Forge Press - Issue 6 by Forge Press

Lee Child interview Pages 18-19 The independent student newspaper of the University of Sheffield // www.forgetoday.com

Hurst leads protest as ACS rebut report

Friday December 5 2008 // Issue 6

Injured student abandoned in Octagon By Katie-Marie Bailey A Union investigation is being launched after a second year Law student was left cradling a broken wrist as security staff allegedly failed to help her to safety during a fire alarm in the Octagon. Kerri Riordan, 19, said she was left to get a taxi to Northern General Hospital with a friend after the incident happened on Friday, November 28, at the University’s Octagon Centre. Riordan was out with friends at the Space club night when a fight broke out between two male students. Riordan was dancing in the main room when she was unintentionally punched in the face as she got caught up in the disturbance.

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Union President, Dave Hurst (left), protests against accommodation costs alongside fellow students outside Firth Court. By Ciaran Jones

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Union President Dave Hurst led a protest against rent charges in University-owned accommodation on Wednesday, despite the University of Sheffield condemning his report on the issue as ‘misleading and inaccurate’. The demonstration was attended by approximately 60 students calling for an end to what they believe are unaffordable prices in University accommodation. The rally took place after the University said that they were ‘appalled’ by Hurst’s Unaffordable University Accommodation report. They released a statement rebutting the claims made by the Union President that average charges at Sheffield had risen by as much as 61 per cent since

2005. Campaigners congregated on the Union concourse at 1.15pm on Wednesday before marching to Firth Court ahead of a meeting of the University Senate, one of the highest governance bodies within the institution. Union President Hurst and Women’s Officer Fiona Edwards co-ordinated the protest, with Edwards criticising what she called the University’s “disgraceful policy of putting students into ever more debt” as she addressed campaigners through a megaphone on the concourse. Campaigners’ chants of “We all live in an overpriced regime” and “What do we want? Cheaper rents. When do we want it? Now” are said to have been audible during the brief Senate meeting in Firth Hall, which was chaired by the Vice Chancellor of the University,

Professor Keith Burnett. The demonstrators held up placards with slogans such as ‘Less than 10 per cent of accommodation below minimum student loan’ and ‘42-week contract detention’ which they stuck in the ground outside Firth Court when the rally ended at 2.30pm. As the protest finished, Hurst thanked those who had showed their support and stated that the end of the demonstration did not mark the end of the campaign. He said: “We’re not backing down… until we win our demands”. The protest went ahead after the University condemned its planning and Hurst’s report as ‘unnecessary confrontation’. A University statement said: ‘It is a matter of great regret to the University that the Union President publicly quoted figures which were incorrect, and made

Photos: Olivia Lightfoot

statements which were misleading as they did not compare like with like’. The University’s response to the findings of Hurst’s report also states: ‘The Union President told Forge Press that in Sheffield the “average” catered rent is £5,458.47, with an “average” reported increase of 61 per cent. In fact, the correct average catered rent in standard accommodation (with a shared bathroom) is £4,211.74, an increase of 23.4 per cent over three years. ‘In catered en-suite accommodation the average rent is now £4,857.52, an increase since 2005/6 of 26.3 per cent. Even our highest catered rent is not at the level reported by the Union President in the last issue of Forge Press as average.

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As she was making her way to the toilets to clean herself up she fainted, slipping on the wet floor and falling heavily on her wrist. A member of Union security staff helped her to her feet, taking her to a quiet room where she received first aid. Riordan said: “It was during the time that I was in the first aid room that the fire alarms sounded. “Uninformed of what was occurring, the gentleman left me to see what was going on [and] I was left sitting in the first aid room for enough time for the building to be evacuated.” When the member of security staff failed to return after 10 minutes, Riordan took it upon herself to seek advice from a female member of the team who was standing outside the room. “I explained to her why I was there and asked the lady what I should do regarding the incident. “Her response was: ‘I think you would rather leave the building instead of getting burnt’, or words to that effect.” Riordan was left to make her own way through the crowds to get a taxi to the Northern General hospital, where she received treatment for her broken wrist. Riordan said the whole incident was “very distressing” and she has emailed a complaint about the way she was treated to the head of Union Security, Martin Wick. Wick said that all complaints are taken seriously and dealt with to conclusion. In an email to Riordan, he said: “I feel I must apologise immediately as we certainly, at least initially, look as if we could have done much better. “I will investigate thoroughly and will keep you aware of any developments.”

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A student volunteer team and a local conservationist group have joined forces to make a local park a more inviting place for the local community to enjoy. Volunteer groups Endcliffe Development Committee and Friends of Porter Valley were working together to clear up the Shepherd’s Wheel area of Bingham Park on Sunday, November 31. This was a step towards their vision of clearing the mill pond and restoring the park’s water wheel. Ros Hancock, co-ordinator of Friends of Porter Valley, explained how the Friends group communicates with park rangers about the work that needs doing and offer as much help as they can. Their most recent project was the repair of the footpaths around Endcliffe Park, a route that many students and local residents use to walk or go for a jog. Hancock was pleased at the level of student involvement in the volunteering exercise. She said: “We’ve had a very good turnout today. We have the biggest Friends group in the area but most of the members are over 50, so it’s good to have more young people about.” The Endcliffe Development Committee volunteer wherever they can. Luke MacWilliam, Vice-Chair of the committee, highlighted the negative stereotypes of students held by some members of the local community, and said he hoped that by volunteering, students could be seen more positively. He said: “It will give something back to the community that enjoys the park.” All the volunteers were cheerful, and students enjoyed the opportunity to care for the community they live in. To get involved in the Endcliffe

Students enjoy the chance to get involved with locals in regenerating the park in Endcliffe. Development Committee, which also holds film nights and community events, go to: www. tinyurl.com/5bmaxn.

To learn more about the work of Friends of Porter Valley in the local community, or to become involved with volunteering and

Photo: Helen Munro

educational walks around the local parks and wooded areas, visit: www.sheffieldportervalley. org.uk.

Kershaw returns to Sheffield for speech By Phil Woods

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.

Sir Ian Kershaw, the former University of Sheffield History professor, delivered a muchanticipated talk to a packed University House as part of The Exchange programme of lectures

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on Tuesday. The leading academic is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts on Nazism and Hitler. He left the Department of History in October after spending 19 years at the University.

The sell-out event, organised jointly between the History and Politics societies, drew a wide audience from both University students and staff, as well as from members of the local community and beyond. Kershaw gave a wide-ranging

and engaging talk that covered the entire span of Hitler’s political career, from his lowly beginnings as a Vienna downand-out, through his meteoric rise to power on the wave of economic depression in the early 1930s, to his eventual suicide in 1945.

New university proposed for Dearne Valley region A new university is to be established in South Yorkshire after being backed by the Government last week. The new university is to be built in the Dearne Valley area, near Rotherham, with plans for the development to get underway in the new year. Under the ‘New University Challenge’ initiative, 20 new universities and colleges will be built nationwide within the next six years. Professor Paul White, ProVice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching at the University of Sheffield, said: “The University

Comment on this article at Forgetoday.com Send a letter to press.letters@forgetoday.com Text us on 07765363716 of Sheffield has worked in the Dearne Valley for many years to try to enhance educational achievement in the area and to attract more people into Higher Education. “A variety of data sources show that educational achievement in the Dearne is well below the

national average and that Higher Education participation rates are amongst the lowest in England. “The possible creation of further educational opportunities within the Dearne Valley is welcomed by the University as it would provide added diversity in what can be offered to the region.” The proposed new university would prove beneficial for students of Rotherham and Barnsley, whose councils wholeheartedly approve the idea. Doncaster council are still in discussions over the matter. Union Education Officer Rebecca Watson said the new Higher Education facility would provide countless benefits to South

Yorkshire, as Higher Education can transform local economies and the lives of younger generations. She said: “It’s important that both universities work in collaboration to increase communication with the local community, and to keep those relations strong. “Institutions have large and extensive impacts upon the community, both in a positive and negative sense. “It’s essential that both universities work as collaborative partners to secure a strong community relationship by branching out and contributing to the community.” Yorkshire is already home

to several Higher Education institutions and it is feared that another university could lead to the current institutions attracting less students and see a decline in funding. However, the University of Sheffield should not feel threatened, said Rebecca Watson. “Currently, we support other unions in the area such as Leeds, York, and Hallam on various campaigns and events,” she said. “The proposed university at Dearne Valley would give us a great opportunity to extend our network further.” The decision on whether the development will go ahead is yet to be taken by the Government.

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

UNIVERSITY NEWS

Scarred student needs 17 stitches after Octagon fancy dress ball turns ugly

Emma Wall, a second year Biology student, with the scar that needed 17 stitches and (right) the 22-year-old pictured days after the attack. By Victoria Haley A second year Biology student has been left with a lifelong scar on her forehead after an argument turned into an assault at a fancy dress ball. Emma Wall needed 17 stitches after she smashed her head open outside the Octagon when a row over a spilled drink got out of control. The 22-year-old was at the biology ball with her boyfriend Dave Whiteside when the trouble started. Another woman collided with

her and began complaining Wall had spilled a drink on her. When another man joined in the couple walked away, but Dave was pushed from behind. Wall, who lives in Crookes, does not know whether her boyfriend fell into her or she was pushed too, but she fell face-first on the floor, splitting her head open and needing hospital treatment. “We were walking from one side of the dance floor to the other and a girl nudged into me and spilled a drink, but there were so many people in there, I didn’t think anything of it. You expect it when places are so busy,” she said.

“The next thing I knew I saw my boyfriend talking to a man with the girl, and I found out later he had been having a go at my boyfriend about the spilled drink. “We started walking away and then this man punched my boyfriend in the side of his head and pushed him from behind and I ended up on the floor with blood pouring from my head.” She has been left with a Y-shaped scar that will stay with her for the rest of her life. Union President Dave Hurst said: “The Union prides itself on its safe drinking and environment policies.

“It is horrible when instances such as this occur, and we wish her a speedy recovery. “Any instances such as this are totally unacceptable and anyone found guilty of causing violence to other students or staff will face bans and be referred to the University’s disciplinary procedure. “This behaviour is not representative of our students, and our staff try and act in the best interest of all members to prevent instances such as this.” The couple are urging witnesses to come forward and have designed posters to put up around

the Union to help their appeal. The posters show what Wall looked like before and after the incident to show the result of her night out. Wall added: “I can’t believe people would behave this way and not accept responsibility for it, but we are going to look through CCTV footage from the night to try to identify them. “I see the scar every day, I can’t miss it”. Hurst said: “We can’t believe all this over a spilled drink. Emma is left with this scar to remind her of that night every time she looks in the mirror. I am totally gutted.”

Two fires in a week on The Nook in Crookesmoor By Amy Taylor Firefighters are warning students to be more alert around the house after a two fires on one street in Crookesmoor last week. The fires at two properties on The Nook were put out with minimal damage but both the police and fire service are advising residents to pay more attention to possible fire hazards. Emergency services were called to The Nook early on Saturday morning when food was left cooking unattended and caught fire at the home of a group of students. Firemen said the group had been drinking when the incident took place at around 4:30am. The incident comes after two female residents of The Nook had to evacuate their property quickly last Sunday when an unattended

candle set fire to a bedroom. The tea light was left burning on top of the television and the flame set fire to a drape hanging from the wall. Fortunately, the smoke alarms went off and the two residents managed to exit safely and alert the emergency services. Crews from Rivelin and Lowedges arrived quickly on scene and the fire was put out with minimal damage to the property. Neither of the residents was injured. South Yorkshire Fire Service Watch Manager Tim Lancashire said: “This incident shows just how dangerous using tea lights can be. If they are placed close to materials, on top of televisions or on window sills there is a big risk of fire. If people are intent on using them they should never be left unattended.

“There was some damage to the bedroom but the occupants did the right thing by closing the bedroom door to keep it from spreading, and getting out of the house straight away.” Ian Fenton, a spokesman for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said that the fire service expected an increase in these types of incidents, with darkness setting in much earlier and Christmas decorations making an appearance. He stressed the importance of vigilance around fire hazards such as candles and electrical appliances. The fire service is also encouraging students to test their smoke alarms regularly. Current legislation states that all residences built after June 1992, must be fitted with smoke alarms on every floor of the property.

The Nook, near Barber Road in Crookesmoor.

Photo: Sam Bennett

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Hurst’s accommodation campaign Continued from page 1 ‘In self-catering accommodation, the increase is not 44 per cent as stated, but is 23.6 per cent for standard rooms and 30.1 per cent for en-suite.’ Al Hussein, a second year Computer Science student from Yemen, was one of the protestors. He said: “The main reason why I am demonstrating is to show the University that what students get for their money is unacceptable. “Many international students choose the University accommodation because they don’t know the country, let alone the city. I pay £4,400 for my room in Brocco Flats and it is not value for money.” Marwa Saeed, a first year Medicine student, said that the cost of accommodation meant that residents did not always have enough money for basic provisions. She said: “We simply cannot afford the cost of accommodation at the University. The maintenance loan doesn’t cover all accommodation costs, and when it does it leaves little money to buy food or toiletries.” Hurst continues to dispute the figures, despite the release of the statistics by Accommodation and Campus Services (ACS). Speaking after the protest, he said: “I’m still not comfortable with their figures and I’m still going to challenge them. The Union President also defended his report, and argued that any inaccuracies found in it would not be sufficient to deter campaigners. He said: “I don’t think anyone will get that disenfranchised and say ‘Look, you were massively off, I’ve lost faith’. “I don’t think they’ve got too much to criticise in terms of the figures being that far away from what was suggested, and out of the discrepancies, pretty much the only one they pulled up was the average price in terms of the comparisons with the other cities. “It was never meant to be a comprehensive report. I did the best that I could in my terms and it helps that ACS have provided me with their figures so I can see their calculations, which has helped me to provide new evidence in terms of one per cent of [accommodation] being below £3,000, and 10 per cent being below minimum student loan.” According to the University of Sheffield, the correct figures show

that 19 per cent of rent prices are affordable within the minimum student loan, and rent in 96 per cent of accommodation offered by ACS can be paid for within the maximum student loan available. Hurst claims that these statistics do not match the data that ACS has sent to him, and he said after the protest that he felt he was left with no choice but to leak his report and plan a demonstration to highlight the message of his campaign. He said: “[ACS said] when it was in the last issue of Forge Press I should have discussed it with them. I’ve been in the job ﬁve months. I’ve tried to discuss these issues with ACS – [there is] nothing there in discussions with the University, and because it’s such a burning issue for me and for students I couldn’t take that. I tried discussing it in the room, and there wasn’t even a nudge of a move. “It’s not particularly brilliant that it’s all over the paper, but if that’s the only way the University or ACS operates, then that’s what has to be done and unfortunately these actions have to be taken and it’s important that these actions are taken. Then it doesn’t lead to the situation, where I feel there has been in previous years, that if you don’t toe the line that’s it, and your discussion is sidelined. “I think that’s why we can agree on things that are in the best interests of students but on one or two – and on this one issue there’s quite a difference between the Union and the University’s perspective – that we stand our ground on it and we ﬁght it. “But I make this clear: that doesn’t sever any other ties between [the Union and the University], only if they turn it that way, that’s never been my intention. If it’s in the interests of students that we co-operate – which obviously was the University’s reason for dealing with us anyway – there’s no reason for that to alter. “If we don’t do anything, if we can’t speak out when we feel [it is] necessary, then what’s the point in being here? And that’s my sort of thing, not to rock the boat in terms of losing all the other stuff, because what we do is so important to student welfare, but I believe we’ve always made that clear and I’d be very surprised if they do anything to disrupt that. “There’s a 100 per cent commitment from me to discuss with them as the only way that we can both change is in the interests

of us both to work together. I just think that sometimes we have to act [in a way] which isn’t in the interests of the University for the greater long term interests of students.” After the demonstration, Professor Dominic Shellard, ProVice-Chancellor for External Affairs, said: “The University was dismayed by the way the Union President Dave Hurst undertook this campaign and demonstration. We were given no sight of the report before it was issued to Forge Press and no opportunity to work with the Union President on the issues raised. “Worse, the figures which were used in the report, on the Union website and in campaign materials were wrong, and damaging to Sheffield’s reputation with potential students worried about money, as the Sabbatical Officers themselves subsequently acknowledged. “Now the campaign has shifted its focus to the link between the student loan and accommodation costs in Sheffield. But again it is damaging and misleading. 96 per cent of University accommodation is affordable within the maximum loan amount which is available to students from lower economic backgrounds, and 19 per cent of University accommodation is within even the minimum loan amount given to students. “We provide the best value accommodation we can within our ring-fenced resources in response to student demand, and continually assess student demand and local costs. If the real issue is student hardship, the campaign is targeting the wrong audience. Students all over the country are concerned about the cost of Higher Education and the level of loans. “We also care deeply about those issues, and are very active in support and welfare provision to students in hardship – in fact we work closely with the Union of Students in this area through our Financial Support Panel, the Student Services Information Desk and all we do in providing hardship bursaries. “This campaign may well damage the very people it is meant to help because it gives the completely misleading perception that Sheffield is less affordable than other comparable universities when this is not the case – in fact, this year’s Natwest survey named Sheffield as the third least expensive in the country.”

Protesters gathered on the Union concourse before marching to Firth Court.

LGBT councillor receives abusive email in awareness By Craig Purshouse The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) committee received an abusive email during their awareness campaign last week. The campaigning during ‘Inequality Week’ focused on different areas in which LGBT students are discriminated against, such as media, law, work, society and medicine. There were also guest speakers, a debate and ‘Ask a Gay Friday’. In response to a debate about whether gay equality had been achieved Adam Hood, LGBT Union Councillor, received an email through a social networking website stating: ‘[…] the law is what controls society - so gay equality has been achieved you

LGBT members at their stall.

fucking idiot. ‘Of course some people are homophobic, some people are prejudiced against black people, some people are prejudiced against white people. ‘SOME IDIOTS ARE PREJUDICED, not most people, and not the LAW THAT GOVERNS EVERYONE. Get over it, you schmuck. ‘I’m so sick of some homosexuals acting like “oh it’s so hard”. It’s not. Calm the fuck down. It may have been hard 20 years ago. It’s not now. ‘Not everyone is anti-gay. Most people are not homophobic retards. People like you give others a bad name.’ Hood then conﬁrmed that the individual apologised. Of the week, Hood said: “It is about raising awareness of areas

where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are still treated unequally or even harassed. “Gay men are not allowed to give blood even though they are a low risk demographic because they mainly practise safe sex. “The Anthony Nolan Trust (a bone marrow charity) do accept the blood of gay men after testing. “Gay people cannot get married even though in today’s society this is a social practice rather than a religious one. “We spent the week campaigning about different issues to raise awareness about the vast differences between homosexual and heterosexual couples. “There are still vast inequalities between homosexuals and heterosexuals in the western world.” The medicine element of the

campaign aimed to highlight the ban on gay men giving blood.

Have your say Comment on this article at Forgetoday.com Send a letter to press.letters@forgetoday.com Text us on 07765363716 A man who has had sex with another man cannot give blood, regardless of whether they use protection or carry a sexually transmitted infections. The waiting times for transgender surgery are also long, with it taking up to four years for gender-reassignment surgery to be completed.

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

Lack of community spirit, says report By Alexandra Rucki

The Edge in the Endcliffe Village - one of the new ACS student housing developments. The University of Sheffield has made a strong commitment to quality and value in its student accommodation. For this reason, the University was dismayed to learn from Forge Press about a draft report and planned demonstration led by the Union of Students President. In particular, we were appalled by misleading and inaccurate statistics which were used to support claims that Sheffield was far more expensive than other universities or that we fail to offer ours students value for money. The claims vs. the facts The Union President told Forge Press that in Sheffield the ‘average’ catered rent is £5,458.47, with an ‘average’ reported increase of 61 per cent. In fact, the correct average catered rent in standard accommodation (with a shared bathroom) is £4,211.74 an increase of 23.4 per cent over three years. In catered en-suite accommodation the average rent is now £4,857.52, an increase since 2005/6 of 26.3 per cent. Even our highest catered rent is not at the level reported by the Union President in the last issue of Forge Press as average. In self-catering accommodation, the increase is not 44 per cent as stated, but is 23.6 per cent for standard rooms and 30.1 per cent for en-suite. Photo: Sam Bennett

week LGBT students also argued that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students are also treated unequally in the media, becuase gay men are often still portrayed as camp or feminine and lesbians as butch. Many newspapers and television programmes are also felt to use homosexual stereotypes. The LGBT hopes to raise awareness of this treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students. Although there are laws to protect LGBT students, many will still face prejudice in their life. Many religious organisations do not want to allow adoption by gay couples; only six per cent of schools have anti-LGBT-bullying policies and 90 per cent of gay people under the age of 18 have experienced verbal abuse.

Why any above RPI increases? So why would the University increase any rents above RPI when we are more than aware of the challenges to student ﬁnances through our extensive work on student welfare and hardship? The answer is simple. In the years prior to 2005 there was very little investment in student accommodation, meaning the University had fairly low quality, standard and twin rooms with shared facilities, the majority offering catered accommodation. Following extensive research with current and future students, an analysis of accommodation applications and comparing ourselves to our peers nationally, the University made a decision to meet the demands of students themselves by increasing the number of en-suite self-catering rooms. We also decided to demolish many of the existing facilities as they were no longer compliant with disability and health and safety legislation, and were not ﬁt for their purpose in a modern context. Overall rents have risen in line with a dramatic increase in quality of accommodation, but value is still

central and we still compare favourably with other universities on a like-for-like basis. How have things changed? Back in 2005/6, 60 per cent of rooms were catered and 86 per cent were standard with shared bathrooms. In addition, 5 per cent were twins meaning students had to share a bedroom. In 2008/9, 18 per cent of rooms are catered and only 27 per cent are standard. For entry in 2008/9, nearly 75 per cent of applicants requested en-suite accommodation. The University spends over £1m per year refurbishing our accommodation and facilities. This has to be funded because the residential provision for the University is self-financing and cannot be funded by provision dedicated to teaching and research. Increased utilities costs also have to be taken into account. But there is more than simply the accommodation itself. We’ve also improved the provision of welfare support and security, introduced better internet connection, included room contents insurance and opened new facilities available for all types of accommodation. These extra services and facilities are not available in private housing but should be considered when comparing rents, and they are often very important to students and their families as they make decisions about where they wish to study, particularly when making a transition from home to University life. Choice and value - how we compare Sheffield does not forget the needs of those who are on a very tight budget. For this reason, we have always endeavoured to offer accommodation at a variety of cost levels. At the lower end of the scale we have rents that have increased at less than RPI, with some rents being frozen year on year. We are not embarrassed by comparisons with others. To remain competitive in a growing marketplace, we of course benchmark our rents against comparable accommodation providers in the city and at other similar universities. Our rents are comparable to those at Manchester and Leeds when likefor-like quality, facilities, distance from campus and contract lengths are taken into consideration. The rent range for standard catered accommodation aimed at undergraduates is £3,756-£4,587 for between 38 and 42 weeks in Sheffield, whilst the range in like-

Photo: Helen Munro

for-like accommodation at Leeds is £3,500-£5,100 for 39 weeks. Rent ranges in Manchester are very similar to those in Sheffield, and for en-suite accommodation the ranges for Sheffield are less expensive than Manchester. How we answer our critics We do understand that students often face very real financial challenges. Accommodation costs are significant and we do what we can to balance quality and cost. However, we have invested in outstanding new and refurbished facilities precisely because we want to meet student demand with an excellent range of accommodation that offers students a balanced choice that can be based on cost, quality, location and their individual needs. This range of accommodation types means we can and do offer an integrated community which attracts students from many different backgrounds and cultures. We know the quality and standard of our accommodation plays an important part in students choosing to come to Sheffield. Increasingly students are looking beyond the academic standards they have come to expect from our University and consider the wider student experience when deciding where to study. In the 2008 Annual Student Satisfaction Survey the proportion of students saying they choose to come to Sheffield because they liked the accommodation increased significantly. It is a matter of great regret to the University that the Union President publicly quote figures which were incorrect, and made statements which were misleading as they did not compare like with like. Also, that these statements were made in response to a report that the University had not seen and where we had been unable to provide figures which would make this clear. Over many years the University has worked with the Students’ Union as we set student rents and determine the standard of accommodation we offer. While we welcome arguments and positive suggestions for change, and seek and respond to the opinions of students, we do so on the basis of our reputation for quality and the facts of what we offer. Despite criticism, we are rightly proud of these and we hope that the detailed discussions we are now having with the Union of Students will allow us to move forward from unnecessary confrontation.

Britain is the most fragmented it has been in the past 40 years, according to research by the University of Shefﬁeld’s Department of Geography. The report, commissioned by the BBC, reveals communities have become increasingly degenerated since the 1960s, particularly in relation to where the old and young live. The report states that communities with a large student population are a key factor in causing this sense of division. The researchers conducted the study by comparing 45 local radio regions under ﬁve themes: inequalities, segregation, polarisation, fragmentation and disengagement. They found that due to economic, social and political change, our neighbourhoods have become progressively socially distinct when compared to the more mixed neighbourhoods of 1968.

Have your say Comment on this article at Forgetoday.com Send a letter to press.letters@forgetoday.com Text us on 07765363716 The figures show that 97 per cent of communities in the UK have become more socially fragmented over the past three decades. This leads to a lack of a sense of belonging and community spirit, as well as leaving individuals to feel lonely and isolated. The researchers argue this is due to the increase in divorce, immigration and the growing student population. By creating ‘loneliness’ indices to discover where most people felt they did not belong, academics found the Stoke region to be the least fragmented area. London reflected the most fragmented and segregated community, whereas Derby was the least segregated. Dr. Dan Vickers, an author of the report, said that younger generations moving away from home is a key factor as to why this segregation occurs. He said: “In modern Britain it is increasingly less likely that young adults live with, or close to other generations of their family, but they are increasingly more likely to live among others who are demographically similar to themselves.” Crookes in Sheffield is cited as an area with shallow community roots, as the high student population in these areas cause local residents to look for properties elsewhere, leading to broken communities. Adam Gunderson, a 19-year-old History and Politics student living on Harcourt Road, agrees that this is the case. He said: “The house next door to us has been unoccupied for two years as it is not allowed to be rented to students. “There appear to be a lack of residents in this area who are not students, and it is hard to avoid the ‘student way of life’ which deters them from the area.”

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Crime against students in Sheffield rises By Kayley Dempsey Crime against students in Sheffield has risen over the past 12 months, according to the latest statistics. Miscellaneous thefts (items which are left unattended and then stolen) and criminal damage to motor vehicles have seen a sharp increase, up by 15 and 12 incidents respectively. Satellite navigation systems and mp3 players are among the items commonly being stolen from

Miscellaneous thefts Burglary Car theft

Have your say Comment on this article at Forgetoday.com Send a letter to press.letters@forgetoday.com Text us on 07765363716 students. In total there were 269 crimes committed against students in October 2008, compared to 172 in October 2007. Criminal damage to cars increased from seven incidences in October 2007 to 12 in the same month this year. There were 30 miscellaneous thefts against students in October this year, compared to 15 in October 2007. Cases of rape, racial harassment and common assault against students were all lower in October 2008 compared to October 2007. But theft and burglary have increased. There have been 67 incidences of burglary from student dwellings in October this year, an increase from the 59 incidences reported in the previous year. In total, all crime in the city centre has fallen by 13 per cent, including robberies which fell by 48 per cent and vehicle crime which fell by 23 per cent. South Yorkshire Police hope to continue a reduction in crime by granting City Centre Ambassadors further powers, such as the right to take names

Criminal damage to motor vehicles Criminal damage to student properties

Rape Racial harassment Common assault

Incidents of certain crimes against students have risen, although overall crime in the city centre has dropped. and addresses of people acting in an anti-social manner and issuing them with fixed penalty notices, which usually range between £40 and £80. Nevertheless, South Yorkshire Police believes that simple things can be done to reduce the risk of

becoming a victim of crime. PC Paul Briggs, PC Clive Tyree and PC Simon Nolan of the City Centre Neighbourhood Team said: “Criminals are breaking into cars even if they see the sat nav cables or the mark a suction pad leaves. “It is important students remove

Warning event on fire safety By Victoria Ryves South Yorkshire firefighters recreated a chip pan fire in a demonstration on the concourse of the Union of Students on Wednesday. It was part of the ‘Fire Kills’ campaign that aims to raise awareness about the importance of having a working fire alarm in your house, as well as the need to have an escape route planned out of your house in case of a fire. Guy Manser, a first year Physics student, said: “The chip pan demonstration is very visual. It is really effective in showing what really can happen.” The ‘Fire Kills’ campaign is being promoted at the University of Sheffield as research has shown that students are at a greater risk of fire than almost any other group. The partying, smoking and drinking that are often part of student life can provide a lethal combination that results in a potentially life-threatening house fire. It is estimated that five people aged 17 to 24 are killed or injured by fires every day and people are

twice as likely to die in a fire if they do not have a working fire alarm. Third year student Phil Jackson is the Fire Kills Student

A chip pan fire. Photo: Sam Bennett

Ambassador at the University of Sheffield. He helped to co-ordinate Wednesday’s event and took part by handing out freebies. He said: “I have been involved in the ‘Fire Kills’ campaign since September. ‘The Great Escape’ scheme aims to encourage people to plan an escape route from their property in case of fire. “It is also important to have a working fire alarm on student premises, and to test it regularly.” The ‘Great Escape’ scheme, which is working alongside ‘Fire Kills’, highlights the importance of planning an escape route from your home in case of fire. The scheme is supported by Hollyoaks cast members Lena Kaur and Zoe Lister. Lena Kaur, who plays art student Leila Roy in the soap, said: “Moving out of home into your own place might feel like a great escape, but you have to get clued up on potential dangers in the home. “When you live in your own accommodation you’re responsible for yourself, and no one is there to look after you. If you have a fire, you need to be prepared.”

all valuables and also any sign that valuables could be present in a car. “Sheffield’s crime figures are low compared to other areas but students can prevent miscellaneous thefts by not leaving personal belongings

Photo: Olivia Lightfoot in areas where loads of people have legitimate entry, such as communal areas or bars. “Common sense can prevent a lot of crime. “Make sure you walk in groups or get a taxi, and stay in well-lit areas.”

Students upset at Landscape move

By Charlotte Chelsom-Pill Landscape and Architecture dual-honours students have been left angry after a disruptive departmental move. The students feel that they were under-informed about Department of Landscape’s move from the Arts Tower. Landscape will relocate to the Crookesmoor Building in January 2009, but the Department of Architecture will remain some distance away in its current location in the Arts Tower. A second year student studying Landscape and Architecture said: “The first I heard of the move was in an email a couple of weeks ago. The lack of information on the move makes it a bit of a worry how it will go. “We are coming up to a project in which we are going to have to integrate the two departments and I don’t know how it will work out. “We will be making a site model in one space but will have to split our time between the two

departmental locations.” A spokesperson from the University of Sheffield has said: “Staff from both Landscape and Architecture are keen to minimise any disruption for students, especially those on dual courses, who are studying both subjects. “The timetables for semester two, which starts in January 2009, have been put together to minimise the movement of students on dual courses between the two departments, and the practical implications of this will be monitored closely. “Both Architecture and Landscape are working to ensure that students are aware of the move and how it will affect them.” The Architecture department will be moving in mid-June 2009 to join the Landscape department in the Crookesmoor building for the next academic year. The student added: “On the one hand the move could be really bad, but I accept that in the long run, everything will be much closer together.”

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

UNIVERSITY NEWS

Union Council wanted to put alleged BNP member’s seat up for referendum By Andrew Pickering Union Council passed a motion proposing a vote of no confidence in one of its councillors after their appearance on a list of alleged British National Party members. However, the councillor was absent from council and did not send apologies. As this was the councillor’s second such absence, a union byelaw meant that he was deemed to have resigned by default. The no confidence motion was brought collectively by the Union Sabbatical Officers and would have put the councillor’s position on council to a cross-campus referendum. A vote on the motion was carried out nonetheless and was passed by an overwhelming majority. However, due to the councillor’s resignation the referendum will not now be carried out. During the debate at Union Council a handful of councillors opposed the motion. After the meeting Clyde D’Silva, councillor for the Mechanical Engineering department, said: “I’ve met the individual before and they seemed like an okay person. “They are representing a department and I don’t think their political views have anything to do with their performance. The individual should have had a chance to respond.” Union President Dave Hurst said: “We have repeatedly attempted to contact this person and have not been able to. “Whilst the issue of BNP membership is only an accusation, by not utilising their right to reply left us with no other avenue than by letting students decide. “We felt that it was important for the student body to decide on what should happen. “I believe the Union has acted in a proactive way to ensure that our students’ best interests were looked after at all times.” Black Students’ Councillor Yusuf Ghumra said: “Obviously I am thrilled that this Union no longer has fascists in positions of influence and authority, and it is a proud moment for our Union when different groups can unite to achieve a higher common goal.” The BNP have condemned

Unite Against Fascism students meet to discuss how they can tackle fascism around the country. the actions of Union Council to attempt to remove the councillor. Simon Derby, a spokesperson for the BNP, said: “They have acted illegally as using the information is a breach of the Data Protection Act, which effectively is handling stolen goods. “If the person wanted to make a complaint to the Police or the University authority they would have a very strong case. “From a political point of view universities have always had a range of political views dominated by the left. “Now that some so called ‘antifascist’ groups want to get rid of individuals who support our party’s viewpoints, they effectively act like fascists themselves.” The list containing the names, addresses and personal details of more than 12,000 alleged BNP members was leaked on an Internet blog two weeks ago. Subsequently, the authenticity of the list has been challenged. Forge Press and the Union of Students have repeatedly attempted to contact the Union Councillor involved but the individual was not available for comment.

Crisis talks held over fascism fears By Rachel Blundy Students’ Union councillors and representatives at the University went into crisis talks last week to discuss whether an alleged BNP member should be allowed to retain their position on the Union council. Representatives from the Womens’, Muslim, Jewish, LGBT and Disabled & Dyslexic Students’ societies unanimously agreed that the councillor in question should be democratically ousted by the student body. One Union Councillor and one University member of staff were among the catalogue of names exposed. Fiona Edwards, Union Womens’ Officer, called a meeting on Wednesday, November 26, to voice her growing concerns about fascism in Sheffield and the

University. She said: “The BNP is not a normal political party. It is a fascist organisation, which calls for an ‘all-white Britain’. The BNP’s presence on our campus threatens the safey of Sheffield students.” In response to claims that the councillor should be entitled to their own political beliefs, she argued that no attempt was being made to impede the individual’s freedom of speech. She said students should be made aware of the recent revelations and be given the chance to decide whether to reelect the candidate. Paul Scarott, of Sheffield Unite Against Fascism, claimed that the situation in Sheffield would prove to be a “test case” for students’ unions across the country. He said: “The lesson with history is that you have to do it now.”

Under 25s hit hardest by unemployment By Kirsty McEwen More than one million young people could be jobless within the next few years if unemployment continues to rise, according to research carried out by the University’s Geography department and the Prince’s Trust charity. Currently 760,000 young people under the age of 25 are unemployed. The University’s research team worked with the Prince’s Trust, a charity which aims to change young lives in the UK, to try and find out how the growing recession will affect young people in the future. Danny Dorling, Professor of Human Geography, states that young people will be the first to suffer as employers cut back on jobs.

He said: “Action must be taken to prevent young people from falling into this employment trap.” Researchers considered the differences affecting young people now as compared to the recession that their parents may have experienced in the 1980s.

Have your say Comment on this article at Forgetoday.com Send a letter to press.letters@forgetoday.com Text us on 07765363716 “Many people hit the labour market with degrees now, and are older, as compared to those in the 1980s,” said Dr. Bethan

Thomas, one of the University’s researchers. “The 1980s saw a lot of manufacturing jobs hit by the recession, whereas now we have jobs demanding a higher level of skills.” The researchers found that times are going to be hard for under 25-year-olds trying to start work. “We are hearing rumours of businesses pulling out of graduate recruitment services such as Milkround.com,” added Dr. Thomas. This could impact on future graduates because recruiters such as major High Street retailers and banks decide to reduce their intake of new staff to get through the recession. Martina Milburn, Chief Executive of the Prince’s Trust, said that young people need to be

encouraged into the job market. “By helping them into work, we can save the UK economy billions each year and tap into lost potential.” The Prince’s Trust said that youth unemployment costs the UK economy around £10million a day in lost productivity. Dr. Thomas said that despite the concerns that young people may have, there could be opportunities for students in the recession. “The Government is very concerned about NEETs (young people not in education, employment or training). “This group are being encouraged to continue learning and gaining skills. “This may provide an opportunity for graduates to administer the system of further education and to impart their own knowledge through teaching.”

Photo: Olivia Lightfoot

Old hospital is new home for Music students By Natalie Thomas

A Grade II listed Victorian building where thousands of babies were born has been restored and will now be home to the University of Sheffield’s Department of Music. The Jessop Hospital for Women, on Leavygreave Road in the Portobello area of the city, will be renamed the Jessop Building. Office space for staff and postgraduate students, along with a computer studio for the Department of Music, will be provided over three floors. Teaching spaces for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities will also be available in the building. Original crafted features on the outside of the historical construction, such as brick and stonework, have been cleaned, replaced, or repaired, as recommended by the council. On the inside of the building decorative Victorian ceilings and walls have been renovated. Ornate stone staircases and dark corridors have been transformed, creating a more spacious environment. An entrance and bronze cladding are new to the rear of the building, as well as replacement sash windows, an access ramp and a bay window on the ground floor. Professor Tony Crook, Chair of the University’s Project Executive Group that is overseeing the redevelopment, paid tribute to all those involved in the project, and to those who “have now enabled us to realise our vision.” University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Keith Burnett, said: “We feel extremely proud to be unveiling the carefully restored and renovated Jessop Building. “This is a building that is close to many people’s hearts and is an important part of Sheffield’s history.”

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

NEWS UNIVERSITY

Sheffield volunteers win award

Warming up this winter

By Martha Kelner

By Andre Nunn

A team from the University of Sheffield received a top prize at the national Higher Education Volunteering Awards 2008 on Tuesday. The award ceremony, which took place at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, recognised SheffieldVolunteering as the ‘Volunteering Team of the Year’ for their overall contribution to the local community. Judges at the awards also identified the team as an ‘Exceptional’ winner, viewing their achievements as out of the ordinary. SheffieldVolunteering, which is based in the Union of Students, has been recognised at the awards for the past six years. The University also won The Guardian Public Service ‘Good Citizenship’ Award last year in recognition of the impact the team has had in the local community. Over 1,200 volunteers, including current University of Sheffield students, alumni students and staff, helped Sheffield Volunteering to provide support to 126 different organisations across Sheffield this year. Stella McHugh, Head of SheffieldVolunteering, said: “We are delighted to have received special recognition for our contribution to volunteering in the community. “Our volunteers are involved in a range of community initiatives that have a hugely positive impact on the region. “Our team is dedicated to

Sheffield’s less fortunate have been getting some tender loving care this Christmas as students have joined forces to raise money and donate gifts to them. The University of Sheffield’s Volunteer Committee has organised a winter full of activities to help bring some Christmas cheer into the lives of abused children, refugees and drug addicts in Sheffield. This week, the committee have been holding their annual drive on the concourse, Winter Warmers, to recruit event volunteers. Activities range from the Christmas Gifts Appeal - where volunteers donate a shoebox of gifts to the needy - to Santa 5K, which involves running 5 kilometres dressed as Father Christmas. Harry Stevens, from the committee, said: “It’s a well established campaign run by the Volunteer Committee, and we’ve had much success in the past. We hope, with the help from students, this will continue this year.” The committee has teamed up with local organisations such as cancer charity Amy’s Retreat, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and St. Mark’s Church. At the recruitment drive, the committee will be providing prospective volunteers with free mince pies and hot chocolate. The festive activities will continue into the New Year. Students can sign up for an event at the Student Volunteering Office in The Source.

Abigail Lownsbrough, Sam Evans, Marion Carrabin, Helen Ellerington, James Quinn-Kumar, and Helen Giorgi. helping local community groups, and I’m thrilled that their hard work has been acknowledged by this national award.” One of the schemes the team is involved in is ‘ANTS’ (A nice time on Saturday) which provides activities for children who have been recently bereaved.

Future projects involve ‘clubbing crew’ which samples the Sheffield nightlife with disabled adults and the opportunity to assist with coaching sports in kids clubs and schools. SheffieldVolunteering were singled out by the Higher Education Academy, which run

the awards, for their extensive impact on the local community. The team’s commitment to ongoing projects, their increasing of the numbers of volunteers involved, and the influence of students who carry on volunteering after graduation were also noted by the Academy.

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

Sheffield’s finest acknowledged in Night of Honour ceremony

LOCAL NEWS

38 stone woman trapped in bath dies By Robert Golledge

She said: “It’s a great honour, I just can’t stop smiling. The other nominees were such worthy competitors that to win was quite unbelievable.” Sheffield’s Child of the Year Award was won by Lauren Stacey, who lost her mum in a tragic car accident this year and sustained life-threatening injuries. She has since learned to walk, talk, and eat again. Lauren received a standing ovation from the audience and was presented with a bike and goody bag as well as her award. The event was organised by Hope City Enterprise, the community charity of the Megacentre, and sponsored by a wide variety of companies including Barclays, Royal Mail, Sheffield Wednesday

FC and Decathlon. Louise Davies, the hostess and Night of Honour Director was pleased with the event and the chance to crown the winners. She said: “Every one of the nominees is a hero in their own communities, serving people dayin, day-out. “Tonight has been truly incredible, it never ceases to amaze me how much good goes on behind the scenes.” Star guests included Hollyoaks star Will Mellor, the former cricket umpire Dickie Bird and Sheffield’s Lord Mayor. The entertainment also included performances from Sheffield artists, including the Sheffield Dragons Team Elite martial arts group and Sheffield Park Academy

Dance School. One nominee for Sheffield’s best King or Queen of Customer Service was Alison Bygrave, a graduate and member of staff at the University of Sheffield Department of Biblical Studies. Bygrave keeps an eye out for any students struggling with being away from home for the first time and strives to sort out any problems students have with their courses as soon as possible. Bygrave said: “I really enjoyed the Night of Honour - it was very well put together and had a great atmosphere. “The best part was seeing all the winners getting credit for their actions, when they never expected anything for doing what they do.”

A 38 stone Sheffield woman who was trapped in a scalding bath died from horrifying burns, an inquest heard. Liza Jayne McKenna, 40, died of multiple organ failure due to burns to her legs and buttocks, leaving lumps of pink flesh in the bathtub. McKenna and her boyfriend, Carl Land, had been drinking heavily since the afternoon and watching Big Brother, Sheffield Coroners’ Court heard. Land fell asleep and McKenna decided to run a bath at her flat on Martin Street, Upperthorpe. Land, of Morgan Road, Southey Green, told the court: “I wanted to go to the toilet and I saw her in the bath. “I noticed her legs were pink. When I realised I helped her out of the bath and she wasn’t saying anything.” The court was told McKenna started to towel herself dry. “She wasn’t saying she was hurt, and asked me to get her a jug of water,” said Land. Land fetched her some water which McKenna promptly poured on her legs saying, “my legs are burning”. He said: “It looked as if there was blood coming through. It seemed she caught her left foot on the bathroom door. She left a lump of skin on it.” She was taken to Northern General hospital on July 26 this year and died six days later. In a statement from pathologist Dr. Nick Tiffin, the court heard McKenna suffered from depression, mania, psychosis and alcohol abuse. He said that she also had a history of self-harming, smoked excessively and was morbidly obese. Recording a verdict of accidental death, Assistant Deputy Coroner David Urpeth said: “I am satisfied that this was a case of somebody who had been troubled for many years and had taken solace in alcohol to a significant extent. “She got into the bath that night, not intending it to be too hot and as a result suffered from burns that led to her death.”

a Jekyll and Hyde character,” continued his son’s evidence. The man began abusing the girls when they were as young as eight years old and started raping them before they were teenagers. Their first pregnancies occurred when they were aged 13 and 14. At several points in their statements both daughters quote their father as saying the abuse would “never end” whenever they asked him to stop or threatened to leave. Despite genetic abnormalities resulting in miscarriages, abortions and the birth of unhealthy children, Mr. X insisted that his daughters not take the contraceptive pill because he wanted more children with them. He even offered his eldest daughter £500 to have another child with him. She refused the money. “I didn’t want to, I didn’t want any more kids. My dad was getting

nasty, he was hitting me. I didn’t want any more babies suffering in that way,” she said when asked why she had more children with him. To evade social services, the police and suspicious neighbours, the family regularly moved between South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Frequently they lived in small, isolated rural villages. When the children were at primary school they did receive a visit from social services, but no action was taken and the social worker who carried out the visit does not remember it. Broken bones, bruising and burns were passed off as accidents and the children were kept from school if they were too visibly bruised. The chance of multiple babies, with the types of abnormalities found in the girls’ children, being born to non-related parents was

one in 100, said expert witness Dr. Alexander Henderson. When the parents of a child are father and daughter the chances of these abnormalities is one in two. The majority of the children conceived had some form of abnormality picked up in prenatal screening, yet the daughters continued to tell doctors that their dad was not the father, despite the mounting evidence. The girls’ father convinced them that if they told the police or social services the truth they would lose their children. After one particularly harsh beating the girls rang Childline and asked whether they would keep their children if they reported their father. The Childline worker was unable to say that they would, which only helped to reinforce their father’s threats. Mr. X’s wife and son both fled

the family within months of each other when the girls were in their early teens. The daughters believe that their mother knew of the abuse but was too frightened to do anything. The case has been subject to extraordinary reporting restrictions, with news sources banned from reporting the identity or ages of the victims and their children. The nature of any of the children’s health issues is also to be kept secret along with numerous other details. The victims’ solicitors have already reported the Daily Mail, News of the World and Sky News to the Attorney General for attempting to contact the victims. Mr. X pleaded guilty to 25 counts of rape and four counts of assault; he was given 25 life sentences, with a minimum tariff of 19 and a half years imprisonment.

Sheffield’s Child of the Year 2008 winner Lauren Stacey (centre) received a new bicycle from awards sponsor Decathlon. By Anna Macnaughton Celebrities, local dignitaries, and 2,000 members of the public gathered for a glitzy awards ceremony on Sunday, November 30, to honour Sheffield’s unsung heroes. Ten awards were given out at Sheffield’s Night of Honour in Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, including Sheffield’s Best Community Organisation and Sheffield’s Best Spring Chicken Award. Sandra Howard won Sheffield’s Lifetime Achievement Award for overcoming a battle against Crohn’s Disease and going on to found the epilepsy charity FABLE.

Photo: Phill Bough

Sheffield’s ‘Fritzl’ sentenced to over 19 years in jail By Alex Orton A Sheffield man who raped his own daughters for a period of 25 years, resulting in 19 pregnancies, was sentenced to 19 and a half years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court last week. Mr. X, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been dubbed ‘Britain’s Fritzl’, in reference to Josef Fritzl, the Austrian man who imprisoned his daughter and raped her, resulting in the birth of eight children. “He called himself the ‘Gaffer’: he liked to think of himself as a hard man,” said Nicholas Campbell QC, quoting the defendant’s son for the prosecution. “The whole family was frightened of him. When they heard his car pulling up outside the house they ran to their bedrooms and hid silently. He had a one second temper - he was

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

NEWS UNIVERSITY

Expensive alcohol will reduce risks By Martha Kelner

Cheap beer is costing NHS millions. A new report has found an unprecedented direct link between alcohol prices and alcohol-related harm. The study, released on Wednesday by the University of Sheffield’s School of Health and Related Research, was produced on behalf of the Department of Health. It shows that by increasing the price of alcohol, the Government could save thousands of lives as well as millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money. The University team, led by Dr. Petra Meier of the School of Health and Related Research, examined 40 different alcohol pricing set-ups including increasing minimum price per unit and restricting promotional offers. She said: “The results suggest that policies which increase the price of alcohol can bring significant health and social benefits and lead to considerable financial savings in the NHS, criminal justice system and in the workplace.” Heavier drinkers would be most strongly impacted by a general alcohol price rise, the research found.

Have your say Comment on this article at Forgetoday.com Send a letter to press.letters@forgetoday.com Text us on 07765363716 A minimum price of alcohol enforced in supermarkets and offlicences, as well as pubs and clubs would specifically target harmful drinkers - those more likely to be enticed by cheaper alcohol. The report shows that the greater the minimum price of alcohol, the more effective it is in reducing consumption levels. A 70p minimum price per unit would lead to an 18.6 per cent reduction, compared with a 2.6 per cent fall when the minimum price is 40p. The report also shows that strict alcohol pricing policies reduce health risks, and the consequent cost to the NHS. It estimates that a 40p minimum price would lessen hospital admissions by 41,000 ever year and save £116million. Estimated reductions in crime, particularly violent attacks, theft and robbery, as a result of increased alcohol prices, would also result in Government savings. It is thought a 30p off-trade, coupled with an 80p on-trade price restriction, would prevent 68,000 crimes every year.

Societies’ talents showcased By Jennie Hurwood Candles and fairy lights set the mood in the packed venue. The audience were ready to see something special. After two months of planning and preparation, the Societies Showcase opened with a lively performance from the Gospel Choir, featuring a solo by Matt Fox, Union Activities Officer and event organiser. The audience in the Union’s Foundry watched performances demonstrating the skills of 12 different societies last Sunday. Fox said: “Last year the audience was just the performers and their friends, but this year we wanted it to be a real showcase of what is available for people to join within the Union, so we really pushed the promotion.” A big marketing campaign, including posters, plasma screen adverts, website promotion, What’s On and flyers, saw every ticket sold and a more varied turnout than last year. “I’m here to see the lot. I’ve not seen any of them before so it ought to be interesting,” said Helen Grieves, a History student. There was a great range of performances including an Agatha Christie opera by the University of Sheffield Light Entertainment Society (USLES) which featured the song ‘Don’t Cry for Me, I’m the Cleaner’. The Hip-Hop Dance Society put on a street and break dance battle, and there was a variety of spectacular aerials by the Swing Dance Society. The Shrimps’ performance of improvisational comedy was particularly popular, with many of the other performers giving it a special mention. President of the Hip-Hop Dance Society, Anastasia Duncanson, said: “Shrimps were really great. I liked Flying Teapots even though I couldn’t see very well as we were at the side of the stage, waiting to go on.” Beth Kopcke, who demonstrated impressive hula-hoop skills with Flying Teapots, returned the compliment, picking out the performances by the Shrimps, HipHop Dance Society and Bollywood Society as her favourites.

Dancers from the Bollywood society perform in the Octagon. The Societies Committee, guided by Matt Fox, started preparations for the event at the end of September following the Activities Fair held during Intro Week. Although the societies had more varied periods of preparation, all put on great performances with some featuring people who only joined the society at the start of this academic year.

Of three numbers by the DanceSport Society, one was performed entirely by members who had joined less than two months before the event. Even more surprisingly, they were asked to dance in the Showcase only a couple of days before the event. Both numbers by the Swing Dance Society featured new and more experienced dancers.

Photo: Adam Dobson

Samantha Mutty, President of the Swing Dance Society, said: “We are really proud, especially of all our beginners and so pleased with how it has come together.” Matt Fox thanked everyone involved for making the evening such a success. “Every performance was brilliant,” he said. At the end of the evening there was a collection for the University of Southern Africa fund.

Strobe-lit bungee jump for charity By Leanne Rinne A student from the University of Sheffield has bungee jumped in the dark from a 150ft platform at the Magna Centre in Rotherham to raise money for charity. Jack Wolfe, a first year Geography student, bungee jumped at the highest indoor venue of its kind in the UK to raise money for charities in Sheffield last Saturday. The fundraising event was organised by the Raising and Giving (RAG) Students’ Union organisation and cost £49. RAG is renowned for organising extreme events at reasonable prices to raise as much money as possible for charity. Wolfe, 18, said: “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I got to raise money for local charities too. The opportunity was too good to pass up on. “I did it by myself as I think a lot of my friends thought it might be a little scary. I hadn’t done

anything like it before so I would be lying if I said I didn’t have butterflies in my stomach on the way there.”

Wolfe hopes to raise nearly £100 for 40 charities in total. He added: “It was a real rush. The nerves were building as I

Bungee jumpers dive into darkness for charity.

Photo: RAG Committee

was climbing the stairs to the platform and hovering over the edge moments before was hugely nerve wracking. “Once I jumped off the platform the feeling of the adrenaline pumping through my body was amazing. Definitely a worthwhile experience.” Wolfe was also part of breaking the world record for the most people dressing as Santa and going down a zip-wire in an hour. He said that he would recommend the experience to anyone and would definitely do it again. “Nobody backed out which was good; there were a few nervous faces but everyone went for it. It was a really good atmosphere as everyone cheered each other on and gave them lots of support.” Wolfe has taken part in many RAG fundraising events, including a bar crawl during Freshers’ Week and the recent 26-mile Spiderwalk. He said: “I’ve met lots of really nice people and I have always really enjoyed myself.”

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

UNIVERSITY NEWS

EU driving licence confusion at Embrace By Mark Duell A second year international student was refused entry to Embrace nightclub by a bouncer despite showing a valid European Union driving licence. Edvarts Dzelzitis was eventually allowed into Embrace nightclub after his friend spoke at length to the head doorman at Embrace on Burgess Street on Friday, November 21. The 20-year-old Latvian, who studies Civil Engineering with Business Management, was angered by the incident. He said: “One bouncer didn’t want to let us in. So after a while arguing, we got in thanks to my friend talking to the main bouncer. “I have never had any other trouble at nightclubs. The EU driving licence looks very like the UK driving licence. I was quite surprised and it wasn’t like the bouncer took a proper look at it anyway.” Dzelzitis has asked the Embrace management to confirm whether or not they accept EU driving licences as forms of identification. Bill Surtees, Embrace manager, stated that the nightclub follow South Yorkshire Police guidelines by accepting either a Portman Group hologram card, passport, or a photographic driving licence. He said: “If the identification is in a good state of repair and legible, then that’s acceptable. We operate a Challenge 21 policy - if we believe a person is under 21 we ask them for identification. “If [Dzelzitis] has been let in then the doorman has shown an amount of flexibility. On a student night there is always an amount of flexibility. If they have given him the benefit of the doubt, then they have shown a bit of humanity and diligence.” Sajeev Jeganathan, Union International Officer, said he has never heard of any students having problems using an EU driving licence as proof of age. “I would have expected the driving licence would have been accepted unless Embrace have a particular problem with them,” he added.

Embrace only accepted the Latvian student’s EU driving licence as proof of age after his friend spoke to the head doorman.

“It’s a pity that these things still happen in Sheffield - it’s a multicultural city. Foreigners still find issues like this and it’s sad, but I still can’t understand why they wouldn’t let them in.” Jeganathan added that it is impracticable for students to carry around passports as a back-

up identification in case this sort of problem happens. He said: “There have been issues with international students carrying their passport, so they should always carry a different form of ID. “Passports are valuable and you would not want to mislay it in a

Photo: Tom Walker

club – that would a big problem. I wouldn’t advise anyone to carry them around as if they lose it it’s a big problem.” Earlier this year, a 21-year-old Politics student from Denmark claimed she was discriminated against by a Somerfield store in central Sheffield.

Tal Szlenski was not allowed to purchase alcohol despite having a European Union driving licence and a Danish passport. Somerfield said at the time: “We are not breaking any laws – [we] can only accept ID that is recognised by the UK, this is with the support of the Government.”

By Chris Conway

to do this was underestimated.” Another Enterprise Zone intern involved in the project, Christian Chia, said: “Everything starts with an idea, once you can put that into motion, your dream becomes reality. “Hopefully students involved will realise just what it takes to actually run a successful business.” Stalls inside the Enterprise Zone sold everything from books to jewellery. The idea behind the project was to teach students employability skills, such as decision making. Georgie Lamble, whose stall was selling raffle tickets, said: “It’s been really good because what companies are looking for is business awareness.” Students across all departments went down to the Enterprise Zone to have a look around the stalls. Plans are already being formed to hold another event of this kind next year. Ms. Kadiri said: “We’re planning an Easter Flea Market, which will possibly happen next semester. We will also be having the Christmas one again next year.”

Orchestra helps sick children Student flea market By Jennie Hurwood The University’s Department of Music are helping to bring fun and magic to the wards of the Sheffield Children’s Hospital this Christmas. The award winning Wind Orchestra held their annual Children’s Hospital charity concert on Sunday, November 23. Proceeds from this year’s concert will be donated to the Clown Doctors initiative at the Children’s Hospital. By performing tricks and telling jokes, the specially trained Clown Doctors help to bring a cheerful atmosphere to the children’s wards. They will visit sick children in the wards once a week to support them and their families through what can often be a traumatic time. Stewart Campbell, Concerts Co-ordinator at the University of Sheffield, said: “I’m delighted that the Department of Music is hosting this concert, especially

The Department of Music’s Wind Orchestra, pictured in Firth Court.

when it’s for such a good cause. “There is something for everyone here, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to raise money for the hospital while enjoying an outstanding musical event.” Angela Tunn, Fundraising Administrator for the Children’s Hospital Charity said: “It’s brilliant, we love the support from the University. They give a lot of very good support to us. We are very grateful.”

Led by their conductor Anthony Houghton, the orchestra performed a lively programme of music designed to appeal to all the family. It included a musical production of Roald Dahl’s quirky take on the Little Red Riding Hood tale. A family bookstall also contributed to the fundraising. The event was part of the Department of Music’s autumn concert series.

Students got a taste of what it’s like to be Sir Alan Sugar’s apprentice on Wednesday when they hosted a Christmas Flea Market. Students involved in the project formed teams and ran stalls in the Enterprise Zone in a bid to sell as many second-hand items as possible. The 25 teams involved in the project were all competing against each other in a bid to win a cash prize of £50. The project was organised by six interns from the University’s Enterprise Zone. Project Leader and Enterprise Zone intern Omolade Kadiri said: “The project started out because we hoped to raise awareness of the Enterprise Zone and get more students involved in it. “The project was very similar to something Sir Alan Sugar would set, which makes it fun and something a lot of students can relate to. “The reactions to the project were all really positive, although I think the amount of work needed

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

NEWS UNIVERSITY

University of Sheffield inventor awarded for device that predicts volcanic eruptions By Lauren Merryweather A remote-control led helicopter that could help predict volcanic eruptions has earned its University of Sheffield inventor a prestigious Rolex Award for Enterprise. The device created by Dr. Andrew McGonigle, a senior research fellow of the University’s Geography Department, can determine when eruptions will occur, saving the lives of local people and researchers. The award-winning AEROVOLC II is a small, unmanned helicopter that can be guided in and around volcanoes to measure the amounts of carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide present. Dr. McGonigle, who was named a Laureate at the awards ceremony, said: “Carbon dioxide as a gas is very important with volcanology because it is released from rising batches of magma relatively early on in the ascent process.” A build up of these gases beneath the earth’s surface contributes towards violent eruptions that can pose a significant threat to life and property. His innovation has been used to monitor volcanoes Etna and Stromboli in Italy, two of the most active in Europe. The aircraft is a cheaper and more effective method than previous attempts to predict volcanic activity and eliminates the dangers researchers face when gathering data. Experts would normally climb to the crater’s edge to collect information, which often results in fatalities. “What we are trying to do is enable the same measurement of carbon dioxide emissions but enabling scientists to remain completely remote at a safe distance from the volcano,” Dr. McGonigle explained. The international Rolex award, including a £67,000 grant, was presented on November 18 during a ceremony in Dubai celebrating innovators in science, exploration, conservation, and the arts. “Being granted this award

Dr. Andrew McGonigle, senior research fellow at the University of Sheffield pictured with the award winning remote-controlled helicopter. is a profound and unexpected Ten winners chosen from across “We are proud to support these receive reliable warnings before honour which has given me the 127 countries also received a truly original thinkers and salute an eruption, allowing them time to deepest joy and satisfaction,” Dr. Rolex chronometer and worldwide them for their ingenuity and prepare and evacuate, potentially McGonigle added. publicity campaigns for their commitment of purpose.” saving thousands of lives. “I am very much looking projects. The grant money will improve Professor Grant Bigg, Head forward to using these funds to Chief executive of Rolex Patrick the invention’s reliability and of the University’s Department purchase the latest in autonomous Heiniger said: “The Rolex Awards accuracy, allowing it to pinpoint of Geography said: “We are flight helicopter technology and for Enterprise enable the work of eruptions weeks and in some cases delighted that Andrew has been to deploy this on volcanoes in global pioneers who are breaking months, before they happen. given the opportunity to develop attempts to improve our eruption new ground in their fields and The technology means that the device and wish him well with forecasting capabilities.” improving lives worldwide. people living in volcanic zones will the project.”

Sheffield incentive shows that it pays to recycle By Fiona White

The Reverse Vending Machine in the University of Sheffield’s Arts Tower.

Ever imagined a vending machine that could give you money rather than greedily swallowing it in exchange for a bag of half-crushed crisps? Well this one comes close. The University of Sheffield has installed a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), which will give you a token every time you recycle a plastic bottle or aluminium can. All that has to be done is to take empty container to the RVM in the Arts Tower and enter it into the machine, which scans and then crushes the can or bottle. A token receipt for 5 per cent off a hot drink at eatwithUS outlets across the campus will then be issued. Sheffield is the first city in Yorkshire to install an RVM, and the University hopes it will be an extra incentive for staff and students to recycle. Plastic and tins from the Information Commons are already

recycled by the University, along with cardboard and paper from across the campus. The University of Sheffield has been praised for recognising the green agenda after winning awards for its water minimisation plan.

Have your say Comment on this article at Forgetoday.com Send a letter to press.letters@forgetoday.com Text us on 07765363716 It works with the Carbon Trust to reduce its carbon footprint, gains a large majority of its electricity from renewable energy sources, and has transport initiatives to encourage staff not to drive to work. Pat McGrath, Director of Accommodation and Campus Services (ACS) said: “As well

as encouraging our customers to recycle, we hope that local businesses will follow our lead and take a step towards a greener future.” RVMs are supplied by Reverse Vending Corporation, which has installed over 19,000 RVMs throughout Europe. The machine can hold up to 2,000 cans and bottles in separate bins before it needs emptying. Its technology recognises if anything else is entered into the machine, and rejects containers which are partially-full. “The offering of incentive-based recycling is an innovative idea and it’s great to have Yorkshire’s first Reverse Vending Machine here at the University,” said Pat McGrath. “Each time a student, staff member or visitor decides to recycle their used drinks container, they will get cheaper drinks in return.” The machine is located in the Plaza Café area of the Arts Tower, with traditional recycling bins.

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

Students in sweatshop protest

UNIVERSITY NEWS

STI tests for safe students Students are being urged to get themselves checked for chlamydia as part of a national screening programme, writes Michael Hunter. According to recent figures, more than one in 10 people between the ages of 15 and 25 has the sexually transmitted infection. Students will now have access to free checks from pharmacies linked to the University Health Service. Area Support Pharmacist Ravi Mohan, of Weldricks pharmacy on Glossop Road, says all students should take advantage of the programme.

Good mental health This week the Union of Students marked Mental Health Week, raising awareness of a topic that many students consider a taboo, writes Mina Kasherova. Organised by the Welfare Committee, Sports Committee and Mental Health Matters society, the one-week campaign aimed to educate students on different disorders related to anxiety, stress and depression. It also outlined the services that are available to students throughout the University. The organisers of the campaign aim to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health problems while offering advice to students.

Quiz for Amnesty Students on the Union Concourse demonstrate working conditions for sweatshop workers. By Natalie Bowen Members of the University of Sheffield’s Speak Society sat outside the Union on Tuesday and Wednesday this week to protest against the conditions of sweatshops. Bundled up against the cold, students sewed clothes on the concourse from 12pm to 2pm to draw attention to their campaign. Society members asked people to take part in their petition against sweatshop conditions by recording an mp3 file stating their

support. Speak groups across the country hope to record 24 hours of sound to present as an audio petition to the UK government and the European Commission. The Sheffield group aimed to record an hour of speech over the two days. The audio petition was chosen as they are felt to get more notice than a traditional petition. Speak does not want to deprive sweatshop workers of their jobs, but campaigns to improve their pay and working conditions. Mikey Sandford, a third year

Biblical Studies student and co-president of the University’s Speak Society, said: “Companies should have a responsibility for human rights and working environments. “Companies won’t do it without laws – they will go on making a profit regardless.” His co-president Katie Wellbrook, a second year English Literature student, said: “People seem positive about the campaign. It’s an issue most people can relate to.” The UK-based Speak is part

Photo: Adam Dobson of the Trade Justice Movement, which is made up by around 50 groups campaigning for corporate responsibility. “We wanted to show what working in a sweatshop really means – doing something very tedious in horrendous conditions for hours on end for very little pay,” Wellbrook added. NoSweat, another campaign group, will have two ex-sweatshop workers speaking at their event ‘We Make Your Clothes’ at 7pm on December 8, in the Octagon Centre Meeting Room Two.

The School of English is challenging staff and students to look back over 2008, with a quiz in aid of Amnesty International, writes Amy Taylor. The 2008 Year Quiz will test both acumen and memory with questions about events from the past 12 months. Entry can be on an individual or group basis for a total prize of £50. The quiz will be available from the School of English website, www.shef.ac.uk/english/, from Monday, December 15. Donations from entrants are welcome. Any enquiries to Nicky Hallett: n.a.hallett@sheffield.ac.uk.

Students plan ‘Get Sleighed’ bar crawl for hospice By Chris McKay A massive bar crawl has been organised to help raise money for community projects and St. Luke’s Hospice on Sunday, December 14. The pub crawl has been organised by Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) who have been involved in around 20 projects already. ‘Get Sleighed’ is designed not only to raise money for St. Luke’s Hospice, which is the only hospice in the area, but also to fund a project in Africa during February next year. The project, set to take place in Tanzania, will help farmers to create a self-sustaining business as well as building a business and IT school. Two students who have organised the project are Helen

Gammons and Emma Millard, both third year students in Management at the University of Sheffield. They became involved in SIFE at the beginning of this year and regret not getting involved sooner. Emma said: “It’s nice seeing the work I’ve done help others.” Helen said: “I love business projects and these help so many people.” The idea behind SIFE is that they invest money into struggling businesses and therefore help them survive and develop. The business then pays back the loan in instalments with interest at a much lower percentage than that of the banks. Other projects have included re-housing for the homeless, which allowed homeless people to refurbish houses that they are living in. This not only gave them shelter, but allows them to apply

for jobs as they have a fixed living address. The pub crawl is set to begin at 7.30pm at Vodka Revolution on Sunday, where a raffle will take place using prizes donated by the bar, which is managed by Ian Boyles. The route will then consist of Varsity, The Cavendish, Bia Hoi, Walkabout, RSVP and Embrace. Donations from other bars include £100 from Varsity and £500 from Embrace. Tickets for the event can be bought from the Box Office or direct from Vodka Revolution, The Cavendish, RSVP, Varsity and Emma Millard on 07960453660 and Helen Gammons on 07745556028. Also anyone interested in SIFE can go along to the meetings every Tuesday at 7pm in the Enterprise Zone next to St George’s Church or go to www.sheffieldsife.org.

Emma Millard, Ian Boyles, and Helen Gammons. Photo: Jonathan Jackson

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

LETTERS

Have your say Star letter: Pay-per-flyer tax makes sense Dear Forge, To an extent I am in agreement with Jo Wendel with a pay-per-flyer tax at the point of printing. It would ensure that the clubs who print a large number of flyers pay more than those clubs which print fewer. As a student living at the Endcliffe village I am bombarded with flyers more often than most; in fact the stairs and lift of my apartment block are often littered with flyers. This probably occurs because people who give flyers out believe each person needs to have one so dump a large number inside the main door or push dozens under each apartment door. There are only five of us in my apartment – we don’t need (or want) about a dozen flyers!

Star letter is sponsored by Your Harley

The winner receives a free meal for two and a Lock-In membership at Your Harley To this extent I think that posters are a better idea. They would certainly

cut down on some of the rubbish around the Endcliffe village site and be more effective since I hate flyers and will do my best to avoid people giving them out - but that does not mean posters should replace the leaflet. I would prefer a dozen flyers in my letterbox to a dozen posters. Since posters need to be stuck somewhere they can also be a nuisance. For example someone decided to stick a poster up in the lift which isn’t a problem, except they used glue! Half the poster has been torn down, the other half remains firmly stuck to the lift wall! In this case flyers would be better since they aren’t permanent! Yours, Benjamin Friedman Chemical Engineering, second year

Your texts Is Sheffield still Dave Hurst’s misuse of the word ghetto in describing student property shows just how deluded he is. Comparing student accommodation in Sheffield to a ghetto is disgraceful and an insult. It is this kind of detachment from the real world which makes Hurst such a useless President. The Union Shop says its not for profit yet the premade sandwiches they sell are more expensive than the fresh ones sold by John’s Van which is run for profit! How does that work? Nice to see the University getting into the Christmas spirit by putting up a few lights and Christmas trees. Can we have a snow machine on the concourse?!

safe?

Dear Forge,

After reading the news piece in Issue Five of Forge Press about the student who was mugged at knifepoint and hearing of the high number of burglaries in student areas such as Crookes I am left wondering just how safe Sheffield really is. When I looked round the University as a prospective undergraduate a couple of years ago I remember repeatedly being told and reading that Sheffield was the safest city in the country. Certainly it did not have a reputation of crime that gives many other cities a bad image. Unfortunately this claim is increasingly undermined as it appears that crime is now rife, with students in particular frequently being

victims. There are also the stories often featured in local news about the large number of gangs and gang-related crime which takes place in other parts of the city. So I wonder if Sheffield can still be considered as a safe city? The case of the student who was mugged late at night on Harcourt Road shows that it is not just women who are at risk but also men. I think that it is time that the women’s minibus run by the Union allowed unaccompanied male students to buy a ticket and use the door-to-door service as they also face risks walking home late at night. Yours, Henry Jones, Management, third year

Does cheap alcohol encourage binge drinking?

Emma Smith, Finance, third year

Josh Wilcox, Architecture, fifth year

Lourdes Arrenas, Spanish, second year

“I don’t know if it encourages binge drinking, but it definitely makes it easier as you can get more dunk on less money.”

“I think it depends. If there are offers on drinks then it does encourage binge drinking, but people should know how much they are drinking.”

“I am from Spain and alcohol is more expensive here, but people are independent and will drink regardless of the price.”

Delegate debate Dear Forge, As a delegate to the NUS Extraordinary Conference, I was saddened by Kyle Christie’s article, ‘An extraordinary & mindboggling NUS conference’ (Issue Five of Forge Press), in which Christie describes the disconnection between NUS and “ordinary students”. He writes, “most students […] are not members of political groups. Yet to attend an NUS conference, you could be convinced that students from Exeter to Edinburgh are placardwaving hacks”. The organisation, he claims, is detached from reality. But, without putting too fine a point on it, what’s the “reality” Christie’s talking about? Do these placard waving political groups protest against some fictional “reality” separate from normal, everyday students? Of course they don’t. The fact of the matter is “politics” exists and affects ordinary students whether they know it does or not. The claim that NUS and local Students’ Unions

Write: Forge Press, Union of Students, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TG Email: press.letters@forgetoday.com Text: 07765363716 Please include your name, course and year of study should be “for students and not for politics” is meaningless and, what’s worse, neuters any real effect these institutions can have (thankfully, Christie seems to realise this toward the end of his article). Incidentally, saying “I’m not political or ideological” is about the most ideological thing you can say. We can’t make demands of the status quo without having a world view; an idea of what we think is the ‘right way’ things should be. These ideas are a politics. Without these big ideas Students’ Unions are nothing but leisure centres and the NUS their central office. So I’m all in favour of the “electric political conviction” of delegates Christie describes, the question that remains is how to reinvigorate this interest in big ideas amongst the student population.

Upholding democracy?

Yours, Sam Browse English, MA student & Postgraduate (Taught) Union Councillor

Yours, Mark Duncan & Gabriel Siles-Brugge Politics, PhD students

Forge Press letters - your page, your voice. Get in touch!

Dear Forge, I’m glad to see that the Union’s Sabbatical Officers are upholding democracy through thought-control of Union Councillors and by engaging in a McCarthyite witch-hunt (‘Union Councillor on Leaked BNP List’, page one, Issue Five of Forge Press). The “democratic removal” of a Councillor on the basis of their political opinions seems to be somewhat of a contradiction in terms. Naturally, Forge Press’ own democratic credentials are left unsullied by the uncritical reporting of both this and the University’s honouring of a modern day despot on the following page (‘Sheikh Honoured by Sheffield’).

We want to hear from you... email: press.letters @forgetoday.com or text: 07765363716

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

COMMENT

The Union Council should only have members who support our values

As much as we may loathe the BNP’s views, they have a right to be heard

By Roz Glynn

By Alex Orton

As you walk around, you see people from all over the world, living and working at the University of Sheffield in peace. Something tells me that wouldn’t go down too well with the BNP. The University of Sheffield’s Equality and Diversity thesis, which is shared by the Union Council, states: “The University is committed to treating all people with dignity and respect equally, irrespective of race, ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief.” Just picture a BNP member in your head; dwell on all the stereotypes. Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but you’re probably picturing a thug. The BNP will resort to violent and manipulative means to get what they want. For example, BNP leader Nick Griffin has a conviction for inciting racial hatred in a magazine he edited called The Rune.

Last week’s vote at Union Council on removing a councillor who is allegedly a member of the British National Party shows an overzealous commitment to combating the presence of a racist element at the expense of freedom of speech. The BNP’s views are far from desirable, but to hound anyone who expresses them from public view is pointless. It is unlikely that having been removed from the Union Council that the councillor in question would go home and say: “Well, I’ve been voted off the Union Council, I best give up this ultra-nationalist lark and start working to for an asylum seekers’ charity.” What is more likely is that if the BNP is forced out of the usual forums which people have to express their political beliefs it will become more dangerous. It is far better to have people extolling their beliefs in a public forum where they can be questioned by their opponents than to have them relegated to a get-together in a pub cellar where their audience only gets one side of the story. Some have criticised the Union Council BNP member for not declaring their political allegiance before they ran, but very few other candidates came out with which mainstream political party they were aligned to. I no more think that people of Asian descent should be repatriated to their countries of origin

Students are one of the most open portions of society Our society is extremely multicultural and multiracial, much to the disgust of the BNP. “On current demographic trends, we, the native British people, will be an ethnic minority in our own country within 60 years,” as their unconvincing manifesto reminds us. However, this mix of race and religion is surely

Rabid nationalism has no place positive, as it will allow for great evolution and change in our society, we will learn more about different customs and ways of life, and will become far more tolerant and open-minded to those of different cultures. From my time at the University of Sheffield, I’ve learned that students are one of the most open minded portions of society. On the whole, they are people who would never dream of discriminating based on race or religious grounds. The BNP will never become an accepted part of University life, just an embarrassing annoyance. This is exactly why the BNP should be kept out of universities and education organisations. To return to the Equality and Diversity thesis: “The

Cartoon: Mark Mackay University of Sheffield is fully committed to eliminating all forms of unfair discrimination in all of its activities, and in respect of all students, staff, visitors, contractors, members of Council and other committees.” Imagine a BNP member’s reaction to this one? Banging a chubby hand down on the table, probably with ‘hate’ tattooed across the knuckles, ranting away about foreigners invading our land. The motion proposed by the Union Council is clearly just. Why should race, colour or creed affect in any way how we should treat or respect people. We’re all equal. That is the model we seek to live by, not by any views the BNP seek to put forward.

than I do that everyone in the country should be on an ID card database. I’m not putting those policies on an equal footing in terms of which is more unpleasant, but I am saying that all political parties have policies that people find abhorrent, some just have more than others. Well ‘more’ could mean ‘all’, but you get the point.

Pick apart the BNP’s ideas by debate, don’t just gag them While the BNP is a legal political party their members should not be barred from holding a public office, even at a university that is as committed to racial integration as this one. Sadly they cannot simply be written off as skinheads in suits. The BNP appeal to are those who are disaffected by local economic downturns and multiculturalism. They never stop to think that it was their own bosses who realised that their work could be done at fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the ethics in overseas sweatshops. They were always going to be members

of one disagreeable group or other. If the BNP didn’t give these people something to do then other anti-social and vindictive groups like football hooligans or parking wardens would probably take these people under their wing. We should pick apart the BNP’s ideas by debate, not just gag them. If people still want to join then let them; they should be free to rot on the margins of British politics if they want to. Anyway, they’ll probably become extinct. Telling a girl “I’m a BNP member” is no more likely to get you laid than saying “oh, my gonorrhoea is playing up again.”

Uncertain times shouldn’t stop you having fun

Each issue a member of the Union Officer team reports on their aims, objectives and activities. In these times of economic downturn and turmoil, there are many negative effects for students. With costs of living spiralling, coupled with the threat of even higher fees, the typical reaction of students would be to focus their time on their course and a part-time job. A small amount of that time would

Matt Fox, Activities Officer.

be dedicated to actually going out and aiming for that end goal of hopefully getting a graduate job. However, this need not be the case. After a meeting of the Careers Service Advisory Board last week, where employers such as Rolls Royce, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, BT and DLA Piper were represented, one of the key emphases was on the fact that in an increasingly competitive market for graduates, employers are

still looking for tangible real-world skills. Skills above and beyond someone’s ability to write good essays and answer exam questions, such as being an accomplished communicator, an efficient planner and time manager, and an active citizen who respects diversity. Where can these skills be developed in Sheffield? Through getting involved with the many activities it offers. Whether it’s being a member of the Athletics

Club to learning about the investment market with the Young Investors Society, to volunteering with mentally handicapped children, the wide variety of activities available to you at Sheffield Union can help you develop the kind of skills that will help you stand out. Through Give it a Go, you can develop lots of different skills with less commitment too, from African drumming to origami. The benefits of getting involved are vast and aren’t

just about your increased employability. The social aspect of immediately sharing a hobby with others and the fact that you are giving up your time within a group of volunteers makes the whole process very rewarding, and the wonderful sense of community that develops through getting involved is also extremely satisfying. So please don’t let these uncertain times stop you having the time of your life.

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

COMMENT

Nice protest, but will it really be successful?

By Kyle Christie This week saw an unusual event taking place on the concourse. A protest, organised by the Union, against the University on the issue of the cost of accommodation. When you bear in mind the last placard-waving contest was undertaken by lecturers over the issue of pay, it’s clear this is no everyday occurrence. How exceptional the protest is however is not contentious. What is debatable is how effective it will prove to be. The issue of the cost of University accommodation needs to be addressed as it is surely too high and too inflexible. But is this tactic the best way to be tackling the problem? After all, our Union is not known for its protesting mantle.

What is debatable is how effective the protest will prove to be So where has the push for this demonstration originated from? It could be the result of a feeling that something noticeable and impressive needs to be done to make the University and the student body take stock. Something physical and exhilarating, which will feel that

much more satisfying to those whose idea it was than convening another sub-committee. After all, it is much easier to be enthusiastic about a protest than a meeting with ACS. One Sabbatical Officer cried through the megaphone: “Congratulations, we’re making history!” It was unclear how. The demonstration was small, with no more than 60 students present. The usual faces, in the form of Union Councillors and political activists, made up the vast majority of protestors. Not even all the Sabbatical Officers were present. Judging from the turnout, the demonstration failed in provoking a massive response from the wider student body. Even the most enthused of protestors were distracted by the chip pan demonstration, an event perhaps more likely to set the University world ablaze. There is a risk, though, that the University may be less inclined to agree with Union proposals and demands once they see the President waving a placard around rather than sat on the other side of the table. Relations between the Union and the University could, potentially, take a significant dive. One can’t imagine staff feeling warm towards the Union after being shouted at. In addition, don’t we pay the

It’s unknown how the University will react to the demonstration. President and the Union officers to lobby on our behalf so we don’t have to bother? Many students don’t have time to meet with University staff and discuss the finer point of rent prices and contract lengths. Therefore we elect, and pay, individuals to be at those meetings and speak to the right people because we can’t. An additional problem with campaigning on the cost of University accommodation is that most of those paying are rarely involved in the sphere of the Union: first years and international students. In addition, many of those in University accommodation now

will have no intention of being so next year and understandably care more about finding a house than protesting on behalf of those following them. However, the demonstration is clear evidence that some action is being taken by the Union to address the unacceptable cost of living in University flats or halls. Nevertheless, the issue of accommodation costs could have simply been an excuse to have a protest. It’s a legitimate tactic, but surely we would prefer our Officers to have hit a brick wall in negotiations before they spend time and money on a protest? It’s up to the University now to decide how to react. If the

engineering? The UK has more than enough higher education establishments; it would be naïve to believe that a University of Doncaster could offer anything new (well, except for cartoon fish). Plenty of opportunities exist for obtaining a degree - be it grants, commuting or the Open University so these new universities are unnecessary. The onus of any attempt to make a better education system should be on improving the existing universities so that those with the ability to attend can do so, rather than just boosting numbers.

By Matt Duncan

Cartoon: Kate Carson words of a friendly porter I know who passed the protest: “You students have plenty of money,” are anything to go by, it may not be that positive. But the unusual tactic might just shock them into a policy shift. Hurst is living up to what his manifesto promised in using these kind of tactics against the University, though the protest was well short of the 3,000 he said he was hoping for in an interview after his election. As one woman said as she passed the demonstration: “It’s good to see the youth today taking some action.” What is lacking is any reassurance or expectation that it will work.

More Yorkshire universities? Leave off the IC By Craig Purshouse Rotherham, Halifax, Wakefield, Scarborough, Doncaster, No, it’s not the contents page of Undesirable Towns, but a list of nearby places hoping to gain university status. But does Yorkshire really need a new university? Perhaps the Higher Education courses that are under-subscribed should be filled before more empty places are created. Rather than creating a University of Rotherham, these resources would be better spent improving established universities, such as our own. At some new universities you can study Philosophy with three Ds at A Level. Doncaster College, which would become its university were their bid successful, even

advertises itself to prospective students with a cartoon fish. When you consider that its potential students are supposed to be educated adults, cries of ‘dumbing down’ don’t seem without substance. As the University and College Union (UCU) said of the plans, Higher Education should be about more than students getting a “piece of paper in their hand.” The demand for graduate jobs already outstrips the supply and more degrees will only make this problem worse. How long will it be before every McJob employee has a degree in

The Information Commons has always received a little bit of stick from parts of our student community, but I feel it is time to stand up for it. Although we may have to swipe our cards at inopportune times, it’s a small sacrifice to pay for what it can offer us. Even the inability to take our coffee and tea upstairs is no real reason to grumble. I mean, who else is there at three in the morning we can go to knowing we’ll be with other people who are struggling to stay awake and complete that essay that’s due in 12 hours time? Who is there for us when we really need to check our emails and the dodgy internet at home has gone down (again)? Who is there when we simply

must have a good vantage point for that Sheffield sunrise? And perhaps most importantly, who is there when we need somewhere to go and browse bookshelves with the sole intention of making ourselves feel as if we really are making the most of that tuition fee loan? I’ll tell you who: The IC, always welcoming with its heating that never goes off and its twinkling automatic bookshelf lights. It’s now become as much a focus of University life as the Union, which probably says something about us. Six whole floors of temperamental computers, ever-useful books and far too comfortable sofas makes for a library we can get along with. And if you haven’t already, finding the shower is a fun game when bored.

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

Editorials Volunteers’ victory perfect end to 2008 What a fantastic achievement by SheffieldVolunteering to be named as the ‘Exceptional winner’ of the Volunteering Team of the Year award at the Higher Education Volunteering Awards held at Old Trafford this week. Considering the relatively small size of their salaried team, managing almost 1,300 volunteers in their various projects is truly worthy of this national award and represents the perfect way to round off 2008. I was fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of a student who volunteers as part of the initiative whilst making the arduous train

journey back from Cardiff last month. She explained to me the project that she was involved in, and I found the selflessness of those involved in the programme truly humbling. This sort of award often slips under the radar in the face of news about student misbehaviour, so picking up an accolade like this is a pleasant reminder of how much students in Sheffield (neighbours Hallam were also recognised for various aspects of their volunteering scheme, Hallam Volunteering) contribute to the local community.

One issue that seems to come up more around the festive season than at any other point during the year is that of personal safety, especially at club night events. Perhaps it’s the spirit of excess, but it does seem that someone always goes too far on a night out at this time of year. In most cases this is harmless enough, and will result in nothing more than a sore head and moderate embarrassment the following day. However, as the injuries sustained by Emma Wall show, the denouement of every party is not necessarily going to end in

such an innocent way. Even as a mere bystander, we’re not out of harm’s way: Kerri Riordan ended up breaking her wrist at Space last Friday, but only after she was punched in the face by a man who was involved in a fight. I don’t want to create something out of nothing and perpetuate scaremongering, but it just seems that the spirit of Christmas high jinks does occasionally end in a less than favourable fashion. We should therefore remember to keep our wits about us whilst celebrating the onrushing festivities.

Club night safety

Season’s greetings So, we’re half way through another academic year already. This is the last issue of Forge Press until next semester; I hope you have enjoyed reading your new look student newspaper as much as we have enjoyed putting it together over the last few months. But while we sign off until February in printed format, other outlets of Forge Media still have their noses pressed to the grindstone to keep you up to date with life in the Steel City.

Be sure to keep an eye on forgetoday.com for all the latest goings on in Sheffield over the ensuing weeks: from news to gigs, the web team will be aiming to keep absolutely everything covered for you. Equally, make sure that you download Forge Radio’s version of ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ and propel them towards the charts. Merry Christmas, and all the best for 2009.

COMMENT

Crime stats show we’re vulnerable and naïve

By Dan O’ Brien Crime. It’s everywhere. In fact, let’s do a little experiment: Look at the person on your left. Now look at the person on your right. Statistics say that one of these folks is about to rob you. What’s more, the other guy is his mate and he’s in on it. Yes, the latest statistics are in and it turns out that our student identity has made us an even bigger target for burglars, robbers, attackerers and pedalcycle pilferers than ever before. In October this year, 18 students were robbed. That means taking stuff with violence or threat of violence, for those not familiar with the legal parlance. A further 67 of us were burgled in October alone; that’s more than two break-ins a night. But what does it all mean? Largely nothing, I’m guessing. Statistics fluctuate year in, year out and just because you’re in higher education it doesn’t mean you’re walking around with ‘rob me’ written across your face. You have your whole life to get mugged, so don’t despair. These statistics, which at worst give us a bit of a wake up call, remind us to lock our doors and not walk home at 4am waving around an iPod wrapped in a £50 note. Although 40 ‘miscellaneous thefts’ are alarming; my miscellaneous items are my most valuable. But there are very reasonable explanations for why student houses appear to criminals as a kind of house shaped smorgasbord compared to the more broccoli-like family abode. For instance, the average six person student house has six easyto-nick laptops. Plus, most people

Students are easy targets for thieves and others. assume a dodgy stranger roaming around is just a housemate’s friend. And yet I remember when I was burgled, with the lucky chancers waltzing through my girlfriend’s unlocked door and into her laptop and car key-strewn living room, I felt personally affronted and even a little betrayed. It was as though it had all been a con. This seemingly wonderful city which I thought had taken me into its heart despite my southern ways had in fact all the time been

Cartoon: Mark Mackay

plotting against me, waiting for me to let my guard down and then - bam. No more laptop. While a slight exaggeration, I think it sums up the feelings of anger that can arise after becoming a victim of crime in a strange city, and the ‘them and us’ mentality so prevalent in most universities only exacerbates this. Maybe we should just start locking our doors and setting alarms without worrying about becoming another statistic proving what massive victims we all are.

Fun inventions bring relevance to inventors’ work By Jo Wendel A University of Sheffield scientist recently won a Rolex Award for Enterprise for a device which can predict volcanic eruptions by measuring gas levels. The device is, very simplified, a big remote controlled helicopter strapped to a cut-off garden chair with a laptop and a spectrometer. And it won him $100,000. The AEROVOLC II can potentially save thousands of lives, and is very important for people living in volcanic areas. But just imagine how much fun Dr. Andrew McGonigle must have had building his AEROVOLC II. Boys and their toys… Or girls and their toys for that matter. Who wouldn’t want to play around with a big remote-controlled helicopter? Not to mention the chance to climb

Italian volcanoes. But there are many other examples of the strange research carried out at universities across the country. Take the Loughborough University doctor who, on behalf of the Royal Society of Chemistry, researched how to make the perfect cup of tea.

Who wouldn’t want to play around with a big remotecontrolled helicopter? I may not be English, but if there is one thing I have learnt living here it is the sanctity of the cuppa. There are as many perfect cups of tea as there are people. Half of the study is blatantly based on the chemist’s personal preferences rather than any scientific evidence. The most valuable lesson the Royal Society of Chemistry teaches us is when

one should pour the milk. It is ideal – chemically speaking – to let the chilled milk rest at the bottom of the cup, allowing it to slowly chill the tea. This way the denaturation of milk proteins is kept at a minimal. So milk first, then tea. One can wonder how much money the Royal Society of Chemistry spent figuring that out. In all honesty a lot of the studies carried out seem to be nothing but shameless publicity stunts disguised as scientific research. The formula for happiness – (P + (5xE) + (3xH)) if you were wondering – is another example. However, these light-hearted studies arguably still serve more people than much of the forefront of scientific research of today. The Large Hadron Collider at CERN got plenty of news coverage earlier this year. But how many of our lives will be changed by their findings?

I would rather make the perfect cup of tea any day, than find out if that “hypothetical massive scalar elementary particle” called Higgs Boson really exists. And if nothing else, these wacky studies are always amazing ice breakers. Stuck for a conversation topic? Well, did you know that the length of a sperm’s tail doesn’t actually influence how fast the little fellows swim? This is the kind of amazing knowledge brings that bit of extra life to any Christmas dinner. You can even take pride in it being discovered by the dedicated scientists at your very own university. Though I’m not going to speculate

how much fun they had, be it with a sticking gadgets to a toy helicopter or watching sperm racing down a microscope.

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

FEATURES

Here today, gone tomorrow Author Lee Child takes time out on his ﬂying visit to Shefﬁeld to speak to Forge Press

Lee Child, a Law graduate of the University of Shefﬁeld, and creator of Jack Reacher.

By Daniel Baird Walking from the University towards West Street on a cold and gloomy South Yorkshire afternoon could not be more ordinary. The Henderson’s Relish factory is customarily spluttering its distinctive fragrance into the Sheffield air as I turn down Regents Terrace and into the extraordinary. The Ivory, with its ostentatious purple front, seems a little out of place on this little side street. As is the content of my afternoon. Lee Child’s step from University of Sheffield student into the world of crime writing was filled by two decades, mine a disorientating two seconds. Inside, a player-piano sits gleaming to the left of the bar and to the right, raised a few stairs up,

was the hushed and shadowy dining room. Four men, dark suited, sat at a table speaking in low tones and dabbing at the corner of their mouths with napkins. I hesitated, looking up the steps, as if expecting a few bold strides forward to be rebuked by a cold: “What have I done to make you treat me so disrespectfully?” But this is just a Shefﬁeld bar, not a scene from The Godfather, and my imagination has clearly got the better of me following recent submergence in Child’s crime writing. Who could blame me? Child’s stories and style are gripping and his protagonist is, for differing reasons, achingly alluring to both sexes. In his whistle-stop visit to Shefﬁeld last month, Child could scarcely relate the current environment to that of his time studying Law. “The context has completely altered, like 180 degrees, since I was here. Rather

than paying we were paid to come. “All the tuition was taken care of by our hometown council and on top of that we got maintenance grants, which were effectively a wage. This was the early to mid seventies and it was probably 10 or 12 per cent of school leavers that went on to university. Which, combined with the good economy, meant that everybody was guaranteed a job.

I was probably the worst student ever and I was offered three jobs “The whole ﬂavour of being here was completely different. We weren’t racking up loans or debts and you also had no concern whatsoever about vocational issues. In fact, I was probably the worst student ever and I was offered three jobs when I left. The good students absolutely had their pick.

Photos (main & right bottom): Jack Gilbert “Now I sense a seriousness about the place. A kind of suppressed panic about the debt that you’re going to leave with, whether you’re going to get a job and perhaps whether you’re compromised as to what job you can get because of your debt. These things that are intruding into your lives that were absolutely not a part of ours.” For Child, early reading certainly stoked the literary ﬁres but the writer insists that, for him, there was nothing out of the ordinary as an undergraduate or in childhood that transformed him into a bestseller. “When I was a young kid I started with Enid Blyton, the same as everyone else. Then W.E. Johns, Alistair MacLean. Absolutely standard, you know, English middle-class reading. I’m not one of these writers who claims exotic inﬂuences. I didn’t read Dostoevsky when I was eight. I still haven’t read him I don’t think.”

If it wasn’t the literary inﬂuences then perhaps it was an alter ego that transformed him into today’s Superman of crime writing. Child (Jim Grant in his personal life) took up the pen name as he embarked on his writing career in the 1990s. “I’d worked in show business, all my life up until that point, where assuming a new name for a new project is relatively routine. I’d just got ﬁred from my previous job. “Essentially the previous job ended in failure. At least that’s how I felt emotionally. So it was a kind of regeneration. New life, new name, new start. “It’s also a psychological buffer because if somebody hates a Lee Child book I’m slightly insulated from that because it’s a pseudonym. It helps me when I’m on the road promoting because you have to put on an act and you literally become a different person. “It is, on a mundane level, very important business wise because

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

FEATURES if you have a name that is also a noun it’s easier for people to remember it. ‘Child’ has warm associations for most people so it produces a psychological effect. It’s also early in the alphabet which is very important because most books are bought by casual shoppers.” This autumn the rejuvenation of the Bond franchise continued, but many will be unaware that Child was offered a major part in the process (with no blue swim shorts in sight).

Bond was a symbol so that we could all say, ‘Well Britain can still do it’ “I haven’t read Devil May Care yet. I looked at Bond from the point of view of what was being offered and what was being offered was a royalties split with the Fleming estate that would have made me poorer for the year and clearly it made [Sebastian Faulks] richer for the year. That’s how genre fiction sells versus literary fiction. We sell more than they do. So he could afford to do it and I couldn’t. “I wasn’t a big fan of Bond and I wouldn’t have done the books anyway, even if the deal had been lucrative. Bond is very much of his time and, you know, Faulks updated it to 1967 or 1969. Even that’s pushing it a bit for Bond. “He was a real character from the 1950s. He was a product of the Cold War, with Britain’s relative impotence as a military power in the 1950s, and Bond was a symbol so that we could all say, ‘well Britain can still do it because this one fictional character could still do it’. The world has changed since those days. He totally belonged to that period and I don’t see how he could be successfully updated.” Many have likened Child’s creation, Jack Reacher, to Bond, although many Fleming purists would look down at the musclebound, former US major through their Martini glass, seeing him as little more than a blunt instrument. There is, however, more to relate to with Child’s character. He’s closer to reality. “I feel like I’m a passive observer. I would rather not be a participant and Jack Reacher too is a reluctant participant if he ever gets involved in anything.” It seemed unlikely that Child once strolled around the streets of Crookes or Broomhill with a heroic behemoth who became the inspiration for Reacher but where did the ideas for his most successful characters come from? “Pretty much anybody can end up influencing a character. They tend to be amalgamations of people that you’ve known, characters that you’ve seen. But I can’t think of anything that is a direct like-for-like representation. But they’re in there somewhere.” Child has, effectively, provided the world with an American moulded by a Brit, an idea that many can get on board with. It is, like Craig’s B o n d , Reacher’s composed and independent nature that is a prime attraction. The idea of being able to travel huge distances, meet new people and see new things with only a travel toothbrush

and the clothes you’re wearing represents the burning wanderlust within millions worldwide. “It’s a huge part of his appeal and I think in different cultural norms men have a hard time with emotion. And they have a hard time with responsibility and commitment and so a lot of guys are always chaﬁng that they’ve got all these responsibilities. “They have a fantasy of being able to abandon all of that and certainly I’ve got, you know, hundreds of people at book signings. Men in suits just totally snowed under in big jobs and they come up and whisper: ‘I wish I could be like Jack Reacher and just walk away from it all’ because they’re not good at dealing with it.” Reacher’s embodiment of this concept is a popular formula that is present in many successful characters of ﬁlm and literature. Child’s creation provides accessible escapism into a way of life that is not easily attained in reality. Reacher’s past in the US military brings to mind the incredible contrast between the British and American view of the army. In the States, some patriots volunteer to wait at arrivals and cheer servicemen alighting the planes back from the Middle East. Child says: “I like the idea of people who were in the military and now are not because the transfer between the two worlds is very hard to manage. The US military is and always has been gigantic and therefore it’s completely unexceptional to be a veteran. Everybody is, especially people of a certain age. You’re either a Vietnam veteran and certainly every single person is a World War

Men in suits come up and whisper: ‘I wish I could be like Jack Reacher’ Two veteran in that age group. “It’s a bit like having been to primary school, everybody has. So the idea of being honoured for your service is bizarre. That actually was a manifestation of that particular George W. Bush culture. It never happened before Bush and I very much doubt it will happen after Bush. It was really a way of covertly investing oneself in that Republican ideology and I’m sure it’ll die out fairly quickly.” It has been a whirlwind few weeks across the Atlantic and until now I haven’t met anyone more appropriate with whom to discuss American politics. Child says of his character: “Reacher is a post-

No Jack Reacher: Dame Judi’s M labelled Bond ‘a relic of the Cold War’.

Child talks to Forge Press (right). everything character. A lot of people are enthused by racial progress and so on and so forth; Reacher would take it utterly for granted. “There’s no difference between people based on their physical appearance so he wouldn’t be enthused or happy for that reason. “Reacher’s got a simple political philosophy: who ever is less in bed with the big guys he will support. I would think that’s always the Democrats.” Especially now, when there is so much hope and excitement surrounding the United States, it is not hard to imagine why America proved so attractive to Child as a location for his stories. Our generation in particular, indoctrinated by movie and television, become dewy eyed at the opening notes of ‘California’ by Phantom Planet and place our hands on our hearts as if it was our own utopian anthem. Child emphasised the significance that America symbolises where he’s concerned. “It’s not so much energy because it’s undoubtedly true that somewhere like New York is a much more energetic city than you’ll find, even London, you know. It’s more about the large space. “It’s effectively an infinite space, America, you know. It’s a continent. It’s bigger than Europe. If you can imagine from the north of Norway, down to the south of Spain or something. “That’s the size of it. And, by European standards, it’s mostly empty. “A lot of it is virtually uninhabited. And therefore you

have this sense of inﬁnite space. And therefore the stories can be physically large. Geographically wide-ranging. It’s about liberation. English ﬁction by comparison is very internal, claustrophobic, kind of psychological. It’s very liberating to go to the States and tell large, physical stories.” Child’s next book, Gone Tomorrow, confronts the topical and sensitive issue of suicide bombers. The writer has never been one to shy away from dark and gritty subjects and the huge concern today of terrorist violence is an idea that many authors are eager to explore. Child may not be famous for his humour as a writer but you will discover a real gem from time to

time and he appears visibly relieved to indulge in the lighter moments in his writing. For instance, the way a local Florida girl describes a buff and bronzed Jack Reacher in Tripwire (2000). “In a secret world exclusive I’ll tell you that phrase was actually stolen from Clive James, the Australian critic. I’ve never told anyone this but because I’m in Shefﬁeld I have to tell the truth. “There was a movie, years ago, called Twins that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito. James described Schwarzenegger as looking like ‘a condom stuffed with walnuts’, so I stole his line. “I mean, all lines are stolen in books. But that one, it’s just a great image.”

Best of 2008 / Twelfth Night / Che - Part 1 / Def Jux Records

Fuse.

Feature Music Games Arts Screen

The year that was 2000 and great Feature: Best of 2008 I have a strained, complex relationship with ‘best of’ lists that show up everywhere come the end of a year. On the one hand, I hate them. The ordering and ranking of things by some judge or jury’s personal satisfaction scoring method lacks any real weight, or indeed purpose, as an article. But despite holding all of this to be true in my conscience, I still get drawn in by them. I can’t help it. Upon seeing a magazine in a shop that has constructed such a list and hence advertised the fact in a lurid explosion of colour, I will pick it up and flick through the pages to see who they thought was worthy of the winner’s prize. And normally, they’re wrong. Whatever album, film, single or person they have placed at the top of their pile, it rarely concurs with

my opinion on what the worthy winner should have been. And that is the trump card of these lists; they stimulate goodnatured debate through their modest controversy. People will argue over what came first and what has been, in their own eyes, overlooked in a preposterous act of ineptitude. Maybe we’re just jumping on the bandwagon or maybe we’re just trying to install a bit of healthy discussion amongst you and your peers, but either way, we at Fuse have done our own poll of 2008. We, the Fuse editors and our colleagues who represent the various sections in this entertainment pullout, have come up with shortlists for the following sections: Film of the year (12 nominations), album of the year (12 nominations), single of the year (12 nominations), TV show of the year (six nominations), game

of the year (six nominations), and performance of the year for a show in Sheffield (four nominations).

People will argue over what came first and what has been overlooked They are a collection of our own favourites, those that were critically acclaimed in the wider media, and those that garnered success amongst the general public; the shortlists were designed to represent both the mainstream and the perhaps more obscure. In order to make it all a little fairer, we’ve thrown in a little bit of democracy by giving all Forge Media contributors the opportunity to vote for their favourite. There were over 150 responses to the

survey, the results of which can be seen on these pages. The outcomes are unlikely to be a complete revelation with the winners often representing those with the widest fan base. But that’s not to say they’re bad choices; after all, they are popular for a reason. Perhaps we are wrong. Did we make any glaringly obvious omissions from the shortlists? Has the wrong person walked away as winner? There might be more worthy winners that suffered due to their lack of general attention rather than a lack of genuine quality. You can now dispute this among yourselves, but don’t get too caught up in it; it’s Christmas soon and we can’t have you coming to blows just before the holidays. And what of my relationship with polls and lists that concisely round up the merits in arts and

Alistair White

Album of the year

Fuse

Friday December 5 2008

Vampire Weekend Vampire Weekend

entertainments for a single year? I must confess that having access to the voting data and patterns reveal the inner geek in me, as I became addicted to checking the progress and outcomes of counted ballots, and studying how they impacted on results became an obsession. I became more absorbed by the lists I had helped create than I had ever been by those in other magazines, web sites and newspapers. That doesn’t mean I agreed with all the outcomes. I personally adored the Mystery Jets album and rarely has my heart pounded so hard whilst watching television than when I sat through BBC1’s Criminal Justice. But fair’s fair and you can’t argue with an outcome. Except when it’s wrong.

Gig poster from a Vampire Weekend show at The Echo, Los Angeles, California, December 2007.

Vampire Weekend’s eponymous debut release took over a quarter of the votes cast in our poll, earning the title of ‘Album of the year’. Released in January, the album’s popularity endured throughout the year to fight MGMT’s Oracular Spectacular into second place. On paper Vampire Weekend probably shouldn’t be as successful as it was: as the self-produced product of young, preppy and privileged kids, it should get up the noses of the proletariat. Yet it seemed that in 2008 music lovers got bored of posh wankers pretending to be the voice of the ordinary Joe, and welcomed the band’s refreshingly honest approach to being musicians. They wear their Columbia University education as a badge of honour, unashamed to write clever lyrics referencing obscure methods of punctuation and bus routes, whilst merrily fiddling away with their self-described “Upper West Side Soweto” ethos. It is the tag of being influenced by African music which can cause discomfort amongst listeners – after all they willingly appropriate the melodies of a troubled continent without ever deigning to acknowledge the roots or feelings behind the sound. Although I’d never encourage Bob Geldof-esque pontificating, it seems at best thoughtless and at worst distasteful that they so willingly boast their worldly knowledge when based on pure aesthetics rather than philanthropic concern. However, consciences aside, Vampire Weekend undoubtedly caught the

ears of many with its breezy pop sensibility and knack for short, sharp songs with enough spark to light up a dancefloor, racing through in under 35 minutes. An honourable mention must go to third-placed Twenty One, the sophomore effort from Mystery Jets, as the highest rated British release. Helped by a couple of killer singles and a cult following, the four-piece distilled the exhilaration and giddy highs and lows of youth into one record, and probably soundtracked a fair few romances along the way. Elsewhere in the list, independent labels had a strong showing with half of all nominated albums being released without the backing of major labels. And either established bands were getting too complacent, or fresh new music was just astonishingly great, as 75 per cent of the shortlist came from debut artists. Helen Lawson 1st. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend (24%) 2nd. MGMT – Oracular Spectacular (21%) 3rd. Mystery Jets – Twenty One (11%) 4th=. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes (10%) 4th=. TV On The Radio – Dear Science (10%) 6th. Late Of The Pier – Fantasy Black Channel (7%) 7th. Chase and Status – More Than Alot (6%) 8th. Fuck Buttons – Street Horrrsing (4%) 9th=. Lykke Li – Youth Novels (2%) 9th=. The Magnetic Fields – Distortion (2%) 9th=. The Wave Pictures – Instant Coffee Baby (2%) 12th. Neon Neon – Stainless Style (1%)

The Dark Knight

Juno showed how to be commercially viable without ‘selling out’

Peep Show They didn’t win that BAFTA award for nothing! The sitcom starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb showcases British comedy at its best, having completed their fifth series this year. The show hosts two sexually frustrated flat mates. Mark is the pessimistic, socially incapable money earner and Jeremy is, by contrast, the over- optimistic

made us all fall in love with an affection-starved borderlinenecrophile bin man robot. Adorable.

1st. Peep Show (50%) 2nd. The Inbetweeners (15%) 3rd. Gossip Girl (14%) 4th. Dead Set (10%) 5th. Criminal Justice (8%) 6th. Modern Toss (3%) wannabe musician. The humour is dry but works so well because the characters both display traits of people we are all likely to have met in our own lives. New British comedy is also fairing well, with The Inbetweeners picking up second place. Natasha Hoban

Games

stand-alone cinematic merits. This fact and their off-thewall subject matters make Juno and WALL-E’s success all the more worthy. Juno was the most successful indie film for six years and showed it was possible to make a commercially viable film without ‘selling out’. WALL-E

1st. The Dark Knight (40%) 2nd. Juno (13%) 3rd. WALL-E (10%) 4th. No Country For Old Men (8%) 5th=. In Bruges (7%) 5th=. Sex And The City – The Movie (7%) 7th. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (5%) 8th. Persepolis (4%) 9th=. Happy-Go-Lucky (3%) 9th=. The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas (3%) 11th=. Gone Baby Gone (1%) 11th=. Hunger (1%)

Music

Much like hips and wrongly accused criminals, everybody knows that surveys do not lie. This is a fact confirmed by the victory of The Dark Knight in this year’s ‘best of’ survey. In terms of films, ‘best’ could mean most exciting, most talented acting performance, originality, quality of script-writing; the list goes on. The Dark Knight seemed to have it all. It stayed true to its comic book origins and yet brought in sinister drama; it had plenty of edge-of-seat action and yet didn’t let the plot fall to the side; and most important of all, Heath Ledger’s acting lived up to all the hype. Second and third place in our survey goes to an independent

film about teenage pregnancy and an animated film with hardly any dialogue. Unlike Sweeney Todd and Sex and the City, both films had no prior history to pull in the audiences and relied on their

TV show of the year

Feature

Film of the year

Natasha Lewis

Arts

Grand Theft Auto IV

Christian Bale can’t decide what suit to wear. Kevlar or Italian wool?

Single of the year Kings of Leon - ‘Sex On Fire’

1st. Kings Of Leon – ‘Sex On Fire’ (35%) 2nd. M.I.A. – ‘Paper Planes’ (13%) 3rd. Elbow – ‘Grounds For Divorce’ (8%) 4th=. Alphabeat – ‘Fascination’ (7%) 4th=. Hot Chip – ‘Ready For The Floor’ (7%) 4th=. MGMT – ‘Kids’ (7%) 4th=. Mystery Jets – ‘Two Doors Down’ (7%) 8th. Wiley – ‘Wearing My Rolex’ (6%) 9th=. Black Kids – ‘I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You’ (4%) 9th=. Flo Rida – ‘Low’ (4%) 11th. Friendly Fires – ‘Paris’ (2%) 12th. Metronomy – ‘Heartbreaker’ (0%)

1st. Grand Theft Auto IV (56%) 2nd. Fallout 3 (13%) 3rd. Fable II (11%) 4th=. Braid (7%) 4th=. Gears Of War 2 (7%) 6th. Left 4 Dead

Performance of the year The Shrimps

Hannah Kirby 1st. The Shrimps (80%) 2nd. Bald Prima Donna (10%) 3rd=. Hofesh Shechter (5%) 3rd=. An Ideal Husband (5%)

Fuse

The Shrimps have worked their little socks off for much welldeserved success this year, and I’m genuinely delighted they’ve won this poll. Since starting themselves up in October 2006 they’ve gone from strength to strength, gaining more active members and selling out shows. The list of venues that they’ve played is growing at speed and spans from Coffee Rev to The Lescar, where they broke onto the ‘big time’ Sheffield comedy scene playing the Last Laugh comedy club after a radio appearence on Toby Foster’s BBC Radio Sheffield breakfast show.

Since then they’ve toured to Manchester and Cambridge, and this summer took on the giants at the Edinburgh Festival. Now, they even hold weekly workshops for those who fancy a bit of improvised comedy themselves. Their quirky, spontaneous brand of humour fills a glorious little niche in the Uni’s performance societies roll-call, and a neverdisappointing slot in the Union calendar. If you haven’t seen them yet, shame on you.

Friday December 5 2008

Kings Of Leon’s ‘Sex On Fire’ is single of the year. Not just a song about STIs.

Sam Robinson

‘Sex On Fire’ is almost the perfect song. It has an epic chorus that you can’t help but roar along to, be it in a packed-out club or alone in the shower, guitar-riffs that get right under your skin, and lyrics that are simultaneously simple and complex. It is uplifting, thoughtprovoking and oozing energy. Furthermore, it’s about sex - something most of us have a vested interest in. Kings Of Leon have written a song that could potentially be smutty, but is actually something beautiful. It’s raw, it’s bold, and it reels you in and takes you to the heady heights the song describes: ‘Hot as a fever, rattling bones / I could just taste it, taste it’. A worthy winner of single of the year.

‘Paper Planes’ finishes as runner-up. This is a great track: horribly catchy, eclectic, and fizzing with cool. What does it have in common with number one? They are both intelligent songs that take the listener on a musical journey. M.I.A. is a hugely exciting talent. The rest of the list features a wonderfully diverse range of music and artists: from electronica (Hot Chip), to charming indiepop (Alpahabeat) to dirty R’n’B (Flo Rida). It reflects the ever-changing face of music and the greater willingness of people to listen to something new; ‘cool’ music is becoming far more accessible. The edges of genres are blurring as different influences come together. This list says it all - and I think that’s no bad thing. Alice Stride

Okay, so this comes as no surprise. The series generates so much controversy that the hordes flock to the stores to get their hands on it. The latest offering drastically cuts from its roots opting for a realistic approach. Cutting down on the subtle humour in lieu of realism was a risky move, and is one which doesn’t work as well as it should have. It still offers more of the sand box action but the city lacks a soul, with little motivation to explore. You also feel more responsible in-game. At points you find yourself driving slower in

case you crash and get hurtled through the windscreen. And again it’s the fact there are consequences to your actions that detracts from the fun. Sure, it feels like you’re living Nico’s life, but Rockstar shot themselves in the foot by cutting down on the crazy shit like fighter jet dog fights. Nonetheless it is a competent game with few flaws but there really is no replay value, unlike other recent releases like Fallout 3 or Left 4 Dead.

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Game of the year

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Rose’s new band dreaming now suddenly real Introducing: Rose Elinor Dougall Casting off her ‘Rosay Pipette’ persona, the end of 2008 sees a fresh start for Rose Elinor Dougall. As one-third of retro-popsters The Pipettes, Dougall was the slightly aloof vamp, adding shade to the continual perkiness of the band’s output. In her own words, Dougall simply had “nothing more to offer. It was very much about working towards a shared goal and I wasn’t prepared to be a cog in that wheel anymore.” Having been a Pipette since the age of 17, the decision in January to pursue a solo career was something which had always been an underlying eventuality. Post-split, Dougall spent a couple of months in flux. “There was this big emotional build-up to making the big decision,” she

says, “and suddenly you think ‘Oh fuck!’ and you need to actually do something.” By May the first demos, known as ‘the bedroom recordings’, were posted on MySpace, and Dougall had the realisation that what she had written so far could be grouped together, like they belonged to a “sort of family”.

Suddenly you think ‘Oh f*ck!’ and you actually need to do something When asked about the prospect of actually writing her own material rather than simply performing the songs written by Pipettes’ svengali Monster Bobby, Dougall is keen to clarify matters. “It was a misconception about us, we all wrote (songs) together and I learnt a lot from that as a songwriter. We were working to

think about what constructed a pop song, and how the ’50s and ’60s music related to what we were doing. “It’s more personal now, I’m writing for myself,” she says, adding that her main ambition for the record is for it to be an “honest” account of her tumultuous year. Dougall’s first solo single, ‘Another Version Of Pop Song’, is about to be released through Scarlett Records on a limited edition 7” vinyl, with her own artwork adorning the sleeve. The song is a beautifully understated affair, beginning with gentle guitars, tambourines and clapping before that familiar rich voice kicks in. Wonky keys dart over the ending, with a hint of a string section creeping into the finale. Dougall cites the likes of The Sundays’ Harriet Wheeler as her main vocal influences, whilst namechecking Broadcast as the kind of band she’d dream to sound like.

With a backing band now assembled, under the working name of ‘Rose and the Destructions’, Dougall says she’s always interested in what others have to give to her songwriting, and was “terrified” when she played her debut gigs completely solo. With the immediate plan being to get some more finished songs onto MySpace in early 2009, and to finish the recording of her album, Dougall confesses to a bit of fear: “It’s a bit more real now rather than an abstract notion.” She’s in no rush to push her music, though, saying that “I don’t want to give myself away too quickly.” Helen Lawson

The post-punkers embracing chaos Introducing: Wooderson I’ve just watched Wooderson storm through an exciting and inventive set of post-punk noise tinged with indie and hardcore and now they are excited and in good spirits. Why are they called Wooderson? Loic, lead singer and guitarist, is quick to answer: “It’s a character from our favourite film [Dazed and Confused]”. “That’s a crap reason,” responds Ash, guitarist and noise-maker. It seems instead it was more of an accident. They don’t like pretentious band names, and according to Ash: “It’s gotta be one word, I hate long band names”. All around agree with his statement until he goes on: “But what about …Trail of Dead?”. Their laid back, unpretentious attitude is what sets Wooderson

apart from the pack. Their ethos seems to be concentrated around an air of almost total chaos. Their songs scream off on tangents only to return by a route unknown (even to the band), to predetermined riffs with satisfying precision and apparent ease. The band laid its foundations a year ago but really took form when the newest member Ash was added to the fold only a month ago. The additional guitar allowed the extra interplay and indulgence of disorder which is the hallmark of Wooderson’s sound. Loic says that “it made us less tight, but more full” and there is a definite sense with these guys that perfection is not their ultimate goal. “Too many bands spend so much time in the practice room and not enough time playing gigs or writing great songs,” he adds.

Sheffield’s Wooderson in full live performance mode. “There is nothing better than driving round the country having a laugh with your mates, playing gigs and sharing music.”

Wooderson are soon to release a split single with Stoke band Ox Scapula on Audacious Art Experiment / We Like Danger.

Def Jux moments to investigate:

Club review: Bassfire @ DQ 21/11/2008

“Ox Scapula are amazing, playing after a great band like that really inspires you,” they say. Wooderson are not ashamed of praising music they love or citing their musical influences: “Anything on Dischord is amazing”, “... Trail of Dead”, “Fugazi”, “the whole Washington scene” and “Sonic Youth, obviously” are all shouted out when the question is posed. “We want to sound like [Sonic Youth track] ‘Silver Rocket’”, says Ash, followed by an animated explanation which involves spaghetti and string analogies but ultimately outlines their antiformulaic ethos. Wooderson want to be excited and enjoy their own music, they want it to be free-flowing and organic: when you hear them and watch them play they want you to feel all that too, and you most certainly will.

A beginner’s guide to... Fiery nights

Fuse

Friday December 5 2008

#2: Def Jux Records

Definitive Jux, or Def Jux as it is affectionately known by its legions of fans, is a NY-based independent hip-hop label founded by rapper/ producer/ visionary genius El-P (aka Jamie Meline). As a member of avant-garde rap trio Company Flow, El-P played a leading role in the late ’90s alternative rap resurgence happening in New York - a movement which steered clear of the shallow and one-dimensional attitudes that plague some modern hip-hop. In doing so it spawned names such as Mos Def and Talib Kweli and influenced every artist on the Def Jux roster. The Def Jux artists (known as ‘Jukies’) lean toward the darker, denser side of hip-hop, tending to focus more on subjects of urban decay and inner city politics than “bling” or self-adulation. In short, Definitive Jux records is proof that hip-hop is very much not dead.

Def Jux founder and CEO, El-P. Keeping it alive are Jukies such as Mr. Lif and Aesop Rock, whose lyrics sound more like spoken word than MC-ing. With a majority of the music produced by El-P himself, who by his own confession has never or will never make a radio-friendly or “happy” beat, you can expect this label to resist the temptation to sell out anytime soon. So as the tag-line on its website professes, Def Jux is: “Defiantly original, definitively hip-hop”.

RJD2 - Dead Ringer: An album which displayed the unique talents of DJ-cum-producer RJD2 and also featured crossover hit ‘Ghostwriter’. The album is instrumental, therefore not typical of Def Jux’s usual content, yet a good example of the label’s diversity. Cannibal Ox – ‘Pigeon’: A track which I believe is a microcosm of all Def Jux stands for, and a brilliant example of El-P’s brooding and sinister production. The video’s not bad either. El-P – I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead: One of the label’s more recent and well received releases showcases El-P’s infinite range of talents and, remarkably for a rapper who has achieved neariconic status, is his first ‘proper’ solo LP. Mr. Lif – ‘I Phantom’: A track which, with its gritty social commentary and paranoid pessimistic beat, seems to sum up the label perfectly. Roshan Ladak Ebrahim

If you’re looking for a night out that will surpass your expectations and leave you wishing that clubs didn’t have to close, make an evening with Bassfire your first port of call. Run by entrepreunerial students with an ear for great music and an eye for fantastic visuals, Bassfire is vibrant, exciting, and teeming with young talent. Tonight is a musical extravaganza, featuring hip-hop, drum ’n’ bass, funk and dubstep. Local DJs Armitage Shanks and General Jist get the evening off to a heady start with an eclectic fusion of funk and breaks that pulls most people from the bar to the dancefloor. It is impossible not to be drawn in; DQ is soon heaving with people throwing some spectacular moves. Sheffield-based Alphadrive heighten the excited mood further

Darren Ellis

with their mash-up of funk and electronic music. Guitars and bongos are thrown in for good measure, adding a delicious twist to their sound. It’s energetic, fast-paced, and the perfect warm-up for the fantastic hip-hop group, True Ingredients. Sporting colourful sunglasses and oozing exuberance, they work the already hyped-up crowd into a frenzy. The brilliant ‘Space and Time’ encapsulates their unique sound; smooth, funky and peppered with brass instrumentals. The night is drawn to a close with some stomping drum and bass from yet another local talent, Timmy Dutch. He plays with fellow DJ Chazza Dub, and together they rock the room. They are intelligent performers, dropping beats to tease their audience before building up to an epic finale. The lights are turned on in DQ all too soon. A Bassfire night is a brilliant night. That’s all there is to say. Alice Stride

Review: Coldplay Prospekt’s March EP

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Chris Martin and the other ones: all the money in the world but still too tight to buy handwash.

Seasonal style Beautifully introverted Review: The Raveonettes - Wishing You A Rave Christmas EP

Too cool to don festive hats.

MOR & mawkish

Chan just couldn’t shake off the stalker with the wind-machine. Fairport Convention also tag along in this slow journey. Of note is the cover of CCR’s ‘Fortunate Son’, replacing the twangy lead guitar with a droning violin to keep the mood up, quite a contrast to the dirge-like atmosphere permeating not only this track, but the whole album. The only sour note on this

homage is that most of the songs sound a bit samey, so if you are looking for something happy, please avoid this album. If you want some introspective, quiet versions of known (and not so known) gems, treat yourself with this one. Samuel Valdes Lopez

Scrooge-like offerings Review: Glasvegas - A Snowflake Fell (It Felt Like A Kiss) EP Recorded over 12 days (10 in a Transylvanian church, and two in New York), it is inevitable that Glasvegas’ Christmas album is going to scream juxtaposition.

Stealing from The Crystals, tut.

The second studio album from the group boycotts traditional jovial Christmas musical medicine, which wards away the gloomy winter. A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like A Kiss) features new festive bonus tracks that have been bundled with their début album. The bonus disc commences with James Allen singing “Christmas time is here again.” Glasvegas utilise their songs as a conduit to taint the conventional seasonal image, albeit in a more realistic and poignant approach than mainstream Christmas songs. ‘Fuck You, It’s Over’ is the epitome of gloom: soaring with sorrow and disgust, echoing the idea that Glasvegas won’t be having a merry time throughout Christmas (despite almost selling out their December dates). ‘Cruel Moon’ consists of

gentle piano playing and vocal harmonies, with the only essence of Christmas coming in the form of sleigh bells. The howling, guitar saturated ‘Please Come Back Home’ portrays negative emotions and empty love. Their ideologies hark to the bitter and harrowing ‘Fairytale of New York’ by The Pogues, with its brutal, but true, realities. Their version of ‘Silent Night’, featuring the Concentus Choir singing in Romanian, is fairly sleepinducing: relying predominantly on refined piano playing to ease you into a daze. Christmas is a period of good tidings but Glasvegas’ melancholy melodies strip the festive spirit and depict depressing reality. Their perpetual dwell on isolation and vacant existence leaves you wallowing in despair. Caroline Jackson

Fuse

Christene LeDoux takes us back to back to Texas in the ’50s; her songs are melancholy, romantic tales about travelling. Hence the album title. The album kicks in with the mournful ‘For My Roses’ (“Now that I’m gone / Who’ll care for my roses?”), and carries on at a leisurely pace. It picks up a bit with ‘Angel You’ve Come Too Soon’, and there is evidence here of a more interesting style although it is just a little mawkish. Her best song is ‘Whiskey Night’; her championed flair for songwriting is a little more apparent here, although it is still

inescapably twee. The characterless ‘Lonely Stranger’ sums up the feeling of the album as LeDoux sings “I don’t know what I can offer / You can see that I don’t have much.” Unfortunately LeDoux doesn’t quite cut it as a songwriter - her songs are at best relaxing and at worst insipid. The subject matter might be her experiences as a wanderer but the content doesn’t imply a multitude of experiences, and any supposed similarities to the likes of Nanci Griffith aren’t really warranted. Country folk music has gained a more middle-aged image, there are some much more exciting alternatives out there not too far away from this style, and LeDoux is a middle of the road option within her genre. However if you would like to drift off to acoustic music with a whiskey in hand, this is the music for you. Lucy Meyler

Covers: maligned by fans of the original and appreciated by the people who weren’t around when the original was popular. You either get a loving tribute or a complete aberration of your memories (hello, Madonna’s ‘American Pie’). It helps your listening experience when you are lending your attention to someone as experienced as the lovely Chan Marshall, who goes by the pseudonym Cat Power. On this deft third outing of covers (to be fair, most of them are leftovers from her last cover album), we get mostly sad and reflective reinterpretations of classics. The spectrum of talents covered range from bayou sweethearts Creedence Clearwater Revival, turning left and saying hello to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, and having some Ulster Fry with The Pogues. Otis Redding and

Friday December 5 2008

Review: Christene LeDoux - Dust ’n’ Branches...Songs From A Wanderer

Review: Cat Power - Dark End Of The Street EP

There’s always been something a bit festive about The Raveonettes, at least to these ears. These days it seems that there are more bands than ever wanting to give fans a seasonal treat, allowing some timely listening without having to involve Slade, Mariah or Wham!. So how do the duo fair in these stakes then? Well, for starters there are four tracks on here, all of which see the Danish pair ditching fuzzy rock ’n’ roll for fuzzy pop. And sadly, across the EP there is not an awful lot of variety. Track one is ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ and sets the template for what is to follow; there is a synth as well as jingle bells which succeed in creating a warm, Christmassy feel. It would be the highlight of the record if it wasn’t slightly too long.

‘Come On Santa’ is next and has some nice atmospherics and a marching drumbeat, which spices things up a little. ‘Christmas Ghosts’ and ‘Christmas In Cleaveland’ are both pleasant enough, the former mixing acoustic and electric guitars with low-in-the-mix vocals, with the latter having a slightly more dancey feel at the start before becoming standard fare. None of these songs approach ‘essential Christmas song’ territory, but it doesn’t seem the intention of this EP to parade some future classics - one of them on your Christmas playlist would work a treat. Lee White

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Just five months after the release of their fourth album Viva la Vida Or Death And All His Friends, we have this; an EP of eight previously unreleased tracks. Prospekt’s March largely features tracks left over from the studio sessions of VLVODAAHF, and as such this EP is not a groundbreaking change of musical direction. Instead, it is more of an elaboration and extension of the album. It is also important to consider that of these eight songs, one is a pointless piano solo lasting 47 seconds. Another is the Osaka Sun Mix of ‘Lovers In Japan’ which barely extends upon the album version. Furthermore, there is the version of ‘Lost!’ featuring Jay-Z. As good as this is, an earlier version, ‘Lost?’, was released as a B-side to the single ‘Violet Hill’, and therefore is nothing new to Coldplay fans. So, what of the other five tracks? Prospekt’s March opens with ‘Life

In Technicolor (II)’, which leads the way with pleasantly rainy acoustic guitars. It is a typical Coldplay song, with the melody building up towards Chris Martin’s anthemic chorus delivery. Nothing new there then. It is the irresistible ‘Glass Of Water’ which provides the highlight of Prospekt’s March, bouncing along gloriously with an almost festive cheer. This certainly has an extra quality when compared to your standard Coldplay track. In other words, it is a song that is genuinely exciting. Unfortunately, other attempts at creating a new ‘edge’ are less successful. The synth-based ‘Rainy Day’ tries but fails to create a diversified sound, whilst the title track and ‘Now My Feet Won’t Touch The Ground’ are heartwarming enough, but ultimately lack impact. Prospekt’s March is perhaps an unorthodox release, but generally the songs on this EP are interchangeable with those on VLVODAAHF. Nevertheless, it has enough strength for it to be a definite must-have for all Coldplay fans. James Morris

Feature

For Coldplay completists only

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Cave the showman shines Live: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds @ The Academy 27/11/2008 The phrase ‘spring chicken’ was most likely invented with Nick Cave in mind. The man is apparently 51-yearsold, but with luxurious black locks and a freshly sprouted moustache, he could easily be half that age. And that is without considering the way the man moves and the energy expended in a relentless two hours. Singing from behind a music stand, he resembles an evangelical preacher reaching out to the masses from behind a pulpit. The man was clearly born to perform, and the joyousness and energy of a great proportion of the set may come as a surprise to fans of his more morbid ballads. The title track of recent album Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! sets the upbeat tone, all loping bass and scraping guitar lines.

This is not to say that the man has forgotten how to plumb the depths of despair. He introduces ‘The Weeping Song’ by paraphrasing the song’s couplet “This next song is a weeping song / But we won’t be weeping long friends”. The song itself is staggeringly intense, with every chorus feeling like it’s being thrown around storm-battered seas. Cave is an old hand at this game, and calls upon every trick in the book to keep the packed Academy transfixed, most pointedly dropping his voice and instrumentation gradually down to a faint whisper in ‘God Is In The House’ which hushes the entire venue. He’s at his best when in full-on showman mode though, throwing himself into the audience like a sweaty indie-kid one minute, leading a mass “good old fashioned fucking gospel calland-response” in ‘Oh Mama’ the next, and taking time to come to every corner of the stage to fire

Bad Seeds frontman Nick Cave: the man, the myth, the legend. another hip wiggle in the direction of another unsuspecting audience member. Just when you think you have the man sussed, part way through new number ‘We Call Upon The

Live: Looking Rough at 30 with Jarvis Cocker @ The Academy 25/11/2008

Live: Dinosaur Pile Up @ The Harley 30/11/2008

Pterodactyl, Triceratops, Stegosaurus - oh my! Photo: Helen Munro with his admiring audience. Instead, hair over face, he lets his songs do the talking and on this evidence is totally correct in doing so. Bigland’s love of early Foo Fighters is clearly a major influence on this set, and you sense that Dinosaur Pile Up will create some defining festival moments in 2009. Their songs have an atmospheric quality perfect for

small venues such as The Harley, but equally you can see them sparking hysteria at bigger club venues. It feels like a statement of intent as Bigland sings: ‘‘Let’s go all around the world.’’ Judging by the strength and delivery of his songs at such an early stage in Dinosaur Pile Up’s life, that looks very much possible. James Morris

Debauchery and sass Live: Alabama 3 @ Plug 28/11/2008 The front row consisted of mainly middle-aged rockers and air guitarists, whereas the more youthful fans were scattered amongst men resembling former Hell’s Angels and Tony Soprano lookalikes.

The latter seems quite apt given that this British group rose to fame after ‘Woke Up This Morning’ was chosen for the opening credits of The Sopranos. One by one the band strutted on to the stage to this excitable and eclectic lot. Frontman Rob Spragg’s alter-ego Larry Love was reminiscent of a Vegas mob boss in his off-white suit and sunglasses.

This being Alabama 3’s MDMA tour, the night couldn’t have been without some debauchery. High or drunk, D.Wayne Love got lost on the way to the stage during opener ‘Monday Don’t Mean Anything’. He muttered a slurred apology and commented on his shabby wardrobe whilst swinging a guitar lead from his trousers. Everyone danced wildly to the sound of this honky tonk techno frenzy as Love frequently leaned into the crowd with the stature of a general rousing his troops for battle. The mood took a more relaxed turn as Devlin Love performed ‘U Don’t Dans To Tekno’, and there were no surprises when the band ended with favourite ‘Woke Up This Morning’. It may have looked like a snapshot of an X Factor show with its contestants ranging from the ‘Under 25s’ category upwards, but amidst lights and raucous applause it was obvious that both the band and the audience didn’t want it to end.

Photo: Kate Carson

Natasha Parker

Fuse

Friday December 5 2008

Go and see this man, and prepare to have any preconceptions destroyed. You have been warned. Rowan Brunswick

Prehistoric? Nay - the future Cocker adoration It’s 11pm on a cold Sunday night and barely 30 people are at The Harley to witness Dinosaur Pile Up play a storming set. Opening with ‘Wheels Turning’, it is clear singer/guitarist Matt Bigland is the impeccably cool frontman. He wields the sort of thunderous riffs that Axl Rose spent a decade trying to perfect for Chinese Democracy, whilst drawling his lyrics in a way that would make even Julian Casablancas blush. Even better is the exciting ‘My Rock ’n’ Roll’, recently NME’s ‘Track of the Week’. Everything about this song is menacing, with its simple stop/start and quiet/ loud formula, before climaxing with the most crunching riff heard from any band this year. Seriously, this is what guitar bands should aspire to sound like. Bigland is a reserved frontman; there is very little communication

Author To Explain’ Cave pulls off an improbable karate kick which heralds a hip-hop breakdown, before the song lurches back into gear as though nothing happened.

Photo: Gary Wolstenholme

MDMA-zing: Alabama 3’s Rob Spragg.

The Academy crowd proved lively yet good natured, thriving on Jarvis Cocker’s anecdotes and teachings - a suitable audience for an artist of such high calibre. Throughout the set, Cocker and his band deployed the use of a projector to illustrate his points, which proved thoroughly effective at first. He strutted his legendary stuff around the stage, brandishing a pointing stick while behind him the projector displayed typically dead pan messages of welcome – ‘Good Evening Sheffield’ being the most applause worthy. This format was used throughout, and between each song Cocker would and interact with the crowd on subjects that interested him. Topics covered included blues music, dinosaurs, and the heritage of The Academy – it’s first incarnation was Fiesta, I know now, prior to it becoming a temporary church. I kid you not. The set itself was comprised of a

fairly even mix of material from his album The Jarvis Cocker Record, and new material, clearly destined for release in the near future. Even the new songs, although not well known by the crowd were still thoroughly appreciated, with ‘Bones’, the story of meeting a woman at a museum exhibit, obviously being a favourite among the new stock. The band performed a lengthy set, which included fan favourites from Cocker’s first solo venture, including ‘Black Magic’ and ‘Don’t Let Him Waste Your Time’. Much to the delight of everyone present, Jarvis and his band preformed two encores, finishing the first encore with that hidden song with the c-word in it. The second encore was something of an anti-climax unfortunately, as all the big crowd pleasers had already been played. Consequently the set was ended by a long, drawn-out song backed by a monotonous dance beat, very uncharacteristic of the night. Somewhat of a cliché, but when The Fall’s Mark E. Smith said “the North is rising”, he was right. Roz Glynn

Lacking bite Live: The Airborne Toxic Event @ Fusion 26/11/2008 The LA five-piece’s arrival on stage was as subdued and unassuming as the crowd. Much of TATE’s music, however, dispels any notion of such languid activity. It is often angry: performed seriously, yet vibrantly. Despite the limitations of Fusion’s ability to host a gig, TATE managed to make a great deal out of the differing instrumental sounds at their disposal. Anna Bulbrook’s violin and Noah Harmon’s unusual bowing of his bass guitar provided a welcome contrast to the group’s more conventional rock sound. Yet one couldn’t help but notice that some songs lacked backbone. ‘Does This Mean You’re Moving

On?’ misses the dramatic curve and biting lyrics that its jagged riff and angular rhythms insist it should carry. Likewise, ‘Wishing Well’ never delivers the outburst of passion and self-pity that its gently pulsating opening bars promise, leaving one with a sense of opportunities missed. Where this band finds a form is when they scale down their complexity to adopt a simpler approach to music. The result is ‘Gasoline’, an unassuming and lively song. Its rolling lyrics and chirpy melodies provided the basis for by the strongest three and a half minutes of the show. Not the future of American indie by any means, but their already competent live act should provide this new band with a small but dedicated fanbase. Chris Goding

Peter Walsh

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Set ‘two weeks after the first infection’, L4D follows four intrepid survivors as they blast their way through the zombie-filled apocalypse. Yet this cohort of walking dead much prefers to run, in packs, and straight at you. Less sturdy than the average Resident Evil zombie, these undead boys and girls make up for their physical deficit with a mob mentality that rivals the standards set by Dead Rising.

Arts

It’s tremendously comforting to be able to scream out ‘help me, I’m dying’

annoying spots, and a stray bullet will have the screaming banshee on her pouncing haunches before you can finish saying ‘WTF’. All these nasty monsters will do their best to have you pinned and incapacitated, and only a fellow teammate can help you up. Go it alone up ahead and there’s a good risk you’ll get torn to shreds. Running and gunning will only get you so far, and while coloured silhouettes always keeps you informed where everyone else is, it’s the voice communication which is the key to getting ahead. If everyone gets knocked down or killed then it’s pretty much game over. So when you’ve inevitably been pinned by a clawing Hunter, or maybe got stuck in a corner surrounded by about 20 zombies, it’s tremendously comforting to be able to scream out ‘help me, I’m dying by the tank’ and to then have someone come and save you. For while the game lacks a coherent narrative as such, it is its ability to facilitate such everyday heroics which makes it endlessly dramatic. Being stuck alone in my dreams with the horde chasing me and tearing chunks out of me while I’m spamming the shotgun is less fun. But then it’s a small price to pay for one of the best online experiences that money can buy.

Games

It’s not often that you can levelheadedly describe something as the true stuff of nightmares, but Left 4 Dead genuinely is. A late evening rampage the other day led to a night of broken sleep, and following a status update on a popular social networking site to the effect of ‘L4D gives me nightmares’ I found about a half dozen people chiming in agreement. Like all good dairy products, L4D is best avoided before bedtime.

Thank God then that you don’t have to face this all alone. At its core L4D is a first-personshooter that has been built from the ground up for co-op gaming. This can either be with one mate through a splitscreen at home, or you can get online with up to three others online through Xbox Live. Well co-ordinated teamwork is key to ensuring that no-one ever gets too hammered. The inclusion of five ‘special’ zombies really forces you to stay on your toes. Get hit by the spew of the Boomer and all zombies will home-in on you like the proverbial fly to the proverbial poo. Or beware the Smoker and his 50-foot-long tongue, which once ensnared will pull you closer to his ever thrashing claws. Worst of all though are the fatal trio of the Hunter, the Tank and the Witch. The first has the speed and pouncing ferocity of a particularly angry puma, and the second the crude strength and stamina of the Fantastic Four’s ‘The Thing’. Only more psychotic and zombie-like of course. The Witch, however, is the most fear inducing of all. Shouts over the in-game voice-chat of ‘don’tstartle-the-fucking-Witch’ are almost as common place as the cries of ‘pwned’ or ‘noob’. Because the sobbingly psychotic dear is fine provided you don’t go near her. She does, however, have a habit of being sat in particularly

Music

Review: Left 4 Dead

Feature

No hope. No cure. No problem.

The odds are against you and boy does it feel scary and rewarding.

Bland and monotonous Fresh, original, but still flawed

Review: Resistance 2

The first Resistance game was one of the PS3’s stronger launch titles. For a long time it was the only first-person shooter anyone picked up for the console. The story was set in a fictional, alternate 1951, where gung-

Unfortunately the boss battles often require you to use the environment to defeat them as well as more powerful weaponry. What really lets Resistance 2 down, though is the AI. Your teammates are completely useless and will often get in your way more than they help you. The enemy AI, on the other hand, seems to have realised how rubbish your “elite” squaddies are and will constantly focus all attention on you, making the game frustrating at times, even on a normal difficulty level. The enemy’s aggressiveness wouldn’t be so bad if only your teammates helped you out every once in a while. But no, they’re as thick as pigshit-milkshake. Overall, Resistance 2 feels like it has all been done before. The enemies are your familiar alien fare and the weaponry feels clichéd. In fact, I don’t even know why I’m playing this game. I’m off to play Left 4 Dead. Brendan Caldwell

Editorial

aren’t funny then the game could fail. We’ll just have to wait and see. Then there is the return of Street Fighter, which is looking impressive, and the return of Resident Evil 5, this time with more chainsaws and even a giant rusty axe. And let’s not forget giant tentacles coming out of every orifice. So the future’s bright and brimming with interest. But for now it is probably best we all feed our Left 4 Dead addictions then swiftly go to the nearest Dead Anonymous meetings. Sam Robinson

Fuse

It’s that time of the year again when we had a dream that we write about that is absolutely breathtaking and jaw dropping … Okay, so clichés are the bane of any editor’s life. Either way I feel this issue’s selection of game reviews can sum up this year’s games. There have been dire sequels which fail to provide anything new or interesting. Then there are the games that have tried to be innovative but have failed from high expectations and hype.

And last but not least there are the games that are living legends whose sole existence has led to sleeping disorders. Well, maybe for me at least. It has been a great year for games and the horizon is looking even better. It seems the recent surge of zombies has led to the reanimation of some genres and games. On the comedy genre front Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard is shaping up to be interesting judging from the stuff on their blog (therealmatthazard. wordpress.com). Of course with any game that relies on humour, if the jokes

Every so often, a game comes out which redefines a genre. It manages to portray a completely different and fresh take on something stale, making it fun in a new and exciting way. Often such games are fundamentally flawed in a way which destroys the perfection of the concept and promise. Everything appears to be going right for Mirror’s Edge at the start. After some brief training, the real game starts; and what a game it is. Free running across rooftops without a care in the world, the level switches halfway through to a desperate chase for your life while numerous armed guards attempt to bring you down. It feels amazing, like the first level of Half Life 2 made faster and more intense. Most surprisingly, the platforming is done extremely well, a big surprise in a first person game. The control scheme is simple enough to still be intuitive, but not simplified to the point of being patronising.

The problem is that there are some striking flaws. Every good element is balanced with a bad one: the city is stylistically beautiful with poor graphical detail; the free running is exhilarating at top speed but dull when slowed down; combat is tense yet very frustrating and seemingly unfair at times. It keeps the game from being truly brilliant, but it remains an adventure which should be experienced, if only to convince developers that there is a future for this style of first person game. One’s overall response to Mirror’s Edge is personal. Love for a game can cause people to forgive any technical or gameplay issue, and Mirror’s Edge is a game which many will easily fall in love with. It’s uniqueness will keep players interested during the admittedly brief story mode, and time trialling provides a competitive edge and some much needed replay value. To test whether or not this is game for you, download the demo, and if you feel the need to play it more than once, buy the full version. You won’t be let down. Still, it’s no Left 4 Dead. James Cook

Friday December 5 2008

Resurrecting the old ways

Review: Mirror’s Edge

ho American lieutenant Nathan Hale, fought in a vain attempt to stop Yorkshire from becoming overridden with militant creatures from Russia, known as the Chimera. They would also like to own all of Manchester. Perhaps for the Curry Mile. Resistance 2 transports the action to the US, England having long been lost to the alien peril. The Chimera invade San Francisco and it’s up to Lieutenant Skinhead to stop them in their tracks. Trashed America looks amazing but it is difficult to find a high-profile game that hasn’t gone all-out on presentation these days. There are new weapons on hand, the best of which has to be the Slicer. This murder machine fires buzzsaws that quickly spin around your target and hack a limb off them with each pass. It is almost like having a gun that shoots ninjas at people.

Feste, the fool, after he was locked away. Feste’s sudden change of voice to intimidate Malvolio and the narrow square of light to represent Malvolio’s isolation was striking. It was an interesting directorial move to perform this scene as tragic and moving; the audience suddenly realised that the tormenting of Malvolio was beyond a joke.

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Prominent and impressive performances of tremendous energy

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Fresh, innovative & darkly hilarious

This moment was rich in the ‘darker, moodier tone’ that the director, Amy Gunn, intended. However, I found that this scene did not substantially influence the tone of the overall performance, as it was the refreshing comedy and variety that carried the entire piece. The four major characters were all played by clearly skilled actors, each of them adding individuality to their parts, but Rachel Nott’s confident and powerful Olivia was especially remarkable. She made her protestations of love to Viola (as Cesario) exaggerated and overly romantic, meaning lines and scenes that could easily have been dull were actually extremely funny. It was certainly a massive achievement to have such a large audience completely absorbed in a Shakespeare production, which are so often heavy-going and tedious performances. The actors made it funny for the modern audience, profound and moving; we can now look at Twelfth Night in an entirely new light.

suTCo’s Twelfth Night was an imaginative and refreshing interpretation of the Shakespeare comedy. these were certainly met. Sir Andrew’s costume was Review: suTCo The set was an open blank clearly intended to make the space with some raised levels character look as ridiculous as Twelfth Night upstage, and the costumes of possible, a characterisation pulled the main characters (Orsino, off with hilarious style. From the very beginning of this Olivia, Viola and Sebastian) were play, it was clear that we were simple and mostly black. This about to witness Twelfth Night in a gave the production a very open, A lively, funny and new, interpretive and imaginative timeless feel, unlike traditional original production production. Shakespeare, and the actors A thoroughly challenging play, appeared unrestrained by costume of a thoroughly Twelfth Night includes love, or space. disguise, and deception. The Costume was also used very challenging play cast and direction succeeded in well in the case of some of the creating a lively, funny, and original more minor, comic characters. The limited set, lighting, and production. This production ensured that sound changing was a clear The auditorium in the Drama these characters were developed, directorial choice to bring the Studio was almost entirely full, and each actor brought so much acting to the front, making the play with queues building up before more depth and variety to the raw, stripped of its clutter. the doors opened. Everyone had familiar play. The actors certainly met this come with high expectations, and

Playing innovation safe

Fuse

Friday December 5 2008

Review: Wordlife

Opus’s promise that the Wordlife: UK Hip Hop Special would be ‘absolutely massive’ was no mean feat of hyperbole. Returning to the Raynor Lounge for an exceptional sell-out gig, their devotees were treated to both spoken word and sets by Dr Syntax and Stig of the Dump. The night was, overall, hugely satisfying: challenging, lyrical and innovative. Kayo Chingonyi made a hugely welcome return after a very successful six months away from Sheffield, having performed widely and being currently in the process of setting up his own poetry night in London, winning a few slam competitions along the way. Chingonyi is always compelling, and his characteristically laconic delivery is penetrating. Andy Craven Griffiths, curator of Leeds night ‘Sticks and Stones’ and frontman for the band Middleman, was absolutely riveting; his intelligent contrast of humour (his interspersed ‘anecdotes’) with the depth and profundity of his lyrics was so engaging that I’m plotting a trek to Leeds to see more.

Other than what I felt was Matt Black’s unusually misjudged and condescending set, however, my one criticism of this half of the night is that new material, particularly from Wordlife stalwarts Joe Kriss and, in part, Chingonyi, seemed to give way to well-rehearsed, familiar pieces. True, this eased the room into the night’s first-half poetic

mindset, and Kriss is always likeable; he makes an immensely appealing master of ceremonies. For such an enterprising collective as Opus, though, and one that prides itself on being ‘responsible, autonomous, individual and quality driven’, such safe, crowd-pleasing strategies were more than just a little disappointing. Syntax and Stig, taking time out from their freestyle tours with DJ Newborn as the Beer and Rap Roadshow, then brought their ridiculously phat beats to the Steel City. Their performances made huge, rather aesthetically pleasing contrasts. Stig brought a drunken, raucous energy to the stage (fuelled, we were informed, by half a bottle of JD downed before the show). Syntax, meanwhile, displayed all the comedy, wit and intelligence that I’ve come to expect from the doctor of philosophy. They brought the night to a close at the inspiring, innovative standard that Opus champions, and that they inexorably deliver. Grab the chance to attend in the new year. Anne Arthur

Photo: Becky Frankham challenge. Mark Chapman, Rob O’Connor and Melissa Wilkins were a phenomenal comic trio as Sir Andrew, Sir Toby, and Maria respectively. Their sequences were full of tremendous energy, skilfully transforming their own voices and physicality to become a melodramatic coward, a drunken scoundrel, and a mischievous maid. Nathan Jeffers’ performance of Malvolio was equally prominent and impressive; he clearly has a natural flair for acting. Initially a very comic character - especially when he appeared in his yellow stockings - Jeffers expertly changed the tone of his character for the scene between him and

Emily Hansed

‘Humph’ changed my life Testimonial My love affair with Radio 4 renders me, I am aware, rather a middle-class cliché. Nevertheless, alongside the arbitrary comfort of the pips and the shipping report, the airing of I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue was, for years, a staple around which I planned my day: long drives, cooking, and the ironing were all irreplaceably perked up by Humphrey Lyttelton. My favourite episode is such a seasonal one that it would have seemed perverse to include it in any issue but this. The awardwinning ‘I’m Sorry I Haven’t A

Christmas Carol’ of 2004 featured a stunning cast, including Jeremy Hardy, Linda Smith, the glorious Stephen Fry and the regulars – including their (should-be) sainted chairman as Ebenezer Scrumph, who is shown the errors of enthusiasm in favour of Humph’s caustic, biting cynicism. They performed a blisteringly witty script that fully exploited radio’s huge imaginative potential. ISIHAC took a long-established format to a higher level with characteristic, complementary self-deprecation and knowing warmth. For me, Christmas would be utterly dissatisfying without it. Hannah Kirby

Interview: Hannah Kirby and Laura Carlton

Photos: Josh Wilson to write in a new genre, as I don’t usually write crime fiction. I could see my work from a different perspective. The passage I’m printing here was that task. We were asked to write an introduction to a new Jack Reacher novel [Reacher is Child’s ex-Army-Major private eye]. I wrote it in the third person as that was better suited to the task, but I usually write in the first; I like to be able to engage with my reader, so my text works as a dialogue and remains personal. I don’t think the author and reader ought to be mutually exclusive. My story concerns intrigue, betrayal, human relationships and the way they react with one another. It’s set to lead up to something bigger. Unlike a complete story, this exercise leaves me the chance to imagine a few different conclusions, so I can go back and rework it, and

Driving. Fast. “Fool!” Reacher had never made a mistake. It was a bad time to have broken the trend. And now he had to get away. Seduced and betrayed by the same person. He didn’t like to back down, but Reacher knew when he was beat. Or at least that he would have to wait to exact his revenge.

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Fiction writer Kate Chapman. find writing cathartic. I have two young cousins, and I often write for them; they’re not only my biggest fans but also my harshest critics, and I couldn’t really ask for a more fulfilling readership! My work is usually issue-based, though, and I do want people to be able to see themselves in my stories. I hope my fiction might help to draw people’s bad experiences out of themselves, and relate them to the bigger picture. The workshop I recently attended with Lee Child was my first step in a while towards getting my work out again. I got tips on how to get published, and received good feedback for my work; Child explained the skills required for writing, and enticing a reader into a story. It provided me with a new angle on writing, as we had a specific task set. It gave me the opportunity

He wasn’t going far; the town would be cover enough for now. The dust on the road swirled around the car, encasing him in a cloud of swirling sand. He felt trapped; by the sand, the car, Sarah. He saw her now, taunting him, a knowing smile playing on her heart-shaped mouth. Again, the question, the only question: why? He didn’t know the jokers that she was working with (for?), but they certainly seemed to know a hell of a lot about him. At least he had managed to take out one of them. Though he had to concede that the others had done a pretty good job on him: the swelling had gone down, but the left-hand side of his face was still bruised, and encrusted with dried blood. Not pretty. It would make getting a room for the night more difficult. But Reacher would think of something. He always did.

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Chapter One

Sirens. Slow down. Calm down.

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Short stories are, I think, the most accessible form of fiction. They’re intensely intricate and succinct, like poetry and unlike long novels, but prose is far less intimidating. You can read more into short stories, and absorb the detail and beauty of them. I feel that they enable me to bring stories to the attention of people who don’t usually read for fun. Feminist fiction has always interested me fiercely, and I read a lot of it for pleasure now. That spark has always been there, even at primary school: I wrote my first short story when I was only seven, which was a female version of Beowulf! I did have strong female role models in my life, but the fact that I went to an all-girls’ school did cement my feminist interests. It also, almost in contradiction, influenced me to write more regularly as an outlet; in an institution of teenage girls there will always be a lot of bitching! I wasn’t bullied, but it wasn’t always a friendly atmosphere. Then, writing was a release of any anger or emotions. Despite that, writing was never a barrier for me, but a medium for communication. Unfortunately we didn’t have a school paper, but I did circulate my work between my friends and, at around the age of 14, I started to post some of it online. Since I’ve been at uni, though, getting published has really taken a back seat. Now, I write for pleasure and enjoyment. I write from my own experiences, and so there’s a lot of my personality in my texts. I still

was a mistake she would pay for. Soon.

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I like having that opportunity. It also, I feel, plays with ambiguities; it allows the reader to take a creative role. I suppose that with that motivation, I hope to show writing as an accessible medium, and to encourage others to write. I think it’s therapeutic: it certainly allows you to think through thought processes. In that, and in its power to share, it helps people through everyday life.

Kate Chapman: Fiction writer

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Intricate like poetry yet accessible as prose

Original Arts

Lieutenant Sarah Axely was tough. She had joked that she was Reacher’s match. Then she had decided to test that theory. That

Devilish, daring, delightful

Poem

Magnolias with flowers like five hands tied by the wrists the blackthorn covered with foam smells of soap Behind the smudged window I see white mounds of plum-trees In my dreams someone sweeps the petals into big white mountains Only don’t let it go: the moment the blossoms open, as the sun rises between the boughs and so, every morning, gazing at bunches of fragrant hands I read the beginning of end on rosy petals in the red veins

Fuse

The Witches of Eastwick is an innovative, amusing and refreshing adaptation of a successful novel and film into a vibrant musical. It follows three women living in the oppressive American town of Eastwick in the 1950s, who inadvertently conjure up the devil as an answer to their relationship troubles. Despite his initially seductive charms, he soon brings the entire town into disarray: with disastrous consequences. The Lyceum Theatre was packed out, predominately with women, for the first night in Sheffield, largely due to the perfect casting of Marti Pellow as the delectable

Magnolias by Maria Kardel

Friday December 5 2008

Review: The Witches of Eastwick

Photo: Lyceum Theatre yet evil Darryl Van Horne. His entrance itself caused a stir as he ran out from the back of the stalls, cheekily slapping audience members around the head as he leapt towards the stage. He used his enigmatic and devilish charms to captivate and possess the other characters (and many members of the audience) to sometimes tragic, but predominately comical effect. The production’s greatest strength was this comic value as the audience frequently erupted into fits of laughter, primarily resulting from Pellow’s flirtatious and provocative devil gyrating to the music. However, the entire cast were extremely impressive, in particular the three ‘witches’ whose comic timing and vocal ranges were impeccable.

Housewives’ favourite Marti Pellow.

The entire cast had ample opportunity to display their theatrical talents in the variety of numbers, ranging from poignant solos to the ensemble dance routines. The special effects overcame the limitations of the stage; there were explosions, thunderstorms and even a chance for the devil to allow the three ‘witches’ to take flight. The Witches of Eastwick dared to push boundaries, though its sexual aspects were used principally for humorous effect. There was an abundance of innuendo: from provocative movements and endless motifs down to the blunt phallic symbol gracing Van Horne’s front door. However, this was done comically and tastefully and was completely relevant to the plot, making the seduction scenes appropriately entertaining rather than lewd. The ‘witches’ are comfortable juxtapositions of strength and vulnerability, perhaps providing an explanation as to why they are happy to share the same man. Whilst this strange acceptance may be irritating to some audience members, it certainly did not hinder their friendship which, from their introduction, we saw to be strong and realistic. This, alongside the presence of Pellow, perhaps makes this production particularly directed at women. This said, I would advocate that everyone take the opportunity to see this touring production and enjoy this devilish, daring and delightful musical. Laura Carlton

Feature Music

Feature: Happy endings Baz Luhrmann, king of tragedy, has met his nemesis: the test screening. After audience responses were negative, he has been persuaded by the big cheeses at 20th Century Fox to change the ending of the upcoming Australia from a death bed to a rose petal, everlasting love fest. The purported reason for the change is the aim for bigger box office takings, but is

this really what audiences want? Baz Luhrmann’s two biggest films, Moulin Rouge and Romeo and Juliet, both end in tragedy. The double death of the lovers in one of Shakespeare’s most heartwrenching tragedies needs no explanation, while tuberculosis has never exactly been recommended for its aphrodisiac effects. The drama of these stories is ingrained in their weepy endings and the tales would be incomplete without such morbid culminations. However, what is wrong is the use of a sad ending

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Happy ever after? for the sake of it. Script writers get to the end, they think: ‘Uh oh, the characters have fallen in love, everything’s perfect, where do we go from here?! She will get wrinkles, he will grow hair from his ears…… how oh how do we preserve such perfection?!’ Lightbulb moment. ‘Kill ’em off.’ This is unacceptable conclusion dodging. One test screen audience member was reported in the Australian Sunday Telegraph saying that “there is no reason to kill off Wolvie.’’ If there really was no need then perhaps this is one siphoning of a director’s artistic integrity that can be forgiven. We go to the cinema to laugh; we go to cry; we sometimes might go to be educated. But, overwhelmingly, we go to escape. A film gives us a chance to forget our own meagre existences and enter a world where everyone is beautiful and no one ever does boring things like go to sleep, unless it is in the arms of another beautiful person. A tragedy can be heart-warming by making us realise how lucky we are but sometimes a sad ending can be unsatisfying and, like the final sip of tea that has been allowed to go disgracefully cold, leave a nasty taste in the mouth. Rather than putting our own grievances in perspective, sad cinema serves to reinforce harsh reality. In Breakfast at Tiffany’s the ending was changed from Truman Capote’s more openended novella to the famously romantic trench-coated kiss in the rain. Sigh. Let’s hope that Australia can recreate this kind of sunset conclusion. Natasha Lewis

Feature: Realistic endings Without meaning to sound like a miserable bastard, happy endings are rubbish. Complete and utter crap. Who in their right mind wants to watch some emotional nonsense where everyone learns a valuable lesson at the end and lives happily ever after? It’s perfectly understandable if you are under the age of 10 and enjoy a bit of Disney; 101 Dalmatians wouldn’t be quite the same if all the puppies ended up dead now, would it? Then again, perhaps when watching such Disney classics as The Little Mermaid, you were unaware that in the original version of the fairy tale the little mermaid’s handsome prince decided he’d rather marry someone who wasn’t a fish, so the little mermaid tops herself by jumping off a cliff. Morbid, yes, but far more emotionally affecting than the alternative, and we are all spared the rainbows, singing and tearful farewells. Thumbs up for the dead mermaid. On the other hand, endings don’t have to be completely miserable to be any good, just so long as the audience’s intelligence isn’t insulted by the illusion of perfect people living unobtainably perfect lives (The Holiday, everyone is looking at you) or nonsensical drivel about being nice and thinking happy thoughts (The Holiday, go back and never be made). Take one of the best movie endings of all time in The Empire Strikes Back, a climax which fits the dictionary definition of ‘bleak’ but succeeds in making you really

want to see Return of the Jedi. And then take the end of Return of the Jedi which opts for the simple ‘all is well in the universe’ ending and has ever since been regarded as a complete cop out. So, perhaps the main point here is that while happy endings are generally vomit-inducing, realism is the key to whether or not they are acceptable. Obviously, a film such as The Holiday probably wouldn’t work so well if someone walked in with a machine gun at the end and shot them all (or would it?), yet it’s just too happy to be taken seriously.

Endings don’t have to be completely miserable to be any good While the romantic ending to Titanic did end up bordering on the offensive, the previous hour had been depressing enough to lend the ultimate ending sufficient poignancy in order to get away with it. The final nail in the happy ending coffin is the predictability of such films; if you hadn’t read the book, how could you possibly have seen the ending to Atonement coming? Whilst being the mother of all depressing endings, it resounds in the mind long after all bitter memories of The Holiday have been banished to the fiery depths of hell, and that is the real reason why happy endings just don’t cut it anymore. So throw away your Kleenex, toughen up, and enjoy some really depressing cinema. Jamie Cusworth

The face of a thousand t-shirts

Fuse

Friday December 5 2008

Review: Che Part I

Che Guevara’s face is a tad annoying. The iconic image of his flowing beard and meaningful gaze is like a song that has been overplayed for 40 years; the meaning is lost and those who sing it have never really listened to the lyrics. A proportion of the vaguely left-wing layabouts who adorn their chests with Che Guevara t-shirts are greatly unaware of Che as a person, apart from the fact he’s from Cuba and, like, rebelliously rad, if y’know what I mean. Well, he’s not Cuban, he’s from Argentina, and his name isn’t even Che. The challenge of this film is to get beyond what has become one of the most famous images in history.

The iconic image is like an overplayed song that has lost its meaning Che Part I, the first in a film of two parts, follows the story of the Cuban Revolution. It begins with the making of acquaintance between Fidel Castro and Guevara and runs to the capture of Santa Clara, the victory that caused General Batista to flee the country.

The character of Ernesto “Che” Guevara is played by Benicio del Toro, who also takes the role of coproducer. The film took seven years to research, with the majority of information taken from Guevara’s own writing, and this is the reason that it stands out as more than a mere documentation of revolution. Guevara’s nickname derived from his habit of punctuating his speech with the interjection ‘che’, a common Spanish term that loosely translates as ‘friend’ or ‘kid’. It is this side of the lovable, cigar-smoking Guevara that is shown in the first film as we see his development from intelligent and socially conscious Argentinean doctor to fully-fledged revolutionary and guerrilla warfare expert. Guevara and Castro’s dedication to their cause is emphasised, as is the way that they achieve results: with a mixture of hard graft and love. They are committed to reform and there is repeated insistence on the importance on learning: the increase in literacy was seen as one of the major successes of the Revolution. Far from death or glory, the much-lauded phrase of this Revolution is ‘homeland or death’, and it is shouted throughout the film as the revolutionaries make their way over unfriendly terrain and face numerous challenges. The fact that the producers choose to extend this story

over two films rather than try to squeeze it into one means there is room for plenty of detail and the film celebrates the comradeship and inner politics of organising a group of people who have nothing to hold them together but their beliefs.

The realities of revolution are portrayed in an unflinching fashion Guevara cites belief as the trump card that the Revolution army held; explaining that when your army know why they’re fighting they will fight more skilfully, and therefore be able to defeat bigger and seemingly stronger forces. Even in his moments of glory, Guevara is grounded and principled. Immediately after their glorious victory in Santa Clara, he sends some celebratory members of his army back after they leave the town driving in a stolen car. Spoilsport? Perhaps. Infallibly moral? Yes. So maybe there is more to learn about Che Guevara. The realities of revolution are portrayed in an unflinching fashion: tell your housemate who thinks he subverts society by smoking weed all day to go and see the reality. Natasha Lewis

Guevara has become one of the most iconic images of our time.

Review: The Secret Life of Bees

of people’s emotions and the small events that affect us the most deeply. The shock of the secretary who hears Lily is living alone with black women speaks volumes. This theme finds solidity in the ‘wailing wall’ built by Queen Latifah’s matriarchal character, August, which is filled with tiny pencil notes scribbled by Sophie Okonedo’s cripplingly sensitive May.

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The shock about Lily living with black women speaks volumes

Arts August, May and June take Rosaleen and Lily into their home of bees and sunshine. And while Alicia Keys is not the silent venom against Lily. population have had the right to greatest actress, her coldness While it is an obvious comparison vote. is effective as the hardened but to draw, the film does have added The Secret Life of Bees may musically gifted June. resonance in light of Barack not make it amongst the all-time She is the antithesis of the white Obama’s election. greats, but it’s certainly thoughtmale racists in the film; the black It makes the achievement all provoking in these changing female activist whose suppressed the more remarkable to realise times. anger and frustrations are taken it has only been in Obama’s own out on her boyfriend and with lifetime that all of America’s black Kimberley Long

Big package delivery Review: Transporter 3

Appeal to a female audience comes in the revelation of Jason’s abs However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Innovation is shown with an action sequence where the main prop is a bicycle and Jason Statham’s performance

suggests he has the potential to be Britain’s answer to a young Bruce Willis. The director also shows great potential as he ups the ante with bigger risks and obstacles,in what will probably be the last instalment of a successful franchise. Another brownie point is earned with the excellently pumping soundtrack, with tracks including Iggy and the Stooges’ classic punk anthem ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’. The main negative point is that this film does not even try to appeal to a female audience except for the occasional revelation of Jason Statham’s ripped body and his overtly defined abs. Mainly it contents itself with appealing to its predominantly male audience. Will it be a big box office hit? Most likely. Is it better than the first two instalments? No.

Review: Changeling

One more accusation and the authority may collapse also put in decent performances. But by far the best performance comes from Jason Butler Harner as the murderous, disturbed Graham Northcott. The chilling evil in his character is never fully explained and probably could not be, which adds to his already mysterious evil. His character makes you shudder. Changeling is not a film in the basic definition of the word - a form of entertainment that enacts a story - more it is a straightforward, ruthless journey following one mother’s search for her son amidst a cesspool of corruption and deceit. Not only is this the film of 2008, it is possibly the film of Eastwood’s career. So far that is. As he ages his films just get better. At 78years-old, Eastwood is only just beginning to demonstrate his talent. Ashley Scrace

Fuse

Let’s get one thing straight; Changeling is a masterpiece. Eastwood has created something that made me feel anger, sadness, happiness and sympathy all at once. Single mother Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie) comes home from work one afternoon in March 1928 to find that her son, Walter, has disappeared. Immediately, after her moments of understandable hysteria, she contacts the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for help. Five months later, sneering Captain J.J. Jones (Jeffery Donovan) reports that her son has been found alive. But there is one underlying problem. The young man in question is not her son. The LAPD, having recently come under fire regarding its credibility, wants the situation to disappear quicker than Walter did. Most of the criticism towards the LAPD comes from social activist Reverend Gustav Briegleb (John Malkovich), who holds the LAPD responsible for a whole host of previous atrocities, and publicly makes his beliefs known over the radio. One more damaging accusation and the authority may collapse. Despite the fact that the rediscovered Walter is three inches shorter, and his dentist and school does not recognise him, the LAPD pressure Christine to keep the child. In the meantime, a persistent detective named Lester Ybarra (Michael Kelly) has been led to an isolated farm where the bodies of 20 boys supposedly lay. It is from here that this unconventional thriller unfolds and becomes more intriguing and tragic at every turn. You know what to expect, yet there is little that can be done about the situation.

There are no explosive stunts, no elaborate CGI, no real stylistic hyperbole at all. Yet that is the point. There is no need. The story is compelling and shocking enough in itself. A story, which we are gladly reminded, is a true one. The film is simple in the sense that Christine’s redemption is finding hope by discrediting the LAPD. In light of this, Eastwood again takes charge of the musical score, one which doesn’t attempt to dramatise, but to effectively narrate an astonishing tale. This could be Jolie’s best film. She perfectly portrays a normal, working mother who dearly loves her son and wants to find him, no matter what. Donovan, Malkovich and Kelly

Friday December 5 2008

Luckily for the slow driver ahead, Jason’s roadrage medication was still taking effect.

Iris Provias

Mature master

Transporter 3 makes you leave the cinema with lukewarm, mixed feelings. It follows a similar plot to Quantum of Solace and has comparable villains, but the fight scenes are better and the plot is less logical than the recent Bond film. The story follows Frank Martin (Jason Statham) as he tries to deliver a package. Simple, yes? Well, no. Unfortunately he is being monitored and if he moves 25 feet away from the car he will explode. There is another twist in the plot as Frank’s cargo turns out to be Valentina (Natalya Rudakova), the daughter of Ukraine’s Environmental Minister, and his journey is treacherous as he has to deal with villains to save her

from her gloomy fate. The female lead is annoyingly pretentious, stereotypical, and is unoriginally portrayed as nothing but a simple sex object. Frank even disdainfully states that he prefers dealing with cars than with her. Unlike another up and coming Eastern European lead, Olga Kurylenko, the new Bond girl, she lacks the talent and class that her pretty physique exhudes.

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Fanning gives a performance beyond her early teenage years in its sensitivity and understanding. Lily’s innocence sometimes verges on stupidity as she is annoyingly naïve about racism. She’s wide-eyed in disbelief when a shopkeeper refuses to allow Rosaleen into his shop, leaving the latter cowering against a wall. Surely she’d noticed before that not many people where she lives like black people very much? Paul Bettany elicits a sympathetic performance as Lily’s domineering father. The short scenes of him alone give real insight into a character that has twice been abandoned by the women in his life. Despite his aggressive actions by the end of the film it’s impossible not to pity the man who is returning to his empty home.

Games

Every once in a while, Hollywood puts the superheroes, ditzy romcoms and talking animal movies aside, and gets its claws around something with a little more substance. In 2008, a fine example of such a film is Gina Prince-Bythewood’s The Secret Life of Bees. Based on Susan Monk Kidd’s New York Times bestseller, the film is a heartwarming story of the relationships between women, but is a tale with a sting. Set against the racial tension of the Deep South in the sixties, The Secret Life of Bees follows the life of Lily Owens, played by wunderkind Dakota Fanning. The tone is set from the opening scene where four-year-old Lily accidentally kills her mother. This is not a world inhabited by happy people. Time jolts forwards a decade to find Lily living with her father and their black maid, Rosaleen, played by Jennifer Hudson. Lily’s 14th birthday coincides with the passing of the Civil Rights Act, a day with disastrous outcomes for both Lily and Rosaleen. The two run away, in search of the truth about Lily’s mother, and find themselves at the bright pink home of three black beekeeping sisters. This is a film about the subtleties

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Put a sting in your step

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Friday December 5 - Thursday December 18 2008

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Mon 8

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Wed 10

Thur 11

Viking Skull @ Corporation; 7pm; £8 Always wanted to get into death metal but never really knew how? Well now is your chance. With songs such as ‘Beers, Drugs and Bitches’ you’re in for a treat. Support comes from Vains Of Jenna.

Glasvegas @ Plug; 7.30pm; Sold Out

Thirsty Ear With Bullion @ The Harley; 10pm; £2; Residents plus guests playing the best in reggae/funk/hip-hop/ beats/breaks/dubstep/ drum’n’bass. Special guest Bullion, tipped for success, will be putting out some alternative hip-hop.

Ice Sheffield Christmas Ice Rink @ Sheffield City Centre; 10am - 5pm; Free Bloody brilliant. Get into the Christmas spirit down at Millennium Square and have a break from your Christmas shopping.

Rivals @ Showroom Cinema; 8.50pm; £3 Directed by Jacques Maillot, this is a homage to French gangster pictures of the late ’70s. It is about two brothers: one is a pimp just released from jail and the other is a cop.

Pendulum @ Sheffield Academy; 6.30pm; £17.50 Australian drum ’n’ bass at its finest, following this year’s release of In Silico.

The Prodigy @ Sheffield Academy; 7pm; Sold Out

Kings of Leon @ Sheffield Arena; 7.30pm; Sold Out

All the rage this year, the sexy, skinny-assed Kings will be playing to a huge audience. If you don’t have tickets, it probably won’t be long before their return but you will be missing out.

The increasingly popular Glaswegians return to Sheffield for an even bigger and better performance. On top of all this they are supported by fast-growing dark uncanny band White Lies. Not to be missed! Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street @ University Drama Studio; 7pm; £6 Last chance to see suTCo’s production of the musical black comedy.

Trust! @ The Harley; 10pm; £3 Every first Friday of the month, the electro night presents Coin Operated Boy, MJ, Friendly Neighbourhood DJs. Following much success they now launch Trust! London. Best come while it’s still cheap.

Made In Sheffield @ Showroom; 6.30pm; £4.30 Definitely one to watch if you are interested in music, this film is about musicians struggling to catch up with punk in the late 1970s. Bands in Sheffield had a different idea. Interviews with stars from The Human League show the rise and fall of Sheffield’s musical history.

Fri 12 Club Pony Annual Christmas Party @ DQ; 10pm; £5 Featuring Run Hide Survive headline set. Plus guest DJ set from Broken Hookers (Are People Real/Polaroid). Live sets from Darlings Of The Splitscreen and Beautiful Balloon. Slipknot @ Sheffield Arena; 7pm; £29.50

Playing their first tour in three years, following the release of fourth studio album All Hope Is Gone. With support from Machine Head this gig will be a good investment. Pet Sounds @ Sheffield Academy; 11pm; £4 This week presenting The Futureheads live, followed by a mixture of indie and electro tunes. Offbeat @ The Raynor Lounge; 9pm; £3 The ever popular indie night that’s been going since 1997.

The Last Laugh Comedy Club @ The Raynor Lounge; 7.45pm; £5.50 Every Sunday evening, and always a popular one so get your tickets in advance. Featuring Stefan Peddie, Steve Williams and Ivan Brackenbury. Moulin Rouge @ SU Auditorium; 7.30pm; £1.80

Paddy McGuinness @ City Hall; 8pm; £18.50

A stand-up comedian from Bolton who has worked with Peter Kay; he must be funny. A third series of Phoenix Nights has been rumoured and a second series of Road to Nowhere is also planned for sometime in the future.

Shrimps Christmas Special @ Raynor Lounge; 8pm; £4 To sign off on what has been a terrific year for the improvisational performers, Shrimps will be hosting a special Yuletide show at the Union. Get those tickets early! Patti Smith: Dream of Life @ Showroom; 8.20pm; £3

Jason Donovan @ Sheffield City Hall; 7.30pm; £24.50

Ever-popular electronic band The Prodigy will be touring before the release of new album Invaders Must Die.

I close my eyes, and through the curtains comes Jasy D! Yes, he’s back to raise our spirits and remind us of the good times when we were young. Really shouldn’t be missed. Jazz: MC 3 @ The Lescar; 8.30pm; £3 For the slightly more sophisticated amongst you, MC 3 play a blend of jazz funk and bebop, originals and choice standards.

Fuzz Club @ Fusion & Foundry; 10pm; £4 Featuring a live set from ‘one-man Sigur Ros’ Gravenhurst. Also playing are local electronica pop band Urgent Talk. Expect the usual indie and electro DJ sets in one room and metal/emo in the other. Steve Coogan @ City Hall; 7.30pm; £35 The English comedian, actor, writer, producer and director is back. Best known for character Alan Partridge, it is likely to be a night (and a chunk of dough) well spent.

McGregor and Kidman run into love with each other but obviously he is poor and this isn’t ideal. Catch this film even if you’re not a fan of musicals - because this one is actually really rather good.

Drowned in Sound presents: Anti-Christmas Special @ The Harley; 8pm; £2 Featuring live sets from bands Smokers Die Younger, and It Hugs Back, as well as special guests. There will also be DJ sets from Ralph Razor, Dolly Gripp, The Princess and Drowned in Sound.

A documentary that looks at Patti Smith today after a career spanning across three decades. Directed by Steven Sebring, the film is a tribute to the events and relationships that shaped Patti Smith’s life.

Sat 13

Sun 14

Mon 15

Tue 16

Wed 17

Thur 18

Tinchy Stryder @ Plug; 7.30pm; £7 Grime from East London. Having performed on live shows with Wiley and Dizzee Rascal, he is part of the original underground scene and is only 21-years-old. Watch out! With support from NEM featuring Appeal.

La Cenerentola (Cinderella) @ Showroom; 1.30pm; £12

Dean Spanley @ Showroom; 8.30pm; £3 Directed by Toa Fraser. A new spin is put on the genre of the costume drama where Horatio Fisk takes his father to a lecture on the Transmigration of Souls. Here they meet Dean Spanley who holds the key to family heartbreak that Horatio is repressing.

Last Laugh Christmas Party @ City Hall; 8pm; £35 Paul Tonkinson, Richard Morton and compère Toby Foster. Ticket price includes a Christmas platter which’ll be nice. Until December 18.

HarleyLive Presents: Orange 38 Single Launch Party @ The Harley; 8pm; Free

Fuzz Club: Christmas Special! @ Fusion & Foundry; 10pm; £4adv No bands this week, just bare mint ass DJ sets from Threads, Razor Stilleto, Drowned In Sound and Club Pony.

Christmas Vintage Fair: 1920s - 1980s @ Millennium Gallery; 10am- 4pm; £1 Here’s a great opportunity to pick up some unique Christmas gifts and not have to spend a bomb at the same time. The Pogues @ Sheffield Academy; 6.30pm; £29

The Irish and English mixed band have been going since 1982. They haven’t released an album in 12 years, but of course they’re so brilliant that nobody cares and they retain their legendary title.

Rossini’s renowned comic opera, based on the classic story of Cinderella. Vladimir Jurowski and Sir Peter Hall unite to show a story where love wins over evil. Ruxandra Donose stars in the title role with Maxim Mironov as her Prince Charming.

Galvanize Sheffield Festival: Little Gems 4 @ Millennium Gallery; 9am-5pm; Free

Tuesday Club @ Fusion & Foundry; 10.30pm; £6adv This week featuring Andy C & MC GQ, Noisia, Logistics, TM JUke & The Jack Baker Trio (live/ Tru-Thoughts), Virus Syndicate & M.R.K.1 (live), Stoaty, Andy H & Mikey J. It’s gonna be phat. Elvis at Christmas @ City Hall; 7.30pm; £18.50

Last Laugh Christmas Show @ Foundry; 8pm; £5.50 Hopefully Caimh McDonnell, Sol Bernstein and Quincy will fill us with Christmas cheer this week. Maybe they will wear funny Santa outfits; such jokers!

An innovative work that has been designed by Christina Spencer and Sarah Stevenson, young designer silversmiths based at Yorkshire ArtSpace Society.

Heaven’s Basement @ Corporation; 7pm; £5 Dirty, filthy and sleazy gutter-rock apparently, but can their music live up to their hardcore looks? Support comes from a band called Wired Desire.

Aladdin @ Lyceum Theatre; 7pm; £10 Phil Daniels of Eastenders plays the role of Abanazar; Kevin Sacre plays Aladdin; Bobby Knutt plays the Chinese Policeman. It’s a panto essential.

Lee ‘Memphis’ King, officially the world’s number one Elvis tribute artist, will be in the building hoping to make Elvis’ spirit live on. These tickets do actually sell, so hey why not try something new? Go and be an old man.

Wignap (Christmas) @ The Harley; 7pm; £1 Featuring bands, Otters Pocket, Crystal Teet Heart and Kieron Wright. Go to new site www.wignap. com for more info.

The Bluetones @ Leadmill; 7pm; £14 Join the dedicated fan base which has kept on growing since 1996.

White Christmas @ Showroom; 11pm; £4.30

Formerly known as The Paddy Orange Project, the band release brand new single ‘Be Aggressive’. Copies of the single will be for sale on the night as well as a screening of their new live video. Support comes from Alvarez Kings and Johnny Park. Union Christmas Day @ Bar One Oi oi it’s that time of year again! Enjoy Christmas Carol sing-alongs, no doubt all day lad/ ladette drinking with 99p pints and free chips with burgers or pizzas. Supposedly there will be a couple of special guests too. Status Quo @ Sheffield Arena; 7.30pm; £31.50 For anyone that cares, some old people with long hair will be rocking out on stage.

A 1954 film directed by Michael Curtiz. Showmen Phil and Bob pair up with singing sisters after war. The inn where they are staying in Vermont is run unexpectedly by their old army commander. The four put on a show to save him from being penniless. An uplifting film to bring Christmas cheer! Company @ Montgomery Theatre; 7.30pm; £10 As part of Sheffield University Autumn Concert Season 2008. Stephen Sondheim’s musical comedy, centred around Bobby and his inability to commit to a serious relationship.

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

FEATURES

Cartoon: Mark Mackay

Drug-taking can be a destructive lifestyle choice for many people.

When drugs don’t work By Jazmin Cabrera

“I used to be psychologically addicted to cannabis. I was doing it 24/7. I’m not like that now though.” These are the words of one drug user, who has just graduated from the University of Sheffield. He’s not the only one whose dabbling in so called ‘soft’ narcotics has led to a greater obsession or compulsion for drugs. In a society where going out and getting drunk is the norm, it is increasingly accepted that drugs will feature heavily on the scene too. According to an NHS survery, around 25.2 per cent of young adults aged 16 to 24 have used Class A drugs at least once in the last year. Even if you don’t take drugs, it is a strong possibility that you could still point in the direction of a few people who would be able to source some if needed; such is its availability in the student world. The student mentioned at the start of the article - let’s call him James - spends £10-£20 per week on drugs. The cocktail of drugs he takes includes, in his words: “anything but cannabis”. MDMA, cocaine, ketamine and 2CB are all regulars on his list, the most reoccurring being ecstasy. Whilst initiating euphoric highs, these drugs can cause panic attacks, first time epileptic fits, anxiety and even death. So is it only the instant feel-

good hit that encourages student consumption of potentially deadly drugs? The answers may lie in what are deemed as obviously difficult factors. Work and social pressures and their inevitable stress can be easily displaced by immersing yourself into this kind of culture. Wanting to have a good time and the availability of these drugs all play a large role in drug use at university. But is it reasonable to suggest that pressure from your social group or reputation of your destination on a night out is most responsible for fuelling the fire? “I find it difficult to resist taking drugs on a night out”, says James, 23. “But if my friends weren’t so up for it, I probably wouldn’t bother. I have trouble resisting temptation.” According to talktofrank.co.uk - the Government’s anti-drug initiative - there are ways to avoid peer pressure. These include using humour (they have an excuses generator for funny responses), in order to prepare yourself when placed in difficult and what can be potentially embarrassing situations. However, when you’re on a night out surrounded by people who look to be having the time of their lives, it is not that easy. Claire, 21, a student at the University of Manchester, was at a house party when someone tried to force her to take cocaine. “At first I was really polite about it, just saying no thanks, but then she got physical”, she says. “She pulled my arm and tried to

force me to take some. Eventually I had to pull away and leave the room”. As a non-drug user, Claire was in the minority. “The girl seemed quite shocked that I was opposed to taking drugs”, she says. “She even asked my boyfriend what was wrong with me.”

Is it the instant feel-good hit that endorses students’ consumption of drugs? It would seem that society’s attitude towards drugs is changing. Regardless of negative publicity warning of the dangers, it is becoming more acceptable and less taboo to take drugs, especially in student circles. Some club nights are famed for their drug taking and people who aren’t joining in can be made to feel uncomfortable. Pamela, 21, a student at St Andrew’s, once saw a hypodermic needle on the floor at a club night. “People were just dancing around it as if it was nothing,” she says. “Most people there were on drugs, they seemed beyond drunk.” Turning Point Sheffield is an organisation dedicated to helping anybody suffering with their drug problems. They offer counselling, rehabilitation, and advice as a comprehensive strategy as a way to help people come to terms with the addictions of themselves or others. The drop-in surgery, based on Sidney Street, also offers one to one counselling and needle swaps among many other services.

“We are aware that there is a percentage of students in Sheffield that are affected by drug misuse in one form or another,” says Justin Wilkinson, Team Leader at Turning Point. “We are keen to offer our support to these people.” James, a social sciences graduate, has thought about stopping his drug binges. He says he wanted to save his money and his health, but eventually he didn’t see the point. “I’m still young and having fun and it isn’t noticeably affecting my studies,” he says. “I am not waking up with drugs on my mind; I do not spend my days chasing them. I can get through it without having to take any. “But if it started to have an impact on my health, relationships and studies I would reconsider.” In May this year, Anne Rogers released a video of her son Ben while he was trying to come off drugs, just months before his death. At one point the video shows him feeding methadone to a puppet of the television character Sooty and making statements such as: “I swear to God I’m going to die,” and “Mum hates me.” The film, called Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired, shows Ben describing how after just three days without drugs he feels “hot and sweaty, as though I’ve got chicken skin and very emotional.” Other side effects can include exhaustion, anxiety, and depression. The long term effects are even more shocking, and include collapsed veins, brain damage and mental illness among

others. And it’s not only addiction that put lives in danger. Who remembers Leah Betts, the 18year-old who died after taking one ecstasy tablet? She took the drug for the first time on her 18th birthday, and subsequently died of water intoxication after by drinking too much water to counteract it. The Government then started a massive publicity campaign against the drug, using a photo of Leah on her death bed.

Since 1996, drug usage has fallen from 11.1 per cent to 9.3 per cent Since 1996, illegal drug usage has fallen from 11.1 per cent to 9.3 per cent, though the use of Class A drugs has stayed about the same. These figures point to the fact that drugs are being used less, but their status has not lessened its associations with what is ‘stress relieving’ or ‘cool’. “The culture of taking drugs is definitely alive in this day and age,” says Claire. “But if you’re strong willed enough you can still avoid taking them. It seems to me that drugs are a form of escapism in a stressful modern day life,” she adds. “But it’s not one that I’ll be subscribing to any time soon.” If you are having trouble with drugs, or struggling with somebody else’s addiction you can call Turning Point on 0114 275 5973.

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

FEATURES

Caught by the

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

FEATURES

Forge

and getting into it, that vindicates any chart position.

By Clare McPartland I phone Rob Coombes, the keyboardist extraordinaire from Supergrass at 10am on a Wednesday morning, whilst I sit in bed munching toast. It was a bizarre feeling, not really being awake yet about to be connected to a man from a band that I’ve loved from a fairly young age. When he finally picked up I became flustered, and all I could murmur when I heard his voice was: “Hi! You okay? You sound sleepy. I had a vision of you for a moment, sitting in bed with a cuppa.” Nice. He paused. “No, no. It’s a good idea, though, I might actually do that.” And with that I attempted to pull myself together and delved in. So how have things been for Supergrass lately? “It’s been really cool. We really enjoyed Europe, going back out there, that was great. We got back a couple of weeks ago.” So have you just been chilling since then? “Yeah, we’ve just been catching up. Danny’s getting married in a couple of weeks, so that’s the focus. The band stuff’s on hold while we get the really important stuff done. We’re all catching up at home because when you go on tour you tend to put your life on hold a bit and when you come back you pick it up from where you left off.” Is Oxford, the town you grew up in, still home for you? “At the moment it is yeah. I think when you go away and see different cities of the world you can definitely appreciate things from home that you may miss. For example Oxford is quite a beautiful city, the architecture and stuff and you don’t notice these things when you grow up somewhere, it becomes normal. So when you go out and come back to it you think, yeah, you live in a pretty cool place.”

We don’t like to be put in the same category as a lot of bands Diamond Hoo Haa, your latest album, seems a much more upbeat and jaunty affair than Road To Roeun, which was obviously inﬂuenced by goings on in your lives at that time. Was it a conscious decision to make this album more perky, or was it just a natural progression? “It was a natural progression. I don’t think we’ve ever made a conscious decision to make a certain type of album. It just happens. “I think usually there is a subconscious thing going on where you tend to write according to where you are and your state of mind. “It was just the case with Diamond Hoo Haa that we were all sort of quite up and quite positive when we were writing it and that came across in the music.” How do you feel about the reaction to the album? Although it had many good reviews, Diamond Hoo Haa peaked at chart position 19, which is the lowest position for any of your albums. Does this bother you or is it more important to you how your fans react to the album tracks at gigs? “It bothers me less and less as the years go on, chart positions. Obviously it would have been nice to have a top ﬁve album, and I thought this album was one of our best albums so it would have been nice for it to have done better, but the proof is when you play a gig and people there are all singing along

How’s it been then, playing the huge arena shows, because you’ve supported some pretty big bands such as Foo Fighters, Radiohead and Pearl Jam? “It’s a great experience, I think the most recent really big show we did was Wembley Stadium with Foo Fighters. Yeah, we’ve done lots of big shows, we did the Old Trafford cricket ground with Arctic Monkeys and it’s a great experience, but it’s almost like unreal because it’s so big.”

Danny’s getting married in a couple of weeks - the band stuff’s on hold On December 9 you’re coming to Sheffield and playing at Plug. This is a pretty small venue compared to some of those you’ve played over the years. Do you prefer the smaller venues? “I prefer a more intimate show definitely. To play in front of less than 1,000 people is always better because you can see who you’re playing to instead of it just being a mass of heads. It’s nice to actually do that and feel a connection with the audience.” For you, what has been your ultimate career highlight? “There are certain gigs that really stand out to me as being pinnacles but there are quite a few of them you know? “I remember playing the Troubadour in a LA the last time we were there, a couple of years ago, which was fantastic. “Occasionally you’ll do a show and everything will be just right, it’ll sound just as you want it and you’ll play everything exactly how you want it to sound. “I’m a bit of a perfectionist - I think we all are as musicians - so when you hit that perfect gig it’s amazing.” Although officially you are the newest member of the band, you have been involved from the second album, so how do you think the band manages to stay together so well and keep its relationships sweet? “I think having a history and being mates before the band helps, because for us our relationship isn’t just about the band. I think that really helps because we can all take time off from what we’re doing and go down the pub and talk about something else.” Throughout your years in the band have any fans been particularly crazy? “Crazy is quite relative really, in terms of crazier then us? Nikki from Big Brother is one of the craziest fans; she came backstage at the Brighton stage.” (At this point he goes a little quiet.) I n previous interviews you’ve tended to air the view you dislike being viewed as part of the Britpop

genre, why is this? “The positive thing about Britpop was that it was a movement and it gave a lot of bands the chance to perform and to create. “There were positive things about the Britpop movement. But when people put a name on you it’s difficult because you don’t always agree with that label, and we don’t like to be put in the same category as a lot of bands who also have that label. “But then we are British and we are a pop band.” Who do you think has changed music forever? “Even though it’s a boring answer, I’d have to say The Beatles. I’d also have to add someone like Les Paul who’s a massive guitar influence. I mean I don’t know much about guitar but from what I know he kind of was quite revolutionary in the way he changed popular music.” Some quick fire questions to finish: What were the first words you said this morning? “Time to get up. I was talking to my daughter.”

I prefer a more intimate show, to feel a connection with the audience What are your plans for the rest of the day? “Christmas shopping.” If you could have had any other career besides the one you have, what would it be? “A university professor, teaching astronomy.” Do you have any weird habits or OCDs? “I tend to rub my nose a bit.” On a scale of one to 10, how good looking would you say you are? “Average. Five.” What would you do if you were invisible for a day? “I might break into Buckingham Palace, see what the Queen’s doing.” What colour best describes your mood today? “Mauve.” What’s the best thing in life? “What’s free.” What’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever done? “Agreeing to do an interview for the band.” Ouch.

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

By Rebecca Yap The night of November 21 was a typical Friday night in the heart of Sheffield. Loud and raucous, as frisky students and the jaded working bunch throng the streets, eager to get the party started. For many, the night would soon be forgotten amongst the empty glasses that would crowd table tops; the heralded arrival of the long-awaited weekend would again waste away. Tucked away at the far end of a quieter Cambridge Street in Stardust Bar, a different world exists, echoing memories of the Steel City’s Victorian past. Here, ladies trade the high street’s photocopied designs with meticulously assembled outfits, delicate lace stockings, naughty garters, crowning fascinators and more. Peek-a-boo is the city’s premiere burlesque event and claims to be the largest event in South Yorkshire. It was voted top 10 in the burlesque nights in the UK within its first 12 months and had to move from location to location, in order to accommodate the growing crowd, settling in the Stardust bar. Although a vaguely resident mid-thigh rule seems to replace the popularly diminishing hemline, there is nothing modest, if not more flamboyant and suggestive about the waist-pinching corsets. The ladies kiss their blood-red lips in goodbye to Barbie’s hold on her hour-glass figure title.

Oh so

saucy

in the steel city

A humourous strip tease with gigantic powder puffs as props Let us not forget the gentlemen who, as the word suggests, once again have learnt to dress primly for their date. Gone are casual jeans and printed tee-shirts. In their place, bow ties sit snug on collars of painstakingly pressed shirts, polished shoes and a smart top hat complete the ensemble. If there is any night to dress up, then it is a night like Peek-a-boo Burlesque’s birthday to cast away modern day conventions and be transported back into old world glamour. Peek-a-boo turns three on this night but unlike previous events, which had crowds plastered right up to the bar’s exit doors, the turnout at the Stardust Bar was disappointing. “Tonight’s event was postponed from last Saturday night, November 13. I was ill,” says Debora D’luxe, owner of Peek-aboo Burlesque and alternative online clothing store Ultra Vixen. Despite the less-thansatisfactory ticker count, nine burlesque acts incorporating ’50s and ’60s music revealed that the party was certainly good fun and definitely an eye-opener. Miss Lola Pops appeared on stage with strategically placed white, golden and blue balloons and teased the audience by bursting them one by one with a feathered pin before taking off her lingerie and revealing a chest sparingly covered by nipple tassels. Another performer managed a humorous strip tease with gigantic powder puffs as props and yet another concealed her body between huge feather fans, providing a peek every now and then. Despite minimal clothing, there was not a hint of sleaziness that used to plagued the reputation of burlesque in the 1920s when stripping was first introduced, in

FEATURES the illusion of nudity. She inspired the bawdy style of Variety Theatre, prevalent from the 1870s to the 1920s. Immodest forms of costuming and sexually suggestive plots and dialogues were characteristic of the genre which poked fun at conventional forms of entertainment such as operas and Shakespearean dramas. Today, burlesque performances have evolved into neo-burlesque acts encompassing a wider range of performances styles from classic striptease to modern dance to theatrical mini-dramas to comedic mayhem. However, it remains deeply rooted in tradition, focusing on the ‘tease’ in the ‘striptease’ rather than the ‘strip’. An increasing awareness and attention paid to all things burlesque must be largely attributed to the popularity of celebrities such as the undisputed Queen of Burlesque Dita von Teese, Immodesty Blaize, the Pussycat Dolls and the use of the art of tease in music videos such as Christina Aguilera’s ‘Candy Man’ where she was decked out in a sexy sailor girl outfit. One might be surprised to know that even the “piss-taking” humour and ribaldry of Austin Powers is regarded as a form of burlesque. According to Debora, the Sheffield burlesque scene has become more and more mainstream in the past year: “When you walk about in town, you can see more and more people dressing in that unique way.” Women of all sizes now dare to embrace their sexuality out in the open, showing off their curves by wearing lingerie as clothing – something viewed as taboo in the past. In recent years, thousands of women have signed up for burlesque classes on the pretext that it is an alternative way to keep fit.

The intrigue lay in the dancing rather than the promise of nudity

Perfomer Sahara Starr. (Below) Two of the Peek-a-boo door girls. a bid to flag up dying interest and subsequently to entertain men affected by the Great Depression. The intrigue lay in the dancing rather than the promise of nudity. It was tasteful and the hoots from the crowd were more of a cheeron and in appreciation rather than derogatory roadside wolfwhistles. “People enjoy the cheesy sauciness of burlesque performances. You keep thinking, ‘Is she going to remove her stockings? When is her bra coming off?’ It is about the tease and the titillation,” said Debora. “You don’t get nights across the country like that, with all the glitter and spangles on stage. Of course, you won’t ever get to see a seven-foot key hole!” The keyhole is part of Peek-a-boo’s logo. Sahara Starr, Peek-a-boo’s resident burlesque belly dancer whose actual name is Tasmin, says: “We give ourselves stage names and become a whole different persona. We act on stage and become a different character. Sahara Starr cannot be seen without makeup but Tasmin can walk around in her pyjamas.” According to Sahara Starr, to fully appreciate the art of burlesque, it is necessary to understand the complicated

history of the subject, which is an evolution from many types of performances. It is suggested that burlesque shows originated in 1849 in the form of comic sketches lampooning the social attitudes of the upper classes and their music. Dita Von Teese has said: “The father of burlesque was really a playwright of fifth century BC Athens. Aristophanes was the playwright, poet and reformer who penned Lysistrata, the sexy masterpiece in which the wives of the Athenian soldiers hole up in the Acropolis, depriving their husbands of sex until the termination of the Peloponnesian War. “The play set the stage for centuries of ribald drama - and the way I read it, these women are teasing their husbands, guiding their minds towards sex, then locking it away.” Hence, the art of tease was born. In September 1868, a group of young women, Lydia Thompson and her troupe, The British Blondes, scandalised and thrilled Britain when they flung aside modest layers of Victorian dressing

Photo: Rebecca Yap

and donned flesh-coloured tights for the stage. The tights created

Polestars, a dance and fitness company with networks across the UK, have started running burlesque classes which promise to make women: “feel sexy, glamourous and confident”. “Burlesque is about female empowerment. In the past, women perform what they are told to perform. Now, we are given a choice of what we want to do,” said Leanne Baldwin, a Polestars burlesque teacher. Cashing in on vintage sensuality, Pandora’s Box along Ecclesall Road, run by Germaine Smith, wife of ex-Manchester City footballer and current Crystal Palace coach Keith Curle, sells burlesque-inspired lingerie and interesting bedroom gear. But perhaps there is a deeper intrinsic motivation behind embracing burlesque. In a way, it has morphed from performance into a lifestyle and a state of mind. From choice of dressing to confidence with the female body, in the bedroom and on stage, burlesque undeniably encourages women to step out of their comfort zone, urging them to regain any self-esteem that has been stowed away or lost over the years. As we embrace an alter-ego on stage, perhaps the confident persona throwing all inhibitions to the wind is in fact a hidden personality that society has failed to force into the closet of conformity.

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

LIFESTYLE

Take one black dress, add a touch of sparkle and watch it transform By Sarah Barns and Bethan Hill The party season is approaching and what better way to get in the mood than by purchasing a new little black dress? We set our Lifestylers the challenge of transforming this French Connection dress into three different looks for all occassions.

Hot or not?

Vicky Shaw experimented with the ‘soft goth’ look. Okay, so you many not think the words ‘goth’ and ‘Christmas’ go together, but forget scary, if you get this look right the result is instant sophistication. With lace, studs and killer heels creating this look, the ‘soft goth’ party style is bang on trend. Starting from the bottom up I’ve chosen some gorgeous Kurt Geiger shoes. At £185 they are pricey but I think if you’re going to splurge on something shoes are deﬁnitely the way to go. This pair will always be in style. Alternatively for the soft goth look get yourself some shoe(or sandal)boots or any pair of killer heels embellished with studs. To make this dress much more of a statement add a chunky belt. I found this studded one on ASOS. com for £15. The silver ties in with the silver diamante on the shoes; it is party season after all so some sparkle is a must. To really pull off this look and stand out from your friends grab yourself some gloves. Long and short styles both work but make sure they are velvet, satin, or lace ones so people don’t think you’re just a bit cold. Oasis do a great pair.

You could use them during the day too; now that’s smart shopping. And, as it’s a strapless dress, ﬁnish off the look with a bit of décolletage decoration like a necklace from Accessorize. Kimberley Long tried to create the ‘circus’ look. Get in on the act of this season’s circus theme with some eye-catching accessorising that brings some colour to even the plainest of dresses. This look is all about big drama, bright colours and making an impact so this is a trend to get you noticed over the party season.

Start off with some super sparkly gold heels for £65 from Topshop. Theatrical shoes are an easy way to add a bit of glamour to any dull outﬁt, and are perfectly on trend with giant platforms, heels, and cut out toes. Next create some deﬁnition and add a splash of colour to the plain black dress by wrapping a patterned scarf around your waist.

Christmas An entire month of home cooking, central heating and trashy television. There is also the added bonus of spending time with the family and getting a few presents. Verdict: Hot

Obviously you can’t go anywhere without your handbag, so try adding a black and gold number. Miss Selfridge do one for £22. The gold sequins tie in to the shoes while the diamond pattern echoes a harlequin style print, providing the ideal complement to the rest of your accessories. And finally become the ringmaster of the party scene and cap the outfit off with this stunning mini top hat and veil, (£38, from asos.com). Make sure you wear it at a jaunty angle and trail the veil over your face to create a touch of the mysterious while you’re out on the dance floor. Finish it all off with armfuls of huge, chunky bracelets and bangles as seen on the catwalks this winter. S u b t l e colours for make-up will not work with this look so find some bold colours for your face and nails. But concentrate on either the lips or the eyes; you want to look like the star of the show, not the clown. H a n n a h O’Connell shows how to carry off the classic look with style.

I’m A Celebrity That reality series is back for what seems like the hundredth time, now with even more egotistical Z-Listers than ever before. Surely this show has had its day? Verdict: Not

Party season is here and what better excuse to go shopping for a fab new outfit for Christmas or New Year? Take your favourite LBD and hit the high street for sparkle, sequins and extra special accessories to make you stand out in the crowd and guarantee you a kiss under the mistletoe. A stand out clutch is a must for the perfect party outfit. Accessorize and Topshop have some great sequinned styles that are fairly pricey but will go with everything. Platforms are definitely a must to add glamour to your LBD; plus you’ll definitely get your wear out of them as they are set to stick around until next year. A patent black pair from Aldo will go with everything and are totally on trend. A large statement necklace is a must to glam up a plain strapless dress; this pretty flower sequined gold necklace from Accessorize is perfect for a Christmas party. Don’t go overboard with the sequins though; forget earrings but opt for a bracelet or ring. A gold flower ring goes really well with the necklace without being too coordinated and is not too fussy that a bracelet can’t be worn as well. To really finish off this Christmas’ party outfit, pin on a black corsage to your plain dress and it will be totally transformed. By adding some great accessories to your plain black dress you can create your individual party look. So go forth Lifestyle readers and experiment with your little black dress. You don’t need to shell out for lots of outfits. Save money and just buy one investment piece. The possibilities are endless and you don’t know who you may attract under the mistletoe.

Fairy lights All this Christmas talk may seem a little premature but one plus point is that cheap fairy lights are at our disposal in lots of stores making it easy to transform a room. Verdict: Hot

Leafy streets Autumn is meant to have been and gone, so why are we all still forced to walk over piles of rotting leaves, inevitably ending up in nasty humiliating falls? Verdict: Not

Lauren Conrad from The Hills showing

Long nights Most people seem to ﬁnd this depressing but we should make the most of it ﬁnally being acceptable to spend the majority of our time in pyjamas and/or bed. Verdict: Hot

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

LIFESTYLE

The Exposed awards: what’s hot in Sheffield By Elle Blakeman Imagine if Sheffield held the Oscars and you’re no way near to what the third annual Exposed Awards were like. It was a black tie event, sponsored by Corona, complete with a meal of pie, chips and mushy peas, in true Northern style. Girls balanced precariously on stilts, wearing sparkling bikinis and feathers, welcomed everyone in. Others in bustiers and fishnets wandered around handing out sweets and lollies. It felt like the extras of Moulin Rouge had wandered into the Octagon by mistake. It also made it quite difficult to get a drink since the mostly male bar staff were unable to relocate their eyes back to the bar. There was also an old fashioned popcorn and candyfloss man which made absolutely no sense but was quite cool none the less. Kam and Becky of Hallam FM fame were hosting the awards, which kicked off with an act

Old House.

Photo: Olivia Lightfoot

entitled ‘Bring on the Clowns’. It was then that I realised that I’d really never known the true meaning of surreal until I’d watched clowns breakdancing to Ne-Yo’s ‘Closer’. Despite being slightly on the bizarre side it was definitely different and very entertaining. The awards got underway with the Women’s Fashion award which unsurprisingly went to Ark. Ark’s manager was thrilled and said that “We’re just having a really great year this year,” giving credit to the excellent merchandising team. Cruise won it for the Men’s Fashion. Their manager said they were “very surprised and grateful to win it,” and were planning a heavy night to celebrate. The Old House definitely won the prize for most people accepting an award; it seemed everyone who works there, and all their friends, ran on to the stage to help accept the award. An Oscar style acceptance speech followed, beginning “I’d like to thank alcohol...” The Carling Academy was fairly unpopular on the whole and was booed at every mention by pretty much everyone. Adam, from the Carling Academy, said he was pleased that they had won the award for best live venue and said that their new night ‘Electrosexual’ is going well. Wigs and Warpaint and Cubanna were fighting it out for most excited winners of the night, though Cubanna were the quickest ones up to the stage by far. The accompanying music to the winners throughout the night was absolutely inspired. The Devonshire Green, who incidentally were not there to collect their award, had ‘Parklife’ by Blur. Cubanna had ‘Copacabana’ by Barry Manilow, and Plug walked up to ‘She’s Electric’ by Oasis. Things wrapped up at around

The winners of the Women’s Fashion award, Ark. 11pm with most people in high spirits. The after party continued

Photo: Olivia Lightfoot

at The Harley for the lucky people who did not have a 9am lecture.

And the winner is... Women’s Fashion Ark

Restaurant Cubanna

Men’s Fashion Cruise

Traditional Pub The Lescar

Stylist (Hair) Claire Flack (Wigs and Warpaint)

New Bar The Bowery

Hair Salon Wigs and Warpaint New Development Devonshire Green Cultural Venue Millennium Galleries Cafe/Deli Bragazzis New Restaurant Silversmiths

Bar The Old House Unsigned Band/Musician Dead World Leaders Live Venue Carling Academy Club Night Threads Club Plug

Lifestyle Review: The Bowery By Rosanna Lee and Jenny Richards

us how to wear a little black dress.

Essay deadlines It is that time of the semester again when everybody seems to have essays due in and are staying in and studying instead going out. Beyond depressing. Verdict: Not

The Bowery, co-owned by Arctic Monkeys’ ex–bassist Andy Nicholson, had a lot to live up to. We went to see if it was worth the hype. Our ﬁrst impressions of The Bowery were that it was sleek and chic, but slightly pretentious. The truth is that the prices aren’t extortionate and the range of drinks on offer is extensive, especially the unique and exciting variety of speciality rum. Having sat through several tedious lectures, our eyes were immediately drawn to the food menu. The array of delicious, wholesome and locally sourced food includes tasty pies and quiches, cake and sandwiches. We wondered where the name ‘The Bowery’ came from; as it turned out, Andy’s mum suggested it. The cool and quirky American style décor of the interior reminded her of the bars and eateries in the

Bowery area of New York. There certainly is a homely feel about the family run business. Its snug sofas welcome you like a bowl of hot Ready Brek on a cold winter morning. The music, as expected, is eclectic, with every night of the week offering an original yet diverse mix of sounds. Thursdays showcase the two legends of the Union’s very own Tuesday Club, Andy H and Clipboard, whilst Sundays provide a more relaxed vibe with Opus and Bowery Boys presenting Boogaloolive acoustic sets. An added bonus, especially for us shopaholics, is the opening of a shop called Supreme Being in the upstairs part of the bar. It provides a variety of street wear and uniquely offers artist spray paint. So our verdict is that whilst The Bowery deﬁnitely isn’t a regular student haunt, its cool understated style and cosy informality ensure that its certainly worth a visit. Even if it is only so we can say we’ve met an ex-Arctic Monkey!

Does the former Monkey’s pub live up to its hype?

Photo: Olivia Lightfoot

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

LIFESTYLE

Men are like dresses; keep your sexiest outfit for best

Now I don’t mean to sound shallow, but men can be likened to dresses. Every girl has an outfit that they may not wear often, but they know they look good in. Unlike flashy new dresses that get designated to the back of the wardrobe after two nights out, the safety dress is always there. You know it fits well and you know that you look good in it. In my case, the safety dress is one particular guy. Let’s call him Harry. We see each other out and about and the conversation is always amazing, especially because I know that at some point it will be followed by a staggering orgasm. However, we’ve never taken the next step and become a couple. Like the safety dress, Harry must be rationed and saved for when I’m in need of a lift. When I wear the dress I know it’s with the intention of a good night out. I don’t want Harry to be my boyfriend. The anticipation of bumping into him on a night out adds to the ‘want-to-drop-myknickers-then-and-there’ feeling I get when I do see him. To make him a boyfriend would mean losing my safety dress and gaining a pair of pyjamas - even if it is a sexy silk pair. In short, yes the sex is great, (my housemates can vouch for that), but it’s even better because tomorrow I know I can put on a different dress. That saucy red number, in man terms, is someone with an exotic accent who’ll push me against the wall and offer me a taste of the unfamiliar. The indie vintage dress is a cerebral type who will play acoustic guitar naked at the foot of my bed. Either way, for better or worse, at least I always have my safety shag.

Is that a grey cloud hanging over you? By Tessa Norman As the shortest day of the year approaches, many of us will be experiencing symptoms of the “winter blues”, or SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) as the condition is officially known. Personally, I dread this time of year because I love summer with a passion, and spend most of winter pining for the feeling of the sun on my bare skin. Winter and I have never got on very well. I resent the way the fall of darkness gradually steals more and more of my day away from me. The cold, dismal weather leaves me feeling sluggish and wanting to do nothing more than snuggle underneath my duvet with a nice mug of hot chocolate. I would preferably stay in hibernation until I can safely emerge into a world of sunshine

and flip flops. However, whether we like it or not, winter has an irritating tendency to come back year after year. We may as well make the most of it, and be thankful that we are not part of the small percentage of the population who suffer badly from SAD. These unfortunate people are afflicted with sleeping problems, overeating, anxiety, depression and lethargy. The condition is caused by a lack of bright light during winter, and hence the most effective treatment for SAD is a light box, which sufferers sit in front of for 30-60 minutes each day. Aside from their inconvenience, these boxes are very expensive, and for those of us who only suffer from mild symptoms, there are many simpler and cheaper ways to restore our cheerfulness and productivity during the winter months. The key to alleviating winter depression is exposure to light, so you could try moving your desk next to your window, or brightening up your room with an extra lamp or fairy lights. The most effective form of light is natural sunlight though, so however unappealing the prospect of venturing out in to the cold may be, it is important to try to make the most of bright days. Go for a walk if it is light outside; the fresh air will make you feel more awake and energised. The major problem caused by SAD is a lack of energy, which combines with the sensation of feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope, to leave sufferers powerless to get organized or get things done. The answer to overcoming these feelings lies in breaking down your workload so it seems more

SAD affects many different people but there are ways to tackle it. manageable. Lists are a great way of doing this; separating tasks into smaller sections makes them less daunting, and as you tick things off you will feel a positive sense of achievement. In addition, I find it effective to have a goal to aim towards. If you give yourself a whole day to do a task you will drag it out for that long, but if you arrange to meet a friend or go to the gym in the afternoon you will feel motivated to be productive in the morning. Another common complaint during winter is a low immune system, so to avoid colds and flu, try your best to look after your health. Taking a vitamin supplement each day (vitamin D will make the biggest difference as this is what your skin produces when it is exposed to sunlight) requires minimum effort but will give your body the extra boost it needs. The usual principles of eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly apply too, and will increase your energy levels. A healthy diet is difficult for sufferers of SAD to adhere to, as they crave foods rich in starch and carbohydrates. I find that I put on weight during winter, as I crave hot filling meals, which isn’t helped by the security of knowing I won’t be baring much flesh for the next few months. However, sugary foods only provide a short burst of energy and will ultimately leave you feeling down. Try to replace your comfort foods with things that are hot and

comforting yet healthy, like soup, and foods which give you sustained energy, such as bananas. If this all sounds like too much hard work, a more exciting way to combat the effects of SAD is to take a break from your usual environment.

The key to alleviating winter depression is exposure to light A change of scene will improve your creativity, energy levels, and refresh you. The most effective break for SAD sufferers is a holiday in a brightly lit climate, but there are plenty of alternatives which are more suited to a student budget. For example, you could organize a day trip with friends, and get the bus to the Peak District. The Union’s Give It A Go programme also organises plenty of trips to interesting cities such as York and Oxford. The most successful way to combat winter depression is to try to establish a positive mindset. Even though I would banish winter forever if I had the power, I accept that it is inevitable, and appreciate that it does have its good points. You can’t beat the atmosphere of excitement in the run up to Christmas, or the warm, cosy feeling of curling up in front of a fire. There may be less sunlight in winter, but the cold weather doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying it, as long as you wrap up warm!

Give bone marrow this Christmas By Bethan Hill If you’re struggling to think of the perfect Christmas gift for a loved one, maybe you should take a break from all the brain strain, and think about the perfect gift for someone else. That includes someone you don’t even know yet. Sheffield Marrow is a student organisation working in association with the Anthony

Nolan Trust to give every student the opportunity to join the bone marrow register, and to fundraise and increase awareness of bone marrow donation. 70 per cent of people with bone marrow diseases like leukaemia do not have a suitable match within their family, and are therefore reliant on donors. 16,000 people worldwide are waiting for a donor. The more people that join the register the more chance of finding that unique

match that could save a life. The next sign up session is on Tuesday, December 9, from 5pm7pm in the Octagon. On the same day, they’ll be having a Krispy Kreme bake sale on the concourse. All proceeds to the Anthony Nolan Trust, so do a good deed and then treat yourself. It takes 15 minutes to sign up. They take a small blood sample to check your tissue type, then you’re on the register.

To find out more about what will happen if you’re asked to donate bone marrow pop down to the sign-up clinic and ask, or have a look at www.anthonynolan.org. uk. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 40 who is fit and healthy can join. Sheffield Marrow are keen for people to get involved by fundraising or volunteering. You can email marrow@shef. ac.uk for information.

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

TRAVEL

Happy holidays By Danielle Appleton Before I became an ‘honorary American’ my knowledge of Thanksgiving pretty much centred on the numerous Friends episodes dedicated to it. I had imagined ‘the gang’ sitting round the dinner table eating turkey with the American Football on TV in the background. This is actually a fairly good portrayal of a real-life Thanksgiving celebration. For a lot of people Thanksgiving is even more exciting than Christmas. My roommate invited me to stay at her house for the celebration. “You have to come to our house,” she insisted, “Thanksgiving is my absolute favourite day of the year!”

It felt just like Christmas but without the presents, which made it so special So with two days off classes, we made our way to northern Oregon where her entire family had gathered for the occasion. It felt just like Christmas but without the presents. I think that’s what makes this day even more special because everyone is excited for no other reasons than they get to spend time with their family; no materialistic aspects are involved. Everyone was in such a fantastic mood, catching up with relatives they hadn’t seen in ages, and getting excited that they had a real English person joining them! We spent the whole day laughing, playing games, watching American Football, and eating lots and lots of food. I was constantly being fed for a whole 12 hours: turkey, sweet potatoes, green-bean casseroles; a new favourite of mine. Pumpkin pies arrived in a steady stream in front of me every time my hands were remotely free. By the end of the day I felt like I had eaten enough to last me for the week. Thanksgiving has been my favourite day in America so far. It felt like I was really experiencing American culture and family life for the first time, and I think it’s a real shame we don’t have a similar holiday in England. I am going to start celebrating it every year from now on.

The stunning views from the top of the abandoned town of Pocitelj, with the Croatian mountains sneaking into the background.

Bosnia’s post-war revitalisation By Helen Lawson It’s 13 years since the end of the Bosnian-Serb-Croat war and a country like this deserves to be explored: rich in history, beautiful and, with the Bosnian mark tied at 2KM to a euro, astonishingly cheap. A three hour coach trip from Dubrovnik takes you to Mostar capital of the Herzegovina region and famed for the elegant Stari Most bridge, which was rebuilt after the conflict. The city is still divided into Croat and Muslim areas and it would be crass to suggest that tensions no longer exist between the ethnic groups all over the country. Although a city, Mostar has that great sense of being an intimate little secret: acknowledging its tourists without intruding on

everyday life. The city is also famed for the local swimmers who spend their days posing at the side of the bridge, teasing the tourists by climbing the rail of the bridge as if they were to dive off.

Memorials dotted the streets, marking the brutal events of the war I struck gold with an extremely fortunate choice of hostel. Majdas Rooms, run by Majda herself, gives its guests the opportunity to explore the surrounding region in one day with her brother Bata as a guide. First stop was the abandoned mountain town of Pocitelj, where a climb to the top gives stunning views across to the Croatian border.

City spotlight: Munich By Natalie Johnson ‘Weltstadt mit Herz’ is the motto of the city of Munich. Translating to mean ‘world city with heart’, it truly lives up to its reputation. Cosily tucked away between Stuttgart and Nuremberg, Munich yields all that could possibly be required of a city break destination. With other world renowned cities on its doorstep, boutiques and high street stores dispersed between beautiful ancient churches and monuments, and possibly the best snack in the world ever sold on every corner (the frankfurter), it is almost a crime not to pay homage to this cosmopolitan city. My favourite thing about Munich is that it is multi-faceted,

easily catering for all tastes and ages. Whether you long to visit a timeless historical relic such as St. Peter’s church, the oldest in the inner city of Munich, or you have a passion for architecture and art, Munich has it all. Alte Pinakothek, one of the oldest art galleries in the world is well worth a visit.

St Peter’s Church in Munich.

Once you have tired of sightseeing, take a leisurely stroll in one of the city’s beautiful parks, such as the Englischer Garten in the city centre, or visit one of the city’s world famous beer gardens. My favourite was the Hofbräuhaus, a site complete with beer, food, tourists, drunken revelry and Lederhosen. As regards restaurants priced suitably for students, I recommend Bar Tapas in the suburb of Maxvorstadt, which serves everything from grilled chicken to octopus. Also try out Café an der Uni in the same neighbourhood, an arty café which serves breakfast until a hangover friendly mid-day. So book yourself a cheap flight, from 2p, and experience the warmth of the city with heart.

We then ended up exploring the strong currents, icy waters and sheer splendour of the Kravica waterfalls, delving into rock pools and rope-swinging, before going horse-riding across a dusty hilly terrain. The tour took in a quick visit to the Catholic pilgrimage site of Medjugorje, where we were able to witness an almost grotesque display of commercialism – an explosion of hotels and gift shops all capitalising on an unverified apparition of the Virgin Mary. We ended our regional adventure with a meal and tour of the monastery by the Neretva’s source at Blagaj, where the water is so pure that you can drink straight out of the river. You won’t need days to explore Mostar – an extra day mulling around the Old Town and enjoying a few drinks in The Cave bar is a relaxing way to spend time before taking the early-evening train to Sarajevo. For 10KM you get to experience the breath-taking journey north, which doesn’t seem to stop scaling higher and higher up the lush forestry of the seemingly endless mountain ranges, set against the fading sunlight. You can’t help but be slightly awed at Sarajevo – the city that survived three years under siege as well as being the place where WWI was triggered. The city still bears the bullet holes and shrapnel damage from the war. Plaques and memorials are constantly dotted around the streets, with the emphasis on “We must never forget”. At Haris Youth Hostel, I was fortunate enough to meet Haris himself – aged 21, running a hostel and studying full-time whilst taking his guests out on his Sarajevo tour, which was made even more poignant by his own experience of growing up

during the conflict. We saw landmarks including the Tunnel Museum, commemorating the tunnel which allowed supplies in and out of the city during wartime, the mountain venues for Sarajevo’s 1984 Winter Olympics (since destroyed by shell fire), and the iconic Holiday Inn, which was the only ‘safe’ place as the base for international journalists. Haris also showed us City Hall, where two million books had been destroyed by Serb forces attempting to wipe out the Bosniak cultural archives.

Mostar train station. Sarajevo seems determined to rebuild itself and show everyone a great time. We partied with 85p pints in the City Bar before heading to a dark salsa club in one of the University buildings, bartered in the old Bascarsija bazaar, enjoyed the traditional Bosnian coffee and shisha rituals, noshed on burek and visited numerous galleries and museums as well as discovering outerSarajevo by taking the tram for a lazy day at Ulad Bosne, the city’s natural spring and parkland. Go to Bosnia and Herzegovina and discover it before everyone else finds out too. And be sure to drink from the Sebilj fountain in Bascarsija – they say that once you do, you’re destined to return.

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

PUZZLES & HUMOUR

Coffee Break Scrooge vs. Santa in Sheffield By Kimberley Long It’s England. It’s December. It’s cold and it’s wet. A random child is screaming their head off while an exasperated mum issues the age old and hollow threat of: “If you don’t shut up you won’t get any presents off Father Christmas” Back to you and how you’ve been in the queue for twenty minutes, barraged by whining under 10s, pushed around by manic shoppers whilst listening to the tortured tones of St. Bono. The festive season is with us once again. Which is all very well except that this is reading week and it’s the middle of November. Why does Christmas have to start so early? Some people are impossible to buy for. Bless mums and grandmas but if you’re really stuck, Boots is always there to save the day (girls actually like smelly things for the bathroom). But what about your dad? When they say helpful things like: “there

isn’t anything I want”, what are we supposed to do? Is it socks, or an electric razor for the fifth year running, or some awful novelty torch/de-icer/pen that lives in the glove box and never gets used? Clever companies understand and cashin on this dad-related difficulty, preying on our predicament; countless copies of The Stereophonics’ Best Of CD are going to get shifted. Then there’s wrapping presents. If you’re not artistically blessed then anything beyond a square box will end up as a complete mess. It’s also so time consuming. Wrapping it up, sticking a bow on, tying ribbon around it, and maybe writing a little note.

CROSSWORD

All this effort for it to be torn to bits and thrown in the bin; hopefully the present will stick around a bit longer. At least, on the up side, the BBC has decided to reinstate Top of the Pops on Christmas day. In my cynical opinion I think this about turn could be due to Jonathan Ross being scheduled to present some programme in that time slot, which is now clearly impossible due to his transition to Santa’s naughty list. So next time you’re in a shop or at a cheesy Christmas party and you hear ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day’, count your blessings and be thankful that it isn’t. Will you be a Grinch this Christmas?

Across 1. Inverse (10) 7. Curt (7) 8. Crib (3) 9. Sentinel (6) 10. Hinge joint (4) 12. Remedy (4) 13. Cask (6) 16. Mythical bird (3) 17. Fishing boat (7) 18. Duty (10)

Picture of the fortnight

Down 2. Bizarre (9) 3. Disregard (6) 4. Wealthy (4) 5. Nimble (5) 6. Arithmetical operation (4) 8. Lowest female singing voice (9) 11. Empty (6) 12. Freight (5) 14. Entice (4) 15. Male deer (4)

SU DOKU

University of Sheffield Archaeology graduate Robert Stanyer captures Himalayan scenery and wildlife in Nepal. See your pictures here. Email press.features@forgetoday.com or send a picture message to 07765363716.

OVERHEARD IN SHEFFIELD On Division Street Boy: I keep many young men bi-curious.

Competition: Plug tickets

At Home First housemate: We need to make a Béchamel sauce for the lasagne. But we haven’t got any flour. Second housemate: Anything close? First housemate: Mmm, banana pancake mix? Second housemate: That could work. ‘Jack Johnson Lasagne’? In Jan’s Pantry Boy: I don’t want a large sandwich, just a small one will do. Girl: Close your eyes and open your mouth, don´t be an arsehole.

Plug are giving away two pairs of tickets for their New Years Eve party with Mylo, and five pairs of tickets for their Shuffle Christmas White Ball on Saturday, December 20, with Stereo MCs, Japanese Popstars and Will Bailey. To enter, email your name and phone number, with the subject line ‘Plug comp’ to: forgepress@forgetoday.com.

Last issue’s crossword solutions: ACROSS 1. Perpetual, 6. Dam, 7. Diamond, 9. Error, 10. Taste, 12. Ace, 13. Stein, 14. Marks, 16. Ancient, 18. Ego, 19. Pseudonym DOWN 1. Padre, 2. Remorse, 3. Endurance, 4. Leo, 5. Badge, 8. Attempted, 11. Surgeon, 13. Scare, 15. Storm, 17. Cup

FORGE RADIO CHRISTMAS SINGLE Don’t forget that Forge Radio are releasing their charity Christmas single very soon. ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ will be available to download from iTunes within the next week. Keep checking back and make sure you download your copy to support the Band Aid Trust.

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

Ricky Hatton’s career is back on track By Oliver Hughes After Floyd Mayweather comprehensively defeated Ricky Hatton last December it looked like the end of the road for ‘The Hitman’. But almost a year to the day since that fateful night, Hatton won back many of his admirers with a resilient domination over New York’s Paul Malignaggi. Malignaggi, who grew up on the Italian island of Sicily until the age of six, was outclassed by the Mancunian who continued his superb unbeaten run at light-welterweight, causing the Malignaggi corner to throw the towel in in the 11th round. Trained by Mayweather Senior, the man sometimes nicknamed Ricky Fatton because of his tendency to put on weight between fights looked a rejuvenated character compared to the one who hit the canvas last winter. At the age of just 30, Hatton has achieved so much in an illustrious boxing career which started way back in 1997 with a first round

NEWS & COMMENT SPORT

Rugby team in kit deal

knockout against Colin McAuley, but it seems like he has so much to give and this victory will put his career back on track. Hopes of a superfight between the winner of December 6 huge showdown between Oscar de la Hoya and Manny Pacquiaore a mouthwatering proposition for any boxing fan, and Hatton’s increasingly measured approach shown against Malignaggi will surely be a positive step towards defeating such opponents.

Hatton has always been able to bulldoze all of his opponents Hatton has always been able to bulldoze all of his opponents with his gung-ho, all-out attack mentality. However, this cost him dearly against Mayweather and if he wishes to fulfil his dream of becoming the best poundfor-pound boxer on the planet, Mayweather Senior looks like the right trainer to help accomplish that vision. The Hitman’s future in boxing is definitely not over, he proved it against Malignaggi and I’m sure will prove so again. He still has two or three big fights left in him and who knows a rematch against Mayweather could be on the cards in the near future, despite the Michigan bornfighter previously anouncing his retirement. Although a rematch would be great for the spectator, Hatton has already been there and quite honestly been outclassed by a man who will go down as one of the best poundfor-pound boxers in the history of sport. In no way is that meant to belittle Hatton, who has shown his class time and time again, but Mayweather was just too untouchable and whatever Hatton would try to change in his boxing style just wouldn’t make up for Mayweather’s talent. Ricky Hatton is back on track.

The University of Sheffield’s women’s rugby team have received new kits.

Photo: Olivia Lightfoot

promoted last year, we now have to play matches further afield in the Northern Premier League, which means bigger transport costs. “By providing this great new kit for us, they’ve saved us thousands of pounds and given us an opportunity to raise funds through the sale of tracksuits. “Earlier this year we contacted a number of companies in the area with a view to sponsorship. We’re very thankful that the RAF came in and even supplied the kits for us, which saved a lot of hassle.” Corporal Andy Kutcha from the Royal Air Force said the deal was part of the RAF’s commitment to sponsoring British sport. He said: “At the RAF we are really keen to support sports clubs across all levels, right from

the professional game through to grass roots level. “We got involved with the ladies rugby team as some of the girls have links with the RAF and we also wanted to get out into women’s sport as its important to recognise that there’s some excellent work being done by women’s clubs and not just by the men.” The new kit will be worn by the ladies development squad with Newbould hoping that sponsorship will help the club move forward. She said: “Last year’s promotion was a great achievement for everyone involved, but its now important to make sure we stay in the Northern Premier League. “Hopefully the new kit will help to raise enthusiasm and make players feel more professional.”

By Paul Garbett The ladies rugby squad are hoping to come through the current season in flying colours after sealing a new kit deal with the Royal Air Force. The new sponsorship deal has provided a new team kit for the squad, as well as a full set of tracksuits which have been sold to club members in a bid to raise funds. Club captain Hollie Newbould said the sponsorship arrangement had saved the club thousands of pounds and that money raised from the sale of tracksuits will dramatically help funding the club’s expensive travel costs. She said: “The RAF’s sponsorship is going to help us so much this season. Having been

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) results WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 26

The men’s badminton team drew.

GOLF Leeds Met 2nd 2.5-3.5 Men’s 1st HOCKEY Men’s 1st 0-6 Leeds Met 1st Men’s 2nd 1-0 Newcastle 3rd Men’s 3rd 1-0 Sunderland 1st Men’s 4th 4-0 York 2nd Men’s 5th 3-2 Hallam 3rd Women’s 1st 3-0 York 1st Women’s 2nd 0-4 Newcastle 3rd Hallam 3rd 1-4 Women’s 3rd Women’s 4th 0-9 Leeds Met 3rd

VOLLEYBALL York 1st 3-0 Men’s 1st WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 3 BADMINTON Teesside 1st 2-6 Men’s 2nd The lacrosse team marched on. FOOTBALL Men’s 1st 5-0 Durham 1st Men’s 2nd 3-5 Leeds 2nd

RUGBY UNION Worcester 1st 27-26 Men’s 1st Men’s 2nd 10-12 Northumbria 3rd Men’s 3rd 7-21 Northumbria 4th

BASKETBALL Women’s 1st 13-105 Leeds 1st

FOOTBALL Men’s 1st 3-3 York 1st Leeds Met 3rd 5-0 Men’s 2nd Men’s 3rd 1-0 TASC 1st Leeds 4th 1-2 Men’s 1st

Women’s 1st 10-0 Newcastle 2nd

Women’s basketball lost again.

BADMINTON Men’s 1st 4-4 Leeds 1st Durham 2nd 4-4 Men’s 2nd Manchester 1st 7-1 Women’s 1st

FENCING Durham 2nd 93-135 Men’s 1st

RUGBY LEAGUE Leeds 1st 60-20 Men’s 1st

The hockey first team in action. LACROSSE York 1st 3-10 Men’s 1st NETBALL Women’s 1st 39-44 Durham 2nd Women’s 2nd 32-32 Leeds 3rd

SQUASH Newcastle 1st 5-0 Men’s 1st Hallam 2nd 0-3 Men’s 2nd Men’s 3rd 3-0 Huddersfield 2nd Women’s 1st 2-2 Northumbria 1st TABLE TENNIS Manchester 1st 10-7 Men’s 1st TENNIS Men’s 1st 7-3 Leeds 2nd

LACROSSE Men’s 1st 16-0 Leeds Met 1st The football first team won easily. Leeds Met 2nd 8-0 Women’s 1st BASKETBALL Northumbria 2nd 59-86 Men’s 1st Durham 1st 71-29 Women’s 1st FENCING Durham 2nd 134-105 Women’s 1st

NETBALL Leeds 2nd 56-39 Women’s 1st SQUASH Newcastle 1st 4-0 Women’s 1st TENNIS Hull 2nd 3-7 Men’s 2nd VOLLEYBALL Leeds Met 1st 3-0 Men’s 1st

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

SPORT FEATURE

Selby marks number one as career target

Selby was on form at this years’ Premier League Snooker tournament, drawing 3-3 with current champion Ronnie O’Sullivan. By Oliver Hughes Mark Selby first burst onto the snooker scene as a fresh-faced 16year-old, and became snooker’s youngest ever professional in 1999. Almost ten years on, the ‘Jester from Leicester’ is now one of the top players in world, and after recently winning his first major tournament by defeating Stephen Lee in the Masters final at Wembley, the future looks bright for potentially one of snooker’s biggest stars.

I obviously want to be world champion and get to number one This weekend sees him set to compete in the semi-finals of the Premier League Snooker after a glittering few months where he firmly secured his place in the latter stages. He remained unbeaten throughout all six of his league matches, sitting at the top of the illustrious group containing the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry. Both the semi-finals and finals are set to be held in Norfolk over December 6 and 7 and it is his idol Stephen Hendry who he faces in the semis. He said: “I’d probably say Stephen Hendry was my hero growing up just because obviously who he is and the records he has

won.” Selby had always had a keen interest in cue sports from a young age and it was his father who first pushed him towards a professional snooker career. “I first started when I was fiveyears-old and started playing snooker when I was nine. I made my first century when I was 11 and turned professional when I was 16. “My father used to play a lot of cue sports and he drove me and pushed me into playing snooker.” Selby’s talent was then spotted by former professional and now commentator Willie Thorne, who once owned a snooker club in Selby’s home city of Leicester. “When I was 13 or 14 Willie Thorne brought me under his wing and sponsored me and entered me into tournaments. He thought I had the potential to do well so kept me on the straight and narrow so from then I seemed to have just kicked on.” And that belief in such a raw talent finally paid off in January of this year as he convincingly overpowered Stephen Lee in the Saga

Insurance Masters at Wembley by 10 frames to three. He also managed to pull off some fine displays against the likes of Hendry, Stephen Maguire and Ken Doherty along the way and believes that victory has been the highlight of his fledging career so far. But his disappointment at losing in the final of the 2007 World Snooker Championships to John Higgins still lingers long in the memory. “I’d have to say my career high was winning the Masters. One of my lows was losing in a world final because obviously it had been a dream for me since I have been a young lad to go on and win the World Championships and obviously to be that close and lose really hurt.” His passion to reach the top is clearly evident and Selby believes he has what it takes to become the best player in the world. “Future wise I obviously want to be world champion and get to number one, I’m number four at the moment so I just need to carry on with what I’m doing at the

Photos: Richard Timbrell moment and keep progressing up the rankings.” Although he admits to not seeing many of the younger generation play, there is one player who has caught his eye this year and he expects the youngster to break through sooner rather than later.

Hendry was my hero growing up because of the records he has won “Judd Trump had a great tournament last tournament and when he was 11 or 12 he was very good. “He’s going to be one for the future and it’s proven so far. A lot of the other good players seem to play in the qualifiers and I don’t get to see them so as far as Judd goes he’s the only one who I’ve seen coming through so far.” Much debate has been made about the possibility of taking the World Snooker Championships out of Sheffield in recent months, with a possible move to China being on the cards, and despite Selby feeling Sheffield holds a lot of sentimental value in the world of snooker, he is not completely against the idea of a big money move overseas. “Its been in Sheffield for over 25 years and I’d say it is the home of snooker, but I mean if it means moving to China because of more money I’m sure other players will obviously be more than happy with that.”

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

Frisbee gets ultimate credit from British sporting authority

NEWS SPORT

Top 10 hit for paddlers

Huan Rimington in action. By Paul Garbett

UK Sport has recently recognised Ultimate Frisbee as a sport. (Above) The University of Sheffield club training at Endcliffe Park. By Jonathan Caldwell The fledgling game of Ultimate Frisbee has been boosted by a decision by UK Sport to officially recognise it as a sport. UK Ultimate, the sport’s governing body in Britain, estimates the number of people playing the game to be approaching 10,000 with the majority of those taking part through school and university clubs. The game’s growth owes much to the organisation and efforts of

clubs such as the University of Sheffield’s Ultimate Frisbee Club, where the sport is also a Varsity fixture. Town and Regional Planning postgraduate Martyn Brown, who was club captain last year, has seen the club grow encouragingly over the last couple of seasons. He said: “We keep on getting bigger and bigger. I think this year we are up to 60 or 70 members because we went on a big recruitment drive at the start of the year. “I think we are a popular club

because there is really something for everyone; we have teams and tournaments for players of all standards, and you can be as committed as you want to be. Although the club has grown markedly in the last few years its membership still lags behind that of more mainstream sports such as football or hockey, but Brown sees this as an advantage. “We are not a huge club, and that means that everyone knows everyone which is great. We also have a good social scene and we

Photo: Helen Munro

are all out together every week.” It is not just Sheffield that has witnessed the rise of Ultimate Frisbee as the growth of regional tournaments indicates. Brown said: “I think every uni in the north has a team now, and certainly there are teams from all over the country.” Ultimate Frisbee differs from traditional sports in that it is selfrefereed. Decisions are made when both teams come to an agreement, and great significance is attached to the spirit of the game.

Sheffield hosts Taekwondo Open By Jonathan Caldwell

Two fighters a the Sheffield Taekwondo Open 2008

Photo: Marek Allen

The first major event in the taekwondo calendar took place in Sheffield on Sunday, November 30. The University of Sheffield Taekwondo Open 2008 was held in the Octagon and saw over 60 fighters from all over the country take part. Ten students from the University took part in the event, winning four medals overall. Sheffield’s Joy Lewis was champion in her black belt Dan grade category. Having lost her first contest in a round-robin competition, Lewis won her second fight to win overall on points. Matthew Walker took silver in his 3rd Dan competition while Sophie White won a bronze in the green belt tournament. The fourth Sheffield medal was

a bronze and was won by Marek Allen. Club captain Robert Miller was delighted with Sheffield’s staging of the event. He said: “It was the first time in a few years that we have held the event, and hopefully we will get it again because it went really well. “The competitors came from a number of clubs all across the country. Because it was an open tournament, any one could enter. There were university clubs from Manchester, Bristol, and Cambridge, but there were also non-university clubs.” Miller is also looking forward to next year, when the club’s schedule will start to get busier. He said: “Everything has gone well so far this year but apart from the Sheffield Open we haven’t had any competitions. “Next year we will be looking to travel to more tournaments.”

Star canoeist Huan Rimington bagged eight BUCS points for Sheffield as the University’s Canoe Club celebrated a top 10 finish in the Wild Water Racing event in North Yorkshire. Rimington finished fourth in both the men’s sprint and distance races to round off an excellent weekend for the nine-strong team. Sheffield finished eighth overall in the competition, which was held on the River Washburn on November 22 to 23. Sheffield’s Chris Pembroke also enjoyed a successful weekend, coming in the top 10 in both of his events. Club skipper Matt Lawe tabled twelfth in the men’s sprint, while Helen Bludell finished 15th in the women’s sprint event. Canoe Club captain, Matthew Lawe was full of praise for the team’s paddlers and feels the results show progress for the club. He also hopes the club can challenge for the National Student Rodeo title at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham in March. He said: “Last year we came 14th in this event, so we’re really happy to have made such a definite improvement over the last 12 months. “We will now be looking ahead to the Rodeo event which we have always done well in, finishing in the top three for the last three years, and hopefully this year we can improve and come first”. Lawe also paid tribute to Huan Rimington’s point scoring performance. He said: “Huan is phenomenally good; he put in an exceptional performance over both his events and most importantly won us eight BUCS points which I hope will help achieve this year’s BUCS target”. The captain believes the results set the club off to a good start this season. He said: “Its already looking like this could be a very good year for the club. We are steadily improving over the years with results getting stronger and stronger.” The white water event saw competitors race canoes and kayaks down white water rapids in the fastest possible time. Fitness, speed and technique are all required for a successful run. The overall winners were Loughborough, with a massive 174 BUCS points, enough to beat second place Nottingham Trent, who scored 50 points and thirdplaced Newcastle, who totalled 34 points. The club’s attention now switches to the National Student Rodeo event in March and the BUCS Polo competition in April, which takes place at Hadfield Water Park in Doncaster.

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

SPORT REPORTS

Rampant league title challengers Leeds Met smash sorry Sheffield for six By Oliver Hughes Men’s hockey firsts Uni 0 Leeds Met 6 Sheffield succumbed to a 6-0 mauling at the hands of Leeds Met as the away side comfortably romped away with the men’s hockey firsts tie at Goodwin. The home side were on the back foot from the off, as Leeds controlled the ball and pace of the match from start to finish and only some brave goalkeeping and reaction saves by Sheffield stopper Sam Harrison ensured the scoreline didn’t get out of hand. Despite early dominance from Leeds, it took them fifteen minutes to break the deadlock. Alistair Brogden capitalised on a defensive error after two Sheffield players went for the same ball, and the attacker, full of composure, rounded the stranded keeper before firing home from a tight angle. A well worked penalty corner then allowed Charlie Plumley to smash in for the second of the game, despite an initial fantastic stop by keeper Harrison. The visitors made it three when Tom Ainsworth weaved in and out of the Sheffield defence before lobbing the ball into the far side of the goal. Sheffield’s hopes of a second half comeback were destroyed when Brogden picked up his second of the game as he stole the ball in central midfield and effortlessly powered through the opposition defence, lobbing the ball into the top corner of the net. Plumley secured his second after tapping home from close range and Ozzie Sennett added a sixth to confirm Sheffield’s woes. Leeds now look certain to battle it out with Sheffield Hallam for Northern Conference 1A’s top spot and captain Fraiser Craig was pleased with the scoreline, and also his side’s brave defensive display and clean sheet.

Leeds’ Alistair Brogden rounds keeper Sam Harrison before firing home for the first. “First half we started shaky but second half we really dominated. “It was our first clean sheet for a very long time and I think I’m

more pleased with that than the actual result.” Sheffield skipper David Harvey was unsurprisingly disappointed

with the heavy defeat, and accused his players of complacency. He said: “No one really wanted it and the players thought it would

Photo: Helen Munro be easy. “There were flashes of goodness and our goalkeeper played well, but there was no fight.”

Draw frustrates relegation-threatened Sheffield By Jonathan Caldwell Men’s badminton firsts Uni 4 Leeds 4

Sheffield managed to settle for a tie.

Photo: Richard Timbrell

Only victory in the final two doubles rubbers prevented the men’s badminton first team slipping to a home defeat to Yorkshire rivals Leeds. The draw represents a particularly disappointing result for the home side in a game that they would have been desperate to win given that their opponents were sat just one place above them in the BUCS conference before the match. An indifferent season so far has seen Sheffield drop to fourth place in the table with just two wins from the first seven matches of the season. Should they finish the campaign in that position they may be required to compete in a relegation play-off. Team captain Simon Williams said after the match: “It is so annoying to draw the game, especially because we really

needed to win to avoid the relegation play-off. “We did have a weaker team out today though as we were missing a key player.” The fixture could not have started better for the hosts. Joe Pickering comfortably overcame Chris Lawrence in the opening singles match, while doubles pairing Stuart Randall and Graham Priestley defeated Steven Percy and Raj Passy. The home pair, despite looking by far the superior side, had to work hard for their victory owing to a series of unforced errors, particularly on their service. This promising start became a distant memory as Sheffield then went on to lose four consecutive matches to rule out any chances of victory. Leeds’ Chris Allen defeated Pickering and then Simon Owen in the singles, whilst Owen was unlucky to lose his other match against Lawrence. Pickering was unfortunate to have to face the more talented of Leeds’ singles players immediately after completing his match against Lawrence, and he was visibly tired towards the end

of his game against Allen. Owen meanwhile was outclassed by Allen but was only narrowly beaten by Lawrence. The first game ended an epic 25-23 to the visitor before a more one-sided second game decided the match. Leeds secured their fourth team point when Ben Mortlock and James Rickersbey beat Sheffield’s Po-Jen Chu and the captain Williams in a match which could have been won by either side. Chu and Williams took the first game 21-19 before losing the next two 15-20 and then 18-21. The Sheffield pair were able to make amends for their first defeat by defeating Percy and Passy with relative ease, winning in straight games. Chu and Williams’ victory meant that the score going into the final rubber was 4-3 to the visitors. Playing under immense pressure, Randall and Priestley played with great assurance to keep the Leeds pair of Mortlock and Rickersbey at bay, again winning in straight games to ensure that Sheffield ended with a draw for their efforts.

FORGE PRESS Friday December 5 2008

REPORTS SPORT

Leeds second half fightback denies men’s seconds victory By Oliver Hughes Women’s football seconds Uni 3 Leeds 5 A Sam Pekang hat-trick wasn’t enough to prevent Sheffield’s second team from falling to a 5-3 home defeat to Leeds on a freezing day at Norton. The hosts managed to take a deserved two goal lead into the half time break, yet some slack second half defending allowed Leeds right back into the game as they came from behind to lead 3-2. Pekang then grabbed an equaliser from a corner, but Leeds then took control of the fixture and secured all three points. Sheffield started the brighter of the two teams with Pekang’s pace and trickery a constant threat to the Leeds defence. The home side’s first opportunity came when he burst down the left flank and squared the ball into Akinyemi Olaomo, whose effort was well saved by the Leeds keeper. Pekang then capitalised on a poor header from Leeds which fell into his path. He powered through before the goalkeeper pounced and held onto the ball. Leeds’ first real opportunity came from a ball over the top which looked dubiously offside, but Leeds striker Adriano Stefano fired straight at the goalkeeper. It took 35 minutes before this high scoring affair could muster a goal. The ball dropped to Pekang on the edge of the area and he fired low and hard into the bottom corner of the net. Minutes later Pekang grabbed his second as a long ball aimed towards Olaomo was fired across the area for him to smash home from close range. After the break Leeds, who had rarely threatened in the first period, began to look more dangerous and Stefano pulled one back for the visitors as he fired home on the half volley from the edge of the area. Jack Palmer then grabbed the Leeds equaliser as he broke away down the left and slotted the ball

A spirited second half comeback by Leeds denied the football second team a home victory. into the bottom corner. The visitors then took the lead when Drew Tyler fired a low left-footed shot from 20 yards out which squirmed under the goalkeeper’s body and into the net. Despite this setback, Sheffield weren’t to be outdone and Pekang

Photo: Richard Timbrell

headed in his hat-trick from a superb in-swinging corner from Kieran Quinn. But Sheffield struggled to cope at the back and Stefano took his second goal well as he found himself free, opened up his body, and curled the ball inside the far post.

Leeds then wrapped up the victory when Joe Patchitt bundled the ball home from a late corner. Skipper Jacob Travis was very pleased with the way the team played and thought they should have got something out of the game. He said: “I was very pleased

with the first half and thought we were the better team during the majority of the second half, we just got caught on the break. “We have got Durham for our next game after Christmas and we’re looking forward to going up there and if we play anything like today we should do well.”

By Jonathan Caldwell

the rest of the quarter and at the first interval a shell-shocked Sheffield trailed their opponents by 25 points to one, a free-throw representing their only success. With the result already decided, the home side’s main task for the rest of the game became damage limitation and a resurgence at the start of the second period suggested that Sheffield still had something to offer. Some improved passing and a more composed approach brought the scores to 28-7 with Jessica Davies putting the finishing touches to a particularly pleasing move. Unfortunately for the hosts this comeback was short-lived, and as the quarter progressed Leeds rediscovered the speed of thought and movement which had seen them rise to second place in the BUCS conference. Some

magnificent passing and clinical execution made the score 56-9 at the end of the first half’s play. Sheffield could only manage two points in the penultimate quarter following another excellent piece of shooting by Davies. Despite their best efforts the home side had no answers to the play-making skills of Leeds’ captain Melanie Hill or to the ruthless Njali Banda in attack. The score going into the final period did not make good reading for Sheffield as the visitors led 79-11, and the main question was whether or not the visitors would make it to one hundred. Some early baskets put Leeds into the nineties and despite the competitive spirit of the home side, characterised by the feisty Danielle Berry, they were unable to prevent their Yorkshire rivals winning 105-13.

Incredible Leeds show no mercy to Sheffield Women’s baskebtall Uni 13 Leeds 105

Sheffield were no match for their opponents.

Photo: Richard Timbrell

A display of exceptional skill and discipline from the visiting Leeds side condemned Sheffield to a fifth defeat in six games this season. Despite the margin of defeat the home side can be proud of their determination and refusal to give up in the face of such a magnificent performance by their opponents. A Leeds victory appeared to be the only likely result judging from the opening exchanges. The visitors’ tenacity seemed to catch Sheffield off guard straight from the tip-off and within thirty seconds the score was 6-0. The onslaught continued for

SPORT Durham brushed aside

Men’s hockey report Page 34

Mark Selby interview Page 32

Roll on BUCS finals, says lacrosse captain

Sheffield celebrate a goal. By Matt Duncan Men’s football firsts Uni 5 Durham 0 A convincing display saw the men’s football first team run away as 5-0 winners against Durham at Norton on Wednesday. The game started with both sides trying to get the ball down and play despite the frozen ground underfoot. Within two minutes, Rushton was put through on goal only to dink the ball over both the Durham keeper and the crossbar. It wasn’t long before Shefield took the lead. On eight minutes Rushton put across a great free kick from the right and saw the ball go into the back of the net off a Durham defender’s head. Five minutes before the break, slightly against the run of play, Sheffield doubled their lead. Another Rushton free kick, this time around 25 yards out, found its way straight into the corner. After the break, Durham never really looked like scoring, thanks to some solid defending from Sheffield’s centre backs, Tom Macleod and James Clist. The visitors were reduced to taking long range efforts at goal and soon began to get frustrated with themselves. Sheffield took advantage of this, going 3-0 up on the hour mark thanks to Ollie Wayne’s goal. The striker took advantage of a defensive mix-up to put the ball into an empty net. Five minutes later and it was 4-0, another fine Rushton free kick getting the faintest of touches from skipper Macleod at the back post. Macleod made it 5-0 with a quarter of an hour remaining, heading in yet another of Rushton’s free kicks. Sheffield then controlled the game to close out a well-deserved victory. Skipper Macleod said he was pleased with the team’s performance. He said: “It was an excellent display, we were better than them all over the park today. It was a big game and a really important three points as well. “We are really looking forward to Hallam in the cup next week. We hope to win both the league and cup, and I definitely feel that we are good enough to do that. We have great strength in depth this year and we have been playing really well so far this season.”

The men’s lacrosse team played superbly to record their sixth consecutive BUCS win of the season. By Jonathan Caldwell Men’s lacrosse firsts Uni 16 Leeds Met 0 Sheffield enjoyed an afternoon of total domination over Leeds Met at a freezing Norton Playing Fields. The victory, their sixth consecutive triumph in BUCS this season, has propelled the side to the top of their conference and the sights must now be firmly fixed on the BUCS finals day in March. What made the manner and scale of the win so remarkable was Leeds’ league position; prior to Wednesday’s game they had sat level on points with Sheffield in the table. Any notions of parity were dispelled in a matter of moments

in the first quarter. It took less than a minute for the home side to take the lead, with Tom Marsh applying the finishing touches to an attacking move that saw the visitors’ defence cut open. Nick Jackson was first to the loose ball after the restart and he was allowed by some sloppy defending to run the ball as far as he pleased before his shot made the score 2-0. A third goal followed shortly, and before the away team had any time to reorganised the rampant Uni side had scored the fourth of the game, with co-captain Mike Armstrong the scorer. Ben Lyon, who was magnificent all game, got the fifth while Tom Leahy got the first of his seven goals to make the score 6-0. Two more Leahy goals and one from Nick Jackson ensured that the result was beyond doubt

before end of the first period. A Tom Marsh goal put the home side’s score into double figures five minutes into the second quarter. Shortly after, Leeds mustered their first shot on goal, some 25 minutes into the match, an effort which Uni goalkeeper Tom Little was not required to save. The 11th goal was the most pleasing of the game. Uni’s patience in possession paid dividends when Leahy was presented with the chance to score following some sharp, accurate passing. Armstrong scored his second of the game late on in the second period before yet another Leahy masterclass took the hosts to 13-0 just before half time. The third quarter was quiet in comparison to the first two, with Sheffield only increasing their sizeable lead by one goal.

Photos: Richard Timbrell Typically, it was the exceptional Leahy who scored it. By the final quarter the game had turned into something of an exhibition, as the home side were content to keep possession and pressurise Leeds without taking too many risks. The hosts’ dedicated support were rewarded for braving the cold with two more goals, Leahy adding his seventh before a fine piece of running by Jason Tunstall allowed him the space to score his first of the day. Armstrong was understandably happy after the game. He said: “We were expecting a tough game, obviously we knew that they are second in the league. But we killed them in the second quarter, and once we realised we had it in the bag we settled the play. “Roll on the BUCS finals.”