Sheffield’s City Hall •• An “affect analysis” of words used in Tweets will represent Sheffield’s mood.
A clock depicting the happiness of Sheffield’s population is to be beamed onto the City Hall and cathedral using an HD projector. The clock will use emojis to represent the mood of the city based on the recent activity of Twitter users. The project, named #HappySheffield, has been proposed by researchers at The
University of Sheffield as part of the upcoming Festival of Mind, which will run from 15-25 September 2016. During the festival projects in art, music, history, technology and social issues like immigration and food production will be open and free to the public. Chris Blackmore, one of the academics involved in the
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#HappySheffield project, says that the idea stemmed from Sheffield’s past appearance in happiness studies, and in particular from a 2013 study that named Sheffield the happiest city. Blackmore says “That was one of our motivations, to query that, to get underneath it. In some parts of the country, do people use more happy language and how does that map on to the experience of everyday life?” He also stated that around 20% of the population of 570,000 in Sheffield use Twitter, which has caused some dispute around the quality of representativeness of the projection. He argues that the mood map will be a “way into a conversation” and encourage more people to live authentically. The happiness meter will also be displayed on the project website happysheffield.co.uk. The projection can be viewed from Saturday 17 to Sunday 25 September in Barkers Pool from 7pm-11pm.
Sheffield men more likely to open up to barbers than doctor Anna Gillies Editor
•• Sheffield barber joins forces with charity to combat male mental health •• Survey reveals men more likely to open up to barbers than doctors A Sheffield barbers has joined forces with a national mental illness charity after a survey revealed that more than half of men asked would more likely discuss personal issues such as depression with their barbers than a doctor. Neil Tomlinson, an employee at Savills on Devonshire Street, has joined forces with luxury male grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge and charity The Lions Collective, to raise awareness for male mental health as part of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day.
The survey sampled 1,908 men living in the UK and revealed that 53 per cent of them said they would be more likely to discuss personal struggles and mental health issues with their barbers than their GP. In addition, 78 per cent also make a conscious effort to regularly visit the same barber. In comparison, only 54 per cent of these same men find themselves consulting with the same doctor. The survey further highlighted that 71 per cent of men have a good relationship with their barber while 59 per cent rated their patient to doctor relationship as ‘just average’ or ‘poor’. When asked Neil said, “Thousands of men are likely hiding from issues that they should be comfortably discussing with their doctors, such as depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder.” The Lions Barber Collective is an international collection of top barbers which have come together to help raise awareness for the
prevention of suicide. Tom Chapman, founder of The Lions Barber Collective charity, said: “Our work educates barbers and their clients in how to spot the symptoms associated with depression. Then, through building a genuine relationship with the
client in the chair, barbers are able to offer support on many different levels; sometimes a man just needs someone he can trust to confide in – he doesn’t want to be told what he should do, or how to ‘fix’ his problem, he just wants someone to listen.”
Strip club proposal withdrawn following criticism
Hugh Dickinson Sports Editor A license application for a sexual entertainment venue (SEV) on the corner of Suffolk Road and Leadmill Street has been withdrawn after concerted pressure from local politicians and residents during a Town Hall Meeting. The site that is close to Unite student accommodation and Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union came under fierce criticism from many angles, chiefly that it would be close to schools, churches and support services for vulnerable adults. Approximately 180 objections to the license were received, with 40 objectors attending the Town Hall meeting in person. Among the many happy local campaigners were more prominent figures. Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield declared himself “pleased” on Twitter, and former Green Party leader Natalie Bennet tweeted “Great work – city coming together.” Local nightclub and music venue The Leadmill added “well done” to those involved in the campaign. Owner Villa Mercedes, which also owns an existing club on Charter Square, came under fire for their website offering packages for the occasions of “your motherin-law passing away (RIP)” and “your girlfriend being on that time of the month,” something that local anti-SEV group Zero Option described as “extremely offensive and misogynistic” in their objection letter. Villa Mercedes is understood to be considering opening the venue as a bar, and a meeting concerning whether to license the building to sell alcohol will be held next week.
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SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
NEWS POLITICS COLUMN Power station plans to go ahead The government has approved plans for a new nuclear power station to be built at Hinkley Point in Somerset. The £18bn plant will be financed by the French and the Chinese and will produce 3,200,000,000W of electricity and generate 25,000 jobs. Labour fall out again The Labour Party is arguing again. Rows have erupted from either side after some MPs were accused of “abuse” towards Jeremy Corbyn in a list that was compiled by his team. One of the MPs who complained said it amounted to “harassment and bullying”. Labour will announce their new leader, Jeremy Corbyn or Owen Smith, in 10 days. Elderly to fend for selves Government-funded care is being cut, despite the growth of the aging population in England. A report conducted by King’s Fund and Nuffield Trust found that since 2014 those receiving care from local councils fell by 26%, over 40% of money paid to care homes came from personal payment and one million people with care needs now receive no help. David Cameron resigns David Cameron has decided to stand down as a Conservative MP and announced his resignation from politics. Theresa May has made much effort to disassociate her new government from that of Cameron’s which has caused some stirring within the political circles of Cameron and George Osborne.
press.news@forgetoday.com
Keith Burnett announced as President of the UK’s Science Council Will Morgan Comment Editor University of Sheffield Vice Chancellor Keith Burnett has been appointed as President of the UK Science Council. The Science Council brings together professional scientists from academia and industry, and also represents scientific technicians and science teachers. As well as holding the national register for Chartered Scientists, the Science Council requires registered scientists across all disciplines and areas of practise to demonstrate and maintain professional standards of competence and sign up to codes of ethical conduct. This will add to Sir Keith’s already large portfolio, as he serves on the government’s Advisory Council for Science and Technology whilst also being a member of the Council of the Royal Society. VC Burnett keeps a high profile in public life, publishing a great deal of column inches on Higher Education politics and the role of science in society. Recently arguing: “The UK and the whole world faces huge challenges affecting the future of humanity, and scientists are at the forefront of finding solutions,” he said. “For too long the public and even government has taken its image of Science and scientists from film and popular culture. But at a time when experts are being questioned and our need for solutions is great, it is absolutely vital that the public can have confidence in the people who will
help us develop the transport and healthcare of the future, who can help us understand our weather systems or how to make the best use of finite resources.” The Science Council will place particular emphasis on building bridges between the Science community at all levels and maintaining confidence in professional standards. Sir Keith said: “From smart phones to the wonders of the hadron collider, UK scientists are making a massive contribution to our lives and understanding. It is not just true of Nobel laureates and leading researchers. Science depends on the highest standards amongst professional technicians who develop the equipment and who support the experiments on which breakthroughs rely. “The Science Council has been doing
truly excellent work in raising the profile of Science technicians as a skilled and integral part of the science workforce – within both academia and industry. This is a subject which is of enormous personal importance to me, and I am confident that raising the status and profile of UK Science through the work of the Council and partnerships with government and other bodies will be crucial if the country is to continue to be a world-leader in this area and to reap the many benefits for citizens here and across the world.” Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive of the Science Council, said that she believes Sir Keith will have a crucial role to play in developing the role of the Science Council in UK life. She said: “Sir Keith has a superb reputation as both a scientist and a leader, but he also
brings to the role of President his vision, experience of public policy and an ability to explain in lay terms why Science matters and why professional scientists at all levels are so vital to our society and economy. “Now, more than ever, it’s important that all scientists are working to high standards of competence and conduct and that there is transparency about how Science is done. Public confidence in scientists, and in the organisations that employ them, is crucial to making sure the results of scientific work are accepted and understood by the public. Sir Keith shares this vision and will be a key advocate for registration its benefits to scientists, those that employ them and the public whom scientists serve.”
Yorkshire impress with Olympic and Paralympic prowess Lisa Latham News Editor Team GB returned from Rio this year with a record 67 medals, their most achieved overseas, with Yorkshire contributing four gold, five silver and four bronze. Yorkshire made the news four years ago in the London Olympics after it was calculated that, had it been its own country, it would have placed 12th in the world above Brazil, Jamaica, Spain and others.
The county continued to impress this year, with West Yorkshire coming second on a list of most successful UK counties comprised by Huffington Post, and 14th
worldwide. Great Britain and Northern Island have received 80 medals in this year’s paralympic games: 38 gold, 18 silver and 24 bronze. A celebratory homecoming event will be held in Leeds on September 28 for Yorkshire’s Olympic and Paralympic winners.
Yorkshire’s Olympic and Paralympic medallists: GOLD
• • •
• • • • •
Jack Laugher, Leeds , Diving Ed Clancy, Holmbridge, Cycling Andy Triggs Hodge, Hebden, and Paul Bennett, Leeds, Rowing eight Alistair Brownlee, Dewsbury, Triathlon Hannah Cockroft, Halifax, Athletics Gold Kadeena Cox, Leeds, Athletics Laurence Whitely, Northallerton, Rowing Matt Wylie, Sunderland, Swimming
SILVER
• • • • •
Zoe Lee, Richmond , Rowing Jess Ennis-Hill, Sheffield, Heptathlon Jack Laugher, Leeds ,Diving Jonny Brownlee, Dewsbury, Triathlon Bryony Page, Huntingdon, Trampolining BRONZE
• • • • •
Katy Merchant, Leeds , Cycling Nile Wilson, Leeds, Gymnastics Marcus ellis. Huddersfield, Badminton Josef Craig, Jarrow, Swimming Stephen Miller, Cramlington, Athletics
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SU officers call Vice-Chancellor to boycott TEF Chloe Coleman News Editor
•• SU Officers call for the University to boycott the TEF •• Further attempts to protest a rise in tuition fees ...continued from front page does not participate in TEF. In
their letter, they have addressed the probable possibility that TEF would lead to a large fee hike: “The government wants you to believe that the TEF will improve teaching standards, but it is actually being used as a tool to raise tuition fees, meaning that by 2020 tuition fees are likely to rise to more than £10,000 a year.” In their letter to Vice-Chancellor Keith Burnett, the officers refer to the fact that “The University
of Sheffield was created as a civic university, founded to be accessible to those least well off, for the people and for Sheffield.” They also state that “TEF will lead to Higher Education becoming increasingly competitive, restrictive and inaccessible. What would the factory workers of a century ago - those who gave their pennies to build this university - say about such measures?” The letter outlines some of the problems that the University accepting TEF could lead to: “Teaching will be standardised, pitting students against each other, creating a hierarchy between subjects and institutions through differentiated fee raises. If Sheffield participates in TEF it will no longer be able to pride itself in providing a unique experience where students’ talents are nurtured. Is this a picture that you are happy to look at and know that you didn’t take sufficient action to prevent it from happening?” The Officers call out for the University to reject TEF in order
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“send out a national message and actively encourage other institutions to stand alongside us, building national opposition to this government’s vision for a highly marketised higher education sector.” In the highly emotive letter, the Officers remind the Vice-Chancellor that “[his] students will actively support you in showing other universities that we are defending Higher Education together.” And asks him to “let Sheffield be the institution where students stand alongside their university united. Think of how powerful a message that would be.” The Officers are asking students and staff to sign their open letter and support them in their position to prevent the University complying with what seems to be a vague framework. To read our comment piece about TEF and the NSS, turn to page 10.
“Consent Conversations” to be held for first years Chloe Coleman News Editor
•• “Consent Conversations” will be held for first years to promote discussion of consent. •• Further efforts are taken by the SU in efforts to eradicate sexual harassment. “Consent Conversations” are to be held during Freshers’ Week for first years to encourage discussion around consent. This announcement comes a year after the Students’ Union trialled non-compulsory Consent Workshops in the departments of History, Journalism and Biomedical Science. Despite the workshops not continuing this year, they were considered a success by the Union as students from many different backgrounds attended. This year “conversations” are to
be held instead. Serena Cavasin, Women’s Officer at the Students’ Union said this is “in order to have a wider reach to students and move away from the class and lesson delivery style.” Serena says the campaign will be introduced during the Intro Week talks, where an analogous video of someone making tea will be shown and an explanation given of what constitutes full consent and what does not. The conversations will start in the fourth week of the semester. They will be encouraged to engage in “consent conversations” by residential mentors and chosen “consent champions”. The University and the Union will also be promoting a campus-wide campaign so that students who are not first years and/or do not live in halls will be reached. Cavasin highlights that the Union have worked hard to optimise their responses to issues of violence and sexual harassment. Most of this is
Under-threat rugby league team could be saved
Dan West Deputy Editor Under threat rugby league team could be saved in new deal. A Sheffield based investor wants to build a £35 million biomass power station, whilst also investing in a new stadium, to the tune of £6 to £7 million, for the homeless Sheffield Eagles. The stadium would be built in the Olympic Legacy Park, on the site of the former Don Valley Stadium, with the power station nearby. This follows Mark Aston, Eagles director of rugby, telling the Star that the club was in trouble because of a lack of support from the city. A funding campaign has been set up to raise £20,000 to allow the club to operate whilst waiting for long term-investment. As of writing over £3600 has been raised in just one day. Whilst investment is needed, it may not come soon enough as planning permission for the power station is still to be found, and it’s construction is needed for the investment into the club.
Sheffield Theatres head up UK Theatre Awards Dan West Deputy Editor
reflected by the SU’s Zero Tolerance police to Sexual Harrasment whereby allegations of any form of sexual harassment are treated very seriously. Cavasin also noted that The University Counselling Service and the SU Student Advice Centre
support students who have experienced trauma and notes that that Sheffield Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre are an option for any student who wishes to get external support.
Sheffield Theatres have eight nominations at the UK Theatre Awards, an award ceremony for productions made outside of London. Two musicals from the Crucible are nominated for best musical. Both Show Boat and the brand new musical Flowers for Mrs Harris have been nominated. A number of performers from those musicals have also been nominated for best performance awards, with Clare Burt up for best performance in a musical, and Emmanuel Kojo and Rebecca Trehearn up for best supporting performance. The production designer for both musicals has also been nominated for best design.
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Sexual harassment top risk for female students on nights out Lisa Latham News Editor
•• Sexual harassment tops list of risks for female students on nights out. •• UniLad and Drinkaware team up on campaign to keep students safe. A survey conducted by market research agency ICM has revealed that the highest risk for female students on nights out is sexual harassment. The poll included 2,004 female students aged 18-24 and found that 54 per cent had experienced inappropriate touching, comments or abuse on a night out. Of these, 51 per cent said it happened every time. The survey also found that sexual harassment tops the list of negative experiences during a night out, above drinking too much, fighting or regretting a sexual encounter, and affects a third of all students.
Alcohol education charity Drinkaware are collaborating with the UniLad website to educate students approaching Freshers’ Week on sexual harassment awareness, and offer tips on how to stay safe on nights out. Spokesperson for Drinkaware Ben Butler said: “Young people shouldn’t have to put up with sexual harassment as part of a night out. “Touching another person in a sexual way without their consent is legally defined as sexual assault. “We hope that, through sharing their own experiences, young people will think twice about what behaviour is acceptable on nights out.” Liam Harrington, Chief Executive of the UniLad website, said: “We want our audience to consider whether they would still behave in the same way towards someone if they were sober. “Drinking stops you thinking as clearly about social situations, including sexual harassment, and things your sober self would never consider all of a sudden seem a
laugh or a good idea.” The project aims to expose instances of sexual harassment and tackle the “normalisation” of
Labour lose a seat to the Liberal Democrats in by-election Hallam Roffey Deputy Editor The Liberal Democrats gained a seat on Sheffield Council after winning the Mosborough byelection on Friday 9 September. The by-election had been triggered by the death of Labour councillor Isobel Bowler last June.
Labour had won all seats of the ward in May of this year, leaving the the Lib Dems in fourth place, behind both the Conservative Party and UKIP. However, Lib Dem candidate Gail Smith secured a 31 per cent swing in the by-election, taking 45.6 per cent of the vote. Labour took 34.1 per cent, a 9.2 per cent drop. UKIP and the
Conservatives both also reduced their share, taking 12.4 and 6.1 per cent of the vote respectively. Labour candidate Julie Grocutt finished second with 1,279 votes, a result which Labour MP Louise Haigh described as ‘devastating.’ Other Labour MPs expressed their disappointment in the loss of what was considered to be a safe seat for the party. The result came three weeks after thousands of supporters turned out for a Jeremy Corbyn rally in Barker’s Pool. None of the city’s five Labour MPs attended the event. Liberal Democrat and Sheffield Hallam MP Nick Clegg said ‘last night’s result was a well deserved victory for a hardworking local champion. My deepest congratulations to Gail, who I know will be an excellent representative for the Mosborough community.’
unwanted sexual contact on nights out. Students are encouraged to use the hashtag #GropeFreeNights
to raise awareness and eradicate issues around sexual harassment in the run up to Freshers’ Week.
Stay safe in Sheffield No one can reasonably deny that Freshers’ Week is first and foremost a buffering period during which students can celebrate their new found freedom and independence in the best way they know how: by drinking an obscene amount of alcohol and making every bad decision they’ve ever wanted to make. Starting university is also a great opportunity to fully discover your interests, meet amazing people and experience for yourself what it means to be a student. For those who don’t drink to excess there’s many intoxicant-free activities and societies to join. The University of Sheffield caters for everyone, so don’t hesitate to really explore in Freshers’ Week and find what works for you. It is important during Freshers’ Week, and your entire time at university, to be aware of risks and know how to keep yourself safe. Here are some tips that every student should keep in mind when partying hard.
• The Women’s Night Safety Bus operates seven nights a week during term-time, available to female students free of charge from the SU to anywhere within two miles. • The Safe Taxi Scheme allows students without cash to get a taxi home using their student card, which they can then pick up from the SU in exchange for the fare. • The University and Union have a strict zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and violence, and treat allegations very seriously. • Look out for ‘Safety Stewards’ in the SU on nights out. They’ll help to process and resolve any issues you have. • Establish a meet-up point with friends when you enter a new club. Mobile phones become useless amidst the roar of a thousand drunk renditions of “Mr. Brightside.” • Stick together! Make sure you’ve told at least one friend where you’re going and at what time. • Eat fairly well, stay hydrated and know your limits. Be careful and informed when trying new things.
Sheffield City Taxi phone number: 0114 239 3939
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SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
Sheffield set for electoral shake-up Will Morgan Comment Editor Electoral boundaries in Sheffield are to be drastically changed. Following a review by the Boundary Commission for England (BCE), the constituency borders of Sheffield Hallam and Sheffield Central have been redrawn. Areas such as Crookes, Crosspool and Sandygate have been added to Sheffield Central’s constituency, which has in turn lost parts of Ecclesall Road and Sharrow to Sheffield Heeley. Sheffield Hallam is to gain large parts of land, extending beyond Stocksbridge. The aims of the electoral reforms are to make every constituency in England uniform – each with roughly 75,000 electors. Nearly every constituency boundary in the country has changed, with only 68 exceptions. 43 of these are Conservative constituencies. Overall, there will now be 50 fewer constituency seats, with a heavier emphasis on rural rather than urban areas. Rural constituencies traditionally vote Conservative. The reform was announced by the Conservative government in
2011. If the electorate were to vote along similar lines to those of the 2015 general election, these boundary changes could mean the loss of Liberal Democrat Sheffield Hallam to Labour in 2020. The changes proposed by the BCE will not come into force until 2018 at the earliest, following a period of public consultation.
Key Blue - Sheffield Hallam Green - Healey Yellow - Sheffield South East Red - Sheffield Central Pink - Brightside & Hillsborough
SCIENCE & TECH China set to launch second space station Hallam Roffey Deputy Editor China is set to launch a second experimental space station, as it looks to have a manned station by 2022, state media said. The Tiangong 2 launches just after 22:00 local time on Thursday 15 September from the Gobi desert. Next month two astronauts will go to the station to conduct research. Space exploration is a priority for China, the third country after the Soviet Union and the US to put
astronauts in space. The mission follows the launch of the Tiangong 1 prototype in 2011, a smaller but also operational model. China insists its space programme is of a purely civilian nature. The US Department of Defense has argued that some elements of China’s programme seem like they are targeted at being able to stop other countries using their space assets in a time of crisis in the future.
Signs of new ice giant discovered by astronomers Hallam Roffey Deputy Editor
Sheffield to receive London standard flood defences Hugh Dickinson Sports Editor Sheffield will be the first “Core City” in England to get flood defences “similar to that of London” by 2021. A Government report released this week entitled “National Flood Resilience Review” set out plans for Sheffield to become a pilot city for new flood defence schemes. The scheme is anticipated to be largely self-financing, and “will deliver, and be financed from the proceeds of, economic value for the local area.” Despite a national fund for flood defences of £700 million being announced in the 2016 budget, it is currently unclear how much of this will be invested in Sheffield, but it is expected to be short of the £20 million requested by council leader Julie Dore in January. Dore had asked then Prime Minister David Cameron for the
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fund in order to avoid a repeat of the devastating floods of 2007. Nationwide over 1,500 schemes, including that proposed for Sheffield, it is anticipated that 300,000 homes will be protected and £30 billion brought in
economic benefits. More information on Sheffield flood defence schemes is available at floodprotectionsheffield.com
Astronomers have discovered signs of a baby planet developing around another star. The team, who are based in Chile, used radio telescopes to close in on a nascent planetary system that is located 176 light-years from earth. The planet is thought to be an ice giant, similar to Uranus and Neptune. The star, TW Hydrae, is about 80 per cent the mass of the sun but only five to ten years old. It is one of the closest young stars to Earth. In the two decades since the first exoplanets (planets with orbit that start outside of the solar system)
were found, astronomers have discovered that planetary systems do not necessarily follow the template set by the eight planets which orbit the Sun. There is great diversity in the configuration of planetary systems and how this emerges is the subject of considerable debate.
“We have to be smarter than the dinosaurs” Lisa Latham News Editor President Barrack Obama’s Chief Science Advisor has warned that the Earth is currently vulnerable to an asteroid strike. NASA has been tracking asteroids that are at greatest risk of a collision with Earth, but John Holdren, director of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, said there is still a lot of work to be
done. Holdren notes that strikes are rare, with around one every hundred years, but still pose a massive and potentially unpredictable risk. He says: “This is a hazard that, 65 million years ago, the dinosaurs succumbed to.” He added, “We have to be smarter than the dinosaurs.”
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SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
NEWS A word from your officers
The Students’ Union Officers are elected by you to represent the student voice within the University and the Union. There are eight officers who each represent a different area of student interest
By SU President Dom Trendall
A Level Results Day: Context Matters
A
Level results day can be an excruciating ritual, exacerbated by societal and familial expectations and months of stress. It’s really important that we remember how we felt that day, however many years ago, and think about how we can make the university admissions process fairer. I was so lucky to be afforded the chance to study at the University of Sheffield. The experience has changed my life and shaped who I am. It’s a unique opportunity to explore what it is to learn and to grapple with difficult concepts. We have literally hundreds of clubs and societies that students can join and try out new things, and meet amazing people in the process. When I opened the envelope containing my A level results, hands shaking, I had no idea just how lucky I was. For so many, however, the admissions process on results day is merely a spectator sport, because they never believed that university could be for them. It is not that university is necessarily for everyone, but surely it should at least be for anyone. Students from deprived backgrounds are denied the belief that they can go into Higher Education and that it can change their lives. The playing field is so uneven that millions of people can’t even access the field of play, let alone have a fair shot. If we take minute to consider how we can make this process fairer, there are clearly some measures that can be taken that would go some way in widening participation in Higher Education. The way that universities assess their applications is fundamentally socially constructed. Applicants are reduced to data points and assessed on that basis; raw grade data is subjectively weighted against a UCAS mandated personal statement. The amount of support prospective students receive during this process fluctuates wildly, and this correlates in an undeniable way with the quality of their schooling and their families
Your SU Officers
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PRESIDENT Dom Trendall experience in Higher Education. It is in this context, that context matters. It is in no one’s interest to have universities lacking in diversity and overlooking the talents of those not already institutionally advantaged in society. There is a purely academic case to be made that educational achievement attained in the face of adversity is greater than that achieved with ample support. This pertains to the fundamental injustice of the current system. Ultimately, we all benefit from a university experience that allows us to meet people from all backgrounds and walks of life. The richer the tapestry that makes up the student body the more we have collectively to offer the world. I’m really proud to have studied at a university that takes its societal responsibilities seriously, but there is always scope for improvement. The opportunities afforded to us at university should be extended as far as possible, so that the University of Sheffield’s founding promise of a “University” for Sheffield can truly be realised. Sheffield has a good record when it comes to widening participation, and this is reflective of a progressive ethos and the hard work of staff. This is one of the reasons that Sheffield is so great. The challenge now is to take this work to the next level and lead the way and pioneer an approach that places context at the heart of the admissions process. The University’s motto roughly translates into English as ‘to discover the causes of things’. It also has to be our mission to change things when they are not quite right. An unfair admissions system that allows working class children to believe that university is not for them is the fundamental cause of so much of the structural inequality that exists in society. Let’s work together to change that.
•• The figurehead of your Students’ Union. Leads and oversees the work of your Student Officer Team. •• Ensures the Students’ Union is valued by its members as an effective, responsive and accountable organisation. •• Chairs the Trustee Board, Student Executive Committee and Staffing Committee. SU DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Michael Kind
INTERNATIONAL OFFICER Ana-Gabriela Popa
•• Supports and represents the University’s international student population. •• Works to support and facilitate integration of home and international students at Sheffield. •• Sits on key University committees relating to international students and internationalisation.
EDUCATION OFFICER Ali Day
•• Represents students’ commercial interests and oversees budgets and expenditure.
•• Responsible for all educational matters affecting students, both undergraduate and postgraduate.
•• Ensures Students’ Union services are relevant and responsive to student needs.
•• Co-ordinates and supports democracy and student representation within the University, and works with the Education Committee to campaign on, and keep students informed of, academic issues.
•• Has key oversight over the Students’ Union’s commercial activity and communications. Chairs the Students’ Union Finance Committee. •• Sits on University Finance Committee, Senate Budget Committee and University Council. •• Sits on the Sport Sheffield Board and has key relationships with University staff responsible for the provision of sports facilities and opportunities.
•• Sits on many University committees including University Senate and Learning & Teaching Committee.
•• Ensures the provision of sports opportunities and clubs for students.
WOMEN’S OFFICER Serena Cavasin
•• Represents the views and interests of liberation groups within the Students' Union and University as well as at a national level and creates a student environment free from sexism and discrimination. •• Works with the Women's Committee to lead campaigns on the issues of women's rights and equality.
WELFARE OFFICER Anna Mullaney
• Provides support, representation and raises awareness of student health, finance, housing and safety issues. • Works closely with the Student Advice Centre to ensure relevant and effective advice is available to students. • Works with the University to ensure adequate welfare provision and support for students.
SPORTS OFFICER Em Roche
•• Acts as the advocate of students engaged in sport at all levels. •• Works to increase the number of students taking part in sport.
ACTIVITIES OFFICER Anna Berestova
•• Works with the University to ensure recognition of the contribution students make through activities and the importance of societies and volunteering as part of the student experience at Sheffield.
•• Oversees the provision of student activities and the societies of the Students’ Union. •• Works to increase the number of students engaged in societies, activities and volunteering projects.
FORGE PRESS 9
SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
NEWS University announces four month recruitment freeze Chloe Coleman News Editor
David Cameron
•• SU President speaks out against the University halting hiring.
It was revealed this week that Dave accepted a lucrative payout of approximately £17,125 when he left Downing Street. All that and he got to avoid the fallout of Brexit, pretty good week for DC!
helen glover and steve backshall the Clinical years of Medicine and Dentistry. SU President, Dom Trendall, spoke to Forge Press saying: “We are concerned that the recruitment freeze may have an impact on students’ experience of University, their education and their welfare. As the numbers of students rise, it’s important that the University
ensures there is enough staff to support every student who requires that support.” Although the University have put a blanket freeze on recruitment, they will be assessing situations on a case by case basis. They have said they will ensure that positions that are essential to student welfare and education where staff member
has retired or resigned, they will be replaced. However, the process may be slower than usual. As mentioned on page 5 fees may potentially rise with the introduction of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
Armed police uncover drugs, cash, ammunition and gun in Sheffield Hallam Roffey Deputy Editor
•• A gun, drugs, ammunition and cash were seized •• The raid was pre-planned by Sheffield Police A gun along with a cache of drugs, ammunition and cash were seized in a series of police raids in Sheffield on the morning of Wednesday 14 September. Properties in Burngreave and Pitsmoor were part of the preplanned raid which had been organised following a report of a man with a gun in a takeaway in the city on Sunday night. During the raids a firearm was seized by officers and it will be forensically examined to establish if it can be linked to any criminal activity and to identify any fingerprints.
Team GB Paralympians Currently smashing London 2012’s medal record, we reckon it’s been a pretty great week for our paralympic athletes
•• University puts a freeze on recrutiment amidst Brexit-based fears
The University of Sheffield is in the midst of a four month post-Brexit recruitment freeze, whilst fees are being tipped to rise. Back in July, the University announced to its current employees that there will be a recruitment freeze lasting at least four months, citing the EU Referendum as the reason for the halt in hiring. The statement said that Brexit will potentially lead to a financial deficit for the University due to the possibility its number of international students dropping. International students pay significantly more than home students, with fees ranging from £15,250 per year for Arts, Law, Social Sciences, Urban Studies & Planning to £34,750 per year for
GOOD WEEK
One of the raids was carried out at a house in Rock Street in Burngreave at around 8.30am. Residents reported that a man was arrested and driven away from the scene, after which a search of the garden took place. Armed police were at the house when officers entered the property. Surrounding roads were sealed off during the raid. South Yorkshire Police confirmed that six people had been arrested in total, three men aged 26, 33 and 36 and three women aged 19, 48 and 64. All were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and have been bailed pending further enquiries. On the Wednesday of the police operation a spokesman for South Yorkshire police said: “Warrants have been executed this morning in the Burngreave and Pitsmoor area of Sheffield in connection to an incident that took place on the Wicker on Sunday evening, where
The Olympic medal winner Glover and TV Presenter Backshall wed this week. Congrats guys!
Forge Follows the Fornight... ryan lochte
If it wasn’t bad enough that after his Rio fiasco Ryan Lochte lost his Speedo sponsorship, he was also bombarded on his appearance on US TV show Dancing with the Stars. Two men bombarded the stage shouting ‘Liar’.
hilLary clinton The US Presidential candidate was struck down with pneumonia last week. She’s reportedly back to full health but the disruption certainly played into the hands of her critics. Get well soon Hillary.
The great british bake off First Bake Off fans were dished the devasting blow of producers Love Productions moving the programme to Channel 4. If the idea of ads ruining the tension of the technical challenge wasn’t bad enough, universally loved presenters Mel and Sue announced they would not be moving with the show. Sad faces all round a man was reported to have been in possession of a firearm in a fast food restaurant.” Anyone with information should call South Yorkshire Police on 101
or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
BAD WEEK
10 FORGE PRESS
FRIDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
COMMENT
press.comment@forgetoday.com
Josh Berlyne and Toby Mckenzie-Barnes take a look at just who and/or what is screwing you this fortnight!
The University must stand by students and staff and opt out of TEF There is no ethical tuition under Capitalism Josh Berlyne MA student in Political Theory
O
ver the coming weeks, the University’s top brass will decide whether or not to raise fees at Sheffield. If the University chooses to opt in to the government’s proposed Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), fees for undergraduates will rise to £9,250 next year.
As well as being linked to tuition fee hikes, the TEF looks set to pile unnecessary extra pressure onto our teachers. There are also real concerns that it might stifle creativity in teaching. Under the TEF, universities and departments will be rewarded for providing ‘satisfying’ courses and producing high-earning
graduates. Alarm bells should be ringing. Whether I work in Coffee Revs or KPMG when I graduate has nothing to do with how well I was taught. It has everything to do with my class, my race, my gender and my decisions. And satisfaction is a bad measure of teaching, I want courses which challenge me and stretch me, not ones which are pleasant or satisfying. More bureaucracy and more targets will most likely mean more stress on teachers, too. It may be hard to believe it, but students aren’t the only ones pulling allnighters. A 2014 UCU survey found almost half of lecturers work over 50 hours a week, and over one in ten work more than
60 hours. I’ve spoken to lecturers who have stayed up until dawn marking essays and assignments because they just can’t find the time in their busy work schedules. These conditions aren’t conducive to good teaching. At bottom, the Teaching Excellence Framework is designed to make universities compete for money from students. It is designed to turn higher education (HE) into a profitable venture, rather than something which benefits the public and society. It has nothing to do with excellent teaching. The TEF is a central part of a whole raft of proposed HE reforms which, if passed, are set to dismantle what remains of Britain’s public university system.
Let’s sabotage the NSS! Toby Mckenzie-Barnes MA student in Political Theory
T
he tuition fee hike from £3,000 to £9,000 was the most obvious and extreme attack from the government on the idea of an affordable and accessible university education. Since then, the Conservative government has been gradually making changes to the structures of universities to force them to function more as private companies than institutions of education.
Earlier this year, the government published its ‘White Paper’ for higher education, a series of policy proposals which would be the drastic next steps towards a privatised university system. Perhaps the most worrying aspect of the White Paper is the Teaching Excellence
Framework (TEF), which would change the way universities are funded to be dependent on several variables, one of which is the National Student Survey (NSS). As a strategy to frustrate this tide of privatisation brought on by the government, the National Union of Students (NUS) and our lecturers’ union, the UCU, have voted to sabotage the NSS on campuses right across the UK. Both Sheffield SU and Hallam SU have also voted to support this strategy. The NSS is a survey of final year students which uses vague and unhelpful criteria to measure student satisfaction, and attempts to boil down the complexity of several years of university life and education into these 0-5 ratings for poorly designed questions.
Recent research has also shown that black academics are systematically given lower scores on the NSS, and the same is true of female academics in comparable surveys. This shows that the NSS and its use as a measure for success and funding would be institutionally racist and sexist. In spite of its obvious failings, the NSS plays a key role in creating league tables, and it will play a key role in the TEF, too. Thus by denying any credibility to the NSS results through a nationwide sabotage, the student movement will have the power to force the government to the negotiating table. This is the most bold action taken by NUS in decades, and it’s up to final years to make it happen. Let’s sabotage the NSS!
The reforms include proposals to help private companies award cut-corners degrees, and concrete plans for the “exit” of public institutions. In other words, the government are preparing for businesses to take the place of publicly-funded universities. This is the culmination of a process which began with the tripling of fees in 2010. We need to be clear and direct: the University must opt out of the TEF. It must honour its duty to students and staff by taking a political stand against the HE reforms. We refuse to be treated as cash-cows, we reject the fee rise, and we stand firmly in solidarity with our teachers. Our education is not for sale.
TEF IN BRIEF The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is an attempt by the Government to judge and rank universities based off various criteria such as student satisfaction and engagement over learning. While some advocating TEF claim it will incentivize universties to improve standards opponents say it will force out teaching that isn’t in line with what the Framework deems successful. Also by tying it to increases in tuition fees make the Framework even more derisive.
FORGE PRESS 11
SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
COMMENT SATIRE WARNING: THIS CONTENT SHOULD NOT BE CONSUMED ForgeFeed
presents: A “guide” by James Dunstan
“the soapbox of the common people”
23 Amazing Tips for Freshers (You won’t believe number 22!!) 1.
If a drink has been left
7.
Whenever somebody shouts
13.
Lecturers
aren’t
people,
19.
There’s always room for one
unattended for some time, take it. It
“down it fresher!” you must comply.
they’re essay marking machines. Assert
more thing in the bin. Somebody else
doesn’t matter that it’s somebody else’s and
No matter how much you’ve already had or
your dominance by sending them emails
will take it out. If all else fails, just put the
they might want it. Chug it immediately.
how expensive the drink was. If you don’t,
asking for updates on your latest essay at
rubbish on top or around the bin. Somebody
everybody will judge you. It’s not like you’re
least once an hour. They’ll certainly go out
else will clean that up as well. Trust me.
at a university with reasonable, educated
of their way to offer you special treatment. 20. The
people.
walls
of
university
accommodation are especially thick. No matter who joins you in your bed, they can be as loud as they want and nobody will ever hear. 2.
21.
If a drink is spilled on you, it
You can smoke in your
must have been intentional. Accidents
room just as long as you open the
don’t happen. If the person who spilled it
window first. If there’s a fire alarm at four o’clock then it was nothing to do with you.
appears to be apologising profusely, they are actually part of a conspiracy to ruin your
8.
Just before you go a club
14.
Roughly speaking, for each
night. Punch them in the face post haste.
is the best time to try weed. You know
sleepless night, you should consume
The bouncers who rush to the scene will
your new stoner flatmate is doing it and
three energy drinks. Make sure to down
calmly and patiently listen to your case and
they say it’ll be fine, why not have some of it
at least two before an exam or sporting
applaud your sound reasoning.
yourself? You can drink a lot before you go
event for that competitive edge.
The people in your building will understand, it’s cold outside!
under, why would weed be any different? 3.
15.
If there is a person you are
Library spaces work just
The club is the perfect place
like sunbeds on holiday. Throw down a
until they notice you. If they move away
to have an in-depth conversation. The
towel (or in this case a jacket or book) and
to the bar, make sure to follow them. Should
other person will be extremely interested
its reserved for however long you need. Just
they spurn your affections and tell you they
in hearing about your theory on Hitler, or
like on holiday this is standard practise and
aren’t interested, continue to follow them
supply side policy when the beat drops.
not at all rude or an inconvenience to others
attracted to in the club, stare at them
9.
22.
around you.
anyway. Persistence is a positive trait after
Everyone here is a Tory.
Expect to gain major street cred should
all. Just be careful of overprotective friends 16.
who might overreact to you showing your
students,
well-intended affections.
10. The
bartender
Don’t
worry
lectures
humanities
aren’t
you join any right wing society and stylise
actually
your flat after the magnificent visage of our
important or there would be more of
Glorious Leader Theresa May. Alternatively,
them. It’s not like you’re paying like £50
you can join the Socialist Labour Party, but
overall for each of them. Stay in bed for an
certainly not the Party for Socialist Labour.
extra hour instead!
Those people are frauds.
that they’re probably on minimum wage and Another Corp pint is always
have been dealing with a constant stream of
a good idea, no matter how fast the world
people for the last four hours, or that you
is spinning.
just got to the bar. Sarcastic comments are always appreciated and will get you served
5.
Any song can be moshed to.
faster. 17.
If other people in the club appear disagree,
Begin writing an essay a few 23.
Nobody shares the same
You will most certainly have
hours before. The adrenaline rush will
ruining your night; you’re not ruining
a good night if you arrive to a Corp
make you work more precisely and gain you
interests as you, even if they’re not that
theirs.
Wednesday at 1:30am. The queue will
those precious few extra marks. Lecturers
obscure. You are a unique wallflower.
go down soon. Real soon.
will be sympathetic to this approach and be
Anyone who believes that they are not alone
sure to arrange at least two hours to go over
in this bleak, dark, depressing universe is
the course content with you.
wrong.
they’re just party-pooping losers. They’re
11.
18.
It’s alright to eat your flat-
mate’s food. Only if you replace it within one calendar year. 6.
If you feel you’re about to be
sick, just vomit. The toilet sink is always a good shout, but empty drink cups, bins or just the middle of the dance floor are also
12.
“I was more nervous than I thought I would be however I found Sheffield welcoming and quickly felt really comfortable. Just remember to leave your door open because everyone is in the same boat and it is super to make friends” - Mollie Davidson, 3rd year English Literature student
“My Freshers week was such a great week but only the start of an amazing year. I loved the rest of the year as I got settled so don’t worry if your Freshers week isn’t exactly what you expect” - Kate Marron, 3rd year Philosophy student
“Don’t be scared to get involved. I started writing for Forge and now am editor in chief for Forge and loving life. Go find your passion” - Anna Gillies, third year History and Politics student and Editor in Chief of Forge Press
“Don’t be shy. Take advantage of every opportunity, you never know what saying yes to something could lead to. I went to a history society quiz that sounded really boring at the time but from going I met loads of new friends” - Hallam Roffey, third year History student
should
always serve you first. It doesn’t matter 4.
THE PULP-PIT
Nobody goes to the library
viable options. The actual toilet is to be
in exam season, so don’t worry about
avoided, as club toilets are rank!
getting a seat even if you need a computer.
“Dont worry! Easier said than done I know but enjoy yourself and explore all the new opportunities university offers. And most importantly don’t think that first year is the be all end all of your time here. Half the things I do I didn’t start doing till second year (including Forge Press - Michael Chilton, third year Philosophy student “Never turn down anything that is free (talking Domino’s personal pizza’s here). Learn to not give a shit, but give a shit about important things. And finally, go to Night Kitchen, you won’t regret it” - Will Morgan, third year English Literature
12 FORGE PRESS
SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
COMMENT
press.comment@forgetoday.com
Stationery addictions are real 420 shade it
S
Lucy Fox Stationery Appreciator
o it’s the start of another new semester and to me that only means one thing, an excuse to buy new stationery! I don’t know why simple objects like pens and pencils are so alluring but I know I’m not alone. Many of us will have experienced the thrill of acquiring new stationery. It’s definitely been a tradition since primary school for me. We would always have a back-to-school shopping trip to purchase ugly ‘school shoes’ (a.k.a. clown shoes), and then the whole family would descend on WH Smith. Queues would be huge as everyone rushed to be ready for September.
Getting the right pencil case was especially important. At one point all the ‘cool kids’ had playboy bunny ones and I remember begging my mum to be allowed one too (this still remains a no from her by the way!) Also on my wish list were scented gel pens, the more synthetic and sickly the better. Classrooms in the first week back took on the aroma of a LUSH shop. Of course by the end of the school year my pencil case would be a stationery graveyard lined with a layer of pencil stubs and dried out Pritt sticks; the treasured eraser had turned completely black by a thick coating of pencil shavings. Every year I would make a resolution to keep everything pristine and
shining, but it never worked out somehow. So, back to the shops I would go in search of more. Nowadays, there is an even bigger range of materials to choose from; bookshops in particular have massively extended their ranges and I have spent hours browsing notebooks in Waterstones. It’s easy to get carried away while shopping for stationary.
“Biro is normally the go to pen of most students, but I personally hate them” So, what do you need to survive the first semester? A definite essential is a notebook or paper pad for taking notes in lectures. A4 pads are popular and Our Shop in the Students’ Union is a good place for these. I find that the majority of lecture theatres don’t have wide enough desks though so I prefer to go with an A5 exercise book. Carson’s is a stationery supplier on West Street and sells great pads at very reasonable prices. If you want something a bit fancier, then Paperchase do some fab patterns, and also carry the fabled Moleskin brand. You will probably have articles or handouts as well, so a folder to keep everything organised is a necessity. I go for the standard ring binder. You can get this almost anywhere; though if you
do want a pretty patterned one, WH Smith does a good range. Next you will need some writing implements. Biro is normally the go to pen of most students, but I personally hate them. I am inseparable from my fountain pen and I urge everyone to consider changing to one! They are expensive at first, but last for years and really do make your handwriting neater once you’ve got writing with one. You may also want highlighters and sticky notes for going through your notes and marking key points. It’s never too early to start that revision, right? Of course there’s plenty of stuff I buy which isn’t for my degree. Postcards are my weak point – I may have over 400… I’m not sure exactly how many, because I keep buying them! There are so many cute cards and notelets around at the moment too. Why not take the time to write one to a friend? In my experience, people really appreciate a handwritten letter, it’s much more personal than Facebook. The best thing about shopping for all this is that you can spend your money on lots of pretty stuff without any guilt because these are all necessary purchases! Once you’ve bought your “new semester essentials”, why not come to a meeting of the Stationery Appreciation Society (look us up on the Union webpages) to share your finds and have a natter?
Donald or Hillary, it doesn’t matter Will explains why we need to take a step back from the fearbait and see that America is fucked either way. Will Morgan Comment Editor You awake to the scream of your warning siren. You’ve trained for this for years, to the extent that these actions now provide comfort rather than fear. You roll out of bed, don the necessary protective equipment and slide down the emergency pole. You sit down at your station and find out what the situation is. A seemingly larger than life moron is the candidate for a major US political party. You scan through a couple of headlines about the story and, feeling your grasp of the situation to be tight, post a status on Facebook. You recline in your chair and bask in the pleasure of your intelligence, happy in the knowledge that you have done a good thing today in educating your friends on a major social issue. You can keep that existential dread at bay for a few more hours. If you are this person, I probably hate you. Not for the preaching, as you might be able to tell I am quite the fan of preaching. But for the laziness of it all. Rather than seeing the rise of a bombast like Trump and wondering what could have caused such a thing and then doing some research, maybe even learning how the American political system works, these Facebook warriors scavenge on the Chinese whispers of clickbait headlines and piece together a very incomplete view. Yes, Donald Trump is a bigoted moron. This is apparent to anyone who watches him speak, I’d daresay its apparent to many people who will vote for him. And
make no mistake, tens of millions of average Americans will vote for Trump. In fact he is guaranteed to get at least 40% of the popular vote. But that is not because these people care about walls being built, or entire religions being banned, they know that, as with every other political promise, it will fall far short of what was promised. This is because the US President does not rule as dictator, but is constantly checked by the system of governance: the Supreme Court would easily find legal ground to stop the banning of immigrants on religious ground; the House of Representatives would bastardise or block any bill to build a wall and the Senate would block any potentially harmful nominations for high US office. So Trump’s bombast serves instead to give an idea of what Trump is. A flag jerking, immigrant hating, defence hawk - an easy buy for the nation that elected Richard Nixon twice. It would be simple to brand all of these Republican voters as racists, partly because a lot of them are, but to put it into perspective look at their choice. Choice 1: Vote for Trump (he might be mad, but at least he’s Republican) Choice 2: Vote for Clinton (a Democrat whose only distinction so far has been her ability to mishandle major political issues) Its not even a case of voting for the devil you know, you already know the devil, you’re just picking which blade to be sodomised with this time.
FORGE PRESS 13
SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
COMMENT
Education is the political football of the privately educated Remember SATs? Of Mice and Men at GCSE? The old days?
W
Michael Chilton Comment Editor
hat is the flavour of the month in Westminster right now? Well it’s grammar schools, an oldie but firm favourite for the Conservative government to do battle over; backed up with only a wafer thin majority. You can expect all the usual thrills at PMQ’s with the spectre of class warfare looming ever present as the snarky put downs permeate the chamber as the forces of evil and inept do battle. An excellent bit of theatre definitely, that is for those who aren’t students or teachers. While parties and politicians attempt to communicate and promote their image through their sweeping educational reforms those affected by them suffer. The sheer numbers that come through on a nearly annual basis leaves students and teachers facing uncertainty after every year of study. Will the course change? What is the new marking scheme? Am I teaching the right material? What format is the exam in? All of these are questions regularly faced by teachers and students and the consequences are failing educational standards, a crisis in the teaching profession and a growing dislike and more worryingly distrust of academic rigour.
“What does matter is having a coherent, reliable and consistent curriculum” In the last several years alone some subjects (both at A level and GCSE) have faced several major changes in both examination style and content. A level Philosophy as a chief example has gone from having substantial essay style exam questions to two mark comprehension and definitional
questions. The History A level’s recent changes mean the text book for the course hasn’t even been released for students. English Literature at both GCSE and A level has faced books that were taught for years dropped from the syllabus in the space of a year. This constant upheaval, far from lifting up standards, serves only to create a redundant qualification that cannot be judged over any long period of time that teaches disparate and confusing elements of a subject. It will eventually get to the stage where it will not even matter if the changes are positive or negative, because the fact is, they change so frequently that it is irrelevant as it will not around for long. What does matter is having a coherent, reliable and consistent curriculum. For the past decade this has been denied by subsequent governments and their constant reforms. This is becoming a huge turnoff to students who would otherwise have carried on studying potentially to a university level, finding schizophrenic syllabuses that don’t succeed in exploring a subject in any meaningful way with mark schemes that are out of touch with the contents and style of the course. Then you have the toll on the teaching profession; with the constant shifting standards and other changes, there is a fast approaching crisis wherein those that would have considered careers in teaching are no longer interested. Our education system rises and falls because of these passionate individuals who dedicate their careers to teaching. Without them not only will educational standards will fall but the unique life lessons and support each teacher delivers to their students will no longer inform the younger generations going into adulthood and the world of work, an invaluable asset now absent. A recent YouGov poll reflected this crisis with 53 per cent of teachers considering leaving the teaching
profession. Combine this with the lack of appeal for potential new teachers in the coming years we face a clear shortage of educators. Finally, and perhaps most worryingly, the constant waves of education reforms creates a distaste and distrust of academic professions starting at that young and impressionable age. Students may become more disillusioned with how, what and why they are being taught, turned off by a potential lack of enthusiastic teachers and constantly shifting syllabus that generates a dangerous feeling of hatred and distrust of academia. In a world where we want people to trust and know the facts more than ever this will have disastrous consequences. Because at the very least the education system should instil the idea that the dedication and pursuit of a chosen subject gives individuals’ insight and trustworthiness that should be respected. We are beginning to see what happens when people ignore, deride and distrust experts and their work, a rise in wild narratives that are not only false but damaging and harmful for society. Brexit,
Trump in the US and an increasing rejection of scientific research should be the warning signs, not the start of a new trend.
“If we don’t halt the constant reforms bombarding and bogging down schools the distrust and dislike... will only grow” If we don’t halt the constant reforms bombarding and bogging down schools the distrust and dislike mentioned above will only grow. You may not like science but you can appreciate that it has an impact on the world and that those who study it know what they are talking about. You may not enjoy studying Shakespeare but can appreciate he is kind of a big deal, and an important cultural and literary figure. This basic understanding and respect is at risk, and consequences of it are already all too clear to see.
Having Parliament as sovereign has many benefits. However allowing that sovereignty over education means the government of the day has free reign over a large portion of the formative years of young people’s lives. When this changes so rapidly consequences have to be expected in this case on young people and teachers. A move has to be made to remove this power over the education system and ensure that only thought out positive reforms are allowed to occur. However will the political elites give up this opportunity to leave their mark on the landscape of Britain, regardless of the costs? I doubt it.
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FEATURES
The d l e i f f She t e k c Bu List
SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
press.features@forgetoday.com
There is no question that Sheffield may just be the best city on Earth, brimming with wondrous things to do, see, eat, drink and visit whilst you’re here at Uni. But it may be slightly overwhelming knowing where to start now you’ve arrived in this northern gem. Well, don’t panic! Forge Press to the rescue. Our editorial team have shared some of their absolute fave things to do in Sheffield. We now challenge you to tick off each one before you leave this beautiful city… and maybe add some even better ones along the way!
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FEATURES Luke Baldwin, Screen Editor Go see the snooker at the Crucible- it’s the only place in the UK where you can see the sport at that high a level.
Emma Williams, Music Editor Go to a gig at the legendary venue The Leadmill and then get free entry to their indie club night after.
Chloe Coleman, News Editor Have a Harley burger, a Notty Pie and a drink at the Hally. Preferably all on the same day.
Ellena Rowlin, Features Editor Go to the Varsity Ice Hockey final at the Sheffield Arena and feel your inner sporting, anti-Hallam warrior come out.
Nick Burke, Games Editor Go to the Mayfield Alpaca Farm to adopt/ ride/ wrestle/liberate/feed some alpacas.
Jess Davis, Features Editor Go to one of the many art galleries such as the Millennium Art Gallery or the Weston Park Gallery, they always have interesting exhibitions on and it’s a great way to see Sheffield at the same time!
Hallam Roffey, Deputy Editor Head up to Bole Hill with some pals for a BBQ. The view is worth the walk! Anna Gilles, Editor End your night out with a trip to the Broomhill Friery and if you’re lucky you’ll get a Dan Bean headshot. Sheena Sidhu, Sports Editor Do the Rainbow Challenge at Corp nightclub (drinking one of each coloured pint in one night). Harry Chambers, Music Editor Go to Tramlines festival in the Summer!
Ed McCosh, Sports Editor Get a late breakfast/hangover relief at John’s Van. It’s a tiny, greasy, always a popular Sheffield landmark. Sian Bradley, Coffee Break Editor Take a tour of all the different gardens and parks, they’re great for relaxing and a spot of photography when the sun is shining.
Laura Mullan, Features Editor Watch a poetry performance at Moor Theatre Deli - Sheffield has such a good art and theatre scene it’s definitely not one to be missed! Mollie Davidson, Arts Editor Go to Bloc Projects where there are always interesting up and coming artists from all over the world in a hidden gem of a gallery. Katharine Swindles, Copy Editor Go to Heeley City Farm one day when you’re really hungover and feed the goats because... why not? Laura Mulvey, Arts Editor Visit the Porter Brook Deli on Sharrow Vale Road. It has an amazing selection of cheese and is run by the friendliest couple in Sheffield! Beth Andralojc, Screen Editor Spend the day browsing Division Street – especially the bookstore Rare and Racy – then go to Bungalow and Bears for food. Remember it’s 241 burgers on a Tuesday!
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FEATURES The Freshers’ Week Survival Guide
1. Make friends Probably the most useful thing you can do in Freshers’ Week is make friends. Speak to as many people as you can. Literally. Get to know your flat mates, neighbours, people on your course, the boy in the laundry room, you name it. Make sure to leave any judgements at home too, and speak to the people you would have usually avoided. Funnily enough, they can end up being the people you get on with the most. If you feel like you’re going to look too keen or worry you might get knocked back, don’t! Nearly all of us arrive in Sheffield knowing absolutely no one, so chances are people are going to be just as willing to talk to you as you are to them. The reality is you’re not going to love every single person you meet, but the more people you make an effort with, the more likely it is that you’ll find people exactly like you. Good friends are invaluable at uni and with everyone being in the same boat as you, there’s honestly no better time to form friendships than in Freshers’ Week.
2. Make an effort with your flatmates In between chatting to half of Sheffield, be sure to make an effort with your flatmates. Being made to live with people you’ve never met is one of the strangest situations in the world, but it will make your first year ten times easier if you get along with them. Introduce yourself, set a few flat rules if you need to and just go from there. It’s impossible to be best friends with everyone, but a good relationship with your flatmates can be the difference between a good year and bad year. It’s a win-win situation if your flatmates do end up becoming your best friends, but this isn’t always the case. If you fall into this bracket and feel like you’re living with Satan himself, do not panic! Speak to your flat mentor or the Students’ Union and let them know how you’re feeling – 99 per cent of time they’ll have a resolution.
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4. Budget if you can Without running the risk of sounding extremely boring, this week will no doubt be an expensive time and its unbelievably easy (and tempting) to blow both your loan and that ‘leaving home’ money you’ve acquired on double vodkas and VKs in the Union. Of course, you can’t go wrong with this formula for an amazing night - if you can budget, it’s strongly recommended! For most of us, uni is the first time we’ve lived on our own and had four figures in our bank accounts, even if it is just for a few days. This new found freedom almost always leads to us acting like Rockefeller, which is all well and good until the money we would’ve used on the Tesco shop no longer exists. By no means sit in your room and twiddle your thumbs, but just remember what you’re now in charge of paying for. Roughly work out how much you want to spend on food, laundry, travel and going out and try (if you can) to stick to it. If that fails, beans on toast is always a good shout.
3. Try everything Never again in your life will you be exposed to so many different sports, clubs and societies (some of which are free!), so it really would be foolish not to take advantage of them! From free sport through a scheme called Residence Life, to club sport like cheerleading, American football and basketball, Freshers’ Week is the ideal time to find a new hobby. If sport does nothing but remind you of those awful Year 9 PE days, sign up for one of the 353 societies run by students. There’s societies dedicated to journalism, fashion, religion, charity… the list goes on and on! Clubs and societies are one of the best ways to make friends and meet people that share similar views and interests to you and without sounding incredibly cliché, there really is something for everyone. Be sure to go down to both the Activities and Sports fairs on the 22 and 23 September in the Octagon and around the SU to see what’s on offer.
You’ve finally made it to the University of Sheffield and are raring to jump into Freshers’ Week - congrats! Now it’s time to prepare yourself for an amazing, scary and eventful (to say the least) first week of your uni life, and what better way to start than Portia Gingell’s top ten tips to surviving Freshers Week…
8. Have a night off if you need to There’s no doubt that your very first week will be one of the busiest, craziest, funniest weeks of your life. However, seven days of partying really does take its toll. Between you and your friends, there’ll probably be at least one injury, multiple tears and a few episodes of toilet cradling. Basically, it’s a heavy week, so if you need a night off, have one. You probably won’t be the only one feeling the strain, so suggest a takeaway and film night all huddled up in your cheap blankets if you need it.
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FEATURES 5. Ask questions A simple yet valuable piece of advice. Ask questions. Anywhere. To anyone. About everything. Coming to uni can be extremely daunting, especially the part where you move to a city you’ve probably only visited a handful of times, if that. So, if there’s something you don’t know, just ask! There are people here that are literally employed to help you, and every second, third or fourth year has been in your situation before, so don’t feel bad if you need help. If you don’t know where something is, how to take a book out or even how to get home, there’ll be someone here who does. Asking questions is the only way you’ll get to grips with all the changes you’re facing and Freshers’ Week provides the perfect platform to interrogate as many knowledgeable people as you can, so fire away!
6. Go out of your comfort zone Whether this is asking questions, introducing yourself to people or joining a club, this week is the ideal time to take yourself out of your comfort zone. Yes, you may be surrounded by thousands of faces you’ve never seen and accents you’ve never heard, but take this as an opportunity to reinvent yourself. It’s like a thousand first impressions all over again. Whatever you struggled with at home or previously held you back no longer matter here, so step out of your comfort zone and witness yourself grow! If you previously struggled with making friends, take the first step and say hi to someone. If there was a sport you always wished you’d done but never had the courage to try, have a go. Uni is all about new experiences, but you can’t enjoy them unless you really throw yourself into them, so be sure not to let anything hold you back.
7. Get to know Sheffield Most of us arrive in Sheffield having visited once or twice, with no real knowledge of the city outside of university buildings. Make the most of your freedom during Freshers’ Week and explore. If nothing, it will stop you getting lost! There are so many cafes, bars, parks and museums in the city that it would be impossible to visit them all in just a week, but Sheffield has so much to offer, it’d be rude not to. We recommend sticking our ‘Sheffield Bucket List’ firmly on your notice board (see p. 14).
9. Remember it’s OK to be overwhelmed Hangovers may not be the only reason you’re feeling under the weather during Freshers’ Week. Leaving home and coming to uni is one of the biggest changes most of us will ever experience, and there is no doubt that some of us cope with change better than others. It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit homesick amidst all the chaos of Freshers’ Week, or that you don’t fit in or seem to be settling in like others are. If you feel like this, there are two very important things to remember. Firstly, you 100 per cent will not be the only person struggling. Feelings like this are unbelievably common, so don’t feel like you’re the only person in the whole university that misses their mum or wonders if people like them. The second thing to remember is that there is a number of support networks available here to help you feel yourself again. The University has Nightline, a telephone listening service that allows you to discuss your problems in an anonymous, non-judgemental environment. This service is open 8pm-8am every night during term time, so never feel like you are in any way alone. If things are really getting too much, the University’s counselling service is amongst the best in the country and will really help you get back on your feet. Just remember, it’s never the end of the world and some of us take longer to adapt to change than others, so hang in!
10. Enjoy it! The final piece of advice (and probably the most important) is to enjoy it! Freshers’ Week is meant to be exciting, as is your first year at university. You’ll experience new things, meet new people and hopefully have a ball. Any third year you ask would do anything to be in your position again and the University of Sheffield is one of the best places you could have chosen to spend your student years - it really will be the best time of your life. So enjoy it, seize every opportunity, have as much fun as you possibly can and always remember a vital piece of advice: first year doesn’t count, you just need to pass!
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FEATURES
Dear Fresher...
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Sheffield graduate and Forge alumni Polly Winn reflects on three years at the University of Sheffield and passes on her best advice for a successful time studying
W
hoever you are reading this, you have no idea how lucky you are to be facing the best three years of your life. When I look back at how far away I feel from the girl who travelled up to Sheffield, bright eyes with no bags underneath them, eager, curious and about two stone lighter, I feel like decades have passed. It is essentially impossible to try and condense all of the lessons learned in the most surreal and incredible three years of my life into one letter. But I am going to do my best. So bear with me as I attempt to pass on my words of wisdom, without being too horrendously cliché: 1. Don’t be afraid to give all of yourself to the new friendships you make Over the next three years of your life, you are going to meet a whole host of unusual, unique and interesting people. Friendships will be the defining element of your time at university, and they will shape so many of the memories you make. Friendships are felt much more intensely at university. When you are away from home, your friends are your support network. They see the most vulnerable side of you, and you see theirs too. Friendships are so much more intimate. When you meet you know nothing about each other, which can be pretty daunting, and you will spend the rest of your friendship learning more and more about each other, sharing memories and exchanging stories. Some friendships will begin on the first day of Freshers’, and some will begin in your last semester, or even in your last seminar. Put all of yourself into each and every friendship you make, and just enjoy learning about yourself and the people around you. 2. Your course - do what you love and love what you do Ah, the oft-forgotten element of university, your course. First things first, make sure you will enjoy whatever it is you have chosen to study. When you think about how much time you’ll spend despairing over it, liking it a little can help quite a lot. Pay attention to the resources that are recommended to you, and take pleasure and pride in your work. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself if you don’t hit firsts or 2:1s every time. The reason you’re there is to learn, and failing is as much of a part of that as
succeeding is. Go to see your tutors, send them essay plans, and try to attend most of your lectures (although in first year this rule is very open to interpretation – I mean if they’re online what’s the point in going right?). 3. There is an entire world outside of your degree, it’s not the only reason you’re here This was a really important lesson for me. We all go through the experience of signing up to every society in existence at the Activities Fair, but honestly this is advice that I cannot give strongly enough. Sign up to societies, sign up to Give it a Go sessions, go on socials. This is the way you will meet people who share your interests. I was elected a First Year Officer in my first month at uni and those weekly committee meetings and the following pub sessions were some of my defining memories from first year. I met people from second and third year; it allowed me to get out of the fresher bubble and to meet some of my best friends (and my wonderful boyfriend). Through this I gained confidence to get involved in other societies. If I could give any advice, it would be don’t doubt yourself. Run for a position on a society that interests you, it really won’t be something you regret. You have nothing to lose at all. After devoting large portions of my last two years to doing Forge, I can honestly say it was one of the best things about my time at university in every sense. The friends I made feel more like family, and the skills that I learned have been completely invaluable to me (but more on that later). Outside of the Union there’s charity work, and I would also recommend getting a job if it suits you. Part time jobs at the uni are incredibly well paid, flexible, and prioritise your studies; working in town can allow you to get closer to the city. Getting outside of the uni bubble can give you some much needed perspective at times, and will also line your pockets. 4. Go at your own pace Without wanting to sound patronising, your responsibilities at university are relatively few (in most cases at least). It can be a difficult time by all means, but for most people, you only have to look after yourself.
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FEATURES This means that you are the one who decides what you want to do and how. Say yes to things. Make the most of having the chance to go at your own pace and having no one else to factor into the decisions that you make. Go for a drunken walk at 5 in the morning. Lie in if you want to, do your uni work at 2:30am if you want to. Wear your pyjamas to a lecture if you want to. The fact is that you can, so why not? 5. Take care of yourself and ask for help You can’t enjoy university in the way you should be able to if you’re not the best version of yourself. The university lifestyle is exciting, but can be unhealthy. Sometimes it’s just not possible for you to stay up all night and still manage a ten hour stint in the library. Listen to yourself and listen to your body. Eat proper food and plenty of fruits and veggies. Spend time outside and in the fresh air, and take breaks to reflect on things and give your mind a break. Also remember to have the odd sober day every once in a while, if anything just to heal your aching liver. University, as wonderful as it is, can be a challenging time. The independence can be isolating at times, it can be hard to find the balance. It’s normal to have down days, but if it gets to a point where you don’t feel yourself. If you’re struggling, it’s okay to ask for help. The Union has some incredible resources that are there specifically for your welfare, and talking to someone else can make you realise that you aren’t alone. So many people struggle at uni while the people around them have no idea. Make
sure that you utilise the resources that are in place to help and support you. Most departments will have someone to talk to, as well as your personal tutor and the Union welfare officer who are there for your support. 6. Don’t undervalue yourself At university it can feel much harder to stand out from the crowd. Often the talents that set you apart before are common at university. All that means is that you’re lucky enough to be surrounded by other people who are talented too. In my experience, Sheffield never felt like a threatening or competitive environment. Sometimes, people’s talent or work ethic would astound me, but there was always such a supportive and encouraging atmosphere that it never led me to doubt my own. Remember not to compare yourself or the way you work to others. You got there just like everyone else did, and you earned it. So enjoy it and make the most of it. 7. Remember you’re in the best city on earth Choosing to study at Sheffield is without doubt the best decision I have ever made. The city has such an identity, with its soft Northern soul, unique and unpretentious culture, and vast musical landscape. With its quarters and hidden gems, sat right on the doorstep of the peaks, and with little nooks and crannies to explore, it really is the perfect place to spend your student years. Plus it’s cheap, what more can you ask for!
8. Relish every memory while it happens and don’t miss out on things, you might regret it University really is a whirlwind. Just when you’re starting to feel completely settled into this wonderful city, three years are over and you’re frolicking around in a cap and gown. Your favourite memories will be of the little things. Having despairing coffees in the IC café, having a midday revision break in Interval’s beer garden in the sunshine, going for walks in Western Park, and chatting while all crammed into someone’s freezing student bedroom at 5:30am. These are the things that you won’t necessarily appreciate at the time, but are so unique to your experience and your friendships. Seize every opportunity you have to make more memories like these. There are very few things I regret about my time at uni, but I regret not doing Bummit. In first year I was unprepared, in second year I was nervous, in third year the dissertation got on top of me and it just wasn’t an option. Don’t let that happen to you. 9. Graduation day After such an incredible three years, it’s hard to see how dressing up in Harry Potter-esque robes and attending a formal ceremony could possibly be a fitting testimony. But seeing everyone that you have shared the last three years with looking so proud is honestly the most wonderful and fulfilling experience. Watching the people you love celebrating themselves and everything they’ve achieved really makes you feel proud.
The day was so much more than I was expecting, and a memory I will cherish forever. Oh and be sure to go to Tramlines after. 10. Don’t be afraid When you’re in uni, the prospect of life afterwards is completely terrifying. But it’s not all as scary or as bad as you’d think. There is no grand transitioning point where you become an adult, life just sort of carries on. The most important thing is not to rush yourself. You’ve just been through an intense three years, it’s natural not to come out of it having the next five years all mapped out. Sometimes if you set yourself a strict path, it can make things worth if you veer off course. Don’t feel pressured to have it all figured out, just stay true to what you love and take a step back to think about your future. Don’t be afraid to say yes to things. Part of me wishes I could do it all over again, but most of me is excited for what comes next. I’m working now in a job that I love, with amazing colleagues, and I’m heading back to Sheffield at the end of the month for a reunion. Post-uni life isn’t all bad. Just enjoy it while it lasts, Fresher.
Lots of Love, Polly xoxo
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LIFESTYLE Budapest: Into the Heart of Hungary
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TRAVEL hours, and the public transport systems in the city are both quick Ellen Coquio tells us about and simple to follow. There are a lot the perks of travelling in of affordable hotels and hostels, but AirBnB is the best way to stay right and around the heart of in the centre for a good price. Hungary. Budapest has it all – plenty of spa baths, beautiful architecture, ffordable, filled with and lots of incredible food. One adventure and plenty of the best attractions has to be of traditional bars, the zoo, packed with animals of Budapest is the perfect all sizes including elephants and city for students. Flights from tigers. The armadillos run round the UK are around two and a half
A
in circles, banging into each other like bumper cars. Nearby to the zoo is the Szechenyi thermal baths, consisting of 18 different pools and saunas both inside and out. The baths have a range of different temperatures and there’s even a couple of chess boards so you can test your skills while relaxing at the same time. Another highlight has to be the indoor market hall. The stalls offered a vast array of goods including fruit and vegetables, meats and cheeses, as well as a lot of paprika! Upstairs there were clothes, souvenirs and some cafes. The traditional lemonade is divine and pairs well with the traditional Langos. Langos really is an antihealth food consisting of deep fried dough with toppings including Nutella, cheese and garlic butter. Walking along the Danube you can see some of the main attractions including the Parliament buildings, Gellért Hill, the castle and St. Stephen’s Basilica, along with many bridges across the river. The hike up Gellért Hill is tough but worth it for the view. The castle is also situated high up above the city, but walking through the gardens with the view
Just why is Bake Off so Great? FOOD
Katharine Swindells explains why the student population are dedicating their Wednesday evenings to the BBC1 hit show, The Great British Bake Off.
L
et’s get one thing straight. Baking, however much you like it, isn’t cool in any sense of the word. It’s what you do at your granny’s house, or when someone’s ill. So then, why is it that come autumn my Facebook and Twitter feed is flooded with commentary documenting the nationwide sensation that is the Great British Bake Off? It’s everywhere. My parents watch it, as does my twelve-year-old cousin, my mates talk about it at the pub. I moved halfway across the world for sixth form, and I still heard every detail of the ‘Baked Alaska Scandal’ of 2014. I watched Bake Off for the first time last year, and wholeheartedly supported Nadia and Tamal, rejoicing for both of them at the final. There was something in their earnest passion for baking that made all of us fall in love with them. That’s how I’ve chosen
my favourites this year, I like the ones who seem to really care. I’m watching Benjamina, who Paul picked as a one to watch early on, Candice, all overemotional and lipsticked, and Selasi with his unruffled confidence. My Selasi highlight so far: “I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot, but I’ve made these before,” he says. 20 minutes later his pitiful excuse for a viennese whirl lands him last in the technical. In some ways, GBBO reminds me so much of the Olympics, the way it turns all of us into experts. I can’t cook to save my life, and am pretty sure I can’t even pronounce ‘patisserie’ (It took me three tries to spell it) and yet I sit on my couch screaming “Come on! That mix is obviously too soft! It won’t hold it’s whirl!” I nudge my sister - “that sugar work is atrocious,” as though I could even attempt something like that. GBBO is characterised by a sort of absurd dramatism. We all desperately feel Louise’s’ pain as her gingerbread wedding literally crumbles before her tear-filled eyes and we agonise as Rav’s dampfnudel are completely raw; at the same time knowing that none of it really matters. It’s hardly the end
of the world. But that’s the beauty of the programme - it’s simplicity. Although it is reality television, it doesn’t have any of the meanness over over dramatisation of X Factor or Big Brother. It’s just good old baking, innocent hopefulness in a jaded, cynical society. A ray of sunshine in the horrible world we live in. And I think that’s why everyone, especially young people, have gravitated towards it. Because, for an hour a week, we want to forget about student loans, unemployment rates and rent prices, and just watch some nice people baking. There is something innately British in its reliability, that whatever horrific things are happening in the world, natural disasters or human rights violations, Wednesday night will always bring us Mel, Sue, and a cake-related innuendos.
over the river is stunning (and if you really can’t hack it there’s a funicular to take you to the top). Budapest has several castles; Vajdahunyadvar Castle located in City Park, is another must visit. The turrets are built in a romantic style and definitely makes you feel like you’re in a fantasy movie. Nearby there is also a boating lake, which adds to the character. In the evening the main streets are bustling with life. Cocktail bars are dotted around the streets, and ‘Boutiq Bar’ in particular is highly recommended. Szimpla Kert is a bar within a city ruin and is unique and quirky with a fun atmosphere. It may also be worthwhile visiting the opera (if just to have a giggle), as the theatres are beautiful inside and the tickets can be very affordable. Food in Budapest did not disappoint and there were plentiful traditional restaurants filled with character (and locals). ‘The Sweet’ is a bakery that sells the best Oreo cheesecake in the world, along with lots of cookies, ice creams, cakes and chocolates - a must visit if you have a sweet tooth. Next door, there is a restaurant called ‘The Vintage Garden’ which serves delicious food
along with every flavour lemonade or cocktail you could ever want. For those a little more health-conscious, there’s ‘Marumoto’, a Japanese café selling green tea everything, including cheesecake. Opting for tradition, restaurants including ‘Csalogany 26’ and ‘Huynyadi Restaurants’ are worth a visit to try the local food, along with Ruszwurm bakery for traditional sweet treats. Street food is also available on the main streets, which is both delicious and affordable. Overall the Hungarian capital has a lot to offer and with everything at very reasonable prices, along with cheap travel to and from the city, it is definitely worth putting on your bucket list.
RECIPE CORNER
Chocolate Fondant WILL MORGAN Everyone needs a signature dessert, something to whip out should your frantic Tinder swiping actually result in a date. This is that dessert. Nothing says rip my clothes off like a melt in the middle chocolate fondant. Ingredients: - 2 eggs - 2 egg yolks - 50g sugar - 100g dark chocolate - 100g butter - 40g flour Method: 1.) Separate two yolks. An easy way to do this, without too much faffing, is to break the egg into one hand, letting the white fall through your fingers until you only have the yolk left in your hand. 2.) Break two whole eggs into this yolk mixture and add 50g of sugar. Now whisk it for around 3 minutes, or until it is very frothy and about twice the volume. 3.) Set this egg mixture aside and begin the process of melting the chocolate. If you’re feeling fancy you can melt the chocolate properly in a bain marie, but if you’re feeling lazy you can just microwave the butter until it’s hot enough to melt your chocolate. 4.) You’re aiming for your chocolate-butter mix to be velvety
smooth, so if it has chunks in it give it a quick blast in the microwave. 5.) Now give your egg mix a quick whisk and make sure that it’s still frothy, then introduce your chocolate mixture slowly, folding the chocolate into the egg until it is completely combined. 6.) Add your flour and continue folding until all the flour is completely incorporated. 7.) Line a couple of molds completely in butter and flour (or cocoa powder if you’re feeling luxurious.) You can use almost anything that is oven safe like a glass ramekin or even cupcake molds. Fill these half way with your mixture and bake in the oven at 180 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. 8.) Grab your fondant out of the oven and lightly tap it out onto a plate. Serve with vanilla ice cream.
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Blame it on the British Summer FITNESS / MISC.
Lifestyle Editor Joseph Mackay reminisces over the trials and tribulations involved of his 2016 summer job.
O
ver the 2016 summer holidays, like many other cash strapped students, I took on a Summer Job to fund what, at this stage, is essentially a fairly serious alcohol addiction. But I had a twist in an ingenious attempt to not only earn money but also improve my fitness at the same time, I applied for a job working as a bicycle delivery rider for a certain Kangaroo-themed delivery business in Liverpool city centre. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed it most of the time. The pay was above average, and I could just put in my headphones and cycle around; seeing the sights of the city I grew up in. However, like any summer job, it had its pros and its cons. And it just so happens most of the cons feature what I believe to be pretty good anecdotes. Bike & Go About ten minutes into my first shift I realised I was going to have a problem. My humble mountain bicycle that I’d reliably ridden around since the sweet young age of ten was a complete wreck. Neither brake worked well enough to prevent me careering helplessly downhill, the back tire was flat and refused to be pumped up, and the seat had a terrible habit of falling off. So instead of just getting my bike fixed, I decided I’d rent one from the station every day. Liverpool’s Bike and Go scheme hasn’t quite taken off in the same way as Boris’ infamous Bikes
LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE LOVES
Drop Dead, the Sheffield-based Clothing label owned by Bring Me The Horizon frontman Oli Sykes has shifted between trends and fasion subcultures thoughout the years, moving from bright ‘scene’ designs to more sophisticated stuff. Their new collection features pieces from staple hoodies to this delightful Uma Thurman t-shirt.
however; so a couple of weeks in all of the station staff knew me as the sole user of the station bikes. And also the prime suspect when two of them got stolen. Mount UnPleasant I knew there would be hills involved when I accepted the job (God help anybody that does it in Sheffield). But. This. Hill. This hill straight from the depths of Hell that I had to scramble up roughly ten times a shift that has the sheer audacity to call itself Mount Pleasant. Nope.
Mickey Mouse and a pensioner on Roller Blades The buskers along the main walk through Liverpool One is your usual run of the mill array of singers and drummers, human statues; that sort of thing. And a man dressed as Mickey Mouse that gives out balloons and wears Adidas trainers. And a pensioner that races around on roller blades in figures of eight through the crowds around an amplifier playing everybody’s favourite Rock & Roll hits. And both of them were hell bent on getting in my way. Battle Scars Happily cycling my way through the not-so-lovely area of Toxteth with a reasonable amount of pizza strapped to my back, I saw a puddle on the ground. In fact, no, ‘a puddle’ is hyperbole. It was the smallest bit of surface water on the pavement that I didn’t even think twice. Until I turned my handlebars and the world came crashing down around me. I stood up, dazed and confused. How had I managed to fall in this puddle? Blood was slowly running down my leg, closely followed by a group of local children were running over with
FASHION
FOOD A not-so-well kept secret on hipster centric Division Street, Lucky Fox continues to serves up a range of fried chicken, waffles, mac ‘n’ cheese and milkshakes it has become known for. A must-visit to fend off even the most brutal hangover. Highly recommended is the Fat Elvis burger, and the coffee is more than reasonable as well.
glee to mock my pain. To rub salt in the wound I heard a scouse cackle in the distance: ‘Are your pizzas okay?’ I cycled away, trying to hide my anguish, too afraid to look back. Smackdown A phenomenon I witnessed all too frequently whilst making my way through the Liverpuldlian crowds was that of young children, running around aimlessly at a great pace, and not looking where they were going. This issue was a minor hindrance for me, but nothing more. Slow down, and be prepared to brake sharply should they not see me; a 6”3’ guy in a bright blue jacket on a big red bike with a sizeable reflective box on my back. On this specific day I saw the child running around like a lunatic, I slowed down, I prepared to stop – I followed all the protocol. But he kept on running. I stopped to a standstill. He kept on running. Kept on running. Head first straight into the front wheel of my stationary bike, and smacked
backwards straight into the floor with, I must say, perfect comic timing. His angered mother came along and started telling me off. I don’t know how I could possibly be in the wrong, but I took it. (The kid was fine) (I think). ‘Ey lad, have you got a kangaroo in that box?’ That phrase. That beautiful piece of completely original comic genius that I heard at least twice per shift. A question unanswerable with anything other than the word ‘No.’ Except saying ‘no’ made me sound bitter. Like I resented the box. The kangaroo I was so clearly lugging around Liverpool on my back for the good of my health. There’s no way a kangaroo would even fit in the box anyway. A Joey? Maybe.
Do you have any interesting job stories? Fire us an email at: press.lifestyle@forgetoday.com
TRAVEL Camping Barn in the Lake District. It might not sound the most exciting idea in the world, but at £20 for three nights stay, another £30 to cover petrol and booze, and 10 or so of your friends; you’ve got yourself a guaranteed interesting time lined up. Oh and there’s a great pencil museum in Keswick.
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FEATURE LIFESTYLE The harsh reality of VolunTourism
TRAVEL
Former Lifestyle Editor Mojo Abidi looks at the risks of lending a hand away from home.
H
elping out at a Vietnamese orphanage or building houses in rural Cambodia has become a trendy rite of passage for thousands of students each year. ‘Voluntourism’ is the growing phenomenon of individuals travelling overseas to developing countries to carry out volunteer work. However, a muchneeded debate and important conversation about voluntourism is starting to take off. While often well-intentioned, concerns have been raised that such volunteering vacations are actually causing more harm than good to the host communities. A simple google search reveals that voluntourism is openly condemned by a large number of academics, travel professionals, those in the charity
sector and many ex-volunteers. Voluntourism, wherever it occurs, takes jobs away from local workers. Why pay someone to do a job, when a volunteer will do it for free? This is especially harmful in communities with high rates of unemployment. Sure, there are some projects that might require volunteers, but you still need to ask why you’re needed and why the work could not be better done by a local professional worker. Often volunteers want to try something new and different, like teach children or build houses, but if you’re not qualified to do something in your own country, why would you be qualified to do it in someone else’s? Wouldn’t a local teacher who could work long term and speak the local language be more suited to teaching in a kindergarten in the Philippines, than an unqualified UK university student on their summer holiday? Most often the reason volunteers are chosen over local workers is because of the money they bring. It is a widespread assumption that these
voluntourism companies are charities. In reality, it is usually less about charity work and more about the money. The Al-Jazeera documentary, Cambodia’s Orphan Business found that out of the $3000 paid by each volunteer for a three-month placement at an orphanage in Phnom Pehn, the orphanage received only $9 per volunteer per week. The social good industry depends on fundraising to survive but we also need to start talking about how that money could be used more effectively to benefit the locals, rather than enrich a volunteer’s trip. The tourist determined approach and money-making mindset to many of these companies results in charities, orphanages and schools being run as businesses. Research in South Africa and South East Asia has found that ‘orphan tourism’ - where visitors temporarily volunteer as caregivers for children living in care homes has become so popular that many orphanages intentionally subject children to poor conditions and substandard housing to tug on heartstrings and entice volunteers to donate more money. Not only has the constant arrival and departure of volunteers been linked to attachment disorders in these children, but the donated money is rarely used to improve their living conditions because that would mean that the next lot of tourists wouldn’t feel as compelled to donate. Voluntourism also fuels the white saviour industrial complex. It suggests that development and solutions for this country are simple. So simple in fact, they can be solved during a short vacation
by unskilled, yet enthusiastic Western volunteers - rather than the local people or government. This is a dangerous mindset that undermines the need for longterm sustainable solutions. If these problems were so simple, the truth is that they would have been fixed many years ago. The
Many of them continued to beg for food and most eventually abandoned their houses. This is not an uncommon story. Voluntourism is short-term and usually stops once the volunteers leave, without addressing the root institutional and structural causes of the problems in the
attitude that developing countries need to be saved from themselves, by Westerners, has historical significance and can be traced back to colonialism and slavery. Volunteers need to understand that the problems in developing countries are usually deeply embedded and very complex. They are economic, social, political and often cultural. Dorinda Elliot, a contributor for the Conde Nast Traveller, writes about her failed voluntourism experience building houses in Haiti. Though the houses were completed, the families who moved in were uneducated and lacked the professional skills and employment needed to sustain and support their new homes.
community. This is not to say that all voluntourism companies are harmful and corrupt, but it is time for volunteers to stay aware and informed of all the facts. The industry and individuals need to change in order to save the concept of voluntourism, rather than abandon it completely. It should be less about emotional highs and photos ops and more concerned with the needs of the local community and promoting a more robust global interconnectedness. In the meantime, there are plenty of opportunities for people to undertake meaningful volunteering right at home.
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LIFESTYLE Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas & LA TRAVEL
Alice Broster talks through the ins and outs, the ups and downs, and the best things to do across Los Angeles and Las Vegas. LOS ANGELES The United States’ second biggest city has got it all: beaches, boulevards, Beverly Hills... people seem to really enjoy passing judgment on Los Angeles. Maybe they think it’s superficial; everyone is plastic and there’s too much traffic. But that’s like avoiding Paris because ‘the locals are rude’, or missing out on London because ‘it rains too much’. The dozens of areas, which almost feel like mini cities, that comprise LA make it a diverse and fun place to spend a few weeks.
We stayed outside central LA by Seal Beach, one beach north of the iconic Huntington Beach and equally charming in its own right. LA is known for its uniquely gorgeous stretch of beaches, each with their own identity. Whether you want the glamour of Malibu and Laguna, the waves and surfers of Seal and Huntington or the wacky individuality of Santa Monica and Venice, they are all worth a visit! Like any big city there are plenty of touristy attractions to fill up your days. As cheesy as Hollywood Boulevard is, you can’t return home to tell your friends that you
“Time seems to move at a different pace... it’s the perfect escape.”
didn’t see the stars on the sidewalk. Another right of passage is the hike to see the Hollywood sign. Although slightly clichéd it really is a nice hike and worth it for the pictures. Little physical fitness is required, I promise. The last tourist attraction that is an absolute must see is, of course, Disneyland. Despite it being a little expensive ($95), the
Americans aren’t lying - it’s the happiest place on earth. If you play it smart you might be able to avoid queues, but if you are here in the height of summer, queues and whiny children are pretty much unavoidable. If you can, try and go once school is in. If that isn’t enough to fill your holiday (or you would rather stay off the tourist track), LA has so much more to offer. From art galleries, markets, bars and restaurants, nightlife and sports events you won’t be stuck for things to do. Even if you aren’t the biggest sporting fan, tickets generally run pretty cheap, baseball can be as cheap as $10. There isn’t much that isn’t nice about LA. Time seems to move at a different pace and the relaxing vibes and friendly locals make it the perfect escape. You’ll never want to leave.
VEGAS Depending on the length of time that you’re in LA, Las Vegas is definitely worth slipping in! A three hour drive or 40 minute (inexpensive) flight makes it pretty difficult to say no. If you’re a #baller and can afford to go on the weekend it’s definitely busier, with events going on day and night.We went from Tuesday to Thursday and were far from stuck for things to do. Hotel location is key. If you are not on the strip you will spend so much on taxis you might as well have paid to be on the strip. Vegas can be cheaper for girls, but whoever you are, promoters will be your best friend. When you walk the strip you will see them everywhere. Do a little bit of homework beforehand, check the nights out you might want to do and it’s pretty likely you will get free entry from promoters.
Red’s True Barbecue FOOD
Nick Burke reviews the recently opened barbecue restaurant on Ecclesall Road that wants everybody to start worshipping meat.
N
ew to the hustle and bustle of Ecclesall Road, located just a short walk from both The Well and City churches, a different kind of religion is
forming. One that the carnivores among us will be very, very eager to worship. Spread the word: Red’s True Barbecue, the self-styled temple of meat, prays in all the right ways. Within the pages of their menu-cum-bible, the Leeds-born restaurant offers not just the slowest of slow-cooked meats, but also a wide variety of craft ales, beers, bourbons and whiskies. The variety on offer is staggering. It’s the meat that takes centre stage though, and for good
It is expensive once you get into the clubs but the experience and DJs make it so worth it; we heard The Chainsmokers for a grand total of $0. You may love it, you may hate it; but if you get the chance, you have to see it!
LIFESTYLE REVIEWS
reason. The ribs are smoky and rich; the pork melts in your mouth. Everything seems to falls apart in your hands which, for any aficionados of slow-cooked meat, is the promised land. Red’s
“For any aficionados of smoked meat... this is the promised land.” pulled pork and brisket are both smoked for a staggering 14 hours. Nestled among the indulgent chapters and alluring verses lie such delights as The Pitmaster, The Donut Burger (yes, really), and The Juicy Lucifer, a burger whose patties are filled with spicy melted cheese. It’s simply divine. Even the desserts, though limited, are nevertheless decadent, with delicious shakes served in milk bottles accompanying such heavenly wonders as Red’s Classic Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake. If you’re not counting the calories, this is the place to be. Of course, not everything is
good news. Though the restaurant feels rustic and charming, the seating feels somewhat more style over function, and while the meat hits the spot, the chips, coleslaw, and other sides leave a lot to be desired, even bland and watery at worst. Nevertheless, Red’s is an easy sell assuming you like meat. It joins Smoke Barbecue as the cream of Sheffield’s meat
eating crop. Should its sides one day rival its incredible alcohol selection and cornucopia of meaty wonders, there is no doubt that even more disciples will flock to its cause. For now, though, it’s simply a good time with a great aesthetic and tongue-in-cheek theme, that sure as hell knows how to barbecue burgers.
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ENTERTAINMENT Inside this issue...
Five Minutes with Forge
Every issue we take someone from around campus and quiz them on their cultural tastes. In this edition we have Sheffield Students’ Union very own President and Overlord: Dom Trendall. Who is your all time favourite band or artist? Billy Bragg.
Are there any releases your
upcoming looking
Do you have a favourite
In the City - The Jam.
artist? Salvador Dali. Have you exhibition
recently that impressed you? I went to an exhibition in Budapest marking the 60th anniversary of the 1956 uprising in Hungary. The role students have played throughout
What is the best play or musical you have seen? Blood Brothers.
Who ae you really into at the moment? David Bowie.
You can only have one console and one game for the rest of your life. What would they be? Mario Kart on the Nintendo DS.
What is your favourite film? A Very British Coup. My apologies – I actually am that boring.
SCREEN A showcase of some of the best ever college and university themed films and television shows. P. 36
history should never be forgotten!
ever been to? Earth, Wind and Fire.
to mind? Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. I didn’t notice any of the plot flaws or bad acting for about 20 years.
MUSIC A whole raft of reviews from this year’s amazing Tramlines Festival. P. 32
been to an or museum
What’s the best gig you’ve
When you think of your childhood, what film comes
ARTS Get to know Sheffield’s incredible arts scene with our detailed guide. P. 29
forward to film-wise? Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
What is your favourite album of all time?
You can only take five records with you to a desert island. What would they be? ‘Milkman of Human Kindness’ by Billy Bragg, ‘No Banker Left Behind’ by Ry Cooder, ‘Will Griggs on Fire’ by DJ Kenno, ‘Going Underground’ by the Jam, and ‘Wagon Wheel’ by Mumford & Sons.
GAMES The Sheffield must-visits for every Pokémon Go fan as well as some great games you can try to get to know your flatmates! P. 26
Entertainment picks not to miss this fortnight
Do you have Pokémon GO? Nope. Have you ever raged at a game and broken something? If so what did you break. Absolutely. Fifa 13 and my brother.
What is your favourite book? A Very British Coup. Have you read anything recently that you’d recommend? Lots of Forge Press articles... what else? What is your favourite television / Netflix series? Gossip Girl. Not even joking. Are you into any television series at the moment? Orange is the New Black.
What? Showroom Film Quiz Where? The Showroom, Paternoster Row When? 20 September, 8.30pm What? The Midland Players Where? University of Sheffield Drama Studio When? 28 - 30 September, 7.30pm What? Wild Beasts + Special Guests Where? The Foundry, Sheffield Students’ Union When? 1 October, 7.30pm What? Michael Rother plays Neu! & Harmonia Where? The Foundry, Sheffield Students’ Union When? 2 October, 7.00pm What? The Leadmill Comedy Club Where? Spiegeltent, Barkers Pool When? 18 September, 7.00pm
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GAMES
Beautiful, peaceful, and right next to the campus. Home to a museum, it’s also usually a Lure goldmine, and tailor-made for walks of the egg-hatching variety. Expect midnight crowds chasing Dragonites.
press.games@forgetoday.com
The central hub on campus, and the best Union in the country (no, really, we have awards and everything). There’s no shortage of plug sockets for those mid-adventure top-ups, and plenty of vital Pokéstops around the concourse.
A street you’ll get to know very, very well. The location of many nights out and the connection to the city centre. Running parallel is Division Street, where legends whisper of Aerodactyls lurking in the trees of Devonshire Green...
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GAMES
I
f one of your new flatmates has a love for Nintendo, you might just find yourself with a copy of Mario Kart. The venerable plumber always proves a great crowd pleaser, and a sure-fire drinking game
I
f this is the first you’ve heard of Cards Against Humanity, then you’ve dodged a very offensive bullet. If not, then you already know how outrageous and hilarious the smash-
hit card game can be. The black cards show incomplete statements that are filled by the obscene, totally non-PC white cards. It’s not for everyone, but get the right group together and it becomes the guiltiest
of guilty pleasures. It can be a great way to get to know your new flatmates or at least learn who has the darkest sense of humour. There’s even a UK edition, for some locally sourced nastiness.
T
he king. The world’s most popular sport makes for an intensely competitive game, and a surprisingly hilarious one to spectate. Nothing carries bragging rights like winning on FIFA, and with
I
n a world of sequels and copies, board gaming is one of the few genres that still manages to innovate and amaze. So spread the word! This relatively new party game is accessible, quick, cheap,
and great fun for a lazy afternoon or ‘pre-pres’. It’s a simple premise, with two team captains, or spymasters, using only one word to describe as many of their team’s hidden cards as possible to their teammates. Oh,
hit. Split into teams of two, with one person driving blindfolded and the other giving directions. Both must finish their drinks before the end of the race, as well as beating their opponents. Expect craziness and lots of shouting.
and all while avoiding an assassin card and racing the opposing team. It’s competitive, takes a fair bit of thought, and makes for an unforgettable afternoon. Take a punt on it; you won’t be disappointed.
the newest instalment due in a matter of weeks, the time is right to get onboard. Now if someone can explain to me why Martial rates higher than Alli…
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GAMES No Man’s Sky «««
Matthew Mills Games Contributor
H
ello Games’ flagship title is a game that is preceded by a level of hype almost as infinite as the universe that the game promises, and so it was bound to turn heads in every direction when it was finally released earlier this month. First shown at E3 2014, No Man’s Sky is a new take on the spaceexploration genre, differing itself from peers like Elite Dangerous and FTL through the sheer size of its procedurally-generated universe; with the developers boasting that
Inside ««««« Luke Baldwin Screen Editor
F
ollowing up on 2010’s dark platforming hit, Limbo, is no easy feat, but developer Playdead have managed it with Inside. Delivering everything people loved about its spiritual successor, but also upping the ante in many ways, Inside still feels like a unique experience. The game’s tone and visuals are seemingly very reminiscent of Playdead’s previous title, with the strange greyscale dystopian world hitting all the same nightmarish
it would take 5 billion years to explore every single planet. The aim? Work your way to the centre, exploring and discovering as much as possible along the way. To give credit where it’s due, the game delivered on these basic promises, offering no surprises in terms of gameplay. You begin the game on a random planet, with the task of fixing your ship acting as the closest thing the game gets to tutorial. Once it’s fixed, and you’ve gained a hyperdrive, it’s up to you to decide what to do.
“The graphics are solid enough to be impressive, bar a few pop-in issues”
chords as the equally colourless hell of Limbo. Even the protagonist, a young unremarkable boy, is the same. But the differences are there; the boy’s red shirt is one of the few splashes of colour found in the game, which are purposely alien in an otherwise bland palette. Inside also greatly improves on Limbo’s use of 2.5D and lighting effects to provide immersion, creating atmosphere and tension. Likewise, the story echoes the surreal and mysterious beats of its predecessor, but still manages to surprise the player, with much of the plot open for speculation. The countless fan theories across the internet are testament to this. The less I say about the plot the better; it’s completely mad and something players should
These first few hours of gameplay were the most enjoyable, and a long time could be spent just exploring the first planet to get the hang of the mechanics, and getting lost in the game. Playing on the PS4, the graphics are solid enough to be immersive, bar a few pop-in issues when landing on planets, although I did receive a fairly large number of crashes in the first few days of release. The menus are functional, if a bit uninspired, which is a shame considering that you will spend a large amount of time in them crafting and upgrading your ship and Exosuit. However, there is an underlying irony to No Man’s Sky, in that its appeal is very finite despite the size of the game. Yes, the number of planets is almost endless, but all these planets are made from a
definitely experience and interpret themselves. The same can be said about the basic gameplay. Though predominantly still consisting of walking right, jumping and pulling objects in order to solve puzzles, it still manages to feel exciting and innovative thanks to solid mechanics and intelligent design. For anyone who enjoyed Limbo or just generally loves indie platformers, Inside is an absolute must but even those that fall into neither category are sure to find something different in its beautifully terrifying visuals and tone.
very particular set of algorithms, meaning that the differences between locations are shallow and only aesthetic. Think of it like Boots, or Superdrug whilst they sell thousands of different products, if you look closer you realise that these are the same ten or twenty products rebranded about a thousand times. Once you have achieved a few self-imposed goals, like getting a bigger ship and a better multi-tool, the tedium of No Man’s Sky begins to set in, as you begin to see the very sparse forest from some very detailed trees. All planets have the same selection of elements and settlements, and despite only being in my second Galaxy, I feel like the only thing the game can surprise me with now is a different coat of paint, which is a shame for a game
with so much promise.
“There is an underlying irony to No Man’s Sky, in that its appeal is very finite despite the size of the game” However, there is still a lot to be recommended here, if just for the experience of playing something a bit different that doesn’t need to focus on combat and continuous action to create a compelling universe. As it is though, £50 is a pretty hefty price to pay, and is a large investment for some very limited gameplay.
THE CHARM OF
Cult Corner
A Charming Secret Ash Emritte Games Editor
M
y grandfather was a gamer. Still is, in fact. I remember how we got our PS3: because granddad was buying a PS4 and had no use of his anymore. Among the first games he introduced me too was LucasArts’ swashbuckling comedy The Secret of Monkey Island. A game from eons ago, closer to the dawn of gaming which my grandfather had lived through as a young man, than to where we stand today, with graphics edging closer and closer to photo-realism, super smart AI and complex mechanics.
The Secret of Monkey Island is an example of a game that has charm. It has soul. The comedy is clever and incredibly self-referential at times, whilst the puzzles range from being difficult to solve to being nigh on impossible. This game can frustrate, especially when the solution to a puzzle can often be nonsensical, leaving a bitter taste in the mouth. But you shouldn’t feel bitter. That’s just not the spirit of the game. It encourages you to let loose, and just enjoy a fine adventure in the Deep Caribbean. It is a game I highly recommend revisiting.
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ARTS
press.arts@forgetoday.com
THEATRES THE CRUCIBLE Just over the road from the Winter Gardens, The Crucible sits proudly at the end of Tudor Square. The venue boasts an unrivalled programme of classic plays and original works, across both its main stage and the Studio, a more intimate space known for its offthe-wall drama. With tickets for students costing just £5, there’s no excuse not to visit the most successful theatre in Sheffield.
DISCOVER SHEFFIELD’S SPECTACULAR ARTS SCENE Welcome to Sheffield! With Freshers’ Week fast approaching, there’s no better time to get stuck into the fantastic range of arts happening all over the city. To get you started, Laura Mulvey and Joe Knight give us a quick guide to the arts hubs you definitely shouldn’t miss.
THE LYCEUM Just next-door, the magnificent Lyceum Theatre boasts a varied arts programme to suit all tastes. Musicals, ballets, and all kinds of theatre can be found at this venue, which is worth visiting for its grandeur alone. THEATRE DELICATESSEN Occupying the spruced-up shell of an abandoned Woolworth’s, the Moor Theatre Delicatessen is a labyrinth of secret passageways and excellent drama. The independent theatre is a favourite among startup drama collectives, making it a great place to go and see interesting and original work. An atmospheric café-bar features cool artwork and fairy lights along with drinks and snacks. Just remember your coat, because it can get nippy!
UNIVERSITY DRAMA STUDIO If you want to see some fantastic theatre while supporting your fellow students, look no further than the University Drama Studio. The friendly theatre holds a varied programme ranging from Shakespeare to students’ original writing. Come all year to see shows from SUTCO, SUPAS and Drama students, as well as outside companies like The Midland Players. LANTERN THEATRE As Sheffield’s oldest theatre, the Lantern Theatre is definitely worth a visit. Away from the bustle of the city centre, it houses small-smale productions in a historic building.
BOOKSHOPS
COMEDY
ART SHOPS
THE PORTER BOOKSHOP Book-lovers should be sure to visit The Porter Bookshop, a treasure trove of second-hand reads. Pop in for a browse and peruse their vast collection – you never know what you’ll find!
CITY HALL From September-October this year, the Last Laugh Comedy Festival will take place at Sheffield’s spectacular City Hall, featuring some of the country’s finest comedians. Highlights include sets from Jason Byrne, Ross Noble and Mark Steel, as well as several ‘Comedy Cabaret’ nights. The venue also attracts big names all year round, so it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on their programme.
THE SOLO GALLERY Visit this colourful and quirky shop to browse an ever-changing range of local arts and crafts. It’s a great place to search for Christmas presents for the family, or even just to treat yourself.
RARE & RACY Head to quirky Devonshire Street for a visit to Rare & Racy, a favourite among Sheffield arts lovers for over 40 years. The colourful store is packed with second-hand books on a diverse range of specialist subjects as well as firm literary favourites. You can also browse a great selection of paintings, including work by many talented Sheffield artists. OXFAM BOOKSHOP Treat yourself to some new reading for the semester while supporting a great cause by visiting the Oxfam bookshop on Glossop Road. The collection is always well-stocked, and you might even be able to pick up your course books at a bargain price.
LEADMILL COMEDY CLUB On the first Wednesday of every month, The Leadmill plays host to some of the most exciting comedians on the circuit. With famous faces and brand new talent frequenting the night, you never know quite what you’re going to get. General Admission starts at just £5, making it a firm favourite among students. CHUCKLENUTS Be thoroughly entertained by the most talented improvisers from across Sheffield, including some of your fellow students! Chucklenuts perform an eclectic range of improvisational comedy - making their shows a great way to break the ice with your flatmates. The group will be performing on Tuesday 27 September at 7.30pm at Yellow Arch Studios.
THE BESSEMER II GALLERY The Bessemer II is one of the best places in Sheffield to browse local artwork. Find beautiful jewellery, cards and paintings on a studentfriendly budget, then unwind in the café to chat about the collections. The gallery sits on Sharrow Vale road, a bustling hub of arts and crafts which is always worth a day out. ROCO CREATIVE CO-OP The closest arts centre to the student’s union, and with a bar to boot, Roco is perfect for students who want to explore Sheffield’s artistic scene. It even has a rooftop terrace. The gallery is wittily entitled Bl_nk Space Gallery and plays host to a range of exhibitions, events and workshops.
GALLERIES MILLENNIUM GALLERY Based in the beautiful Winter Gardens, just up from the station, even the building alone is worth seeing. There are multiple galleries within, some with permanent exhibitions, and others which change regularly. At the moment you’ll be able to see: ‘Made in Sheffield’, which runs until January. There’s also a small gift shop, a café and some eye-catching permanent sculptures made of Sheffield cutlery. GRAVES GALLERY The Graves Gallery offers an insight into art produced all over Europe, both historical and contemporary. Situated in Sheffield’s Central Library, it’s a great place to get away from the overwhelming buzz on Fargate, or stop off en route to the station. With a range of different exhibitions, there’ll be something to suit almost anyone. Currently there’s an exhibition titled: ‘The Age of Abstraction: Women Artists’, which showcases some of the most important art produced by women in the 20th century. BLOC PROJECTS An artist-led gallery, Bloc Projects offers something different from the larger showcases of art in and around Sheffield. It’s situated just down from The Moor Market (where great bargains on food and just about anything else can be found), which makes it easily accessible for any student. Pop in for a look around or to view some of their original exhibitions. WESTERN BANK LIBRARY EXHIBITION GALLERY Take a break from studying, and visit the small, but really interesting exhibition space in the Western Bank library foyer. At the moment you can see costumes, fabrics and designs by Annie Lindon Carter, a Sheffield artist and businesswoman who was a key benefactor to the University. It’s not the biggest art space in Sheffield, but it’s well worth a quick look around if you’ve got a spare moment on campus.
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ARTS Introducing... The Midland Players Laura Mulvey Arts Editor
O
ne of Sheffield’s favourite amateur dramatic societies is gearing up for their latest production, John Godber’s muchacclaimed Our House. The play will run from 28-30 September, conveniently housed in the University’s own Drama Studio. May has finally decided to move house after 45 long years. With the help of her son, Jack, she packs boxes and bags with a lifetime of memories. As nostalgia takes over, we see the rolling history of May’s life, and the community around her, played out in snapshots.
Our House provides a modern audience with a rare glimpse into the real history of the northern working classes. Based on the writer’s own experiences, the play tackles nightmare neighbours and family feuds. We see the highs and lows of family life set against the political turbulence of 70’s and 80’s Britain.
“The group provides a fantastic platform for local dramatic talent.” From the controversy of Tory ‘right-to-buy’ policy to the turmoil of the miners’ strike, the play examines the effects of staggering changes on the lives of real people. John Godber is one of Britain’s most celebrated living playwrights. Specialising in sharp observational
comedies, he has been critically acclaimed for his depictions of the lives of the working classes. His plays have been watched by over 100,000 people, making him the third most-performed British playwright behind William Shakespeare and Alan Ayckbourn. This production is the latest in 40 years of tradition from The Midland Players. The group,
originally a collective of employees of Midland Bank, has expanded over the decades to become an icon of amateur drama in Sheffield. With a welcoming ethos and a variety of material to suit a diverse cast, the group provides a fantastic platform for local dramatic talent. The Midland Players perform twice a year in the University Drama Studio, as well as taking part in am-
Heritage Open Days 2016 Jack Hunnaball Arts Contributor
Never Forget: National Emergency Services Museum’s Exhibition gives a thoughtful reminder of a seminal point in modern history.
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ntering the room of the “Never Forget!” exhibition is a powerful experience. The room echoes with the sound of George W. Bush’s address to the nation in the aftermath of the terrorist atrocities of September 11. Immediately your eyes are drawn
“Stories of valiant heroes answering the call of duty at a time when their nation needed them most” to a banner adorning the centre of the room. On it are the faces of the 332 firefighters who died in service that day. Each face displays a little glimpse of their story and denotes their name and squadron number. Looking across at the wide range of faces feels overwhelming. A collage of newspaper headlines
merge together to create a wall of mourning, shock and outcry clearly displayed across newspapers, tabloid to broadsheet. Various displays across the room give wider personal context to those who lost their lives; stories of valiant heroes answering the call of duty at a time when their nation needed them most. Personal ornaments like caps and jackets of those who served along with squadron badges successfully add personal touches to accompany the cold faced statistical information about death tolls and event timelines. The array of uniforms, also on display, add to the visualization of lives lost. The back of the exhibition room displays a comprehensive timeline of the events as they unfolded on the day. The timeline is useful as a reminder that the attacks were not just limited to New York, the
dram festivals throughout the city and beyond. To keep up-to-date with their shows, check out their website: www.midlandplayers.co.uk Our House will run from 28-30 September 2016 in The University of Sheffield Drama Studio.
Pentagon also being fatally hit. Additionally, the wide timeline gives an indication of why there was such a scramble for information on the day. This is reinforced in the second room in which an old CRT television plays newsreel from the immediate aftermath of the attacks, the feeling of panic and confusion from those interviewed in said news reports is palpable. The “9/11 Never Forget!”
“The “9/11 Never Forget!” exhibition is a strong reminder of the mortal sacrifices made by emergency service professionals” exhibition is a strong reminder of the mortal sacrifices made by emergency service professionals, not just on September the 11th but throughout history. It forces you to consider and re-evaluate your awareness of the actions of said heroes and thus was a rewarding and recommendable experience.
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ARTS Book Review: Notes on a Thesis by Tiphaine Riviѐre.
T Summer Reading Challenges: Not just for the summer
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Mollie Davidson Arts Editor
o one told me I was great until I did a Summer Reading Challenge. No one has since. But it took an interview with Stormzy to remind myself of the height of my greatness. I cannot remember any of the books that I read because it was just another summer holiday and that is what I did. I have kept none of it in my brain from the time spent in my little library back home in the Midlands. All I remember is that I picked the shortest books possible. It is officially for children aged four to 11 in which they have to read six books over six weeks and then write a review to show that they had read it. However, unofficially, I still make challenges for myself to read certain books within a certain amount of time.
“I However, unofficially, still make challenges for myself to read certain books within a certain amount of time. ” I look at more well-read writers, musicians and director’s favourite books and go from there. It helps keep things interesting and I would not have read one of my now favourite authors, Stefan Zweig, if I had not been collating books
for me to read from those that had inspired Wes Anderson’s films. Michael Rosen, a prominent proponent of the Summer Reading Challenges wants to see library cards issued to every child as a given right. He is right because as an identity card nothing beats it. The library is a place that you can relocate to, settle down and find comfort in. The library card assures you of that and with that, nothing terrible can really happen. Social media such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter allows for worldwide reading challenges such as the Florence and The Machine book club, ‘Between Two Books’. They set books which you can choose to read and then talk to others about them, sharing opinions. It is the internet utilised for good.
“Social Medias such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, they allow for a worldwide reading challenge ” Libraries (I hope) will always remain because phone batteries die and WIFI can fail. Seriously, they are free and what other institution would offer something so engaging without charging you a penny for it. Even if at the time all they want are the prizes given for each book read or the gold plastic medal with a big number one on it. It will affect their lives in some way. I have ended up volunteering and helping run a reading challenge. It was pretty easy but joyful work; helping the children pick a book and decorate the reviews they had written which would end up going on the library wall. I wanted to help because I do not believe there is an argument against reading. It has taken ten years for me to realise what it has done but that is better late than never.
Mollie Davidson Arts Editor
iphaine Rivière’s Notes On A Thesis, is a graphic novel that does not take long to read, being 176 pages long this is much shorter than the thesis that our heroine Jeanne will be writing and despairing at over the five years it takes her to complete her doctorate. She tells everyone that it will be done in two. It is a deeply personal and autobiographical account. Jeanne is her own worst enemy and does not acknowledge this. She allows her thesis on Kafka and The Parable of the Gates of the Law in The Trial to consume everything, from Christmas, weddings, and her relationships with her boyfriend.
“It is a deeply personal and autobiographical account. Jeanne is her own worst enemy.” Of course, Rivière’s joyful and corybantic drawings contradict the feelings of the academic who is regularly told by her disinterested supervisor, “I can’t wait to read your work”. She clings to this
throughout the entire trauma that ensues. Jeanne is often naked and not lying about her knowledge of medieval literature. We can laugh at her antics and the mad things she does with either comfort that we were once like that or with a vow never to be like this.
“Riviere’s joyful and corybantic drawings contradict the feelings of the academic ” Especially the timeline of how she has physically changed from the sprightly and hopeful academic of 2008 to the haggard and worn academic of 2012. Even from this transformation, she seems to be just as happy as when she started. In a similar vein to Posy Simmonds’s Tamara Drew, Rivière uses a classic text to illustrate the modern world. The gates of Kafka’s imagination become her own as she passes them during her Viva, the final assessment. All these things, missed deadlines, no money, and younger overachievers do not stop her. There is a need for her to finish, so that you can relax too and stop cringing. Rivière’s tale is clearly of how not to work and how not to deal with people but also of
sheer perseverance, to just get the thing written. It has been her own personal trial but what we can take heart in is that she still doesn’t know what to do. She imagines the many opportunities that will be out there for her but what we learn is that there is uncertainty to everything even if you are educated to the highest degree. It is uncertain how you should feel when you read this novel, but just be glad you didn’t have to write it. Notes On A Thesis by Tiphaine Rivière is published by Jonathan Cape (£16.99pp)
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press.music@forgetoday.com
TRAMLINES
Forge Press teamed up with Forge Radio and Forge TV to cover a variety of acts performing at the Steel City’s very own festival Tramlines...
© Simon Butler
Kelis @ Ponderosa
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Will Fisher Music Contributor
modern day renaissance woman Kelis is both a popstar and a certified chef, while also having her own brand of fashion accessories. This tendency to be unrestricted by boundaries is noticeable in her musical timeline where she is forever shifting genres.
© Rich Linley
The Crookes @ o2 Academy Will Fisher Music Contributor
Through her career Kelis has transformed from a pop queen to an R&B star and on to a dancefloor diva. With her latest album Food Kelis has most recently introduced soul and funk to her extensive portfolio. As Sheffield welcomed her to Tramlines everyone in the audience was hoping for a certain phase of Kelis. Although a few fans of the newer material were dotted around, the majority were 90s babies waiting on ‘Milkshake’ or recognising her as ‘that one from
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traight off the back of their recent tour supporting Tramlines headliner Catfish and the Bottlemen, Sheffield sweethearts The Crookes return to the festival for a
the Calvin Harris song’. Despite stating she had a cold, vocally Kelis was on point and although her most recent tracks such as ‘Rumble’ and ‘Jerk Ribs’ didn’t get the crowd going wild, they were polished and performed well. At this point Kelis delved into her dancefloor anthem phase with tracks such as ‘4th of July’ and ‘Acapella’. These along with ‘Trick Me’ were highlights of the set. They had the crowd pumped while also showing off her vocal talent to a good degree.
It was when the tracks that featured her vocals were played that it all seemed a bit too easy for Kelis. Spaceship; the track (which also features apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas, to put you in the picture) seemed like an escape route which let the beat do all the work. The majority of the lyrics in the chorus which Kelis sang are “I can fly, so get high”. ‘Milkshake’ was a crowd pleaser, as it was always going to be. Kelis reworked it a little to have a neosoul influence, in line with her
most recent music. This, however, summed up the main problem in Kelis’ Tramlines show. Everything was performed well and there was lots of energy but her music career has led to a divided audience. The majority of the Sheffield crowd rocked up on Saturday night ordering a full-fat, pop milkshake, but left underwhelmed after receiving some healthier equivalent with a flavouring of jazz.
triumphant homecoming set at the O2 Academy. As anticipation builds and sweat practically drips from the ceiling, it’s a surprise to note how much the four-piece pack out the Academy, as the band usually play their own gigs down the road at the slightly smaller Leadmill. Kicking off the set with ‘Where Did Our Love Go’, a fan favourite from their sophomore LP Hold Fast, the crowd immediately explodes in eagerness. Almost forgotten is the recent changeover of drummers, original sticksman Russell Bates having left the group last year, as his replacement Adam Crofts slots comfortably into the group. The gig is a joyous spectacle, filled largely with material from January’s Lucky Ones, a marked change from the band’s moody earlier material. Lyricist and guitarist Daniel Hopewell is transferred to synth
for many of these songs, a change that he has previously expressed preference for. It’s noticeable, therefore, that ‘Play Dumb’, is the only song off third album Soapbox that The Crookes endeavour to play, despite its positive reaction from the crowd.
as new additions ‘The World is Waiting’ and ‘I Wanna Waste My Time on You’ among others are greeted rapturously by the crowd, fitting in comfortably alongside longtime favourites ‘Backstreet Lovers’ and ‘A Colier’s Wife’. The true singalong moment of the show comes in the form of set closer ‘Afterglow’, another cut from Hold Fast, as the entire crowd erupts to join George Waite’s “Oohs” in the chorus. The Crookes often state that Tramlines is the highlight of every year for them and, after this show, it’s not difficult to see why.
“The gig is a joyous spectacle, filled largely with material from January’s Lucky Ones”
The group have previously expressed their desire to distance themselves from this material when playing live, as they fear the darker themes from Soapbox will dampen the show’s mood. However, this does not affect the set for the worse,
Want to be featured in Forge Press? Email your favourite song and album of the moment with a picture of yourself to press.music@forgetoday.com for a chance to be featured in the next issue
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SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
MUSIC Little Comets @ Ponderosa
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Emma Williams Music Editor
he music of Little Comets is so sunny and joyful that the surprise is almost palpable among those unfamiliar with the group when they announce that they are from Newcastle. However, the band is in luck as they take to the Ponderosa stage on Saturday, greeted by the mid-afternoon sun, the group’s “kitchen sink indie” acting as pleasant and appropriate backing music for lying in the park and gazing at the sky. It’s when you start trying to appreciate the band’s music beyond this that it becomes a problem. Appearing to place more emphasis on the sound of the songs rather than the actual songs themselves, Little Comets largely fall short of
delivering on the festival anthems front. Set highlight ‘Jennifer’ is an insight into the melodic joy that the band has the potential to create. Instead, however, the focus seems to be on the jilted and jarring rhythms present in most of their songs. Although musically interesting, they are a little offputting when placed in a festival environment, as by the time the audience have got their head round a song’s beat enough to dance to it, the three-minutes of metrical meandering have ended. The art of creating a song with unusual and off-key rhythms is to trick the audience into not noticing them, but with this group, they appear very much at the fore – arguably a misstep. Live drummer David Green copes with the overtly decorated rhythm section admirably, however. It’s not quite that Little Comets sound makes it difficult for newcomers, it’s just that the songs aren’t quite at the level to allow them to get away with what they’re trying to do musically.
© Tarquin Clark
Dandy Warhols @ Ponderosa
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Harry Gold Music Contributor
espite producing several albumworth of top-quality material, the Dandy Warhols have always found themselves trying to live up to the reputation created by 2000’s breakout hit ‘Bohemian Like You’. It’s almost a shame, then, that it was written, as attempting to live up to one of the most iconic songs of the past decade is a near impossible feat. This is a fact very much used to their advantage however as the group are otherwise able to play to their own tunes in their festival sets. Where most bands are forced to carry out the motions for years, churning out the hits, The Dandys hammer their defiant individuality home from the outset as they take to the Ponderosa stage at 7.15pm. Beginning with regular setopener ‘Be-In’, a 10-minute shoegaze-influenced drone, Courtney Taylor-Taylor’s vocals are virtually inaudible, buried within the mix and allowing the guitars to take the sterring wheel. Not, you might think, the most festival-
friendly kick-off to a set, and if it were any other band, you might be right, too. The Dandy Warhols, however, have always had a penchant for hipster-ism, obscurity and irony, and instead of coming across as ill-judged, this opening suitably prepares the crowd for the mood of what follows. The weather perfectly compliments the mood, as slow, stoner-influenced grooves are played out to a crowd largely sat down enjoying a rare glimpse of Sheffield sunshine. Accompanying the group for ‘(Tony, This Song is Called) Lou Weed’, a cut from the group’s first record, is Adam and the Ants bassist Chris Constantinou on flute, who is quick to compliment “the girls of Sheffield”. Along with ‘We Used to be Friends’ and ‘Not if You Were the Last Junkie on Earth’ the performance is a highlight, greeted with mild enthusiasm from the crowd. But clearly most of the audience are only here for one song. ‘Bohemian Like You’ explodes after an entire set of anticipation, the entire park joining in for the iconic “oohs” of the chorus. Having set the bar for the rest of the weekend, the Dandy Warhols ensure that the resultant standard is one to be followed.
© Kevin Wells
Milburn @ Leadmill
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Emma Williams Music Editor
heffield’s very own band Milburn filled The Leadmill to the brim on Saturday night after revealing earlier in the afternoon that they would be performing a secret set. First releasing music as a band in 2001, Milburn have had over a decade to build a dedicated fan base and that was evident on Saturday night by the fans who were lucky enough to be present, both old and new. The only hint the band gave prior to their performance was one teasing tweet, but that tweet alone was enough to fill The Leadmill’s capacity of 900. They certainly filled their set and their fan’s appetite for the music that they have missed since 2008 squeezing 11 songs into their performance and even performing an encore of ‘Roll Out the Barrel’ and ‘What You Could’ve Won’. After a whole day of planned performances, Milburn offered an equivalent of a full length gig in one
David Rodigan @ o2 Academy
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Emma WiIliams Music Editor
n the sweaty o2 Academy, at 2am, following Todla T is not where you expect to see a 65 year old playing reggae, but that is exactly what you would have found on Friday night at Tramlines. Rodigan had filled the floor and was even opening mosh pits by the end of his set as people jostled and shoved to reach the front of the stage, proving that he is no stranger to the 2016 festival circuit having already performed at Parklife and Detonate festival this year. Having worked with Chase
of Sheffield’s most iconic venues at midnight, resulting in an amazing atmosphere. Having split in 2008, it is no surprise that fans flocked to The Leadmill on Saturday to try and catch their unexpected performance, with the queue wrapping around the building as early as 10pm when the band weren’t due on until midnight.
“They certainly filled their set and their fan’s appetite for the music that they have missed since 2008”
Opening their set with ‘Well Well Well’, its thumping intro brought the crowd to life as everyone surged forward in an attempt to get closer to the band. Milburn played some of their most popular and early tracks, ‘Send in the Boys’, ‘Roll Out the Barrel’ and ‘Cheshire Cat Smile’ as well a selection from their 2007 album These Are The Facts, ‘Lucy Lovemenot’ and ‘Summertime’.
and Status and Shy FX to form Rebel sound in 2014, Roddigan played well known songs such as ‘Who Knows’, as well as those which might be new to those who stumbled across his set by accident, exposing them to reggae as a genre.
“Rodigan had filled the floor and was even opening mosh pits.” That’s what made Rodigan’s set so good - he was fun and included everyone. You didn’t need to know the words or the music but could happily become part of his set and get involved with the music which is what festivals are all about.
Even for those who weren’t yet fans of Milburn, but found themselves in The Leadmill thanks to the access permitted by their weekend wristbands, would almost certainly agree that the venue combined with Milburn’s performance created an amazing experience. The catchy and upbeat songs, reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys or The Rifles, sound instantly familiar and it would have been a challenge not to move with the crowd. With limited interaction with the crowd in between songs, it left Sheffield wondering what will be next from the band. A reunion tour later this year and appearances at a select few festivals over this Summer hints at more from the band in the near future, but fans can only hope information about their future may be as unpredictable as their appearance at Tramlines this year. Milburn were an unexpected yet very well received addition to Saturday’s line up and reflected everything Tramlines representsa community feel within Sheffield showcasing the talent in the city.
Rodigan introduced a genre less promoted by the media and made it accessbile to the crowds of Sheffield and his set should receive nothing but praise. It isn’t his legacy and connections which make him so popular but rather his performance and stage presence. After 40 years of presenting music, Rodigan proved to Sheffield on Friday night that he still very much deserves his slot at festivals and that reggae is most definitely a genre that we should all be listening to, if we don’t already.
To see our full coverage of the weekend from Press, Radio, and TV visit forgetoday.com/tramlines
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Spotlight
Forge Comments Members of Forge comment on the controversial closure of the iconic London club
deaths of two clubbers this summer and Islington Council’s claims that security at the venue was ‘grossly inadequate’. The airport style pat down I got begs to differ. It’s also ironic when you consider what, if any, security will be used at replacement illegal raves. Fabric’s fate was two years of undercover observations in the making by authorities who claim they want people to enjoy London’s nightlife safely.
“If the safety of clubbers is really the concern here, then we should focus on ham reduction”
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Marie Elise-Worswick Music Contributor
earing that iconic London club Fabric was going to be closed down after a number of drug-related deaths there, was a big reminder of how backwards thinking and nonsensical the government’s drug policy is. In the first instance, by closing nightclubs down that have a substance abuse problem, doesn’t solve the issue. People who used to go to Fabric and take drugs there aren’t going to suddenly turn around and go “Oh well, that was fun, time to start living a cleaner lifestyle, settle down and spend my
weekends watching Miranda with a meal for one”. No. The “problem” is just going to move elsewhere. You’ve also got to consider the dangerous rhetoric being spouted out from the powers that be, that these ‘young, reckless ravers’ are the root of society’s problems and must be stamped down. What about the millionaire bankers who work in the City who are known to abuse more Class A drugs than your average clubber? It’s just double standards being set out, with the people at the top punishing the people at the bottom. Surely a much more sensible option, and a way to get to the root of the problem, is to legalise drugs and to offer free drug testing kits
Forge Visits Picture House Social Brenna Cooper Music Contributor
to people so they can check the authenticity of what they’re taking?
Sian Bradley Head of News, Forge Radio
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n Tuesday 7 September, much loved nightclub Fabric was closed down. My time at Fabric was defined by an impressive sound system, artists you can get excited about, and a rather intense security procedure. The suspension of Fabric’s license is a stab in the heart of London’s clubbing culture and will help drive the scene underground. It was based on the drug-related
Upsetting for them then, when the weekend after Fabric’s death, Wunderland reported 172 planned illegal raves in London. If the safety of clubbers is really the concern here, then we should focus on harm reduction methods, not club closure. European countries do this pretty successfully, allowing drug testing in clubs. Closing clubs won’t stop people taking drugs- the failure of the War on Drugs has taught us as much, with the fight leading to dangerous ‘legal highs’ and PMA. This news is merely evidence of a continuing archaic approach to drug use and another mark on the slow, painful death of the clubbing scene.
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or me, the closing of Fabric represents the archaic approach many in our society have towards drug control: the more we demonise it and the harder we make it for people to do drugs, the less likely people are to do them. However, as any regular drug user will tell you, this is rubbish. If people want to take drugs, regardless of how many clubs get closed down, they’ll do them. Clubs should be rewarded for encouraging responsible drug use and promoting a safe atmosphere for all its attendees. By prohibiting this, you run the risk of people resorting to taking their habits elsewhere such as to more unsavoury places and less reliable substances. This in turn leads to drug related injuries and death, only adding to the stigma and starting the cycle all over again. We all have friends who had strict parents growing up, the sort who weren’t allowed to drink at all or stay out past tea time. More often than not. these are the same people who go overboard as soon as they gain independence. Isn’t it better to teach people responsibility and moderation gradually rather than let curiosity build until breaking point and have them learn the hard way?
Have any opinions on music news? Email press.music@forgetoday.com for a chance to be featured in the next issue!
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he former ballroom and billiard hall of Abbeydale Picture House is now home to the Picture House Social. It’s an independent venue offering an intimate gig experience and a great place to watch smaller bands, as well as serving as a fringe venue for Tramlines 2016. The gig space has a somewhat DIY underground vibe about it with bands playing in a renovated space still displaying features of the former ball room. Artists who have played here include Americana-inspired indie bands Black Honey and Drenge. Girl Gang Sheffield have also recently hosted their event ‘The
Luke Baldwin Screen Editor
best in Sheffield. Upstairs is a bar offering reasonably priced cocktails and craft beer and a cool place to socialise after a gig or even just somewhere to meet up with friends.
Punk Singer’ featuring live music, workshops and a craft fair, showcasing local creatives and independent businesses. The venue also contains a stylish retro inspired games room, featuring ping pong tables, and serves authentic Italian street food with pizzas that are arguably the
Picture House Social is at 383 Abbeydale Rd, Nether Edge, Sheffield S7 1FS. Upcoming gigs include: Yak (Monday 24 October), The Big Moon (Sunday 30 October) and Traams (Wednesday 16 November).
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SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
MUSIC
Reviews than from a four-piece band from Oxford. This is nothing new for Glass Animals, with lead vocalist and album producer Dave Bayley repeatedly finding unique sounds in the weirdest of places to fit his own ideas.
“Every song tells the story of a new person”
Glass Animals How To Be a Human Being ««««« Levi Lewis-Olding Music Contributor
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lass Animals return with their second album How To Be A Human Being. Where debut albam ZABA was a dreamy journey through dark and murky sounds, ‘Life Itself’ kicks off the new album in a powerful way. The drumbeat takes centre stage and is reminiscent of music you might expect to hear from the Indian sub-continent, rather
Teenage Fanclub Here ««««
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Aaron Savage Music Contributor
eenage Fanclub’s first album in six years is largely a standard fare, not that that is a bad
thing! Since Grand Prix and Songs from Northern Britain, Teenage Fanclub’s style has largely been set. We’ve come to expect power pop influenced ballads sung with three part harmonies. The band’s latest effort Here contains no shocks or large deviations from this winning formula. That’s not to say that that is a bad thing, this is one of their strongest efforts and fits in well with their highly consistent back catalogue. Opener ‘I’m in Love’ offsets much of the rest of the albums, more upbeat and bouncy than the gentler songs that follow it, almost catching the listener off guard. Status quo returns, however with ‘Thin Air’ and ‘Hold On’. ‘The Darkest Part of the Night’ is an early highlight, which recalls Songs from Northern
The dreamy feeling remains but there is a certain refinement present throughout the album. The murkiness is more tactfully used and more prominent melodies are allowed to carry the music. While the first two songs on the album seem to be poppy lead songs, Glass Animals’s character stays through subtle motifs and a careful attention to detail in the producing of the album while dealing with quite dark themes. Later in the album we are shown just how much influence hip-hop has had on the band, ‘The Other Side of Paradise’ sounding like it wouldn’t be out of place in the 90s rap scene. ‘Mama’s Gun’ and ‘Cane Shugga’ both also have prominent hip-hop themes although it would be unfair to say that these are the only songs with these vibes.
Britain’s ‘I Don’t Want Control of You’, featuring gorgeous strings. Standing out against the soft rock of the album is ‘Live in the Moment’, providing a crunchier element which does recall the heavier Bandwagonesque (the band’s breakthrough album). ‘Live in the Moment’ creates a very uplifting moment. In fact, the album is full of them. The band have created a synthesis of their own style while managing to pull in influences which fit the overall mood. It’s easy to compare the album closer ‘Connected to Life’ to Help! or Rubber Soul era Paul McCartney songs. Being 10 albums in it would be easy to expect any band to have grown stale, yet Teenage Fanclub remain relevant. Each of the songwriters stamps his unique mark on each song, which creates different styles and varying amounts of experimentation. It is this which helps to keep not only this album, but also those preceding it fresh. While the majority of the albums treads similar roads to those of the already mentioned Grand Prix and Songs from Northern Britain, the path taken is different, with experimentations on themes of earlier albums, both musically and lyrically.
Throughout the album, Glass Animals manage to excellently blend all their influences in to a unique album while keeping the almost-psychedelic feeling which excelled on their debut album. ‘Poplar St’ and ‘Agnes’ bring the journey to an emotional and unexpected close, throwing completely new ideas at the album. It is impressive how seamlessly the songs manage to mesh into a cohesive record while seemingly compromising very little on the desired sound. Perhaps this success is due to the recurring themes throughout the album; themes which seem so grounded in real life because they are. The album title is not random; it’s meticulously chosen, just like every note on this album. Every song tells the story of a new person, opening with the tale of a delusional waster in ‘Life Itself’ and closing with ‘Agnes’ the tragic tale of a friend lost to drug addiction. This element of realism which is ever-present help to ground the album and glue it together as a series of linked stories, rather than an erratic collection of songs. It’s abundantly clear throughout that the album is meant to be listened to as an entirety and it’s a delight to do just that.
Bastille Wild World ««««
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Greg Coppack Music Contributor
ere it is then, the big pop follow-up. But how have the Bastille boys risen to the challenge? Anyone hearing lead singer Dan Smith talk about his band Bastille for the first time could be forgiven for assuming that they had released their first album to moderate success and that a small group of loyal fans were eagerly awaiting the release of the second instalment. This charming self-deprecation belies the undebatable truth; Wild World has been anticipated by the music world with bated breath, waiting to see if it matches up to the
Pixies Tenement Song ««
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Sam Kelly Music Contributor
he reformed Pixies have a lot to prove, after 2014 comeback Indie Cindy disappointed fans and critics alike. But on the basis of Tenement Song, the third single released from upcoming album Head Carrier, they are still a band struggling to regain their identity without bassist Kim Deal. There’s nothing overtly bad or unpleasant about the track, which
hit debut album Bad Blood. Certainly, this is instantly recognisable as classic Bastille. Opening up with a bang, the first track ‘Good Grief’ has bounced between the radio (it was featured as Annie Mac’s hottest record upon release), the festival scene (the band appeared at Glastonbury, T in the Park and V Festival among many others) and the internet (racking up over 30 million plays on Spotify since 16 June). With swooping breakdown periods and an exuberant, lifting chorus, it is unsurprising that this was chosen as the lead single for the album.
“There are some superb “album songs” which are absolutely hidden gems” There is a definite feeling that while Smith is not quite at home with his pop-star status – admitting to experiencing a panic attack on stage at Glastonbury – this record is more of an insight into both the band’s emotions and mentality in facing the world. ‘The Currents’ is a bold-faced attack on the political classes, lamenting ‘We’re sinking in the pool of your mistakes’. The song
chugs along with jangly guitars and a catchy, melodic chorus; Black Francis’ unique vocal style still works well. But, like all the new Pixies stuff, it lacks any substance or grit. With the dissonant guitar howls on Surfer Rosa and the punchy drums on Doolittle the Pixies were a band that were all about sound and this is something that they seem to have completely forgotten. The production is clean, bland and sterile, a dull solo from Joey Santiago feels meticulous and planned where once it might have been jagged and chaotic. Meanwhile, new bassist Paz Lenchantin peppers the track with backing vocals that are an obvious imitation of Kim Deal. Kim’s vocals on songs like Hey and Debaser are one of the best things about the Pixies, and it’s lazy and somehow cruel for the band to simply try and recreate it without her. Of course, you shouldn’t just compare a band’s new output to their classic albums but they have openly invited such comparisons with their approach here. It’s sad that a band who were once so revolutionary and adventurous are now so tame.
is a desperate outcry at the divisive atmosphere that Smith sees on a national and global scale, and a catchy hook always helps to drive the point home.
“This is instantly recognisable as classic Bastille” While the singles released prior to the album coming out are very much the vanguard and no doubt the ones which will receive the most acclaim, there are some superb ‘album songs’ which are absolutely hidden gems. ‘Snakes’ is another maximalist work, a punchy chorus surrounded by a beat which defies anyone to resist nodding their head to. As the album rolls on, you could complain that a lot of the songs sound the same. There’s some truth to this, although fans of the band would argue that this is simply the distinctive sound of the band showing through. Either way, Wild World is a worthy second album which will no doubt follow the success of their first. Well done lads.
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SCREEN
press.screen@forgetoday.com
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Hannah Dodd Screen Contributor
any writers have tried, but few have ever really summed up the highs and lows of university life better than Channel 4’s Fresh Meat. I find the real genius of the show is definitely in the casting, they really got the uni stock types down from the ‘poshos’, ‘wannabee hipsters’, ‘course hermits’ and ‘hard as nails
Beth Andralojc Screen Editor
W
hilst the vast majority of college movies perpetuate the stereotype of male sports players as obnoxious and petulant, Everybody Wants Some!! delivers a different observation on college life. Directed by Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused), it follows a group of baseball team members as they attempt to integrate in to their new environment. Within the first week of college,
the gaggle of post-adolescents attend a disco, rock out at a punk gig and even engage in some local theatre. The band of sports-obsessed students spend their initial week of student life trying out new activities and getting to know people from all different walks of life - two fundamental aspects of university life that are all to often excluded from college movies. In addition to its realism, what also makes it so iconic is the positive message underpinning it. Not only do a group of college
rebels’. Jack Whitehall and Zawe Ashton make the series - but from the offset we were all routing for the romance between a messy Welsh Jocie and JP. I think so many of us like the direction that the show takes because, rather than going for a typical soap-opera ending, the stress and strains of three years at uni finally take their toll, and the housemate rule prevailes, leaving the pair inevitably hopeless.
jocks partake in a whole range of pursuits that are alien to their own interests, they do it all with an engaging interest and positive outlook. Everybody Wants Some!! is therefore a movie that advocates grabbing all of the opportunities that are provided by higher education with both hands. That’s why, based on my experience as a student, it is one of the best college movies of all time. Incidentally it’s set in the early ‘80s, and features an awesome soundtrack.
Fresh Meat taught me that university is the thing you spend years planning for and where nothing ever pans out how you thought; your kitchen will be filled with slugs, you’ll eat vegetable munge, have horribly doomed crushes on flatmates and live in a house in which nothing works. It’s the funniest, most astute observation of university life out there, rendering all of its viewers nostalgic. If you haven’t watched it
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SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2016
SCREEN
press.screen@forgetoday.com
Emma Jones Screen Contributor
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egally Blonde is, all at once, silly, shallow and sweet and subversive. Here, the pretty, rich, blonde sorority girl constantly drenched in pink with a chihuahua under her arm is not the villain, but the hero, and not hopelessly dumb, but smart enough to get a near perfect score on her exams and go to Harvard. The film is definitely not flawless,
and is best not watched with a particularly critical eye. It’s better just to revel in the early-2000s campness; to feel vindicated when she abandons her need to get back the boy who dumped her in pursuit of her education and enjoy the warmhearted female camaraderie. Perhaps watching it will even help you feel motivated to pursue your own goals a little harder after you see Elle Woods read law books while on a cross-trainer and looking entirely flawless at the same time.
Sure, it’s not the deepest film in the world, but it does demonstrate that femininity does not equal stupidity and that you can be your own person while also being successful. Most importantly, it also teaches us that improper hair care knowledge can get you sent to prison for murder. Just like all great college and coming-of-age movies, it busts the ideas of stereotypes, and depicts a protagonist who defies all odds and helps others along the way.
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Sam Kelly Screen Contributor
tarter for 10 may be set in the middle of the 80s, when university in the UK was a very different experience - but it still remains one of the most relatable and funny representations of the whirlwind first year for any budding young fresher. In particular, it strikes a chord with those doing a humanities degree.
Nick Burke Games Editor
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an Harmon’s notoriously on-again off-again debut sitcom throws a group of wonderfully caricatured misfits into the zany confines of Greendale Community College. What follows is quite simply the funniest and most original American show of its format of all time. Any issues tackled are all channelled through the airtight, pitch-perfect casting of the show’s
main seven characters. There is an incredible self-awareness to the show, with characters consistently ‘learning lessons’ in a tongue-incheek way that, while laying the obvious formula of sitcoms bare, never once seems to cheapens the show or the stories of the characters within it. Of course, relying upon other people to make ourselves better is easy to relate to. Watching the likes of Jeff and Britta struggle to find themselves well into their 30s, is a comforting sight for terrified
Starring James McAvoy as a knowledge-obsessed English Lit student in his first year at Bristol, the plot focuses on his attempts to make his dream of appearing on classic gameshow University Challenge a reality. Even if you’re not a quiz geek like McAvoy, there’s plenty everyone can recognise in his character and experiences, from his awkward first-night encounters and slightly too rapid engagement in student politics, to the tormenting flatmates
and dangerously unhealthy diet (individual chicken pie and a tin of sweetcorn, anyone?) With McAvoy’s character a working-class Essex lad trying to win the favour of his privately educated quiz team captain (a young Benedict Cumberbatch), there is a thematic undercurrent exploring the pervasive class divide at prestigious universities that is still worth thinking about 30 years later. As relevant now as ever, it is a must-see movie for all students.
20-somethings hoping they’re doing the right thing. Troy and Annie mirror any student’s fears that they haven’t found their place in the world, or that their goals will not satisfy them. Community teaches us, in a roundabout way, to find a group of people who understand us and accept us for who we are. And if finding this dysfunctional family isn’t a valuable lesson to learn, then TV teaches us nothing.
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Luke Baldwin Screen Editor
he gross-out comedy market has become somewhat saturated in recent years, particularly after the huge success of American Pie and its seemingly endless sequels. However, all those typical university movie tropes – the sex, the drugs and the copious drinking – originated somewhere; Animal House. It’s the standard college story: a
group of social rejects are taken in by the party fraternity, and together they defeat the snobby prep kids, get the girl and learn to be cool. They may not the best role models for any new students, but the film is such an obvious caricature of actual university life it’s easy to forgive them, especially John Belushi’s Bluto. Bluto and his brothers are into beer, bikes, women, playboy and rude noises. They’re less into studying and doing any serious
work. Animal House may be lowbrow and vulgar, but it is very funny and is done exceptionally smartly. The film was written by National Lampoon, an offshoot of Harvard University’s humour publication. They pushed the boundaries of college film in the 1970s with Animal House, soaking the film with hilarious gags, classic catchphrases and unforgettable scenes. This is a groundbreaking film that set the bar for all future films of the genre. It’s a must-see.
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SCREEN Sausage Party «««
Aisling Power Screen contributor
Captain Fantastic
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Harry Minogue Screen contributor
rom writer and director Matt Ross, Captain Fantastic features Viggo Mortensen (better known as Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings) giving a fine performance as Ben Cash, a father who has chosen to raise his family out in the forests of Washington State, teaching them survival skills whilst encouraging critical thinking and maintaining a firmly book-led education. Tragedy strikes when the family learns that Leslie, Ben’s wife and mother to his six children, has killed herself following a long illness. Together, Ben and the children resolve to attend her funeral and carry out her final wishes.
“In spite of the serious theme of the movie, it still retains a strong comedic sensibility.” Over the course of the journey, contact with the outside world sees some of the children begin to question their unorthodox upbringing which brings them into conflict with their father. Therein lies the strength of this film, for Matt Ross invites us to make up our own minds regarding Ben’s character, rather than depicting him as either right or wrong in his parenting choices. In one scene, the middle child Rellian asks why they cannot celebrate Christmas like other ‘normal’ families. Ben invites him
D
press.screen@forgetoday.com
espite looking like a Disney animation and opening with a musical number, Sausage Party is definitely not one for those that don’t appreciate constant profanity and over the top
sexual innuendos. The movie tells the story of food on sale in supermarket Shopwell’s and how they long for “the great beyond”. This dream comes crashing down when sausage Frank
(Seth Rogen) discovers the truth about “the great beyond”. Although the other food, including Frank’s bun-girlfriend Brenda (Kristen Wiig), first find this revelation hard to digest, they eventually realise that the “gods” (i.e. humans) do not actually bring them to the promised land, but instead take them to their doom! Like any classic Seth Rogen film, it is full of drug references, including sausages smoking the devil’s lettuce and bath salts playing a role in the storyline. Plus, the cast is studded with Rogen’s usual crowd including James Franco (Druggie), Jonah Hill (Carl the sausage) and Michael Cera (Barry the deformed sausage). Unusually for any film, the villain of the story is a vaginal douche called “The Douche” (Nick Kroll) with the catch phrase “come at me bro” there’s no surprise how he got this name. Although the premise of Sausage
Party is quite simple, there are about three different story-lines going on during the film which all join together in a clever way, resulting in an exciting end to the film. Throughout there are key themes about religion’s effect on society in the context of both sex and horrible actions that are done in the name of deity. These messages are clear throughout the film, but are not always delivered in the best manner, seeing as the movie relied heavily on crude racial stereotypes. After about an hour and a half of sexual innuendos (some funny but some were just plain dull), the ending really takes the biscuit with a very graphic food orgy which goes on for so much longer than it should. To conclude, the film is ideal if you are looking to see what is the weirdest movie of the year, if not decade.
to debate the issue with him and the other children, promising him that if he can convince them, they will indeed celebrate the holiday. In spite of the serious theme of the movie, it still retains a strong comedic sensibility. The funniest scenes arise from situations which juxtapose the rural, yet intellectual upbringing of the Cash children (perhaps a deliberately ironic choice of name considering the family’s rejection of capitalist society) with the ignorant children of the urban mainstream. Captain Fantastic was an unexpected treat and, in a word, fantastic.
Small Screen
affection. Both Aiden Turner (Ross) and Kyle Soller (Francis) portray their roles impeccably, illustrating the different ways in which buried resentment can alter the way in which we view those whom we once revered. In the previous series, the two appeared as the antithesis of one another, with Ross as the archetypal, noble hero and Francis as the pitiable idiot. During the first instalment of the second series, however, we notice a rise of spirit in the latter as he denounces Warleggan for his diatribe against Ross. As the series progresses, we move forward with Ross and Demelza to the latter decades of the 18th century (the series is set around a year after the American War of
Independence, 1783) and embark upon a world that is becoming more and more revolved around money, political power and social standing, in which the influence of honourable men like Ross is often rejected.
Poldark
««««« Beth Andralojc Screen Editor
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e meet Ross Poldark exactly where we left him at the end of the first series: being lead away from a distraught Demelza, after having been arrested for murder and wrecking. The viewer is immediately placed within the empty world of the grieving Ross and Demelza. As Ross prepares for trial, we witness the sly George Warleggan develop into an even more odious creature as he attempts to ensure certain death for the man he falsely holds responsible for the death of his cousin, Matthew. Warleggan cloys his way in to the Poldark family affairs after he is asked by the naïve Elizabeth to exert an influence over the trial that would favour Ross, without informing her husband, Francis. This breach of trust inevitably widens the distance between the married couple, as their increasing unhappiness contrasts with the rekindling of passion between Ross and Demelza. Ever the optimist, Ross maintains his sanguinity throughout the lead up to his trial, spending his efforts on alleviating Demelza’s sorrow and digging for copper at the mine. As Ross buries his head in the sand, Francis’s paranoia concerning his wife’s loyalty to him grows, as he finally learns that Ross isn’t the only man potentially vying for her
“The viewer is immediately placed within the empty world of the grieving Ross and Demelza” Thanks to the superb efforts of its talented cast, the instability and turbulence of the world of Poldark is beyond absorbing.
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SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2016
Kubo ««««« Nick Burke Games Editor
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Hell or High Water
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Emma Jones Screen contributor
ell or High Water is a film which blurs the lines between traditional onscreen binaries, good and bad, hero and villain, while at the same time presenting a timeless story of cops and robbers in Texas and a man who will do anything for his family. From the beginning of the film, the director presents contention between the new and the old, both within the reality of the narrative and the film as a product in itself. Where the traditional Western would have cowboys and Indians (Native Americans), this neo-Western features a halfNative American, half-Mexican police officer, an authority figure, on the side of good, who also happens to smoke a vape pen. These juxtapositions are peppered throughout; a flashy bright green car pulls up beside a saddled horse. In another scene security footage cannot be viewed because the bank is changing from VHS to digital. Part of what makes the film so enjoyable is in the way it presents
«««««
a classic story while treating the viewer like a 2016 audience, used to slow burn, character focussed television series like True Detective, and able to parse subtleties in script and performance. Though good and bad is presented in a microcosmic form (bank robbers and police in a small Texan town), the narrative also suggests a very macro idea of ‘bad’. The battle between the two brothers and the police is transcended by a national injustice to which the film constantly alludes - the financial crisis. The many rich architects of this disaster in the American economy are the unseen collective, antagonists that are against each character in the small towns that the story spans. The film’s success lies in its willingness to let the story unfurl and to show the characters for who they are, without telling the audience how they should feel about it. All in all, it makes for a wholly entertaining experience.
isually, animation is in the throes of a technological renaissance. In nearly every other way, however, the genre’s art is fading, with the films becoming victims of their own success. Amidst 2016’s glut of copycat animated offerings, however, comes a truly exceptional and moving tale, one of Kubo and the Two Strings. We first meet our hero as a baby, carried to a distant land by his mother who flees an unknown foe. There they hide together throughout the years, with Kubo learning to control his musicallyinspired magic, and understanding the meaning of his missing left eye. Beyond this, most films would take any opportunity to explain as much as possible to their audience. Not Kubo. The rules of this mystical world are only ever explained out of
SCREEN DIGITAL
SCREEN necessity, a refreshing change that frees up time for the characters to flourish. Though animation is often assumed to be the medium of children’s films, Kubo deals with some surprisingly mature themes. A small boy supporting his ailing mother through something akin to the onset of dementia is dealt with thoughtfully and quietly, while the threat of the masked evil Sisters would be enough to give any child nightmares. Not to advocate said nightmares, but much like James and the Giant Peach’s terrifying Rhino, the presence of a genuinely frightening villain gives any story that much more urgency and weight. Part of Kubo’s magic, at least, must be attributed to the visual beauty of stop-motion. It needs to be seen to be believed. To know these models were sculpted and moved, frame by frame, by a group of dedicated and immensely talented artists makes the viewing experience that much more special and personal. It looks spectacular, and would surely stand up against
true Japanese folklore. Of course, visuals are the shallowest slice of any classic animation, and so it is with Kubo. The story is moving but never wallows in sadness, and succeeds in telling a beautiful tale, full of loveable characters and great voice acting. Even the humour is genuinely funny, and doesn’t just resort to slapstick or lazily written takes on animation tropes. Perhaps the main plot resolves too quickly, and becomes a little too twee and preachy. That being said, a good PG film needs to impart its message to a younger audience, and it cannot be begrudged for doing so. Kubo is a near-perfect fable. Its central theme speaks of our own personal stories, and of old endings and new beginnings. It entrances, touches and delights in equal measure. I wouldn’t show my kids The Lego Movie, or Wreck-It Ralph, or even Up. Perhaps I’m just a sucker for fantastical tales of magic and monsters. That, or Kubo and the Two Strings really is that incredibly good.
CULT CORNER
which come together in the process. Moreover, the fantastical elements and lovable cast make Shirobako, above all else, a show you can’t help but smile at.
Shirobako Narcos
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David Goodman Screen contributor
ne show I have not had the chance to watch since its release in August 2015 was Netflix’s original series Narcos. So, when I found myself in the rare position of having no real responsibilities of any kind this weekend, I committed to finally sitting down and watching it, and sharing my thoughts on the series opener. The first episode of Narcos takes place over a number of years, from 1973 to 1989, in order to set the scene and explain the chronology of events which led
to the rise of drug kingpins and the subsequent ramping up of enforcement agencies tasked with combating the illegal drug trade. In one memorable scene, several of Escobar’s vehicles carrying a large amount of contraband are stopped by the DAS (the Colombian equivalent of the FBI) who brag
that they are not on low wages like the easily-bribed local police who are in Escobar’s pocket, and that they will need to inspect for illegal goods. Ultimately, I enjoyed Narcos and will definitely be watching the series progress as it relays the demise of Escobar.
Alex Pinfold Social Secretary
n anime about making anime. That is Shirobako in a nutshell as we follow the efforts of five high school animation club members trying to find their own paths into the competitive anime industry. From production to character design to audio, each department and their characters (many of whom are based on real world creators) are all given time to shine alongside the main cast. The view is certainly rose-tinted in a very anime way complete with group hallucinations. Yet it still provides an insightful look into the turbulent nature of both anime production and the varied careers
“The view is certainly rosetinted in a very anime way complete with group hallucinations. ” Capturing both the hardship and magic, it is a must watch not just for fans of anime, but of animation as an art form.
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42 FORGE PRESS
SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
COFFEE BREAK
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Weird World
BRAIN TEASER
Meowsic to our ears: American scientist and cellist David Teie has released Music for Cats, a crowdfunded album of songs for feline ears. Teie claims that the music has a calming effect on abused or feral cats, and the album has been put to good use in shelters. Despite the revolutionary breakthrough in the feline music industry, Teie is scuppered by the fact he is allergic to cats.
Rearrange three golf balls so that the triangle points down instead of up. It’s tricky, but not impossible.
Stony Silence: Did the Weeping Angels make you hide behind the sofa when watching Doctor Who? Then the village of Fureai Sekibutsu no Satu may be worth a miss. The Japanese village, whose name means ‘village where you can meet Buddhist statues’, is populated by more than 800 stone sculptures of men, women and children. Photographer Ken Ohki discovered the village and shared pictures of the statues on his blog, claiming: “I felt like I’d been to another world”. Companies combat big stink: Japanese mobile phone company SoftBank have introduced “odour etiquette” seminars to help combat smelly employees. The seminar, run by a deodorant maker, focuses on how to stay fresh during the summer heat. Employees learn what causes body odour, how to prevent it and the importance of not wearing too much cologne. Body odour has become such an issue in the summer months that companies have started to include “smell” in their dress code. Owndays, a glasses retailer, now requires employees to brush their teeth after breaks and avoid strong-smelling food. Adverts get purr-fect makeover: Every advert in Clapham Common tube station has been replaced by pictures of cats. The Citizens Advice Takeover Service (CATS) were sick of being bombarded by advertisements around London, so they started a crowdfunding initiative to replace them with images that were more pleasing to the eye. Most pictures are of cats up for adoption at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, or Cat Protection, the largest cat welfare charity in the UK.
WORD SEARCH
How many times does the word ‘Sheffield’ appear in this issue of Forge?
Think you know? Tweet us your answer @ForgePress using #CoffeeBreak.
ON THIS DAY 1956 - Mainstream television is launched in Sydney, Australia, with the words: “Good evening, and welcome to television”. 1978 - Israel and Egypt sign the Camp David Accords, the framework for peace in the Middle East. The agreements would lead to Menachem Begin and Anwar El Sadat, leaders of the two nations, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize jointly. 1979 - Tramar Lacel Dillard is born in Carol City, Florida. He would later change his name to the much catchier Flo Rida. His single “Low” went on to break the record for digital download sales at the time of its release.
ONO YOU DIDN’T “I love all trees. Don’t you? What is there not to love about a tree?” - Yoko Ono
Images: Ken Ohki (statues); Brandon Carson (Yoko Ono); Adam Bierlawski (Flo Rida)
1983 - 20 year old Vanessa Williams is crowned the first black Miss America. She was later forced to resign due to unsolicited nude photos. 2001 - The New York Stock Exchange reopens for trading for the first time following the 9/11 attacks, ending the longest closure since the Great Depression. 2011 - The Occupy Wall Street movement starts in New York City, protesting the social and economic inequality in the United States. Subsequent protests sprung up across the Western world. Only 99 days until Christmas!
FORGE PRESS 43
SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
COFFEE BREAK
H
AR D
IU M ED M
EA
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SUDOKU
CROSSWORD This week’s crossword is a Sheffield special. You’ll need an intimate knowledge of the Steel City and the University to get all of these. If you complete the crossword then tweet us a picture @ForgePress.
Across
Down
2 This city centre theatre hosts the annual World Snooker Championship (8) 7 This road is home to the world’s oldest football ground (9) 9 West Street venue known for very cheap (and sometimes odd) drinks (4, 6, 4) 10 SU venue home to quizzes and karaoke (3, 3) 12 This 1984 TV drama depicted a nuclear attack on Sheffield (7) 14 The Students’ Union President (3, 8) 15 How you’ll spend many Saturday nights at the SU (3,5) 16 We’ve won this competition four times in a row (7) 18 Don’t visit this shopping centre at Christmas (10) 21 Famous comedian and Sheffield graduate (5, 6) 22 Street containing the Engineering, Economics and Journalism departments (6) 24 You’ll be sick of hearing this band after three years in Sheffield (6,7) 25 Take the Yellow route tram north - you’ll end up here (10) 26 Famous shopping street containing an indoor market (3, 4) 28 This nightclub held a party for Margaret Thatcher’s death (4) 29 Library Opened by T.S. Eliot in 1959 (7, 4)
1 Sheffield United is one of Sheffield’s two Football League teams. This is the other (9) 3 This road runs from Sharrow to Banner Cross (9) 4 Sheffield’s richest neighbourhood (7) 5 Home of the Law Department (9, 5) 6 Famous shopping street between the Cathedral and Town Hall (7) 8 Britain’s tallest university building (4, 5) 11 The University of Sheffield’s Vice Chancellor (5, 7) 13 Home to a local Alpaca farm (10) 17 Where to go for a Skool Disco (11) 19 The best student newspaper in Sheffield (5, 5) 20 This old Sheffield attraction keeps burning down (3, 7) 23 Head south or west and you’ll reach this county (10) 27 Student Suburb between Walkley and Fulwood (7) 30 Home to Dan Bean’s Friery (9)
FORGE PRESS 45
Friday 16 September 2016
SPORT
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Sports Thoughts: EFL Trophy revamp
The decision to introduce Under 23 sides from the Premier League and Championship in the EFL (English Football League) Trophy has caused a stir; is it a shot in the arm for youth development, or a stab in the back for League One and Two clubs? Ben Hall and Anthony Phillips provide their opinions.
The EFL have thrown lower league teams under the bus Ben Hall Forge Sport contributor
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ast week my team, Bradford City, took to the field to face Stoke City Under 23s in a competitive fixture in front of a crowd of just 1,424 – 92 per cent down on the previous Saturday’s home turnout of over 17,500.
A third-worst home crowd in the club’s history, and a clear message to the EFL bosses that we do not want anything to do with the joke that is the new EFL Trophy. So, how do you take an existing tournament that was already treading the fine line between viability and farce, and make it even more of a nonsense? Having 1,400 people turn up to a game in a stadium designed to hold 25,000, Image: Thomas Feaheny
telling them that it’s a reserve team competition and then insisting it must be not referred to as such probably helps. As does the inclusion of 16 Premier League and Championship ‘Under 23’ sides into the Football League (not Premier League) Trophy. Throw in bonus points for winning a penalty shoot-out after a drawn game, and you have by far the most ludicrous football competition this land has ever seen. Then the draw happened and someone at the EFL seemed to forget what England looked like. Suddenly, Cheltenham Town were in the north and drawn to play local derbies against Blackpool, Bolton and Everton (Under 23s). One leading argument to the inclusion of academy teams into the competition was to help stimulate the development of young English players for our national team by giving them quality experience of facing senior professionals in a competitive match environment. How is it, then, that Luton Town can give 10 young Englishmen
professional debuts and be fined £5,000 for making too many changes to their team while Leicester City ‘U23’ can use 36 yearold defender Marcin Wasilewski?
“The format has failed, it is not wanted, and a better solution must be found by the EFL - who will have no choice but to back to the drawing board this winter” How can Reading fielding a team with seven foreign players and Norwich having a 28 year-old Frenchman score a hat-trick be helping our young academy players or national teams? The notion of playing extra games with a round-robin group stage at the start of the tournament is ludicrous when the Football League rather hypocritically
recently suggested that the size of the leagues needs to be reduced to four divisions of 20 clubs because clubs are playing too many games. Thankfully, every fanbase voted with their feet, and showed those attempting to dilute the English pyramid and lower league competitions that such a move will not be supported by the fans. Crowds of 390 at Fleetwood (the lowest ever for a professional Football League game), 460 at AFC Wimbledon and 700 at Blackpool, to name but a few, simply cannot be ignored. The format has failed, it is not wanted, and a better solution must be found by the EFL - who will have no choice but to go back to the drawing board this winter. It may mean that this trophy finally goes forever, but if it means that the authorities leave our game alone, then that’s a casualty we’ll be happy to take.
Vital experience for youth is a step in the right direction Anthony Phillips Forge Sport contributor
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believe that the introduction of these academy teams to the competition can be a positive step forward for the growth of the English game and, crucially, the professional development of youth players. Not every youth team player gets a chance to prove themselves in the first team: not everyone can be like Marcus Rashford; be shipped out on loan to a Football League club; or go abroad. The harsh reality for many youth players is that they ply their trade for two to three years in development purgatory, playing for their club only in professional development leagues. The standard of these youth leagues is quite poor, with even the highest profile games, such as Manchester United versus Chelsea being played behind closed doors. Dominic Solanke played for Chelsea in this match; at 18 years
old, the young striker has never made an appearance for the Chelsea first team, but has already got three caps for England U21. Without playing a single minute of competitive Premier League or Championship football, Solanke has already played three times for the second English side. This stunted growth surely cannot be helpful for the national side in future years. The lack of development by English players and the need for academy sides to play more competitive football is evidenced in the recent transfer of Will Keane from Manchester United to Hull, and the loan move of Patrick Bamford from Chelsea to Burnley.
“The fact of the matter is that development is constantly bemoaned yet largely neglected.”
Bamford (23) has still not made an appearance for Chelsea, but has been loaned out six times. Keane (also 23) made two appearances for Manchester United and has been sent for five loan spells. The lack of competitive fixtures in development leagues forced these players to be loaned out multiple times despite the fact neither had a realistic shot at becoming a major Premier League striker. Thus, the introduction of academy teams to the EFL Trophy can only be seen as a positive and logical step for the development of youth players in this country. Home-grown English players at major Premier League clubs can now play real competitive minutes against grizzled veterans and other young players in actual football stadiums watched by significant crowds. The learning experience from this could be crucial; a youth team player for Everton may score a hattrick against Cheltenham and get a run in the main squad as a result,
Leicester U23s learned an invaluable lesson at Bramall Lane. Image: Forge
and then who knows what could happen? The fact of the matter is that development is constantly bemoaned yet largely neglected in English football, but is crucial to the continued evolution and progress of the national game. The introduction of academy sides to the EFL Trophy may not be
the right option, but it’s an option that needs to be taken to overhaul academy football in England nonetheless.
What is your opinion on the EFL Trophy? Do you agree with Ben or Anthony? Tweet @ForgeSport with your thoughts.
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press.news@forgetoday.com
The 2016 guide to Sheffield sport
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Sheena Sidhu Sport Editor heffield is famous for many things: its strong Northern working class history, evidenced by factories
Football Sheffield Wednesday
About: Residing in the EFL Championship for the 2016/17 season, Sheffield Wednesday are the highest-ranked Steel City representative in the English football pyramid. Last in the Premier League in 2000, the Owls were denied a return to the top flight by a 1-0 play-off final defeat to Hull City in
dotted around the city and Sheffield steel’s presence around the world, its theatres and a bustling arts scene and the beautiful scenery of the Peak District. Its main export, however, is
sport. In the sporting map of the world, Sheffield is one of the capital cities. Its self-referential title of ‘the Home of Football’ is well-founded. In Sheffield FC and Hallam FC,
the city founded the two oldest professional teams in the history of the game. Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United also have major pedigree within the English game. The Crucible is the world capital
of snooker, hosting the World Championships every year, while the city is a thriving hub for a wide range of sports. There is a lot for students to explore. Here are some of the highlights...
May. Wednesday are four-time top flight champions and three-time FA Cup winners. They hold a couple of interesting records too - goalkeeper Kevin Pressman’s dismissal after 13 seconds in 2000 is the fastest sending off in Football League history, while David Hirst hit the fastest shot recorded in English football against Arsenal in 1996 a 114mph rocket. Unfortunately, it hit the bar.
Wisewood/Hillsborough and get off at Hillsborough for £1, or get on the yellow route tram towards Middlewood (£3 return) and get off at Leppings Lane.
Venue: Bramall Lane
players like Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan. Sheffield FC Ladies were three times Women’s Premier League winners before being the first side promoted to the WSL2 this year.
How to get there: Catch the number 52/52a bus towards
Rugby League
Sheffield Steelers
Sheffield Eagles
About: Sheffield Steelers are the regular season Elite League Champions and Britain’s only representative in the Champions Hockey League.
About: The original side won the 1998 Challenge Cup before being controversially merged with Huddersfield in 1999, and the current club was formed in protest.
They are the most successful team of the Elite League era, with 5 league and 4 playoff titles.
The new club has progressed to the Championship, winning it in 2012 and 2013 and has turned professional. Venue: Sheffield University Sports Park
Hallam
How to get there: Take the yellow tram towards Meadowhall, alighting at Meadowhall South/ Tinsley. Then walk along Bawtry Road for 15 mins. Student
ticket
price:
Venue: Home of Football Stadium How to get there: Take the train from Sheffield to Dronfield, and it’s a 10 minute walk up Sheffield Road. Student ticket price: £4 (men) £2 (ladies)
Ice Hockey
How to get there: Catch a yellow route tram towards Meadowhall, alighting at Don Valley/Arena (£3.90 return). Student ticket price: £5 from the Students’ Union Box Office.
Sheffield United
Student ticket price: £7 from the Students’ Union Box Office.
Venue: Hillsborough Stadium
The world’s oldest club and WSL’s newest club, Sheffield FC. Image: Sue Gutteridge
Venue: Sheffield Arena (most games) or Ice Sheffield
Student ticket price: £15 from the Students’ Union Box Office.
How to get there: Catch the 120 to the Moor and walk ten minutes to Bramall Lane. Or make the 15 minute walk down Hanover Way from the university, turning onto St Mary’s Gate before arriving at Bramall Lane.
£12
About: Sheffield United count themselves among English football’s fallen giants; the fourtime FA Cup winners and once English champions have been rooted in the third tier since the 2011/12 season. Despite frustratingly inconsistent league form and the inability to escape a league they are expected to win almost every season, the Blades do have some cup pedigree. Recent years have seen runs to the FA Cup and League Cup semi-finals ended by Hull and Spurs respectively. United fans are hopeful that Chris Wilder will rescue the club from the wilderness and return them to the top two tiers alongside fierce rivals Wednesday.
Sheffield FC Hallam FC About: The world’s oldest football club has been forced out of Sheffield for the time being but is still worth a visit. The men’s side have the one national honour to their name in the form of the 1903/04 FA Amateur Cup. The history and being a friendly family club are the attraction here. Chairman Richard Tims is leading efforts to return Sheffield FC to Olive Grove, the club’s first home, and the initiative has garnered support from clubs around Europe such as Borussia Dortmund, St. Gallen and PEC Zwolle, as well as
About: Hallam are the world’s second oldest club with the oldest ground and contest ‘The Rules Derby’ against Sheffield FC. The first team now compete in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Division One. Venue: Sandygate Road How to get there: Take a 20 minute walk from Endcliffe/ Ranmoor or hop on the 51 bus that stops right outside. Student ticket price: £2
Sheffield Arena, regular home of the Sheffield Steelers. Image: Forge Press
Basketball
How to get there: Take the yellow tram towards Meadowhall, alighting at Don Valley/Arena (£3.90 return).
is a permanent fixture on the Sheffield Sporting calendar. Twotime champion Mark Selby will look to defend his crown in 2017.
Sheffield Sharks
Student ticket price: £10
Venue: Crucible Theatre
About: Orignially the Sheffield Forgers, the three time BBL winners came 4th in 2015/16.
Snooker
Ticket price: from £22 for round one to £247 for a semi-final.
Venue: EIS
About: In Sheffield since 1977, and here until at least 2027, this
standing/£14 seated.
World Championships
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Saturday 17 September 2016
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Team UoS shines in Rio
Great Britain celebrated its most successful Olympics away from home soil in the modern era at Rio 2016, picking up 67 medals and finishing second in the medals table. The Paralympic team has wasted no time building on that success. So what role did the University of Sheffield play in a medal-laden summer?
A
Hugh Dickinson Sport Editor
couple of weeks ago Bremainers irritated Brexiters by pointing out that the EU finished top of the medals table; Conservative MP Heather Wheeler returned the favour and irritated Twitter users around the world by pointing out that the British Empire did likewise; and the county of Yorkshire irritated pretty much everyone by pointing out that it would have finished 17th – illustrated by the Yorkshire Post with a picture of Somali-born Londoner Mo Farah. I’m going to add one more stat to that mix, one that no doubt will annoy many people, but one which I take great pride in: the University of Sheffield would have finished in a tie for 46th place! (Or 49th if we’re counting Yorkshire, the EU and the great bastion of colonial subjugation). Sheffield alumni beat our near neighbours Ireland, the 1.3bn people of India and the recently crowned European football champions, Portugal. Sheffield was by no means the University that produced the most British medal winners; that title went to sporting behemoth Loughborough, followed by the rowing factories of Oxford and Cambridge. A tie for 10th place on the list with Oxford Brookes, however, is an admirable performance for a university whose previous claim to sporting fame was losing nine consecutive Varsity titles to Hallam. The performances of Hollie Webb, Bryony Page and Jessica Ennis-Hill were the culmination of years of improvement in sport at the University of Sheffield. The story of how Psychology graduate Ennis-Hill returned from her maternity break to win silver in the heptathlon has been well told by national media, but the speed and quality of her return demonstrated Ennis-Hill’s ability to push boundaries and set trends as she has done throughout her career. Even when at university, she was the “catalyst for pushing to promote and support our elite and developing students project”, according to Sport Sheffield Head of Sport Andy Cox. While household name EnnisHill was putting herself among the
pantheon of British sporting greats, two more University of Sheffield athletes were taking their first steps on that path. 2015 Biology graduate Bryony Page won a trampolining silver medal, Britain’s first ever medal in the event.
at these Olympics, when the team came back from 2012 heartbreak to upset the favourites and win gold. Dan Walker, History graduate and Forge Radio alumnus, garnered a cult following both in Britain and Brazil for his BBC4 coverage, and he too was watching ex-University
“The excellence of the university’s sporting contribution extends far beyond the athletics track, hockey pitches and trampolines” Page is one of those who has benefitted from the Ennis-Hill inspired improvements at Sport Sheffield. She was a member of the Elite Sports Performance Scheme (ESPS) which provides a number of support mechanisms including a £1000 scholarship – that Page was awarded. Performance Sport Development Officer Simon Vardy told Forge Sport: “They have all benefited in slightly different ways whilst on the programme. “For example, Jess was involved in the scheme in its very early bursary form whilst Bryony, Hollie (Webb, gold medal winner with Team GB Women’s Hockey) and Dave [Wetherill, Paralympic table tennis player] were all part of the scheme as it is now with the £1000 award, free gym membership, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy and a few other support elements. “All of them played a big part in helping develop the scheme over the years. “Hollie was also our very first recipient of the Catalyst Accommodation Award which gave her a year’s free accommodation.” Page recognises the role that the University of Sheffield and ESPS played. “(It) allowed me to switch my focus from academia to competition and vice versa, in order to do my best in both areas,” she says of a programme that encouraged the flexibility that paid dividends at Rio, something Vardy describes as the “biggest support” that the scheme provides. Economics alumna Hollie Webb was the golden girl of the trio. Her winning penalty, along with goal keeper Maddie Hinch’s saves in the Women’s Hockey final, was the defining moment for Great Britain
of Sheffield athletes with a keen eye between sections featuring the likes of ‘Copacabinmen’ and Maria’s hen party. “I met [Hollie Webb] about four years ago at Sheffield University and was impressed by her drive and determination back then. “She is an amazing gold medallist and the skill and composure she demonstrated to slot in the winning penalty in the shoot-out with Holland was a privilege to witness” said the host of BBC Breakfast. Athletes and broadcasters were not the only contribution to the Rio Olympics made by the University of Sheffield, as the handlebars
for Team GB’s track bicycles were made in the Material Science and Engineering Department’s Mercury Centre on a 3D printer. The excellence of the university’s sporting contribution extends far beyond the athletics track, hockey pitches and trampolines. Vardy is optimistic for Tokyo 2020: “We are one of the top ranked universities in Europe for climbing after Jennifer Wood, Luke Dawson, Connor Byrne, Sam Williams and Joe Swales competed at the European University Games in Zagreb this year. “Similarly we had Panayiotis Loizides (top ranked karate athlete in Cyrprus) and Lisa Brocklesby represent at those games in karate as well, all of which could be names to look out for potentially making that trip to Toyko! “We also have a developing paraathlete in Penny Andrews for 100 and 200 meters plus Jack Haslam in diving, Luca Lixi in field hockey and Jack Childerstone in kayaking to name a few.” And with 6100 new students set to walk in the doors of Endcliffe and Ranmoor this weekend, who’s to say that there aren’t a few more?
Sport for all at the University of Sheffield
I
nspired by the exploits of Jessica Ennis-Hill, Bryony Page, Hollie Webb and other Olympic heroes? Whether trying a sport for the first time or striving to become the best, there is a myriad of opportunities available through Sport Sheffield. The Intra Mural programme is a collection of leagues that are the regular friendly yet competitive fixtures played across a wide range of sports. Although there are no new sports this year, there are still a lot to choose from: Dodgeball, Squash, Small-sided Hockey, Touch Rugby, Netball and 6-a-side and 11-a-side football. Almost all academic societies will take part in at least one sport, and a lot of other societies will too, along with the much feared “house teams.” Intra Mural Sport Development Officer Greg Unwin is “really looking forward to” the new IM season, and believes that the programme this year is “something special.” Prices are frozen for a third year in a row and you can find out more about IM by adding Intra Mural as a friend on Facebook or by emailing Greg at g.unwin@sheffield.ac.uk. Team registration forms are available from Goodwin Sports Centre reception. If you’re less competitive or want to try something new, the Social Sport programme is once again expanding. This year Darts, Quidditch (of the muggle variety) and Women’s Self-Defence join the programme along side Bootcamp, an instructor-led execrise programme, and Sabre-Light Fencing, which involves plastic rather than metal swords. Some of this overlaps with the Residence Life programme which provides some sessions free, and others exclusive for those that live in the Student Residences. Find out more by liking Sport Sheffield - Social Sport on Facebook or email James Blencowe, Social Sport Officer, on j.blencowe@ sheffield.ac.uk.
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Five in five for Sheffield sides
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Ed McCosh Sport Editor
heffield’s five biggest football clubs each claimed victories in a rare clean sweep at the weekend. Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, Sheffield FC and Hallam FC were all victorious on Saturday, before Sheffield FC Ladies claimed the scalp of Aston Villa on Sunday. While the Owls beat Wigan 2-1 (full report below), Sheffield United overcame AFC Wimbledon 3-2 at Kingsmeadow. Mark Duffy, Billy Sharp and Matt Done scored to make it two wins on the bounce for Chris Wilder’s side. Sheffield FC won their first EvoStik League First Division South match of the season at the fifth time of asking, coming from 2-0 down to beat Rugby Town 4-2 and move off the foot of the table. Hallam FC continued their fine early-season form in the NCEL Division One by edging out Nostell Miners’ Welfare. The 1-0 scoreline took league leaders Hallam to 16 points from their opening seven games. Sheffield FC Ladies made it five out of five, claiming a historic 2-1 win away to Aston Villa Ladies in the Women’s Super League 2. Top scorer Jodie Michalska equalised after Chloe Jones’ opener at Sutton Coldfield before Sherry McCue grabbed the winner. The three points accrued against Villa lifts Sheffield FC Ladies into the top half of WSL2, which they were promoted to this season, for the first time in their history.
Results
Steelers stun Salzburg to make history in Champions Hockey League
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s the clock ticked down to the end of the third period, a sense of delirious celebration was replaced by one of what might have been as the Steelers supporters realised that the opposition that had been so imperious in an 8-1 victory in Salzburg had been there for the taking all along. A first ever Champions Hockey League win after two seasons and eight games was always the target for Steelers, and it was achieved with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg in what was a dead rubber for the home side. The game started with little indication of the drama to come. Red Bull Salzburg, looking for a two goal winning margin that would have seen them top the group and gain a seeding for the last 32 draw, started playing much as they had in their 8-1 home victory, with clinical incision on the powerplay. Zack Fitzgerald was sent to the box for a trip and almost immediately Thomas Raffl squared it across the net for John Hughes to slot home. Within a minute, however, there was a twist in the expected tale. Mathieu Roy (of Steelers, not his Salzburg namesake) shot well wide, only for Jesse Schultz to redirect
2 1
AFC Wimbledon Sheffield United
2 3
Sheffield FC Rugby Town
4 2
Nostell Miners’ Welfare Hallam FC
0 1
Rugby League Sheffield Eagles Dewsbury Rams
22 38
Ice Hockey Sheffield Steelers EC Red Bull Salzburg
Live on Forge Radio Sheffield FC Ladies vs London Bees Sunday 25 September (2pm KO)
5 2
the puck into the net. The quickfire first-period scoring was not to end there, as the third goal was scored within a minute of the last. Mark Flood played the pass of the game as he snapped it through the eye of a needle across the front of the net to Manuel Latusa, who did well to finish and re-establish the away side’s lead. The second period began with Salzburg pressure, but this was swiftly reversed as the home side’s Roy had two bites at an almost open net before later spinning and shooting wide. It was Roy who was involved in the equaliser when it did come. He lugged the puck well before shuffling it sideways to Schultz, who scored his second of the night. All the momentum was with Steelers, and crowd favourite Roy
almost scored himself straight from the restart, before Davey Phillips saw his shot saved onto the post as he was wheeling away to celebrate. Steelers were not to be denied. With two seconds left in the second period, John Armstrong had a shot, which rebounded to Robert Dowd and the man wearing the ‘top scorer’ shirt lived up to his attire to send the home crowd into delirium. With a nervous excitement around the arena, Guillaume Desbiens let the atmosphere get the better of him as he fluffed his lines from the slot, and it looked like that mistake might be costly as Red Bull Salzburg found themselves on the powerplay shortly after. It felt like a crucial moment in the match, and so it proved, as Steelers’ Markus Nilsson swept down the ice and played the puck to
Luke Ferrara who converted the 2 on 1 for a short-handed goal. But the night was to belong to Jesse Schultz. With Sheffield Arena rocking, he sealed the win by ripping a shot past the glove of replacement goalie Luka Gracnar. The victory was an important moment for Steelers and British Ice Hockey, but there will be many wondering what might have been had discipline and belief been better on the road. But the last action of the night was reserved for Rod Sarich, who was named Man of the Match and did the customary lap of honour after playing his final game for Sheffield Steelers before his retirement. The historic victory was a fitting tribute to the 11-year Steeler, and a sign of promise for the club’s future.
Image: Ben Hall
Owls strike late in stunning comeback
Football
Sheffield Wednesday Wigan Athletic
Hugh Dickinson Sport Editor
Edd Evans Forge Sport contributor
Sheffield Wednesday
3
Bristol City
2
K
ieran Lee scored a stoppage time winner as Sheffield Wednesday came from two goals down to defeat Bristol City 3-2 in
one of the most thrilling matches of the Championship season so far. The original 7:45pm kick-off was set back by 15 minutes due to adverse weather conditions. After the delay, both teams made relatively bright starts at a rainsoaked Hillsborough. The first real chance of the game fell to City’s Lee Tomlin, but his volleyed effort was a little too ambitious. Image: Hollie Wilkinson
It wasn’t long until the visitors took the lead, however. Tammy Abraham claimed his seventh goal in nine outings for City when he headed in a Gary O’Neill cross on the half-hour mark. The 18-year-old Chelsea loanee doubled the Robins’ lead just eight minutes later. He was on hand to nod in after Wednesday keeper Kieren Westwood parried Josh Brownhill’s effort. Wednesday got one back just after the interval via summer signing Steven Fletcher, who made it a trio of headed goals when he powered home a Fernando Forestieri corner for his second goal in four days. Carnage ensued after that, as Sam Hutchinson was sent off for bringing Marlon Pack down in the box on the hour mark. Tomlin struck the post with the resulting penalty, which sparked a Wednesday counter attack at the other end. Gary Hooper lead the Wednesday
charge until he was taken down on the half-way line by O’Neill. Just a minute after Hutchinson exited the field, the Bristol City captain was also shown red for a second bookable offence. The minute of madness swung the momentum back to the home side, who levelled through a long-range strike from Barry Bannan, aided by some questionable goalkeeping from City’s Richard O’Donnell. The Owls then clinched the victory deep into stoppage time courtesy of a cool finish from Kieran Lee. Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal said after the game: “It was an exciting evening, but it was a very strange game for us. “I think the first half score was very heavy, they didn’t deserve a 2-0 lead. “We were lucky they didn’t score the penalty. At 2-1, the penalty miss was crucial.”