The independent student newspaper of the University of Sheffield // www.forgetoday.com
Issue 26 // Friday October 8 2010
Stewart Francis Fuse pages 8-9
Filthy and freezing Far from home: M.E. sufferer failed by University accommodation services Matt Burgess
St. George’s Flats resident, Emma Crowe
Photo: Matt Burgess
FEATURES
LIFESTYLE
International students watched
Cupcakes for all
Concern at new attendance policy Features pages 13-15
An exclusive recipe from Fancie, and our verdict Lifestyle pages 24-25
A disabled student has endured torrid living conditions and uncooperative staff since moving into her University accommodation during Intro week. Second year Modern Languages student Emma Crowe lives in city centre accommodation, adjoined to St. George’s church, which costs £4030.74 per year. Crowe has experienced a dirty room, no hot water and a weekend without heating. Since moving into St. George’s flats on September 26 she has had persistent problems and when trying to resolve these she has described staff as being unfriendly towards her. Students who lived in the Accommodation and Commercial Services (ACS) owned property last year were also without hot water when they first moved in. Crowe who suffers from Fibromyalgia, which is closely related to M.E, was welcomed to her new home with a cracked bedroom window and a dirty bathroom. Fibromyalgia means Crowe is
vulnerable to flu-like symptoms and if she becomes too cold she becomes ill. At the time the issues were reported ACS were not aware of Crowe’s disability. She said: “I thought it would be really cool to live in a church on campus. “I didn’t anticipate there would be this level of problems with it. “I got into the room and it looked like it hadn’t been cleaned at all since the last tenant left. “The bathroom was filthy, I literally couldn’t use it. “I cleaned the bathroom floor that night and actually after three cleans there was still dirt on the cloth because it had been that dirty. After calling ACS to report another issue in her room, the internet socket being broken, she said: “At this point I did not mention how dirty the room was as I didn’t want to keep dealing with someone who was so
Accommodation Issues? Have you had accommodation issues? If so, contact: news@forgetoday.com
unfriendly. “It was just rubbish, absolutely the worst start imaginable.” Issues with heating and hot water have affected all residents of St. George’s flats, Crowe and flat mates have had to deal with not having hot water on four separate occasions. An ACS spokesperson said: “We were extremely disappointed to hear about the problems that Emma encountered in reporting maintenance problems and would like to apologise to her. “We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and recognise that on this occasion we have not provided this. “We’re investigating the matter further and will use the feedback received in future staff training.” St. George’s resident Emily Johnson, a third year English Literature student said: “You don’t really get much help. “I have sent emails and they have just been ignored.” Flatmate Paul Wade, who studies Town Planning said: “It’s just not been up to the standard you expect for the money you are paying.” Continued on page 5
Clegg faces fire over fees pledge Kirsty McEwen The Students’ Union has called on Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to honour his election manifesto promise for free education following fears of tuition fee rises. The Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and
Student Finance led by Lord Browne should report October 11. It is expected to recommend fees be increased to £10,000 or more. The Union Officers believe that tuition fee rise would stop many people doing degrees. Continued on page 7
2
www.forgetoday.com // news@forgetoday.com
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
NEWS UNIVERSITY
BAE Systems student recruitment criticised
Film Unit come away with Best Student Society award
Kirsty McEwen The Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT) is petitioning to stop BAE Systems from exhibiting at University recruitment fairs. The engineering company produces electronics for military and commercial companies, as well as manufacturing armaments and military equipment. The University has financial investments in BAE as well as long-term research links. In 2007 the University received £1.4million from BAE to create the BAE Systems Centre for Research in Active Control. Last year the Union’s Ethical and Environmental Committee called for the University to sever its ties with BAE following allegations of corruption. A University spokesperson defended the links with BAE: “These collaborations produce important local, national and international developments. “These industrial partnerships also bring major benefit to students, resulting from these companies sharing their expertise through placements, industrial lectures and case studies. “We will continue to develop our partnership with companies such as BAE in order to position the University of Sheffield as a research-led university in the global environment. “The University has a Research and Ethics Committee which oversees, on a case by case basis, any partnerships that may involve ethical issues, and provide guidance on the interaction with external funding bodies.” CAAT University Network Coordinator Abi Haque said that BAE Systems is “unethical and its output is unproductive and destructive. “Education and arms companies should not mix. “CAAT aims to widen the gap between universities and the arms trade.” At a recent engineering conference BAE Systems Chairman Dick Olver said that UK engineering companies need student recruits: “Without action, the UK’s widening skills gap will have become an irreversible gulf. “We need an informed debate and close collaboration to address the UK’s engineering and manufacturing skills needs.” “It is essential that companies continue to invest in the skills of their people.”
Film Unit wins award for spreading cinema culture to University of Sheffield students. said: “It’s great news. This is and dedicated of the Film Unit Alexandra Coleman indicative of the work that’s been committee and their enthusiasm done by this and the previous for providing a professional The University of Sheffield’s committee to try and turn it cinematic experience to our student audience - for a low Film Unit has won the British around. “And I think it really shows price.” Federation of Film Societies’ Vice-Chair Alex Lilley said prestigious award of “Best how much effort was put in by everyone who is part of Film that Film Unit is more than a Student Society”. In addition to showing Unit; the committee, the house society dedicated to the cinematic affordable movies to University staff , the projectionists and the experience. He said: “We provide the means of Sheffield students in the people who come and support the for people to go to the cinema who Students’ Union, the award was cinema.” Activities Officer Rachel Colley couldn’t go otherwise. achieve because of the charity “For example we use the work the society has recently said she was overjoyed with Film Unit’s success: “After 61 children’s matinee to present introduced to their agenda. They faced stiff competition years, Film Unit are still running movies to children who wouldn’t from Warwick Student Cinema and are stronger than ever this otherwise be able to watch it. “We like the fact that we and Exeter University Campus year with new ideas for their Cinema at the competition, held programme, publicity and deals received the award this year because we’ve recently made those at the London Ciné Lumière on for their audiences. “I believe that this award changes and it’s an improvement September 18. Film Unit Chair Espen Bale is a testament to the passion on our behalf.”
Advertise in Forge Press with The Student Connection 0114 222 8540
Media Hub, Union of Students, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TG 0114 2228646 forgepress@forgetoday.com
Editor
News
Lucie Boase
news@forgetoday.com Matthew Burgess Nicole Hernandez Froio Kirsty McEwen
Managing Editor
Comment
Helen Lawson
Deputy Editor
Mary Anne Hobbs
WEB EDITOR Mikey Smith
comment@forgetoday.com Josefin Wendel
Features
features@forgetoday.com Lucie Boase Harriet Di Francesco Emily Travis
Lifestyle
Music
Travel
Games
lifestyle@forgetoday.com Kate Lloyd Victoria Watson travel@forgetoday.com Caroline Vann Jones
Sport
sport@forgetoday.com Jack Burnett Anthony Hart
Photo: Edward Miller The award is good news for the society which recently went into debt for the first time in its 60 year history. Last year Forge Press reported that the society had debts of more than £4000 for the previous year. Vice Chair Alex Lilley said that Film Unit had made a fresh financial start this year. “We were in debt last year, like many societies and committees are. “We were in a larger debt than most societies but it was all handled with the finance officer for a clean start. “At the moment we’ve got a forecasted budget that puts us at break even at the end of the year as well.”
music@forgetoday.com Lizzie Palmer Jordan Tandy
games@forgetoday.com James Garrett James Wragg
Screen
screen@forgetoday.com Ashley Scrace Alex Sherwood
Arts
arts@forgetoday.com Kristiane Genovese Alexandra Rucki
Fuse cover Michael Westwood
Forge Press is printed on 100% recycled paper Forge Press is published by the Union of Students. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the University, the Union or the editorial team. In the first instance all complaints should be addressed to the Managing Editor, although a formal procedure exists.
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
3
www.forgetoday.com // news@forgetoday.com
NEWS
Languages students lost on first day SOMLAL timetable failures leaves students without information about lectures
Jessop West, home to the School of Modern Languages and Linguistics. Nicole Froio Languages students were left clueless about their lectures on their first day of term following problems with a new software system. The School of Modern Languages and Linguistics (SOMLAL) is one of the first departments to try the system, which promises to avoid clashes arising between lectures. Fourth year Russian and Hispanic Studies student Adam O’Leary said: “We’ve been used to timetable clashes in modern languages, as most of us study two or more languages, or other subjects from a different department. “So we were glad to hear that these problems were being eliminated. “At the very end of the summer holidays, we were sent some information about how to access our timetables on MUSE, but when the time came that we could apparently add our timetable to myCalendar, it all just showed up blank.
“The weekend before lectures began we were all wondering how we were meant to start anything on Monday.” O’Leary joined queues of other students at the SOMLAL office hoping to organise their timetables. “After a while timetables for some subjects for first and second year students were put up, but final years seemed to have nothing. “Later in the day class times and locations were being put out, but there was still a lot of confusion. “The system had made my first choice Spanish module clash with a compulsory Russian module. “It also turns out that this compulsory module clashes with another compulsory Russian class, and we had never heard of compulsory modules clashing within a language department before.” O’ Leary said that the flaws also led to tutors being told they were teaching rooms of completely the wrong size for their groups. “The system had ended up
booking inappropriate rooms - lecture theatres for small seminars, and seminar rooms for large lectures, apparently.” A University spokesperson said: “It is anticipated that the system will provide more accurate and clash free timetables together with ensuring much better use of space and staff time. “Academic and support staff have worked extremely hard to provide the information necessary to ensure that the software pilot would run smoothly. “The University understands the frustration felt by students affected by clashes. “Academic and support staff have dedicated time and resources to work through the clashes in discussion with individual students, who have been kept up-to-date with the situation throughout. “Many core and optional modules have been running as normal throughout the week. “Staff have also made alternative arrangements to ensure that all students have been able to access all of the materials
Bank details sent to hundreds Matt Burgess A Master’s student sent his personal bank details to an entire University mailing list when the group was copied into his personal email. Advanced Software Engineering student Alex Mavrodiev was replying to an email from the finance office regarding his accommodation deposit when he accidently pressed reply to all and the system did not stop him. His bank name, account number and sort code were immediately sent to everyone. A spokesperson for the University of Sheffield said: “The University recently experienced technical problems with the refunding of some accommodation damage deposits. “A courtesy email was sent to notify all cardholders affected
that the University were looking into the matter and treating it as a priority. “A response to this email was not required nor requested. “The email was distributed using a group mailing list, which allows messages to be sent to a defined group of people, without individual email addresses being visible. “As the email was intended only to inform students and did not require a reply, this method of mailing was considered appropriate on this occasion. “However, in light of what has happened, the Finance Department will endeavour to distribute similar group emails using additional privacy settings, which will prevent recipients replying to the group mailing address. “The University has offered support and advice to the student
concerned and can confirm that the account has been closed.” Mavrodiev was first notified of the problem when he was inundated with replies to the email saying they had received his bank details. He said: “I was offered help immediately from University staff, especially concerning any issues I might have with the bank. “They acted immediately, stopped the e-mail from circulating, and the issue as rectified. “Apparently now replying to that mailing list address will not send out e-mails to its entire membership. “As far as I was informed, the bank account details I distributed could only be used to make deposits into my account, and nothing else. “I can’t say no to that.”
delivered in those sessions. “We are pleased to say that the majority of these issues are now resolved, although will continue to work with and provide support to any students experiencing any difficulties. “The roll out plan of the system to other departments will be reviewed following the pilot.” Education Officer Joe Oliver said: “Obviously students shouldn’t have to miss classes due to problems with timetables, particularly in the first week of term when so much important information is given out in lectures and seminars. “It’s a shame if these problems meant that students starting language courses for the first time felt they got a poor welcome to their departments. “Having spoken to staff in the School and in Computing Services last week they recognise that the service they provided was inadequate and have sent out an email apologising to all students affected. “I’m eager to work with Computing Services to ensure
Picture: Sam Bennett
any problems are solved before the new software is used in other Departments.’ Acting head of SOMLAL Dr. David Wood apologised to all affected students in an email: “The disruption and anxiety caused by this is very much regretted, and the quality of information with which you have been provided falls well short of the expected levels. “For those of you in your first year, the impression this will have created is especially unfortunate. “I trust that in the weeks and months ahead we will regain your confidence in our ability to provide you with a top-quality learning environment and experience. Welfare Officer Nikki Bowater said the University should have been better prepared for any mistakes the new software may have caused: “We understand that the department has apologised to all of their students and has been working hard to rectify the problems, but the problems should never have been allowed to get as serious as they became in the first place.”
Union cash and grab Matt Burgess Accommodation and Campus Services (ACS) have confirmed that a theft took place at the Union last week. A spokesperson said: “Around 13.30 on Friday September 24 a fire alarm was activated in University House and the building was evacuated. “On returning to the building after it had been declared safe, ACS staff discovered that a number of catering outlets had been the target of a robbery. “As this is an ongoing Police investigation we are unable to comment further.” Finance Officer Tom Hastings said that he believed the theft took place at the Food Court. A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Officers attended an incident following
reports of a theft from the kitchen and bar area at the Sheffield University. “We can confirm the fire alarm was activated at the University. “Whilst the building was evacuated it is believed someone stole money from the tills.” Welfare Officer Nikki Bowater said she was worried that the fire alarm may have been set off to cover the theft: “The theft itself is obviously bad, but setting off a fire alarm to conduct the robbery is particularly concerning. “The more regularly that false alarms occur the less quickly people respond and should a real fire happen this could put people’s lives in danger.” Anyone with information should contact South Yorkshire Police on 0114 2202020 quoting incident number 537 of the 24/09/2010 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
4
www.forgetoday.com // news@forgetoday.com
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
NEWS LOCAL
Crackdown on antisocial activity
Council denies large scale redundancy rumours
Sarah Bramham Antisocial behaviour levels in South Yorkshire are amongst the highest in the country, according to a recent report. A nationwide survey in Spring this year by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) found that South Yorkshire is one of seven counties with the highest reported levels of antisocial behaviour (ASB). 65 per cent of people in the South Yorkshire survey told HMIC that they felt ASB was a problem in the area that they live in. 31 per cent said they felt ASB had increased from the previous year. Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Denis O’Connor said that ASB “does not have the same status as ‘crime’ for the police.” He claimed police “have been retreating from the streets” since the 1970s. 39 per cent of people said that they had experienced intimidation or repercussions because of reporting ASB in South Yorkshire. South Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Andy Holt said: “South Yorkshire Police take ASB very seriously and we work very hard with all our partners to reduce the number of incidents in the county. “For example, we’ve set up the 101 number with Sheffield City Council where people in Sheffield can report incidents of ASB and non-emergency issues and receive a multi-agency response. “We’ve also been effective in tackling certain crimes that are linked to ASB, including a 20 per cent reduction in criminal damage incidents between April and July 2010 (compared to the same period in 2009). “As with all HMIC reports we will take on any recommendations that they do have to help us continue to improve on these reductions and our service to the public.” South Yorkshire Police say they have achieved an 11.7 per cent reduction in reported ASB compared to last year. The report does also point out that they are performing in line with the national average of the public’s experience of reporting antisocial behaviour. South Yorkshire Police have responded by establishing the ‘Total Policing’ policy. This aims to reduce crime and disorder within the local community by reforming the police force. Home Secretary Theresa May said: “The public are rightly concerned about levels of ASB and police and other local agencies must work together to tackle it. “Even in a tough financial climate, tackling ASB must be core business.” Assistant Chief Constable Simon Edens, who is leading ASB reports for the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: “Chief officers are acutely aware of the devastating impact antisocial behaviour can have in neighbourhoods, particularly where repeat and vulnerable victims are involved. “We will continue to work tirelessly to improve our response.”
Kirsty McEwen
Sheffield Town Hall- soon to be deserted?
Photo: Matt Burgess
Sheffield City Council has denied union claims that it plans to make 8,500 workers redundant in the run up to serious cuts in public spending. Workers’ trade union GMB announced claims that the Council has given its staff an HR1, an official redundancy notice. A Sheffield City Council spokesperson said the union allegations were untrue: “The Council has not issued staff with redundancy notices and it is misleading to suggest that we have. “What we have communicated to the Trade Unions is, that as part of our ongoing negotiations with them, we are following national guidance. “There is a process that, by law, we have to follow and certain formalities have to be complied with and that includes issuing what is known as a HR1 notice to the Government and shared with the Trade Unions. “We are now at that stage. “This statutory notice is part of the formal and technical process when two parties haven’t yet reached a collective agreement. We are still continuing to meet with the Trade Unions and are still working towards a collective agreement.” GMB General Secretary Paul Kenny said: “These official notices for 8,500 staff at Sheffield nail the lie that this government’s policies will not cost jobs and will lead to reduced services for the public and inferior terms and conditions for staff. “The blame for this reduction in services and in jobs lie firmly at the door of David Cameron and Nick Clegg.” GMB’s Sheffield organiser Peter Davies said that the Council and the unions were constantly
discussing the proposed job changes. “The Liberal Democrats won’t talk about actual job cuts, but they have issued a figure of £219m in savings, or 30% of the budget over three years.” A spokesman from Unison, the union for public sector workers, said: “This is the threat of yet another savage cut on the public sector and jobs. “A growing number of local authorities are jumping the gun and making cuts even before next month’s spending review is announced.” City Council staff protested outside the Town Hall in Sheffield on September 30. In a statement to Forge Press, the Council said it was discussing other ways of cutting costs with the trade unions. It aims to save £7million yearly. The proposals include voluntary reductions in hours, voluntary early retirement, and flexible retirement, where employees aged over 55 could access their pension early by “reducing their hours or grade”. The Council is also considering offering staff the ability to buy extra holiday time from their employers and removing sick pay for “the first three days of any period of absence.” Staff wanting to take career breaks will have the option to do so. The move, announced in a letter to trade union officials, comes just six months after the council last changed workers’ contracts, in a pay and grading saga that took more than two years to force through. A council spokesperson said that although no formal agreement had been made for GMB not to publish details of receiving the HR1 notices, they had not expected them to make the details public. Negotiations between the two parties continue.
Ed Miliband represents South Weeping Yorkshire as new Labour leader waterworks David Parker South Yorkshire MP Ed Miliband has become the new Labour leader following a close competition with his brother David. The Doncaster North MP was second favourite for the post, but beat his rival by just over 1% in the final round of voting. Sheffield Central Labour MP Paul Blomfield said: “It’s great to have the Leader of the Labour Party representing South Yorkshire. “Ed Miliband understands the issues that face South Yorkshire, like housing, low pay and the need for new jobs and economic growth, and I think he will reconnect Labour with the values of people in South Yorkshire.” Blomfield said he felt Miliband’s election as Labour leader would make a difference to the region “The coalition has got the wrong priorities for Sheffield and South Yorkshire. “I’m looking forward to working
with Ed Miliband to take them on and expose the unfairness of their cuts agenda.” In his first speech to party delegates as leader, Miliband branded the government’s decision to deny local steel manufacturers Sheffield Forgemasters a loan as “irresponsible”. He said: “When you deprive Sheffield Forgemasters of a loan, a loan from government which would be paid back, you deprive Britain of the ability to lead the world in new technology.” Miliband’s election to the post means that South Yorkshire now has another representative in frontline politics, after Sheffield Hallam MP Nick Clegg became Deputy Prime Minister after the General Election in May. Miliband replaces Gordon Brown, who resigned after Labour’s election defeat earlier this year. David Miliband announced his resignation from the Shadow Cabinet on September 29, saying: ”This is now Ed’s party to lead.”
Katie Walton
Labour Leader Ed Miliband
Repairs have begun on the tiling surrounding the main water feature of the Peace Gardens in the city centre. The work started on Monday, September 27 and is expected to take three weeks to complete. The original tiles were installed by Craig Bragdy Design in 1998. The main Goodwin Fountain will remain operational throughout the works but the Holberry Cascades will be turned off until the work is complete. A spokesman for Sheffield Council said: “The Peace Gardens works were scheduled to take place during this quieter period and before the temperatures drop significantly. “During the maintenance programme hoardings will be used to protect the areas of work.” The repairs will be completed by Sunday, October 31, 2010, in time for Fright Night, an event being held in the city centre.
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
www.forgetoday.com // news@forgetoday.com
5
UNIVERSITY NEWS
The long road to University registration Students forced to queue for hours at a time after computer system crashes
“Anyone fancy starting a conga line?” Nicholas Carding Hundreds of students were forced to queue for up to six hours to enrol during Intro week. Students faced lengthy queues outside Goodwin sports centre whilst waiting to collect UCards, organise tuition fee payments, and register for their course. The delays meant the University had to draft in additional service staff, and extend the deadline for picking up UCards and organising student’s computer accounts until the weekend. The longest delays were experienced on September 22 when computer faults increased the waiting time. Union Education Officer Joe Oliver said: “The extreme delays
at Goodwin Sports Centre on Wednesday were due to computer failures, both with individual screens freezing, but also with the entire system crashing twice. “However, students having to wait up to six hours in some cases is clearly a ridiculous situation.” A University spokesperson said: “On average a student attending all stages of this process may have expected to be engaged for around two-three hours. “Every step possible has been taken to address the problems. “The University’s technical support team have worked through the week to identify and resolve the issue and processes will be reviewed to ensure this does not happen again. “We would like to apologise once again to newly registered
students for the excessive waiting times and the inconvenience caused.” In an email to students the University apologised for the issues and said: “Over the course of the past week (Intro Week), we know that some of you have experienced unacceptably long waiting times. “This was caused by an unprecedented but persistent IT system issue that impacted on our online registration process.” Approximately 8300 students registered for the University of Sheffield over the five days of Intro Week. Jackie Tam, a first year International Relations and Politics student said: “I read in the Welcome to Sheffield book that queues were expected to
last around 30-45 minutes, but I queued for five hours. “My department told me to be there for 12:15 and when I got there a bit early, the queue was already along Northumberland Road.” First year History student Paul Miller said: “We were given a specific time by our department to be at Goodwin, but the system didn’t work because the queues were already huge. People were fed up and grumpy.” First year student Jacob Cotterill added: “They told me I would queue for about 90 minutes, but I ended up waiting four hours. “Luckily I hadn’t planned to do anything else that day.” Education Officer Joe Oliver is keen for the University to employ
Photo: Edd Wright
a system of online registration in the coming years. He said: “The events of last week showed that moving towards more of the registration process being done online before arriving needs to be urgently considered.” One complication with this idea is the question of how students are going to receive their UCards. Oliver added: “Students do need to collect their UCards from somewhere, and many need to be physically present to have documents checked. “But this physical process of registration should perhaps be allocated a longer period of time. “I am very grateful for the positive way in which students and staff tackled a very frustrating situation.”
Student battles with substandard University accommodation Matt Burgess Continued from page 1 Three days after moving in Crowe had no hot water and had already called ACS several times. She was told she had been put on a four hour priority list and there was nothing they could do. Hot water was restored to the accommodation by that afternoon but had gone off again by 9.30pm that evening. “When I got up the hot water was back on again. “I quickly washed my mountain of dishes and went out to Uni as I didn’t trust it to stay on and sure enough by the time I got back at lunchtime it was back off again. “I called again and demanded to speak to a manager. “The woman had a very rude tone and honestly claimed not to know what I meant by manager,” said Crowe.
In the ACS Accommodation: Your Essential Guide 2010/2011 it is stated “The University will endeavour to repair or rectify within 24 hours of notification” for Priority Two cases, which include “complete breakdowns of heating, hot water systems and major cooker faults.” St. George’s residents had no heating from October 1 until October 4. Crowe said: “It was stupidly cold and you could barely sleep on Sunday night. “By evening I had a really bad cold, I couldn’t get to work. “No exaggeration I was on the verge of quitting and going home at the weekend. “I understand they are a running a massive organization with loads of people, there’s going to be a few little problems, but there is no way you should have to fight to that extent to get your basic facilities.
“I have not experienced any stress like this at Sheffield University at all.” ACS claim the heating and hot water issues were due to external factors, they said: “Issues were not isolated to our accommodation and were caused by problems to Sheffield heat, light and power supplies and as such were beyond our control. “We’re working with our colleagues in [the department of] Estates on the matter and will be contacting everyone in St Georges to apologise and will be issuing compensation where appropriate.” Crowe is worried that others may not speak out about any bad experiences they have: “If there are problems in freshers’ houses they really don’t have the life experience to actually fight back. “On an emotional level it has just completely floored me. “You just lose faith in it.”
ACS have now sent an apology to students who have been affected and have said they will be offering compensation. Students’ Union Welfare Officer, Nikki Bowater, said: “There have obviously been serious problems with heating and hot water in St George’s Flats. “Although the problems have been attributed to an external company, ACS has failed to keep students affected informed of the situation. “Furthermore, this incident seems to have highlighted wider problems with both how ACS records maintenance problems and the attitude of staff dealing with complaints which now must be looked into more deeply by ACS. “When students are paying the high rent levels that they are, the level of service they receive should reflect this. “I am glad to hear that ACS
has now apologised to students affected and will be contacting them again shortly with a view to compensating them but the situation should have been handled differently from the beginning.” Crowe said: “Even if they had just dealt with us kindly and been friendly and offered information, it wouldn’t have been anywhere near as bad as it has been. “You expect this level of stress in private accommodation. “The whole point of University accommodation is that it takes away that risky element. “They are supposed to be trustworthy.” She said that she will apply to move if there are any more problems. To read more about Emma Crowe’s story and her life with ME see her feature on page 20. “Me and my M.E”
6
www.forgetoday.com // news@forgetoday.com
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
NEWS UNIVERSITY
Journalism graduates up for award
Union website gets the thumbs up in student survey
Jo Wendel Two groups of Journalism graduates have been shortlisted for the New Student Magazine 2010 awards. The two Sheffield magazines shortlisted, ReadMe and Gent, were created by the groups as part of their final year project and are amongst eight other finalists. The winning magazine will be professionally printed and distributed to publishers across the UK. Two of the shortlisted editors will also win a six month magazine internship. Paul Garbett, one of the students behind Gent, a magazine aimed at the older gentleman, said: “When we were researching topics for a new magazine, we realised that there weren’t many magazines on the market specifically aimed at older men. “Those that were tended to carry a stereotypical cloth cap image and ignored the up-to-date fashionable interests now enjoyed by many older gents. “It was great to hear that our magazine had been shortlisted by the Magazine Academy and an honour to think that our idea has impressed important figures in the publishing industry. André Nunn was part of the team who created ReadMe, aimed at teenagers interested in literature. He said: “It was meant to be a cool book club for people who love to read and write and want to turn that into some sort of career when they get older.” “It was such a big part of third year and such a lot of effort and hard work went into it.” “We designed and produced the magazine from scratch as part of our degree. “I’m glad that all of that effort is getting some recognition, we are all very proud of it. It’s just really nice to be considered and totally unexpected.” The Magazine Award is given out by the Periodical Publishers Association, a trade organisation for UK magazines and periodicals publishers. The winners will be announced on October 13 in London.
How would you rank the Union website overall? New website
Old website Excellent
How would you rate the website for ease of finding information? Old website
New website Excellent
Good
Good
Average
Average
Unsatisfactory
Do you prefer the old website or the new website?
Unsatisfactory
Do you think the website is a fair reflection of the Union?
New
Yes
Old
No
Results of the survey conducted by Forge Press. Kirsty McEwen Students have praised the new Union website after a £2,000 redesign. The website was updated to match the new Union building and logo. In a survey carried out by Forge Press, 75% of students ranked the new website as good or excellent. 80% of students said they thought the new website was a good representation of the Students’ Union itself. The new website scored highly on its appearance, ease of finding information and ease of use.
Union Finance Officer Tom Hastings said: “The new Students’ Union website was created by our own internal web developer. “Given that it was such a large project, to speed it up, we employed an extra free lance web developer to assist in the project with a cost of around £2,000. “We are still working on the website, with new additions going live daily, meaning that it is still somewhat a work in progress. “We’re confident that the look and feel of the site should be completed by the end of October.” Activities Officer Rachel Colley said that she thought the new site
offered an easier way for students to get involved in all aspects of the Union. “The ‘Get Involved’ part of the website is still under construction so for me the best is yet to come. “We’ve made the society pages really accessible for students. “There’s now an online sign up for societies so students can access their interests instantly. “Anyone can now get involved without having to physically come into the Union. “I’d encourage people to keep coming back and to keep an eye on the updates that will occur.” Union President Josh Forstenzer said that he thought
the website showed the high standard of the Union. “It looks like a website which reflects the quality of the institution we’re in. “The website is just as important as the building: it’s often the first impression that people get of the Union, especially for international students.. “I’m hoping it’ll really expand and become a social space to allow dialogue between students, staff and officers. “I’d really love it to be a portal not just for students but also the local community- I’m not sure if I can get that done in a year though.”
Working class students are under-represented at Sheffield Lucy Sprague
Only 22.6 per cent of first time undergraduate students starting at the University of Sheffield last year came from working class backgrounds, according to recently released figures. Data released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows that 760 out of an intake of 4,185 students came from working class backgrounds. HESA defined a working class background as one where parents were involved in “routine or manual” work. This figure is under the UK national average of 32.3 per cent. A spokesperson for the University of Sheffield said: “The University of Sheffield has a particularly strong record in attracting students from diverse backgrounds, and supporting them to be successful in their
studies. “The University is joint first amongst the research-led Russell Group universities for our intake of students from low participation neighbourhoods, which exceeds the recommended indicator from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) by around 5 per cent.” Second year Law student Scott Harding said that he felt his background was not as much of an issue when studying in Sheffield: “Sheffield has prestige, but unlike some other universities with a similar advantage, I didn’t feel out of place when I visited.” Union President Josh Forstenzer said: “The University of Sheffield has a strong history and reputation in widening participation. “It is in the top two Russell Group Universities in terms of state school entrants with 87.1 percent (in 08/09) and the
widening participation trends are, overall, going in the right direction.” The University spokesperson explained that Sheffield aims to encourage students from lower income backgrounds before they start applying. “We deliver a broad programme of pre-entry activity which aims to raise aspirations, assist students in maximising their potential within Higher Education and provide the information needed to apply to any University.” Students’ Union Education Officer Joe Oliver said: “Students who attended schools in disadvantaged areas, often have lower rates of attainment at A-level, so I’m interested in some of the work the University’s doing looking at using contextual data, such as applicants’ backgrounds rather than just their grades, in admissions.” “If fees rise to £10,000 a year
or more for universities like Sheffield, as Lord Browne may well recommend, I think decades of work in improving access to Higher Education could be reversed at a stroke, as workingclass people are forced to chose their degrees and university based not on their academic ability, but on their ability to pay.” Finance Officer Tom Hastings said: “I think the money that the University devotes to outreach projects, in order to widen participation in Higher Education, is so very important. “We at the Students’ Union are very concerned that the prospect of higher fees may deter many students from working class backgrounds from applying to university. “We hope that the University, and the government will take this into account when considering the options for raising University fees.”
How do we compare? Percent of full time first degree entrants from manual occupational backgrounds: The University of Sheffield: 22.6% Sheffield Hallam: 35% University of Oxford: 11.5% University of Cambridge: 12.6% London Metropolitan: 57.2% University of Bradford: 52.4% University of Leeds: 21.6% Total England: 32.4% Total Scotland: 28.2% Total UK Average : 32.3%
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
7
www.forgetoday.com // news@forgetoday.com
NEWS
Union officers make a stand against tuition fee rises
Save our Intra-Mural sports Nathan Makwana
Clegg mistakenly ended up in parliament after thinking he was auditioning for Evita. Continued from page 1 students.” poorest people in our society.” Education Officer Joe Oliver According to a recent report They are appealing to Nick Clegg said that fee rises could seriously by the Sutton Trust, only 45% to vote against a fee rise. harm the diversity of students of people would be likely to go to Union President Josh at universities: “I think one of university if fees were raised to Forstenzer said: “A big increase the most worrying implications £7,000 and only 26% if they were in fees will deter many students of higher fees is that those most raised to £10.000. from entering into Higher likely to be forced out of education, A statement by Sheffield Education. or deterred from applying as Central MP Paul Blomfield said: “University should be about a result would be people from “I made a commitment before your academic ability, not your the poorest backgrounds, and the election to vote against any ability to pay.” communities where very few proposed fees increase and I will “He attracted a record children ever get a chance to go keep my commitment. number of student votes in his to University. “We cannot let Government constituency of Sheffield Hallam, “Raising tuition fees would ministers close the door on in large part because the Liberal cancel out years of work in university for many people in my Democrats went into the General widening participation at a constituency.” Election promising they would stroke. Forstenzer called on students not introduce higher fees. “Going to University to speak out against proposed “We don’t feel that Nick Clegg changes peoples’ lives, and the tuition fee rises: “In the event will have any credibility if he Government needs to consider that the Browne review reports breaks his and his party’s pledge very carefully whether they want in favour of raising the cap on while the coalition government to pursue a policy which will fees, we must remember that it brings in higher fees for remove this opportunity from the is not a finality.
“In fact, the Browne Review is just a beginning. “Students can and must campaign and lobby to shape the government proposal on higher education funding which will eventually be put to parliament.” Finance Officer Tom Hastings added: “Along with over 500 Liberal Democrat candidates, he signed a pledge firmly against raising tuition fees ahead of the general election just a few months ago. “We’re calling on Nick Clegg and his party to stand up for students in his home city, as he said he would before the General Election.” At time of going to print, Forge Press had not received a response from the Liberal Democrat press office.
Social project Cuckoo egg celebrates gay mystery icons cracked
University academics nationally recognised for Social Science successes
James Bingham
Simon Smith
Jonathan Robinson
The University is launching a project to celebrate iconic members of the LGBT community. The ‘Gay Icons’ project will consider what a gay icon actually is as well as representing the LGBT community. Talks, concerts, readings, and film screenings will take place both around the University itself and central Sheffield. The project’s leaders said: “We hope this project will be a celebration of achievement and allow people to experience empowerment as a project like this can now take place.” Icons include Oscar Wilde, Leonard Bernstein, and Andy Warhol amongst others. Members of the public have been invited to submit their own gay icons to the project’s website.
University of Sheffield researchers have cracked the mystery of how cuckoos are so good at stealing other birds’ eggs. The team from the Department of Animal and Plant sciences found that cuckoo chicks hatch earlier, giving them time to destroy eggs and fool the host parent. Cuckoo embryos start to develop after six hours whereas most other birds develop two days after eggs are laid. Female cuckoos also incubate the eggs for up to 24 hours before laying, making the eggs hatch faster. Research leader Professor Tim Birkhead said: “Our results show that internal incubation gives cuckoo chicks that crucial head start in life, allowing them to dispose of their nest mates - a superb adaption.”
Three University of Sheffield professors have received a prestigious award following their work for the Faculty of Social Science. Emeritus Professor of Education Peter Hannon, Professor of Child and Family Welfare Peter Marsh, from the Department of Sociological Studies, and Professor of Politics Georgina Waylen, from the Department of Politics, were amongst just 31 recipients of the national prize this year. They received the Academician Award from the Academy of Social Sciences, which rewards outstanding contribution to the social sciences in areas such as research, consultancy, professional practice and teaching. They join nineteen other University staff who have also
received the award. Professor Keith Burnett, ViceChancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “Each of these academics has made an invaluable contribution to the field of social sciences. “These awards are a fitting tribute to their work, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Professors Hannon, Marsh, and Waylen on this accomplishment.” The Academy of Social Sciences works with the Government and the public to “raise awareness of social science and enhance its value to society.” It also responds to both the Government and other consultations on behalf of social scientists, and sponsors schemes to promote social science. Its members include over 450 Academics and 32 Learned Societies including the Royal Geographical Society and British Academy of Management.
Plans outlined by the University’s U-Sport organisation to alter the Intra-Mural league system have received criticism from student societies and Intra-Mural sports teams. Proposed changes to be put in place for the 2010/2011 IntraMural Football season include a reduction of the league sizes from 12 teams to four and a move from the top six pitches to the bottom 3G Football style pitches. A petition group set up by two Intra-Mural players has gained 490 members. Third year politics students Ed Jones and Jack Hands said they felt the changes show a lack of interest in the priorities of student sports. Hands said: “The proposed changes have led to us believing that U-Sport have not taken the interests of students and the Intra-Mural community at heart. “We believe they are selfprioritising their own commercial interests over that of students as a whole.” Jones said he believed cutting the league sizes would create an unfair league and dilute the playing experience. “We fully understand the issues surrounding Hockey and their use of the pitches, but Intra-Mural Football too has its place and we feel this has been disregarded too.” Ed Jones, petition founder and said he believed that the cutting down of the leagues results in an unfair playing league and dilutes the playing experience of IntraMural Football. “The manner in how this was conducted we feel has been carried out with no prior notice. “We believe it changes the experience of Intra-Mural Football, lowering its potential and weakening the experience and competitiveness that IntraMural has to offer with larger leagues. “We feel we had when we started playing Intra-Mural has permanently changed and it won’t be the same with these new changes.” Sports Officer Emma Bird has said, “The top hockey pitch is aging and has been showing signs of wear. “Whilst U-Sport has undertaken repairs over the summer, after receiving complaints from hockey groups it was decided to implement a move to reduce disruptions to Hockey, BUCS and SUBH matches. “The lower pitch is actually a 3G football pitch so moving IntraMural football to the lower pitch seemed a sensible move. “Playing in smaller leagues on the bottom 3G pitches provides an increased likelihood of maintaining fixture days during the winter period. “Despite a number of operational challenges U Sport has managed to maintain all IM sports. “In some cases, particularly communities sport, the aim is to enhance the level of service this year. “Intra Mural at Sheffield remains probably the largest programme of its type in the country and early signs are that once again all leagues will be full.”
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
8
www.forgetoday.com // letters@forgetoday.com
LETTERS
Have your say No riots please, we’re British Dear Forge, Like Justus, I have just returned from my year abroad and I’ll agree with him that it was fascinating to view the differences in, amongst other things, our student politics. However the mistake I feel he makes is the assumption that German activism is a cultural fragment we can slot into UK life, or even that it’s something we’re missing out on. He talks about students hurling abuse and other more dangerous missiles at McDonald’s restaurants and the police. Do students with Summer fast food jobs need their lives endangered because a sadistic student with a petrol bomb disagrees with it as a capitalist symbol? Does a beat officer need to waste time and risk their health going against a gang of rioting students, when surely there are more useful things he/she can be doing? Why should they be put in
Star letter is sponsored by The Wick at Both Ends
The winner receives a free meal for two the firing line, protecting other innocent bystanders because these student “activists” have no sense of respect for others, nor any sense of community? As you say “Activism isn’t about being polite”, it’s about being confrontational. Sorry, but we’re British; polite is somewhat of a national stereotype and
saying we should be more like German students is as futile as saying we should be more like French students and strike more (half my Year Abroad was spent in Northern France). As I hope the Union societies of the three main political parties will back me up, politics here isn’t about getting in somebody’s face because you want to have a violent hissy fit. Politics here expends its efforts leafleting, tramping round in the rain for hours and knocking on people’s doors, politely debating opinions, petitioning, engaging in peaceful protest if you want a large audience. It might not be as interesting for most but I’ll bet the community you’re trying to benefit would thank you more for keeping calm and carrying on with polite student politics than dabbling in disruptive student activism. Yours, Laura Knightly Modern Languages
Write: Forge Press, Union of Students, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TG Email: letters@forgetoday.com Please include your name, course and year of study. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity and space.
Teetotalers’ Intro Week dilemma Dear Forge, I can’t be the only new student this year at Sheffield to have noticed the prevalence of alcohol in everything fresher-related, and to have resigned wearily to the evident fact that a tendency to binge drink is necessary for a sense of involvement with university life here. Intro Week featured a seemingly broad programme of events; however, on examination (and in some cases
attendance) the vast majority were a variation on the theme of inebriation in a dark noisy room. Catering specifically for those niche students not intending to return home at three AM emitting a vapour of beer and urine were the seven “alcohol free events” listed at sheffield.ac.uk (excluding those for post-graduates, commuters and students with children), none of which were a hubbub of social activity precisely because the fresher
community as a whole migrated toward their unsober counterparts. It’s not that I have a problem with liquor per se, more that I expected a competitive intellectual alternative to be available and, perhaps naïvely in this era, an induction to university life less dominated by shouty drunks and vapid “anthems”. Yours, Chris Ashby English Literature
What do you think of internet dating?
Beth McLean Geography First Year
Aaron Fitzpatrick Politics Third Year
Sarah Louise Hogg Philosophy Third Year
I think it is a good idea and a good way to meet new people.
I have never tired it but I don’t know why it has such a stigma.
I think it can be a good thing for single parents if it was a young person it would be different
Say hello! TO FORGE MEDIA.
Whether you’re a budding journalist, broadcaster, photographer, presenter, graphic designer, camera operator, radio producer, director, web developer, podcaster, artist or out-and-out media mogul, you’ve come to the right place. Forge Media is made up of Forge Radio, Forge TV, Forge Press and ForgeToday.com. You don’t need any prior experience to get involved and we’re always on the lookout for new contributors throughout the year. To find out more, pop into the Media Hub (level 4, Students’ Union) or email: contribute@forgetoday.com
www.forgetoday.com
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
9
www.forgetoday.com // comment@forgetoday.com
COMMENT
Miliband - student saviour Timetables are not exactly or the next Nick Clegg? SOMLOL Amy Claire Thompson
Jo Wendel
I was brought up with a strong interest in politics in a firmly Labour family. I followed coverage of the election this spring avidly – and, more often than not, very loudly and argumentatively, too. But by the time the Labour leadership race really got started, and everyone realised that it was a two-horse race being fought by two horses no one could tell apart (one Tory friend of mine scathingly called them ‘Milidee and Milidumb’), even I lost interest. Things started to get interesting again a little while ago... but only because the Milibrother no one expected to win, well, won. So, Ed Miliband now has the impossible task of reforming the Labour Party and making them a viable political option again. Whilst also making sure everyone can actually remember which one he is, and preventing a major family feud of some description. Or, maybe that bit is all media hype.
With the introduction of the new computerised timetabling system, the School of Modern Languages and Linguistics (SOMLAL) has managed to infuriate even more students than normally. Mentioning timetable clashes to a language student is like opening a floodgate of anger and frustration. Every new term is greeted with the rustle of ‘Add/Drop’ forms. But this year SOMLAL has indeed outdone itself. What a lovely welcome back for the fourth year language students who have just returned from spending their third year abroad. On the first day of term, some had still not been able to access their timetables at all. But the new software is not the only problem. There seems to be an underlying attitude problem within some departments. In my experience, it is often a scenario where neither department wants to budge – and be the one to succumb. It makes me wonder if they actually doublecheck timetables with each other at all. I am the only one in my year studying my
“For Miliband, it’s a chance to prove his credentials” But, who is he? The MP for Doncaster North, Leader of the Opposition. The son of a Marxist, he recently claimed in The Guardian that his father would have considered him a “right-wing sell-out” for being Labour. Despite this, the right-
wing press have labelled him “Red Ed”. They claim that his majority-Union vote and slightly-moreleft-wing-than-othercandidates leaning made him more of a bona-fide socialist than the Labour Party has seen perhaps since before Tony Blair became their leader in 1994. But he himself has vehemently denied this. In reality, though, what’s changing? How is Miliband different from the “ConDem” coalition leaders? And, most importantly, what does that mean for us students? The biggest student issue on the agenda at the moment is obviously that of tuition fees – whether they’re going to rise, and how the government are going to deal with that. Having been let down by the Liberal Democrats,
it looks like everything, for us, is likely only to get worse.
“It looks like everything, for us, is likely to get worse” Business Secretary Vince Cable, of the Lib Dems, fleetingly suggested a “Graduate Tax” only to have it rubbished by the rest of the coalition. But this is an idea which Miliband appears to stand by; in a blog on his campaign website in July, he claimed that “studies have shown that such a Graduate Tax ... would prevent the burden being put unfairly on students and their families, and
[would] link to their ability to pay”. It would also raise more money to fund the university places which have been promised for so long but appear not to have materialised yet. What that means for current students, already in debt, though, is anyone’s guess. On the same issue, the coalition government are stalling. They are unwilling to make a decision until the results of Lord Browne’s report on university funding. Although the Graduate Tax has been snubbed, and there appears to be no suggestion that fees could ever remain this ‘low’ again. For students, it’s a rock and a hard place, politically. For Miliband, it’s a chance to prove his credentials to a vast number of people. Fingers crossed.
degree combination, which I’m frequently reminded of. Such as when I have a timetable clash and the lecturer simply refuses to even discuss moving the lesson because “It’s only you.” But in terms of timetable clashes, running across campus to make the next lecture, and having to change modules because the allocated ones clash with themselves, I am hardly alone. Obviously, at a university with almost 26,000 students, everyone’s wishes cannot always be accommodated for. But why offer degree combinations which are impossible in practise? The module options of dual honours degrees may look interesting in the prospectus, but the reality is far from the individuality and freedom of choice suggested. Had I known at the time of applying that I would be the only one doing my degree combination, and realised the limited choices that implies, I would definitely have considered studying something else. Or rather: somewhere else. That said, dual honours are often very interesting and enable you to broaden your knowledge, as well as future prospects. But they come with an added side order of frustration.
Lazy, drunk or sick of rubbish Freshers advice Azariah Jenney
Throughout the summer, the national press have been bombarding potential undergraduates with guides to surviving Freshers’ Week, and beyond. They are all hitting us over the head with the same stick: “Just be yourself!”, “It’s okay to make mistakes!”, “Get all the discounts you can muster!”, “Go to everything you can!”. Personally, I found that
the best advice was how to find the nearest Tesco, and that I should invest in a doorstop. The other side of Intro Week; the side that the press then like to exaggerate, is the binge-drinking, chaos-causing, sex-driven, money-scrounging drains on society that we’re made out to be. Back in 2008, the Daily Mail called out for Freshers’ Week booze-ups to be banned. It’s a complete and utter double standard. As much as the press urge us on to go to university, enjoy ourselves, make new friends, the moment
we arrive they flood the front pages with toppling teenagers and point the finger. Perhaps then the Universities are to blame? They put on so many events every night, it means that there is a certain pressure to go out
every night or else miss the key anecdote that everyone will be talking about for the rest of the year. Or worse still, be branded dull, uninteresting and the odd-ball of the group. What the newspapers fail to mention is that once we’ve finished university we will all become functioning members of society. Furthermore, on average over our lifetimes graduates pay over £50,000 more in taxes than nongraduates. The critics should
give us more respect. Many students don’t enjoy going to nightclubs and partying so it’s important to realise that there are also plenty of sports and non-alcoholic activities. This week my flatmates and I have attended bellydancing, fencing, burlesque, officer training corps, and more. These activities have outnumbered the drinking nights out. Students do actually do valuable things with their time too. This is where the newspapers have got it right: getting involved in new activities is an excellent thing to do.
I have personally found that trying to fit too many in can make you tried and unable to get any work done. So just do the activities that really stand out to you. My flat mates and I have decided to take advice from the press with a pinch of salt. Friends and family members who have been to university seem to be more reliable. The journalists are trying too hard to be well rounded and general. It’s all too much and it’s all too contradictory. My advice is simple – just go with the flow.
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
10
www.forgetoday.com // comment@forgetoday.com
COMMENT
Uni still for the privileged as working class students opt out
mean that students now accumulate more debt than ever. But the amount of people heading straight into work after finishing school is dwindling nonetheless. In fact, more people than ever are applying to university.
Nick Willoughby
Wealthy students are still far more likely to take arts or humanities type subjects at university than students from low income backgrounds, who still opt for more vocational subjects. According to The Sutton Trust, almost a third of those who graduated in 2001 with degrees in History or Philosophy were the children of senior managers – the social economic group with the highest earned income. On the other hand, nonarts or humanities subjects such as Engineering and Maths had far fewer graduates from high income backgrounds. Only 17 per cent of Education students were from a family earning in the highest bracket. It’s clear that there is a discrepancy here, but what is the current government doing to sort out this problem? In my opinion: not much. In fact, with recent cuts to the Arts Council, an apparently expendable institute, it would seem more is being done to aggravate the problem than minimise it. The emphasis on vocational subjects is nothing new. Governments have always tried to popularise the subjects that are more directly useful to society.
“More is being done to aggravate the problem than minimise it” During the New Labour government, Tony Blair often championed
“Fewer than 23 per cent of Sheffield students are working class”
science among young people. He recognised the overwhelming benefits a wave of young scientists could bring to the country a relatively short time after graduation. But why aren’t arts and humanities thought of as practical enough to secure government promotion? Music is hugely beneficial to society, providing a marked increase in the happiness of the population as well as providing a huge industry which generates vast amounts of money. It has been proven that this in turn leads to greater motivation and a larger work output. It’s difficult to measure
D.A.R.T.S. Word of the fortnight:
sabb flab n.
weight gained during the year as a sabbatical officer due to good Union food and long days at the office solving students’ problems. Maybe next year’s officers should negotiate to have free membership at the S10 gym included in their contract.
the benefit of the arts and humanities through scientific means though. Studying arts and humanities type subjects’ allows you to think more freely and become a wellrounded person. It is also relevant: the study of politics as a degree is fully immersed in the real world with the constant update of current affairs. And the writing of essays helps prepare the student for many jobs in later life. Studying a vocational subject like Computer Science might secure you a job in a number of different areas, studying a subject like English is far more expansive and can lead to
almost any career in the future. Doing an arts degree certainly leaves your options open to a greater extent than studying a vocational degree, even if there is more competition for jobs relating to your degree after you graduate. Maybe this is the point. The split between those from low income backgrounds taking vocational degrees, and those from wealthier backgrounds taking degrees in arts and humanities is perhaps better explained through the class system than a monetary one. It goes without saying that the working classes are traditionally poorer than
those of the middle class. It made sense in the past for working class parents to want to send their children into a career where there was a guarantee of money, as this was the safest option for them becoming self-sufficient. Taking an arts degree, or taking a degree at all, would have been a far more risky option in terms of gaining a dependable job than going straight into work at the age of 16. At The University of Sheffield for instance, fewer than 23 per cent of students are from a manual-occupational background. The introduction of tuition fees in 2006
However, the type of degree, whether based in the arts and humanities or vocational, is not yet spread out equally. The fact that applications for university were the highest yet this year suggests that there is a decided shift in class mentality. The former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, now Lord Prescott, came from working class origins. He famously claimed that “we’re all middle-class now”. It’s hard to define what the term middleclass actually means, but if it is largely based on money, then according to the website www.poverty. org.uk, most areas of the UK have become decidedly richer over the past ten years, and the trend doesn’t seem to be dying. Perhaps with the combination of an increasing average income, and a larger volume of graduates in all areas, the distinctions between classes are becoming more blurred. Even if new releases of data prove we are not quite there yet.
Have your say ▪ Comment on this article at ForgeToday.com ▪ Send a letter to letters@forgetoday.com
Forge Press takes its satirical aim
Toilet Talk
Raindrops keep falling on my head
The comedy geniuses of the Union toilets shall go unnoticed no more. The political debates on the Interval toilet walls have been painted over this summer. But there are still plenty of other graffiti around the University. Whilst Forge Press does not encourage vandalism, feel free to tweet us on @Forge_Media about any amusing opinions you spot whilst on the throne.
A wise journalist once said that a good story is a moist one. And this one has the potential to make students very wet. After enquiring about the “Out of order” signs frequently seen on the glass doors in the main entrance to the Union building, Forge Press found out that the doors are in fact fully functional. The problem is instead the leaking roof of the £5m
rebuild. Union President Josh Forstenzer said: “The doors have been taken out of use to ensure that users of the building are not unwittingly caught in a downpour of water. “Unfortunately the water doesn’t always leak down directly during or after a rain shower, it can be some time after.” Best have your umbrellas at the ready just in case.
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
www.forgetoday.com // comment@forgetoday.com
11
COMMENT
Editorials
University architecture Your money for nothing can’t beat the academics ACS needs to care more Tim Rodber
I did not choose Sheffield solely because of the architecture. I doubt any of you reading this did either. Your choice to come to this university was based on the ranking of your course, your expectations of the social life, or your rejection from Oxbridge. So is there any good reason to place importance on the university buildings? Do they make any difference to your time here? Maybe the commercialisation of universities has meant that they place too much importance on first impressions at the expense of any deep investment in a quality education. Academics have a historical tendency towards working individually, or working with other academics. They then engage in one-way teaching sessions with their students. The optimistically liberal ‘Learning Landscapes’ report argues that the collaboration between students and academics should be made easier. A conventional library or class room is not necessarily suitable. I feel the authors’ ideal is a building promoting an educated hum of productivity. But I fear that this is not what we are getting. I personally work much better in Western Bank than in the Information Commons. Sometimes the composed calm of a Miesian masterpiece is a lot more productive than the drone of morons and the liberal smattering of
Photograph: Tom Walker
cookie crumbs in the IC. This is a fatal flaw. Undergraduates are, on the whole, not particularly hard working. This is brought to attention through the number of ‘Overheard in Sheffield’ quotes originating in the IC.
“Buildings do not write theses.” Aside from my criticisms of the student body, I think the authors of ‘Learning Landscapes’ have a compelling point. Progress is indeed based on sharing ideas and building knowledge. The Royal Society founders regularly met in coffee houses to discuss and debate the issues of the time. Yet take the Jessop
West building. Its striking façade lifts it from the predominantly grey surrounding. The building has attracted critical acclaim, but academics still complain about it. Criticism include that glass walls distract students with learning difficulties, that there are not enough seminar rooms, and that the offices are too small, with peep show-style windows. It certainly looks very attractive, but the offices are still cells – though apparently the architects did try and argue for open plan working areas. Inside, Jessop West is mostly devoid of undergraduates, making it actually quite traditional in form. Assume that all new buildings add positively to the university. Then the limited budget would be a problem. The University has recently undertaken
building work on the Arts and Humanities, leaving Sciences seemingly untouched. This is something all universities must consider. Universities cannot afford to look like buildings take precedent. Buildings can only be developed if other resources improve at least at the same rate. Buildings do not write theses. Buildings do not explore space. Buildings do not conduct research in Oncology. It would be ludicrous to even consider arguing that the buildings of any university are more important than the people, or even as important as the people. However, what good university architecture does do is to facilitate. Architecture can act as an academic catalyst, stimulating a thirst for knowledge and connecting people with other people to further their ideas.
Accommodation and Commercial Services (ACS) are rightly under fire for their treatment of students living in St George’s Flats. As tenants, you expect that University accommodation will be vastly superior to the usual horror stories we hear about private lettings, and the ACS response to this situation, to put it colloquially, sucked. When I first arrived at Sheffield in September 2007 I was unable to move into my flat after ‘the great flood’ of the summer delayed the building work at the Endcliffe Village. Not the fault of ACS, clearly. After a lengthy queue at The Edge, and a lost set of keys for my temporary accommodation, I was shown into a room in a now- demolished house on Endcliffe Crescent that didn’t even have a bed. When the flat was ready, five days later, I moved into my brand-new room and the door came away from the wall and hung off its hinges. It was only a flatmate’s dad with a handy toolbox that saved the day – ACS took weeks to send someone round, which was also their response when our Antony Worrall Thompsonbranded oven (!) gave up the ghost. However, it was perhaps inevitable that a new build would experience some teething problems. But St George’s Flats are not a new build – they are an award-winning church conversion - and ACS no longer has the distraction of incomplete student villages. Bad customer service just isn’t good enough. To be left without the basics, to have no hot water and heating, is plain appalling. ACS rents are sky-high, and student welfare must be at the top of their agenda, if only to give value for money. Your student accommodation needs to feel like home, because a miserable home life can have a serious impact on your academic performance and general wellbeing. It would be a shame to think that ACS’ name change – where the ‘c’ that once stood for campus became commercial – meant that their duty of care to their student customers came second to money.
Tuition fees rise? It’s the Browne stuff
It is a nervous time for all of those with an interest in higher education in the United Kingdom. As we went to print the Browne Review was yet to reveal its findings, though numerous leaks to the press have indicated its contents. Forge Press will cover this in much more depth in the next issue, but for now the clearest message to students really needs to be that they must shout louder, and much louder than they do already. The NUS has been ineffective so far; tuition fees were imposed, and they have given up on campaigning for free education for all. We cannot sit back and think that what we do has no effect; that no matter what we do it will be ignored. Call me idealistic, or other choice words, but we must not let students of the future get shafted.
Forge Press Editor, Media Hub, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TG, forgepress@forgetoday.com
Oxford discount on sex toys is no big deal Reuben Mckeown Dildos. Vibrators. Bu.... You get the idea. Sex toys, we all know what they are, what they do and the various types that exist. Yet for some reason the inclusion of a discount on these items, offered by the Oxford Union Debating society, has caused quite a stir. Given the alarmist language used by the Daily Telegraph, you’d think they were offering prostitution discounts. The more actual facts emerge, the more it becomes clear that this is a non-event, turned into something by the
connotations of the words ‘sex toy’. According to some unnamed “members”, the discount on sex goods was somehow offensive to women. If you, like I, are wondering how it’s offensive then the answer is quite simple, it isn’t. According to statistics published by Babeland. com, the reality is that 63 per cent of sex toy sales come from women. This kind of statistic might actually be used to purport the idea that sex toys empower women sexually, or to sell sex toys, in a way that even last few decades would have seemed impossible. The two floors of girls I talked to in my building couldn’t figure
out how it was offensive to women either. Another point of contention was clearly that it was believed by offering discount on sex goods the prestigious society was somehow tarnished. Cited was its long history and members including 12 Prime Ministers. However, we should remember t h a t politicians are hardly strangers to the world of sex. It was William Gladstone, one of Britain’s most famous PM’s, who came straight from this society into the House of Commons, who spent many a night wandering the streets of
London talking to prostitutes. We should also remember that sex toys have been with human kind since the Palaeolithic Era. They were popular with the Egyptians, and featured in Greek Art. Aristophanes describes them in graphic detail. Even the immortal bard mentions the term. Victorian shame about sex is an aberration in the historical timeline not a value we should be giving credence to. It seems entirely in keeping with the aims of the society to encourage discussion of controversial issues, that it would then debate . It claims to be “at the cutting edge of controversy” on the
society’s website, but has now become prudish about a sex goods discount? This seems illogical at best. It’s also worth noting that the sex shop discount is one of 63 discounts, making it merely one of many, not some kind of unique selling point for the Union. One might wonder whether the University of Sheffield societies should offer a similar discount. Personally I’m not bothered either way. A few years ago, VodSoc had a much better idea. They offered free vodka shots to everyone who signed up as a member. I think we would all rather have free drinks and plenty of them, thus if we’re lucky avoiding the need for sex toys all together.
12
ADVERTISEMENT
www.forgetoday.com
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
13
www.forgetoday.com // features@forgetoday.com
FEATURES
Policing the borders Forge Press investigates the disturbing impact of new immigration laws on international students.
Words: Harriet Di Francesco Picture: Joseph Feather
14
www.forgetoday.com // features@forgetoday.com
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
www.forgetoday.com // features@forgetoday.com
15
FEATURES
FEATURES
O
ver the past two years the UK Border Agency has gradually implemented new immigration laws. Affecting both students and workers who come to the UK from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), the Points Based System has sparked much debate. Immigrants are categorised according to a five-tier system. Tier four, finalised in February this year, requires educational institutions to act as ‘sponsors’ for their international students. In other words, universities must take more responsibility for a students’ immigration status whilst in the UK. Some academics argue that the system is unfair and authoritarian. Professors are asked to adhere to a programme called Student Attendance Monitoring which involves policing and reporting students who miss ten ‘contact points.’ These include lectures and seminars and can result in arrest and deportation. As a lecturer in American history, and an immigrant himself, Dr Mike Foley told Forge Press that the new responsibilities are unnecessary: “I don’t think that universities should play any role in reporting the comings and goings of students, immigrant or otherwise, to the government.” “We keep attendance records as a matter of policy, for the good of students and staff, but there’s no good reason to turn around and pass this information on to the government.” If there is a problem how should the Home Office deal with it? “If the UKBA thinks a student is up to no good, they should get a warrant to search any relevant records and carry out an investigation, the way any policing agency should.” Union International Students’ officer, Mina Kasherova, agreed that it was unjust to place every university in the country under this pressure. Students from abroad are already required to carry an ID card with biometrical data which has been deemed by some as intrusive. Kasherova told Forge Press that the new legislation is ‘offensive’ to the mass of bright and hardworking visiting students who have arrived in the UK in order to fulfil their potential. The Home Office and The University of Sheffield, however, do not agree that the new laws are unethical. According to them the system is not prejudiced. All students, both international and UK citizens, will be randomly monitored. University Pro-Vice Chancellor for Teaching and Learning (PVC), Professor Paul White, explained that the decision to introduce the Points Based System is both reasonable and compulsory. “The University regards attendance monitoring for all students, not just those with student visas, to be inherently a good thing, as a run of absences can mask an academic or other difficulty that a student’s tutors ought to know about, and for which the university might be able to offer structured help.”
White supports the new system, saying it is neither prejudiced nor directed solely at international students. “The ultimate sanction for any student who fails to attend their course has always been the potential withdrawal of their registration. That remains the case for all students.” The main focus of debate asks whether institutions of higher education are being employed by the Home Office to police the UK borders. Some are adamant that the UKBA are taxing institutions of higher education with extraneous responsibilities. “The fact that the programme is called Student Attendance Monitoring sounds like it is policing students,” Kasherova says. Dr Foley agrees: “By conscripting us into their national police force, the UKBA surely undermines the university’s academic mission and creates a climate of fear.” “I am an immigrant from a country that has had a terrible record on civil liberties in the last ten years, but even the US has not instituted a policy like this at its universities.” Yet, on the other hand, there are many who support the decisions carried out by the UKBA. Professor White revealed that at the last Learning and Teaching Committee and at Senate, there was no opposition. “There was agreement from all those involved in those discussions that the university’s approach to implementing the requirements was even-handed and light-touch and should not affect the relationships between staff, students and the institution.” Those that support the recent changes do not agree that universities are being unfairly employed as border police. White told Forge Press that the issue of immigration continues to remain the responsibility of the Home Office and the UK Border Agency. However Professor White accepted that someone has to monitor students somehow: “Governments have increasingly taken the view that, given the very large numbers of sponsoring organisations, employers, colleges, universities etc., it is most efficient for the sponsors to play this role.” “It is difficult to see alternatives, without a massive expansion in the size and bureaucracy of a central agency.” It seems that many feel that the regulations are fair and judicious. Malaysian student, Phoebe Yiin, gave a first-hand perspective: “I think the UKBA attendance regulations are reasonable. Admittedly, it is unnerving to know that I am being monitored. The whole point of me and other international students coming to the UK is to experience life here, but primarily to study.” The University authorities, however, claim that feelings of fear and concern should not be the case as long as they adhere to the regulations regarding attendance. Professor White explained: “Where students are fulfilling the regulations of the university, and for their particular degree programme, and are in normal attendance nothing will change.” The question remains: will the new legislation affect the lives and
“
Admittedly, it is unnerving to know that I am being monitored Phoebe Yiin, International student
”
“
I don’t think that universities should play any role in reporting the comings and goings of students, immigrant or otherwise, to the government Dr Mike Foley, University of Sheffield
”
liberties of international students? It is difficult to deny that the strict regulations have not already created an atmosphere of concern. Poor attendance levels for UK citizens will result in expulsion from their institution, whereas an international student could face expulsion from the country. For those who argue that the UK needs stricter immigrant laws it is difficult to see alternatives. As PVC Professor Paul White explained, it would require a mammoth investment of time and resources in order to create a central agency that could carry out the job. For those who believe in a more liberal educational system, the UKBA are forcing universities to engage in highly political decrees. Foley stated: “It seems ridiculous to me that an immigrant can be granted a visa by UKBA - no easy feat given how rigorous the application process is - and then be effectively spied upon by university tutors who have been conscripted, without their consent, into working as de facto border agents.” Unfortunately there is little universities can do to change the situation. Professor White responded to staff concerns by telling Forge Press: “Were the University not to implement it fully, as a result of disagreement with the system by staff, the ultimate sanction could be that the university would lose its sponsor status and would not be allowed to recruit and register international students.” The debate will certainly continue. Tier four, regarding students on a student visa, was implemented in stages between March 2009 and February 2010 but some areas of governmental policy are still in development. How has the debate been covered by other platforms within the media? The answer is that it hasn’t. Bad news makes good copy and the current financial crisis overshadows concerns of civil liberties. Few major newspapers have consistently covered the problem of student visa control. Even though tighter restrictions could potentially have a knock-on effect on university funding. From a practical perspective, blocking or deterring high fee-paying international students could cause universities huge administrative headaches. According to one study carried out last October, foreign students invest up to £20,000 a year for degree courses in the UK. Considering that most universities face a cap on the number of home and EU students they can take, massive delays in processing student visas could actually prompt a financial crisis. With fears that tuition fees may rise to over £10,000 per annum over the next few years, the new UKBA legislation provokes more than moral contentions. It seems that many students lack either the information or the interest to be concerned with new UKBA legislation. However, for those who have strong opinions regarding the civil liberties of educational institutions and their students, or those who are troubled by the future of higher education for younger generations, the prospect of further developments will no doubt be a source of great concern.
“
It is difficult to see alternatives, without a massive expansion in the size and bureaucracy of a central agency Professor Paul White, Pro-Vice Chancellor
”
16
www.forgetoday.com // features@forgetoday.com
FEATURES
love down the wires Looking for love? Forge Press finds out why increasing numbers of young people are turning to internet dating sites to find their match. Words and pictures: Lucie Boase
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
www.forgetoday.com // features@forgetoday.com
17
FEATURES
18
www.forgetoday.com // features@forgetoday.com
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
FEATURES
www.forgetoday.com // features@forgetoday.com
19
FEATURES
F
inding a partner is something which happens naturally, perhaps even inadvertently, to most of us. It’s easy enough to meet someone nice in a bar, and if you’re lucky, you’ll find you have an instantaneous connection which will see you sailing blissfully towards a life with an Aga, four babies and a goat. But what if that formula doesn’t work for you? Turning to other more artificial methods in order to ensnare ‘the one’ may seem slightly drastic, but the demand is apparent. From the My Single Friend adverts which bombard us on Spotify, to the speed-dating nights provided by the university’s own Give it a Go program, it would appear that matchmaking options are all around us. Internet dating, however, has remained the realm of the 30-plus market, with around 20% of the demographic being made up of the over-55s. But just like everything on the internet, this too has started to grow; 18-34 year olds are now more than twice as likely, compared to the national average, to have sought out love online. Almost one in five internet users have used an online dating service or other internet-based forum, such as social networking sites, for dating and meeting new - although it’s doubtful many of us would classify late-night Facebook perusal as such. A plethora of dating sites exists, from those specifically targeted at particular racial or religious backgrounds, to niche sites such as ILoveYourAccent. com, which panders to America’s love of the English accent, and the morallyquestionable BeautifulPeople.com, which is available only to an exclusive set of the objectively attractive. “My decision to sign up to an online dating service was borne out of frustration and boredom”, says Sarah Wright, a fourth-year university student. Since joining a popular personals site two years ago, she has met countless potential suitors and is currently in a relationship with one of them. “It sounds a little crazy, but I felt under a lot of pressure to find myself ‘a nice boy’ to bring home. Everyone in my group of friends was coupling-off and I felt left out”. Sarah explains that she wasn’t interested in the majority of men she met at university, and considered internet dating a suitable avenue to go down. “I wanted a way to meet someone a little older than me, with more substance to them than the capacity to go out and get drunk”. Although it’s unfair to make generalisations, online dating does seem to appeal to those who feel slightly uncomfortable with the stereotypical dating rote. Megan Hart, a third-year university student, signed up to internet dating in order to expose herself to a hitherto untapped demographic. “I’ve never really been one for going out clubbing”, she explains. “I recognised that I needed another way to meet people like myself, who felt the same way”. Sarah says she also found meeting men on a night out problematic. “You have no way of ‘screening’ people for what they’re interested in, or whether they’re single and want a relationship. Talking to lots of people to see if there’s a spark takes a lot of work”. She also thinks that there’s a too heavy reliance on appearances; beauty is, as we all know, only skin deep. “I think physical attraction is crucial, but many people who are physically attractive are not intellectually interesting to me”. The real advantage of dating websites lies in their format, and the ability to search easily for someone who enjoys similar activities to you. To Sarah, the chance to find someone
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
“
Internet dating is still seen as something that only 40-year-old divorcees do. Megan Hart, student
”
entirely out of her normal social circle was a definite incentive initially. “I love it – I have the chance to encounter completely new perspectives and ideas, and it’s always interesting. “On a simpler level, I’m also often introduced to restaurants and bars in my area which I wouldn’t have thought of going to before”. Besides that, there’s the fact that the person you meet online does not have many preconceptions about you before you first meet, meaning you are effectively starting from scratch. “I try to meet early on – I’m not interested in a pen-pal”, says Sarah. “It’s easy to be misled by what someone writes in their profile and messages, since it’s often very different in real life”. Apparently, lack of truthfulness about age, physical appearance and other attributes is one of the most widespread problems with online dating. Men are known to exaggerate their income, and women undersell their physical build. Sarah cites lying as the biggest occupational hazard of meeting men on the internet. “It can be irritating, but often I just find it amusing. I once went on a date with a guy who called me an hour before the date to warn me that he wasn’t actually 6’ as he’d stated in his profile, but a good three inches shorter”. While the numbers of under-25year olds using online dating may be on the increase, a great deal of stigma still surrounds the practice. Admitting to your friends that you used a dating website to find your partner is like discovering that your parents first met in an awful club. When I asked whether she’d ever personally sensed stigma surrounding her use of internet dating websites, Sarah said that she’d never told her parents, and only a select number of her friends know. “Most people are shocked when I first tell them. Often, I get the reaction, “what’s so wrong with you that you can’t meet people the normal way?” Megan takes a similar view: “It’s still seen as something that only 40-yearold divorcees do”. Locating statistics on the number of young people using dating sites is difficult; while websites are proud to boast the volume of matrimonies they help establish (eHarmony’s staggering statistic of creating 236 marriages between members every day seems a little implausible), hard facts seem thin on the ground; although possibly this is a security measure. It is likely that we all know someone who has tried internet dating -we’re just not aware of it. And as with everything on the internet, caution is necessary in the realm of online dating. Although certain restrictions have been put in place, essentially the system remains largely unpoliced and open to abuse from scammers and sexual predators. Megan says she has felt threatened in the past by random people contacting her, and has since set clear parameters for herself when she decides to meet face-to-face. “I don’t give out any personal information until I trust a person. I also only go on first dates during the day, in a public area with a lot of foot traffic”. It’s obvious that we’ve come a long way from Lark Rise to Candleford’s Ruby Pratt and her daring postal liaisons with a moustachioed suitor in Pontefract. Instead of handwritten letters which take weeks to arrive, online daters can see photos and videos of their potential match, and engage in instant chat conversations. Signing up to an online dating service may seem ludicrous at our age, but for many, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the private lives of a subsection of society, and may even lead to that fabled goat, Aga and four children-combo.
“
A guy once called before our date to admit he’d lied about how tall he was - he wasn’t six foot after all. Sarah Wright, student
”
CONFESSIONS OF AN ONLINE DATER “Literally, it was just love at first sight”, simpered the couple through obvious love-goggles. My guard must have been down, because soon after watching a video of them play ‘Chopsticks’ together on the piano to advertise the success of an online dating service, I had signed up. I think I was curious, most of all, and figured that if being able to play Chopsticks was the generally accepted standard of attractiveness, I had – self-congratulatory trumpeting aside – quite a bit more to offer than the average Joe. The extent to which I did was elaborated to me from the very moment I had completed my profile and added a couple of relatively passable photos. Within five minutes, I had received two messages from men who seemed certain I was their ‘dream woman’ (one even used that very phrase). Pah, I thought, these are early days yet! I replied to neither, one on the basis that he wrongly assumed I would be some dutiful cake-baking housewife for him; the other on the basis that he couldn’t tell the difference between ‘your’ and ‘you’re’ – a massive red light on a relationship for anyone, surely. Within days I was regretting my late-night decision to sign up. I started receiving around five messages a day from different individuals, all of whom seemed nice and interesting and had an alarming habit of replying straight away – they can’t have had many things to do. The problem was, I did – I lead a relatively busy life, and simply haven’t the time to peruse profiles all day and muse about the best way to cook lemon drizzle cake. I know that this fact alone should have ruled out the necessity for online dating from the start, but I thought that something (or indeed someone) interesting might turn up, and if not, it could remain a fascinating social anthropology experiment. I realised early on that I needed to be discerning- thus inadvertently becoming an embodiment of the ‘picky’ female online dater. At first I wrote back to any old guy; soon I was ruling men out on the basis of living too far away, being too old, or even (and here my inherent shallowness began to rear its’ ugly head) being bald. My biggest problem was realising that any one of my many suitors (at one point I had been ‘favourited’ by 112 different men) were actually real. I nearly had a heart attack when one called me up and suggested we meet – I had somehow convinced myself that he was merely ‘from the internet’ and not existent in real life. It all sent me reeling into something of an existential crisis – how could I tell if one of these men was The One? What if it was that Welsh farmer who I had blocked after he kept harping on about his beard? Eventually, after a particularly mind-numbing afternoon spent with Durham’s Dullest Man, I decided to call it a day. I can hardly say I’ve taken online dating very seriously, and I’d probably identify that as the reason that people my age generally don’t partake in it. But while I may not have had any real, tangible success of the Chopstick-duet variety, it was definitely fun. Lauren Meyer
22
ADVERTISEMENT
www.forgetoday.com
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
www.forgetoday.com
23
ADVERTISEMENT
Meningococcal meningitis is caused by Neisseria meningitidis and there’s a 25% chance that this bacterium is lurking in your throat right now*. We’re conducting a 12-month clinical study looking at whether both investigational and approved vaccines can reduce N. meningitidis spread among university students. During 6 clinic visits, you’ll receive close monitoring plus financial compensation as thanks for your time. If you’re a student aged 18-24 and would like to know more, text VACCINE 8 to 80880 or call 0114 226 5859† or visit www.studentvaccine.co.uk * Only 1 in 10,000 of people with N. meningitidis go on to develop meningitis. † Local rates apply. V72_29_PrintAd2_v2_11 Aug 2010
24
www.forgetoday.com // lifestyle@forgetoday.com
Lifestyle
Missing home? You’re not alone
Richard Scott Coming to university is a big experience – hugely exciting, but also nerve-wracking and overwhelming. It’s not unusual to have feelings of apprehension, anxiety, fatigue, sickness or even depression. A study in 2001 showed that 60% of new university students suffered from homesickness in some sense. Sometimes these feelings pass relatively quickly, but this isn’t always the case. Moving away from home may mean losing friends and family whom we rely upon for support, perhaps more than we realise until they are gone. We might have doubts about whether we have made the right
choice in picking courses or even universities. At the same time we are trying to make new friends and figure out where we fit in, and this can sometimes be intimidating and stressful. It is important to remember that you don’t have to get everything right straight away. Spend some serious time thinking about what you need and not what is expected of you. Play to your strengths, but also be aware of your weaknesses: respect them and don’t punish yourself for them. If certain groups and societies seem cliquey or hard to get into, consider volunteering or structured activities where you can feel value for your contribution while you are getting to know other people.
FOUR OF THE BEST
We all need to share our anxieties and frustrations with others, but this does not come naturally to everyone amidst unfamiliar faces. Accept that there might be a period of adjustment, and that you may need some extra support, whether that’s a regular call home, using the Nightline service, or talking things over with a counsellor. Nightline is an anonymous and confidential telephone service run by students for students, who are aware of the struggles that students face and are always available to talk things over. If you are finding the adjustment particularly difficult or think they are related to deeper issues with confidence and self-esteem, now is the time to start talking about it with someone. The University offers an excellent counselling service that is sensitive to the needs of individuals. Don’t think of using these services as shameful or imagine that they are only for ‘weak’ people. Security, confidence and trust can only come on your own terms and no one else’s. It is important to realise that this experience is not uncommon and that you are not the only one to feel like this. If you take the steps now to make sure that you are supported, you are going to do better in the long run than if you try to take it all on your own shoulders. Nightline (01142 222 8787) takes calls between 8pm-8am during termtime. For information about the University Counselling service visit www.shef.ac.uk/counselling
Things to come out of Sheffield henderson’s relish If you haven’t tried it, you’re missing out. Henderson’s Relish is a spicy sauce, a popular and well-loved condiment in Sheffield, which from my experience, you will either love or hate. Made in a factory just opposite the University tram stop, the bottle proudly states it has been made in Sheffield for over 100 years.
the human league
Sheffield musical talent at its best. This new wave band, most popular in the ‘80s, have sold over 20 million records around the world and their 1981 album Dare became tripleplatinum. They are still making music, although not as the original line-up, and have their own recording studio in Sheffield.
This fortnight in Sheffield...
Fashion Food & Drink Health & Fitness Technology Sex & Relationships
HEALTH
sean bean You may not know that the legendary Sean Bean was in fact born and grew up in Sheffield. Famous for his role as Boromir in the epic Lord of the Rings film trilogy, he has to be one of the most famous faces to have come out of the Steel City. A proud Sheffield United fan, he even has a ‘100% Blade’ tattoo, whilst his nephew owns the Broomhill Friery.
stainless steel cutlery
Sheffield’s reputation for producing excellent quality cutlery has existed for hundreds of years, due to Sheffield’s unique location and vast resources of water, iron ore and coal. In fact, much of Sheffield’s early expansion was generated by the city’s booming stainless steel industry.
Compiled by Sarah Mokrysz
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
Everyone’s talking about, DQ’s new student night, PlusOne Monday night, cheap drinks, great remixes: Sheffield’s first credible student night.
FORGE PRESS Friday 0ctober 8 2010
www.forgetoday.com // lifestyle@forgetoday.com
This fortnight on campus...
This fortnight in the news...
Give it a Go The autumn Give it a Go programme is out now. There’s heaps to do.
Australia’s Next Top Model mistake The wrong winner was announced. Awkward. Have a look at the video on YouTube.
FOOD
25
This fortnight on forgetoday. com... See Lifestyle test Amanda’s cupcake recipe to check it’s up to scratch Don’t say we aren’t committed.
AMANDA’S BASIC CUPCAKES
Let them eat cake! Vicki Watson and Kate Lloyd
Photo: Fancie.
FASHION
Featured in Vogue and enjoyed by Nick Clegg, Paloma Faith and Lily Allen - everybody loves a cupcake. A Fancie cupcake to be precise. And lucky for us (but not so much for our waistlines) they have just set up shop in our brand new Students’ Union. Pastry chef, Amanda Perry first started Fancie in her kitchen at home in early 2008. Now she has three shops: the flagship Sharrow Vale Road café, and outlets in the Winter Gardens and now the Union. She has even been approached by the Good Food channel about the possibility of a TV series. None of this really matters when you are stood attempting to select from the ridiculous number of tasty cakes in front of you at a Fancie outlet.
Ingredients (24 cupcakes)
For the sponge 4 free-range eggs 225g/8oz sugar 225g/8oz self-raising flour 225g/8oz butter, melted
All you really want to know is which one she recommends and even she can’t decide between Snickerlicious, Victoria and Chocolate. Because we are serious, committed journalists, we thought that it was only right that we sampled some Fancie produce (for research purposes of course). Following Amanda’s advice we tried Snickerlicious and Pink Marshmallow. Verdict: Super tasty; but at £1.95 to take out, they were a bit expensive for an everyday snack. Luckily Amanda provided us with a basic cupcake recipe so now whenever we, or you, need a sugar fix, it’s available at a student friendly price. Plus it gives us a chance to fill rainy Saturday afternoons brushing up on our baking skills. To read a full interview with Amanda Perry, owner of Fancie. go to www.forgetoday.com
For the chocolate buttercream icing 110g/4oz butter, softened 170g/6oz icing sugar 55g/2oz cocoa powder, sifted 1-2 tbsp milk To decorate white chocolate buttons milk chocolate buttons
Preparation method Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/ Gas 4 and line cup cake tins with paper cases. Whisk the butter and sugar together in a bowl until fully mixed and pale in colour. Completely mix in the eggs and flour until smooth. Pour the mixture carefully into the paper cases. Bake the cakes for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden-brown on top and a fork inserted into one of the cakes comes out clean. Set aside to cool for ten minutes on a wire rack before removing from the tin. To make the buttercream, beat the butter in a large bowl until soft. Add half of the icing sugar and beat until smooth. Add the remaining icing sugar, cocoa powder and one tablespoon of the milk and beat until creamy. Beat in more milk if necessary to loosen the icing. Once the cakes are cool, spread the buttercream icing on top of the cakes. Sprinkle with whatever your heart desires and eat!
We love: Fall-back fashion Natasha Daniels Everyone has been there. It’s ten ‘o’ clock on a Saturday night and you are sat with a large bag of crisps watching a box set and stalking friends of friends on Facebook. You are bored out of your mind. It’s then that you get the texts: “Pop Tarts tonight?” “I’ve got a spare ticket!” “Pre-drinks at mine in half an hour.” Of course, you are going to say yes. But then the panic hits. Its not that you can’t afford a night out or that not enough friends are going or that you need a good night’s sleep. No, the problem is that you only have half an hour to get ready. After a swift shower, maybe some speedy make-up application and super quick hair adjustment, you face your wardrobe. You consider your new top, think about creating a trendy sport-luxe
outfit, you even make your way to your housemate’s room and think about sneaking something out of their wardrobe. In the end, though, you throw on the trusty, dress, top or jeans that are always your fall back plan. This week, Lifestyle, asked five second year students what their ‘fall back outfits’ were. These are outfits that hide an evening’s binge eating, never go out of style, are always dance-friendly and can be worn anywhere. Now that the term has got into full swing, nights out are more spontaneous and the time you want to spend getting ready to go out is getting more and more minimal, they are saving graces. If you haven’t got one yet, draw inspiration from these stylish students and find yourself one soon! Our tip: pick something simple and comfortable that you always feel good in. Pictures: Lauren Sciberras
Grace Seller English Language & Linguistics “This dress is so versatile. I can wear it with a pair of leggings for a pub night or like this for clubs. Different belts change the shape too. I always wear nude shoes to lengthen my legs look longer. “
Melissa Whitby Psychology “I usually wear this outfit to Leadmill or Corp when I think it might get a bit rowdy, because it’s comfy. It’s just a quick and easy outfit I can chuck on for impromptu nights out.”
Aaron Bains Journalism Studies “I usually chuck this outfit on without much thought. It doesn’t really need ironing, and it’s pretty comfy. It’s good if we’ve got to walk somewhere as well, because the flannel shirt keeps me warm.”
Liz Hird History & Politics “This polka dot playsuit is versatile and doesn’t need accessories. I usually wear it to clubs rather than bars, like DQ, because it’s quite short. I like to wear flats for dancing comfort.”
Lauren Sciberras History “I like bodycon skirts and lace vests but tend to wear them with tights and a cardigan as it can be quite revealing. If we end up in a sweaty club I take the cardigan off for a more glamorous look.”
26
www.forgetoday.com // lifestyle@forgetoday.com
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
Lifestyle
NOT YOUR ORDINARY STUDENT
A NIGHT OUT WITH... The LGBT committee Elliot Pettigrew You might question whether there is still room for an LGBT committee in university life. Surely a place like the University of Sheffield, full of typically left-leaning students, is accepting enough of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender/sexual students so as to negate the need for a special organisation just for them. But, judging by the large turnout for the first LGBT bar-crawl of the year, there is still very much a demand for organised opportunities to meet other LGBT students. Speaking from experience, cliques of gay men and lesbians can form very quickly and be hard to infiltrate once they are there. It is a cliché of gay life that a lot of us are notorious homophobes! A lot of us will have our select few LGBT friends and then be stand-offish to almost every other “nonstraight” we meet.
This bar crawl was different. Gone was the usual tension of a night out at Climax, and in was a new air of openness and a genuine desire to meet new people. Everybody seemed to be out for the same purpose: to make new friends. After a few introductions through mutual friends, I got chatting to a visiting Australian student who had ventured out alone for a night on the Sheffield gay scene, before we had even reached Lions Lair, the first port of call. Situated next to Embrace nightclub, Lions Lair had a lively atmosphere, agreeable décor but some very dodgy toilets. My date for the night, lamentably female, and I walked hand-in-hand to Affinity, a dark and hidden-away club/bar on Arundel Gate. Finally we headed to Dempseys, one of those places that can only be truly enjoyed when really, really drunk, and everyone there usually is. But don’t let the dated exterior put you off; inside awaits a small but enticing dance floor with the added treat of a raised, caged platform and pole. After teaching the un-initiated about the joys of a bottle of Cherry Lambrini, my new friends and I were the first to do our thing on the pole, obviously attracting a lot of attention. I spent the majority of my night on the dancefloor throwing shapes to Kylie and the Scissor Sisters, old-school dance and chart R’n’B, before returning home to rescue a damsel in distress. Well, one without her house keys…
Danny Pennells Stand-up comedian Vicki Watson Each fortnight Lifestyle speaks to a member of the University of Sheffield’s diverse student body who isn’t quite your stereotypical student. As October plays host to Grin Up North, Sheffield’s annual comedy festival, we talked to Danny Pennells, a third year medical student and performer in The Shrimps, the University’s improvisational comedy troupe. This summer he, and the rest of The Shrimps, performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival amongst some of Britain’s top comics Here’s what he had to say:
“It all started when I went to see The Shrimps perform in Freshers’ Week. “The Shrimps were doing a free show in The Edge and I decided to go and see it with flatmates - it was amazing! “We decided to go to the workshops and by Christmas myself, and a few of my friends were promoted to the performing group. “I was producer for the Sheffield Student Comedy Festival 2010 and I am now the chairman.” “Our shows are completely improvised. “We take suggestions from the audience and then make up sketches from the top of our head. “Every show is completely unique and completely brilliant. “We perform regular shows in the Union, venues around Sheffield and beyond!” “We once had performed on stage in the dark. “All of the lights went off during
Danny during rehearsals with The Shrimps. the middle of one of our scenes and, as we are an improv group, we managed to cover it up by saying it was an act of God!”
“People always ask us how we practise. “We have a series of improv games that we play that each have their own gimmick. “We practise them to try and make our scenes the best and funniest they can be.” “The fear completely disappears once you get on stage. “The scariest part is the waiting before the show - especially if you have had a sneaky peek at how many people are there. But every single show we have done has made me laugh and I just stop worrying and have fun.” “Performing in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival was by far the best experience of my life. “I have performed there twice now with The Shrimps. “This year we performed our
show, Shrimp Tale, for 13 nights. It was slightly different from our usual shows but it went down really well.”
“It’s tiring work being a comedian. “Our show was at 3pm everyday so we would have to be up and ready on the Royal Mile by around 10am. “We would flyer nonstop till around 2pm and then head down to the venue for a quick warm up before the show. “Afterwards we would go to the pub for our post show pint before seeing a couple of shows and then onto our favourite bar to drink the night away. Sleep and repeat.”
“I met lots of famous comedians in Edinburgh. “There is such a wide variety of acts and you are performing at the same festival as all the big names in comedy and I was lucky enough to meet Jack Whitehall, Steven K Amos and Mark Watson.”
Photos: Melissa Thompson “Lee Evans is a comedy icon of mine. “There are so many comedians I admire but Lee’s energy and wit are unmatched.” “You don’t have to be naturally funny to be a comedian. “I think that most of the best comedians do have natural talent for comedy but I don’t believe that you have to have it to be funny. “Everyone is funny in their own way and it is just a case of finding out what type of comedy suits you best.”
“You need two key ingredients to be a successful comedian. “The ability to find the funny side of everyday life and the ability to perform jokes on stage. “I don’t believe you can be a success if you don’t have both.”
The Shrimps’ next performance is October 17 in The Raynor Lounge.
Danny and the group performed Shrimp Tale at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
www.forgetoday.com // travel@forgetoday.com
27
TRAVEL
Highlights from a distant summer It’s freezing outside and work is already piling up. What better time to indulge in a little nostalgia for summer 2010? Hannah Walker, who is studying Journalism, headed for California this summer. Rather than go on my usual package holiday this year, I decided to join my sister travelling up Route 66 in California. Starting in Los Angeles, the cosmopolitan spot of Venice Beach was a great place to chill out after shopping in one of the city’s huge malls. Downtown L.A., however, was far more frantic and felt very removed from the opulence of the Hollywood Hills. After L.A. we drove up the famous Big Sur, to San Francisco, where for much of the journey we had mountains on one side of us, and the Pacific Ocean on the other. My favourite stop-off was Santa Barbara where the golden sand beaches lie at the bottom of the mountains and the town’s main street, State Street, has an incredible selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Also the hometown of Katy Perry, this is where I would love to live! My travels finished in hilly San Francisco where the highlight was visiting the infamous island of Alcatraz. The island was used as a prison until the early 1960s and is still an impressive sight today. The trip was definitely more fastpaced than my usual pool-side break but one that I would repeat in an instant.
History student, Katy Mack, chose Syria as her summer destination Of all the destinations I’d usually consider for my summer holiday, Syria hadn’t sprung to mind before. But as one of my friends was doing her year abroad there studying Arabic, it seemed the perfect opportunity to explore Syria’s capital city, Damascus, with the benefit of a translator. As with travel to any country further afield, adapting to the sights, smells, heat and time difference meant that we needed a full ten days to appreciate the city’s charms. We were immediately thrown into the culture of late night activity on our first night as, at 11pm, we were ushered out to a local restaurant
Thomas Wood When Sheffield students are just starting classes, Singapore students have just had their mid-term break. For local students it’s for studying for the upcoming mid-term exams. For exchange students... well, it’s a chance to make the most of your time in South East Asia. The first question asked between all exchange students at the start of the week was “Where did you go for your midterm break?” I travelled to Vietnam, staying in Hanoi and visiting Hai Long Bay. The experience cannot really be done justice in such a short column but it was epically good. I spent most of my time being laughed at in the street due to genuine amazement at my height (being six foot five it’s to be expected!) I also ate some fantastic food, including some delicious swan, and was driven around at high speed on a motorbike by a Vietnamese friend who didn’t wear a helmet in case he ruined his haircut (don’t worry Mum, I wore one). In addition I visited Buddhist temples, canoed into a sea-cave and held my own in a Vietnamese karaoke battle.
“
I spent most of my time being laughed at
to try meze, a huge and delicious spread of Eastern dishes.
“
Syria hadn’t sprung to mind before
”
The food in Dasmascus was a major highlight – think falafel wraps on street corners, homemade milkshakes sold under temple arches and piles of carefully crafted slices of fruit at the end of every meal. Damascus is the perfect city to
wander around in: its backstreets merge ancient with new and I loved the busy atmosphere created by the spice markets, shady temples, minarets that called at all hours and music blaring from shops. Above all, Syria’s affordability means that you can jump into a taxi and travel around or out of the city (plenty of interesting palaces, towns and of course the desert), book a hotel and shop with ease and without breaking the bank: perfect for a group of students wanting to try something new one summer. Alex Francis, a Journalism student, spent this summer in Bosnia This summer I headed for Bosnia. Although not as popular as neighbouring Croatia, I found it to be not only cheaper, but a far friendlier place too. The capital city, Sarajevo, is the
most popular part of country with tourists, particularly in terms of nightlife. There’s definitely no shortage of clubs and bars in the city centre where you can dance the night away to some good old fashioned euro-trance. But Sarajevo is not the only place worth spending some time in. There are many hidden gems all over Bosnia. The beautiful city of Mostar, about four hours from Sarajevo, is a must-see, with historical architecture set alongside buildings still bearing the scars of the Balkan war. Travel around Bosnia is cheap and easy thanks to the great bus network. Trains offer a more scenic route but are expensive. Regardless of your transport choice though, Bosnia is one not to be missed.
Tried and tested: CouchSurfing Summer is over, funds are low and going on holiday ever again seems like the impossible dream. Well, luxury hotel breaks might be out of the question but your travel plans don’t need to grind to a halt altogether because free accommodation all over the world is at hand in the form of CouchSurfing. The idea is that you offer your sofa (or any floor space you may have going) and in exchange you can choose a sofa to make your own
Foreign Correspondent
when you go away. The CouchSurfing network is worldwide and with over two million members you’ll have no problem finding somewhere to crash, wherever your destination of choice. CouchSurfing hosts are typically pretty keen to show you around the area you’re visiting and give you some local insight so it’s a brilliant way to avoid the standard tourist trail.
I tried out CouchSurfing earlier this year, as a host. I was studying in La Réunion and one of my flatmates suggested we try it. Eventually three French girls came to stay with us for a couple of days. Although we didn’t have a massive amount in common with them the experience was great for all of us because we got to show off some of our favourite places and they got a free place to stay and a real introduction to life on the island that wasn’t just straight from the
guide book. It goes without saying though that you must be vigilant: choose your host couch carefully (there are detailed online profiles of all members on the network) and make sure you have a bit of contact with the person you choose to stay with before you arrive on their doorstep. Go to www.couchsurfing.org to find out more. Caroline Vann Jones
”
The amazingly kind Vietnamese ho made our time in Hanoi so special were the friends of a Vietnamese boy called Steven who lives in my flat. It’s also thanks to him that the tradition of huge dinner parties on Sundays started. Steven is a great chef and cooked such a splendid meal for us all that others felt they had to respond. More people keep coming and so far we have had Vietnamese pancakes and salad-wrapped beef, British roast chicken with roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings, Korean spicy beef and rice rolls and German meatballs. The dishes really reflect the multinational membership of the group. These meals are incredible fun and the whole thing is a real sealing bond of friendship that kicks off at six p.m and doesn’t break up until four in the morning. Next it’s my turn, where I hope to go all Jamie Oliver and serve up some delicious home-made pizza for all invited.
28
www.forgetoday.com // features@forgetoday.com
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
PUZZLES & HUMOUR
Coffee Break
7. Gray Jive Inn 8. Irish Pony Rum 9. Leathery Story 10. Honest John Port
1. JARVIS COCKER musician, lead singer of Pulp
Two boys in very deep discussion on the bus home from a night out:
6. I Seashell
2. MICHAEL PALIN comedian, actor, and travel presenter
Friend 1: “Our house is way multicultural. We’ve got a Maltese girl, a girl from Gibraltar, a Swiss girl, and me.” Friend 2: “The most multicultural our house gets is the Stokey and the token Northerner.”
5. Relax Tuner
3. EDDIE IZZARD comedian
In Crookes somewhere:
4. Verbal Groin
4. BRIAN GLOVER actor and wrestler
Boy 1: I would love to play that croquet game on horses. Boy 2: What, do you mean polo? Boy 1: Yeah, that could be it.
3. Dear Dizzier
5. ALEX TURNER musician, vocalist and songwriter for the Artic Monkeys
Outside Endcliffe appartments:
2. Chaplain Mile
6. LESLIE ASH acrtess
Lecturer: “Is everyone sleepy? Did you all go out last night?” Students: *silence* Lecturer: “What night is students’ night?” Students: *all together* “Every night!”
1. Cars Rock Jive
7. JAYNE IRVING television presenter
In a lecture:
8. ROISIN MURPHY musician, formerly lead singer of Moloko
Girl: “Don’t hate me mum. I bought some more clothes today. It’s alright, they were in a sale....” Mum’s voice: “I wouldn’t care if they were FREE!”
Rearrange the letters to discover the names of some Sheffield’s famous sons and daughters....
9. ROY HATTERSLEY politician
Girl on the phone in the IC:
Anagrams
10. JOSEPH THORNTON confectioner, founder of Thorntons
overheard in sheffield
PICTURE OF THE FORTNIGHT
“Right, that’s that one done with then.... So in a fight, which one do you think would win, a koala bear or an elephant?” In a card shop: “Do you have any cards that say ‘Happy 30th Birthday, Grandma’ ?”
Paul Blomfield’s fame has apparently failed to reach the women’s toilets outside the Gallery.
Photo: Forge Press
mOST POPULAR web CONTENT 1: Wednesday given second winding up order 2: Draft Browne review sees fees rise 3: The University is watching you 4: Interview - Tinie Tempah 5: Winning not spinning - David Miliband visits Union 6: Soldiers sexual exploits published in “Slag Mag” 7: Appy feet - Meadowhall’s foot-loving feet 8: £5million Union rebuild finished to welcome freshers 9: Nice protest - But will it really be successful? 10: Students evacuated after nearby house file Visit forgetoday.com to keep up to date with all aspects of Forge Media, from articles and podcasts to listen-again shows and video content.
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
29
www.forgetoday.com // sport@forgetoday.com
SPORT
Scrutineering Anthony Hart
No excuses for Delhi Games shambles In the summer of 2002, the Commonwealth Games were held in Manchester. The facilities were superb, not just in the city itself with the key venues including the City of Manchester Stadium, the Manchester Aquatics Centre and the Velodrome, but also sites in the surrounding towns, such as the badminton venue, the Bolton Arena, which still stands and is a focal site for everything from professional boxing to sports taster sessions for the children of Bolton. All venues delivered on time. Four years ago, Melbourne had their own crack of the whip. Happily for them, the main events were able to be held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, with other big events at what is now the Etihad Stadium and the Rod Laver Arena, both already established venues hosting Australian rugby union Test matches, international cricket and the Australian Open tennis. The point I’m trying to make is that both of these cities had seven years to prepare for their Commonwealth Games, and both succeeded in doing so; it could be argued that they even exceeded expectations. Delhi, hosts of this year’s Games, have had seven years too. Yet the night before the start of the athletics, tarmac was being laid on a damaged track, and half the field was still without grass. Then there was the farce surrounding the athletes’ village. Photos showed the state of some of the rooms - rubble-strewn with animal prints on the beds, amongst other things. There are often accusations of
What is BUCS? British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) is the national governing body for university sport in the UK. The University of Sheffield’s sports teams compete in BUCS leagues and the annual national BUCS Championships. Here in Forge Press, you will be able to view a select list of home fixtures that the Uni’s teams are competing in, as well as league tables. Most games are on Wednesdays and are free to attend. Most fixtures are at one of the following venues: Norton (Warminster Road, S8 8PS); Goodwin (Northumberland Road, S10 2TY); Abbeydale (Abbeydale Road South, S17 3LJ); the English Institute of Sport (Coleridge Road, S9 5DA); Hillsborough Park (219 Middlewood Rd, S64HD).
pampered sports stars these days, but frankly, a clean room should be a minimum for anyone. It’s a sham and will set India back in the sporting world. The world’s largest democracy and a supposed future world power, this was India’s big chance to prove their ability to host major events, but they’ve blown it. I have no problem with so-called “developing countries” hosting big events. South Africa largely proved it could be done with this summer’s football World Cup.
BUCS Fixtures Badminton Men’s 3B Seconds v Sunderland firsts Wednesday October 20, 14:00, EIS
Basketball Women’s 2B Firsts v Bradford Wednesday October 20, 18:00, Goodwin
Yes, those who watched it were probably annoyed by the vuvuzelas, frustrated by the Jabulani ball and embarrassed or delighted (delete as appropriate) by England’s underperformance, but despite some problems along the way, the South Africans could say, several months before the big kick-off, that everything was ready. India and Delhi haven’t done so. Yes, there have been problems with the monsoon season. But that is the nature of the climate
on the Indian sub-continent. Surely they should have been able to account for that. Surely they should have been able to find enough time in seven years to get facilities ready, even allowing for periods of inclement weather? Former triple-jump ace Jonathan Edwards, a gold medalist at the Manchester Games, is in Delhi doing television commentary. His verdict of the stadium was damning: “This is a culture where things are gotten ready at the last minute but there
are some very real concerns. I’ve seen a number of athletes come in and I think they’re in shock.” Not good for an event which has already been hit by highprofile withdrawals including Usain Bolt, Chris Hoy and Phillips Idowu, who have claimed everything from minor injuries, safety concerns, the threat of dengue fever, and clashing events which count toward Olympic qualification. And it’s not just the infrastructure. Commonwealth Games Federation chief Mike Fennell said last September that the organising Committee basically needed to get a move on to avoid a delay. Obviously that warning was not heeded. Then two weeks before the start of the games, half of the volunteering force walked out, in protest over lack of training and dissatisfaction. And to top it all off, there have been allegations of corruption. Organising Committee treasurer Anil Khanna resigned over an issue related to his son’s firm and a contract to provide surfaces to tennis courts. Several news reports allege that vastly inflated prices and misappropriation of the event budget are common, even stretching to toilet rolls worth $2 being sold for $80. It all leads to a pathetic and sad state of affairs, and I feel sorry for the ordinary people of Delhi and India, who must be embarrassed that their administrators have made such a meal of what could have been a milestone event for the country on a sporting, social, economic and political front.
Football
Lacrosse
Squash
Men’s 2B Firsts v UCLAN Wednesday October 20, 14:00, Norton
Men’s 1B Firsts v Manchester Met Wednesday October 20, 15:00, Norton
Men’s 4B Seconds v York St. John’s Wednesday October 20, 14:00, Norton
Women’s 2A Firsts v Leeds seconds Wednesday October 20, 13:00, Norton
Men’s 4B Seconds v Hull firsts Wednesday October 20, 14:00, Fulwood Squash Club
Men’s 4D Thirds v Leeds fourths Wednesday October 20, 14:00, Norton
Rugby Union
Hockey Men’s 3B Seconds v Durham fourths Wednesday October 20, 15:30, Goodwin Men’s 4B Thirds v Newcastle seconds Wednesday October 20, 14:00, Goodwin
Men’s 2B Seconds v Leeds Met thirds Wednesday October 20, 14:00, Norton Men’s 3B Thirds v Northumbria fourths Wednesday October 20, 14:00, Norton
Netball
Fencing
Women’s 2B Firsts v York St. John’s Wednesday October 20, 15:30, Goodwin
Women’s 4B Seconds v York firsts Wednesday October 20, 15:00, Goodwin
Men’s 1A Firsts v Leeds Wednesday October 20, 13:30, Goodwin
Women’s 5B Thirds v Sheffield Hallam seconds Wednesday October 20, 12:30, Goodwin
Women’s 7B Thirds v Huddersfield seconds Wednesday October 20, 16:30, Goodwin
Men’s 4B Thirds v Leeds seconds Wednesday October 20, 14:00, Fulwood Squash Club
Tennis Men’s 2B Firsts v Sheffield Hallam Wednesday October 20, 14:00, Abbeydale Men’s 4B Seconds v Newcastle Wednesday October 20, 14:00, Abbeydale
Volleyball Men’s 2B Firsts v Bradford Wednesday October 20, 13:00, Goodwin
30
www.forgetoday.com // sport@forgetoday.com FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
SPORT
Eager students prepare for another year of Intra Murals Intra Mural Sports
Sharks rout the Raiders
Chris Flanagan and Joe Anderson have modest ambitions for this year’s Intra Mural football season: “Our aim is to keep our dignity.” The third years were part of a predominantly-male queue looking to participate in the football six-a-side league, which is made up of twelve teams. “We’ve been talking about it for a while, but this year we’ve actually got up off our arses,” said Anderson. Intra Mural sport comprises Football, Netball and Hockey leagues, and is perfect for those looking to have a laugh with their mates whilst competing. Organiser Greg Urwin spoke of the benefits, saying: “Students get enjoyment out of participation, plus all the banter that comes with playing with your mates.” There are still six football team slots available, despite a higher number of students registering than ever before. A yellow winners shirt and winners league medals await those who top their respective league. For those who missed the Hockey and Netball Intra Mural deadline but are still interested in participating, Fun Time Friday runs from 7.00pm-10.00pm every Friday at Goodwin Sports Centre and requires no registration. Verity Sleeman
Overdue win for Wednesday while United suffer Football Sheffield Wednesday finally ended their run of five games without a victory with an impressive 2-0 win away to 10-man Notts County. Marcus Tudgay scored his first goal since the end of August with a long-range strike on 52 minutes, while Darren Potter secured the points, finishing off a slick move from the edge of the box late on. The Owls also face yet another winding-up order at the High Court on November 17. The Cooperative Bank stepped in to save the club from administration earlier in the season, but the latest news will further upset Wednesday faithful whose team are currently languishing in midtable. On a more positive note, chief executive Nick Parker has confirmed that an overseas oil field company is in the running to purchase the club. Meanwhile, Sheffield United’s unspectacular start to the season continued with a 1-0 defeat at home to high-flying Watford, which leaves the Bramall Lane club 19th in the Football League Championship. Marvin Sordell scored the only goal of the game when he got his foot on the end of Danny Graham’s cross from close range after 16 minutes. Despite a bright start from the Blades, Watford went on to have more of the chances and a greater number of incidences of ball possession. Anthony Hart
Steve Dagostino nets for the Sharks. Photos: Rob McPherson
Basketball BBL Championship Sheffield Sharks Plymouth Raiders
116 73
Jack Burnett The Sheffield Sharks trounced a lacklustre Plymouth Raiders side to kick off their British Basketball League Championship campaign with a victory that puts them in good stead for a promising season. Sharks fans will be hoping to see the team go one better than last season’s second place finish and defeat in the Championship playoff semi-finals while replicating their BBL Cup
The Sharks’ Ryan Patton.
triumph. If their performance at the English Institute of Sport on October 1 is anything to go by, they may well get their wish. Despite dominating the opening period, the Sharks held a slender lead of 23-18 after the first quarter. By half time, however, they had well and truly asserted their authority over the opposition, notching a further 18 points, including a marvellous three-pointer from Ryan Patton, to leave the Raiders trailing by 13 with the score at 51-38. By the end of the third period, the Sharks had extended their now almost unassailable advantage to 28 points. A lively EIS audience was, by this point, baying for the blood of the increasingly hapless Raiders, though to belittle their performance is not to take anything away from the
wonderfully fluid manner in which the Sharks inflicted defeat upon them; that it seemed so effortless is a testament to the home side’s crowd-pleasing display. As the fourth quarter began, the Raiders players were noticeably less energetic than their counterparts and could only hope for a brief respite from the relentless Sharks offence. Unfortunately for the visitors, the Sharks showed no signs of letting up, and nor in particular did Patton. The American shooter finished the game as top scorer with a commendable total of 33 points, closely followed by Steve Dagostino with 31. The Sharks’ Mike Tuck added 12 points during a 26-4 run in the final stanza to complete a rout that impressed player-coach Atiba Lyons, who himself weighed
Guard Marcus Stout gets the better of the Raiders.
in with 4 points. He told the BBL website: “I am delighted with the win and even happier with the way that we kept going in the final quarter and didn’t take our foot off the gas and carried on playing right until the end. “Being able to play myself after injury tonight helped a lot with our defence and I think it had a calming influence on the floor, as there are a lot of guys in my team that are new to the BBL and I think that helped with the way that we played down the stretch.” New though they were, the Sharks’ additions have already demonstrated capabilities that should have fans drooling at the prospect of a highly successful season.
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
31
www.forgetoday.com // sport@forgetoday.com
Steelers fight off Stars challenge
SPORT
Focus on: Table Tennis The University of Sheffield’s Table Tennis players celebrated a highly successful 2009-2010 season in which they earned 161 points in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) rankings. Moreover, the team emphatically beat the target of 105 points set for them by the University, and finished almost 100 points ahead of the next best performing clubs, with Badminton on 69, and Tennis on 66. The women’s first team, consisting of Lisa Radford and Dominika Kolarova, went unbeaten as they completed the double, winning the Northern Conference League and Women’s Championships. The men’s first team finished second in their league while the men’s second team had a great run in the North Conference Cup, narrowly losing 9-8 in the final to the Leeds Met first team. Club captain Matt Gould said: “I’m obviously delighted with the club’s achievements last season, but this year will prove a much sterner challenge as we have lost many of our first team players who have left the University.” However, first team captain Tristan Gretton was confident that the club can sustain their success after a record 186 people registered their interest at the University Sports Fair. He said: “We were surprised by the number of people who wanted to play Table Tennis, but it is one of the fastest growing sports in the country.” Anyone interested in Table Tennis is invited to take part in the Give it a Go Tournament, at 2pm on Sunday October 10 at Goodwin Sports Centre Activity Room 2. Entry costs £2.50. Kieran Guilbert
Steelers and Stars players become embrolied in a brawl. Below right: Steelers’ man of the match, Jonathon Philips. Photos: Steelers Official
Ice Hockey Elite League Sheffield Steelers Dundee Stars
4 2
Rob Cox The Sheffield Steelers continued their impressive one hundred per cent start to the Elite League season on Sunday, October 3, defeating the Dundee Stars 4-2. With the visitors yet to claim a point this season, fans may have expected a more impressive score. The Stars however refused to allow the Steelers to settle and prevented them from running away with the match. Having already recorded two comfortable wins over the Stars back in September, it seemed as
if a similarly one-sided course of events was about to unfold when the Steelers opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Taking advantage of the powerplay situation, Neil Clarke and Rod Sarich manoeuvred the puck with ease and assurance to provide Robert Dowd with a simple tap-in. The Steelers doubled their lead six minutes later through a superb individual effort from man of the match Jonathon Phillips. Despite being a man down, Phillips was able to break free from the Stars’ defence and score a blistering long-range effort past the impressive Jerad Kaufmann in the Dundee goal. However, the second period saw an unexpected Stars’ revival. Early pressure from the visitors saw the Steelers reduced to three men in an extended spell of Stars’
offence. The Steelers must have felt fortunate then when, in the seventh minute, they were able to launch a counter-attack. Following a strong save from Ervins Mustukovs in their own goal, Jonathon Phillips extended their lead further, finishing off a swift Steelers move. It didn’t take long for Dundee to get the goal they deserved however, with Gary Wishart replying to Phillips’ effort less than three minutes later to make the scoreline 3-1. The remainder of the match lacked any significant quality and neither side was able to remain on the front foot for long. The opening five minutes of the final period did see a goal for both teams, scored by Ashley Tait for the Steelers and Brent Hughes for the Stars, but in the final
stages both sides seemed to fade in intensity. The match had ultimately been decided in an emphatic first period display from the Steelers. Despite Dundee’s continued efforts, they lacked any substantial variation in play required to really threaten Mustukovs’ goal, failing to capitalise on two five-on-three opportunities. The Steelers now look forward to a huge away fixture against rivals Nottingham Panthers on Saturday, October 9. They will however be without new winger Derek Campbell after the fiery Canadian was ejected from the Dundee game following a first period brawl. Campbell was sent off for being the ‘third man in’ on the fight between Steve Munn and Mark Nebus and went on to abuse match referee Dean Smith, earning him the one match ban.
32
www.forgetoday.com // sport@forgetoday.com
SPORT
Sharks BBL opener Page 30
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
Steelers win again Page 31
Uni’s orienteering stars take the path to glory
Orienteers in the team relay. Below: Kris Jones celebrates his European sprint gold. Photos: Crawford Lindsay
Orienteering Grace Mennem Two University of Sheffield orienteers have enjoyed international success this summer in the sport of orienteering. Kris Jones came second in the Junior World Championship sprint race and finished his summer with a flourish by winning gold in the European event in Scotland. Teammate Ralph Street managed to achieve the best set of results ever for any British junior in the World Championship event. Between the 4th and 10th of July the British Junior Orienteering team took part in the Junior World Championships in Aalborg, Denmark. The annual event consists of sprint, middle and long distance races as well as a team relay.
A sport of stamina and skill, orienteering sees competitors guide themselves through a course in the quickest possible time using a map. Jones did just that on the 2.65km sprint course. He left early in the morning posting a very quick time which was only beaten by one local competitor, Søren Schwartz Sørensen, handing the University of Sheffield student a silver medal. This was the best result ever for a British athlete in the competition. Ralph Street also achieved a British record by posting the best overall set of results for a British athlete; he finished 7th in the middle race (4.7 km) and 13th in the long race. In the final weekend of September the Junior European Cup was held near Perth, Scotland. Kris Jones triumphed again and moved a step up the podium as he won gold in the sprint distance, finishing ahead
of Switzerland’s Florian Howald and world champion Sørensen with a time of 13 minutes. The race, taking place around the University of St. Andrews campus, saw a number of Jones’ competitors disqualified for missing checkpoints, but Jones retained his composure to take a hard-earned victory with a comfortable 30 seconds between him and Howald. Commenting on his performance, Jones was understandably pleased. He said: “I felt in control and able to push hard throughout”. Jones also recorded a fast time in the long race where he finished 6th overall, further confirming his great summer. Street, however, was unable to replicate his record-setting World Championships, ending up a distant ninth and 1 minute 28 seconds behind Jones. “I was running fast but not in the right direction,” Street lamented.
20
www.forgetoday.com // features@forgetoday.com
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
FORGE PRESS Friday October 8 2010
www.forgetoday.com // features@forgetoday.com
21
FEATURES
FEATURES
“
Most people first start displaying symptoms in their late teens and early twenties, meaning students are in the danger zone
Me and my M.E.
”
Fibromyalgia is a debilitating condition which affects every aspect of everyday life. One student gives a first-hand account of living with M.E. Words: Emma Crowe
M
y alarm goes off. I open my eyes and think my first thought: Can I get up? Sometimes I don’t have the strength to keep my eyelids open; sometimes it just hurts too much to move. There is never a moment when I’m not in pain, never a morning when I feel rested. Once I’ve accomplished getting out of bed there then comes the monumental task of getting ready. Standing in the shower after hours of lying down makes my legs and hips burn. Twisting to wash myself makes my limbs feel as though they are tearing off. Holding my arms above my shoulders for more than a few seconds causes unspeakable agony. That, obviously, makes washing and styling my hair a struggle as well. Carrying a bag with a few books or groceries in is exhausting and makes my arms and shoulders burn. Walking even short distances practically cripples me, and even the thought of stairs daunts me. A few minutes with a vacuum cleaner and I’m useless for the rest of the day. What’s more, staying up late can mean I literally cannot lift
myself out of bed the next day, and when you live in an environment where everybody wants to go out partying, socialising and making friends is almost impossible. The reason is I suffer from Fibromyalgia, an illness related to ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), which you might have heard called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. All three names are simply umbrella terms for certain debilitating symptoms which the medical profession can neither explain nor treat. For years ignored by doctors and written off as laziness by most, ME/ CFS and Fibromyalgia make daily life a nightmare for an estimated two million people in the UK, and over 2000 people in Sheffield alone. Although the situation is more positive than it was even five years ago, many doctors do not take the illness seriously and it is still not a registered disability. To start the process of diagnosis you have to keep a meticulous record of all your symptoms and persist with your GP for a very long time, which in itself is exhausting. It took me six years, countless appointments and seven doctors to even get a referral to hospital. Part of the problem is that no-one wants to diagnose an illness which, scientifically at least, does not exist.
“
Many doctors do not take the illness seriously and it is still not a registered disability
”
That is to say, there is no way to test for it and no physical proof of it; all doctors have to go on are the patient’s descriptions of their symptoms. So little is known about the condition because it has been so easy to brush aside as tiredness or even depression (or anaemia if you are female, which over three quarters of sufferers are). The only physical test which yields any results at all is the 18 point test, which is a rheumatological assessment of 18 pressure points across the body. If a patient experiences persistent pain in at least 11 of those points, the physician will consider making a diagnosis. Unfortunately, patients must endure endless other tests whilst doctors try to rule out illnesses which have medical evidence. In six years I had two MRI scans, hundreds of blood tests, x-rays and a very unpleasant test of the nervous system. The test involves being hooked up to an electrical current via thick needles which are pushed through your skin and into your muscles, like something out of Frankenstein. The current passes through you to check that all your nerves are communicating. The force of it galvanises your body and you are left with red marks where the needles were. Yet after the distress of diagnosis, there is no cure, and once you have the condition it rarely goes away. Most people live with it from their late teens, when it most commonly starts, until they die. The only treatments available are anti-depressants, which by nature work by relieving muscular tension thereby easing the pain a little. They can also have unpleasant side-effects, such as a dry-mouth, headaches and nightmares. A lack of sleep, or poor sleep, for me means my body shutting down. Rheumatologists normally send patients for physiotherapy, the idea behind which is to retrain your muscles and joints to accept regular activity. The body is a creature of habit and doesn’t like it when it is confined to bed for long periods. However, sufferers, charities and even many professionals generally agree physiotherapy is traumatic and worsens the symptoms. After only a few minutes of the lightest task in physiotherapy, you are unable to walk. Last time I had it my blood sugar levels dropped so low that my physiotherapist discharged me permanently. There are many sufferers with cases far worse than mine, with some being trapped in bed permanently. However, compared with only a few years ago things are looking up and we can dare to hope that we will see medical understanding, and maybe even treatment, within our lifetimes. Firstly, it has been proven that many sufferers do not reach REM sleep a lot of the time. Secondly, in 2007 the government granted funding to improve research and information availability. There are now more support groups across the UK than ever before and the illness is seen in the press quite regularly. Better still, this year groundbreaking North American research discovered that certain genes in many sufferers are irregular and that many have had a serious viral illness in their childhoods. As a result, ME sufferers are no longer allowed to give blood in the UK. Most patients first start displaying symptoms in their late teens and early twenties, meaning students are in the danger zone. Moreover, they live in the perfect environment to ignore it; tiredness, lethargy, or freshers’ flu, right? Maybe not.